Report: Navy hospital ship Comfort was plagued by poor leadership

​NORFOLK, Va. — Investigators have concluded that a Navy hospital ship designed to perform humanitarian missions and build goodwill for the U.S. abroad was plagued by leadership problems for years before it set off to Latin America last spring with a brand-new commanding officer.

Capt. Christine Sears was brought in to replace Haltner days before the hospital ship Comfort sailed away from Norfolk to treat more than 122,000 patients in 11 countries during Operation Continuing Promise.

Haltner had been the commanding officer since August 2013, when her predecessor was removed for poor leadership.

More In Your Navy

New US Navy task group taps destroyers to focus on countering Russian undersea threat

The task group will have Atlantic fleet destroyers focused on training in theater undersea warfare — and, importantly, able to respond to threats at the drop of a hat.

US Navy reorganizes submarine enterprise to address challenges in construction, maintenance

The Navy reorganized its entire submarine acquisition and sustainment enterprise to address current and potential future issues as the service builds a new class of ballistic missile subs and crawls out of the bottom of an attack sub shortfall.

Last Marine ‘wizzos’ pin on gold wings

With fewer two-seat jets and advanced aircraft, weapons systems officers have maybe until 2030.

Boeing delivers first Block III Super Hornets to the US Navy

The Block III configuration of the Super Hornet will bring greater connectivity, computing power and survivability to the Navy's fourth-generation fighter jet.

Marine, wife in Virginia aid Afghan linguist seeking asylum

Marine Lt. Col. Breck Perry came to know “E.Z.” while stationed in Jalalabad, in the eastern part of Afghanistan.

In Other News

N. Korea accuses US of hostility, continues weapons tests

North Korea on Monday accused the United States of hostility and demanded the Biden administration permanently end joint military exercises with South Korea.

North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile into sea

North Korea on Tuesday fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, Seoul and Tokyo officials said.

Failed drug test doesn’t have to end your military career

Failing a drug test does not have to mean your career is over.

Marine Corps Marathon goes virtual-only for second year in a row

The race had never been canceled in its 46-year history before the COVID-19 pandemic upended large gatherings.

It’s final: Hard-hit troops in 56 areas can apply for a temporary increase in their housing allowance

Troops in these 56 areas should watch for emails detailing how to apply for the extra money. The temporary rates take effect Oct. 1.

Load More