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Prowler CO relieved after 9 days in command

A squadron commander aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf was relieved of command little more than a week after taking command, according to a spokesperson from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

Cmdr. Christopher Rankin, was relieved of command of Electronic Attack Squadron 140 on Monday by Capt. Scott Stearney, who leads Carrier Air Wing 7. Rankin was relieved “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.”

Lt. Denise Garcia said the relief as not due to any operational matter or mishap. An investigation is underway, and Rankin will stay aboard the Eisenhower until the investigation is complete, she said.

Rankin had served as the squadron’s executive officer for the past 15 months. On April 7, he took command from outgoing skipper Cmdr. Gordon Smith. Rankin was then relieved Monday.

Since the matter is under investigation, the cause for dismissal remains undisclosed. The incident under investigation took place when Eisenhower was at sea, according to Garcia.

Eisenhower left Norfolk, Va., for deployment to the Middle East on Oct. 3.

It has not been determined whether Rankin faces nonjudicial punishment or a court-martial, Garcia said.

The squadron’s executive officer, Cmdr. Timothy Murphy, is now serving as the commanding officer.

VAQ 140 is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.

Check out the ship’s official Web site.