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Super Hornet squadron commander fired

The skipper of an East Coast F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron has been fired because of ‘loss of confidence” in his ability to command.

Cmdr. Raymond B. Worthington was relieved of duty Monday as commanding officer of VFA 143, the Pukin’ Dogs, by Carrier Air Wing 7 commander Capt. Scott Stearney.

Naval Air Forces Atlantic spokesman Mike Maus refused to provide details on what caused Stearney to lose confidence in Worthington. He said no further administrative or disciplinary actions are being taken at this time, and he refused to say whether an investigation was underway.

“Any discussion on that would be inappropriate, but the decision to relieve Cmdr. Worthington was strictly an administrative matter,” Maus said.

Worthington has been temporarily assigned to Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic. Cmdr. Jake Elzey has temporarily assumed command of VFA 143.

Worthington, 40, a native of Pierson, Fla., was commissioned in 1989. He served in VFA 11, Fighter Squadron 51 and with U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Training Analysis and Simulation Center before joining the Pukin’ Dogs 2005. He served as that squadron’s executive officer before becoming its skipper in February 2007.

VFA 143 last deployed aboard the carrier Eisenhower in 2006 and 2007, conducting operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and off the coast of Somalia. The squadron continues normal training operations, Maus said.

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