A Bahrain-based minesweeper skipper was fired Thursday amid an investigation into "alleged misconduct" and "compliance with Navy programs," the Naval Surface Force Pacific Navy announced Thursday.

Mine Countermeasures Squadron 3 head Capt. Keith Knutsen fired Lt. Cmdr. Linda McCauley as commanding officer of the minesweeper Dextrous after "a loss of confidence in her ability to effectively lead and carry out her assigned duties," the SURFPACa Navy release said.

Knutsen's deputy, Capt. Jeffrey Cronin, has temporarily assumed command of the Dextrous, the release said.

McCauley has been reassigned to MCMRON 5. Naval Criminal Investigative Service is the leading the investigation, said Lt. Rebecca Haggard, a SURFPAC spokeswomanperson for Naval Surface Forces, but Haggard would not elaborate on the nature of the misconduct.

McCauley, a Florida native, has served on the destroyers Fitzgerald and Momsen, and completed her department head tour as the chief engineer on the destroyer Roosevelt. McCauley graduated from the University of North Florida in 2002 and was commissioned two years later via Officer Candidate School, according to her official bio. She holds a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.

McCauley did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment Thursday.

About David B. Larter

David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.

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