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Cutter CO relieved over loss of confidence

Capt. Jeffrey S. Lee, commander of the 378-foot high-endurance cutter Hamilton, was relieved of command on Sept. 23 by Pacific Area commander Vice Adm. Charles Wurster, a Coast Guard spokesman said Thursday.

Wurster cited “loss of confidence” in Lee’s ability to command as reason for the relief, Lt. Dave Oney said. He was flown back to the United States from the ship and remains temporarily reassigned to Pacific Area.

An investigation is underway by the command and Coast Guard Investigative Service, Oney added.

The San Diego-based Hamilton is amidst a scheduled deployment to the eastern Pacific. Lee was removed from the ship as it made a stop in Central America, Oney said.

Hamilton is Lee’s fourth cutter command. He has been cited for outstanding leadership on numerous occasions and, from 2003 to 2005, served as school chief at the Coast Guard’s Command and Operations School where he instructed future cutter commanders and executive officers for duty afloat.

He has been in the Coast Guard since 1983.

Capt. Lance Bardo, prospective CO of the national security cutter Waesche, has temporarily assumed command of Hamilton. The ship is expected back at the end of October.