Navy fires commanding officer of sub Montpelier

The commanding officer of the fast-attack submarine Montpelier was relieved of command Monday, U.S. Submarine Forces officials said.

Cmdr. Bradley Swanbeck was fired due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command, according to SUBFOR officials.

While officials declined to say what caused the loss of confidence, SUBFOR spokeswoman Cmdr. Sarah Self-Kyler confirmed that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating allegations of personal misconduct against Swanbeck.

Swanbeck has been reassigned to Submarine Squadron Four, Self-Kyler said. He had taken command of the Montpelier in April 2016.

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Capt. Todd Moore has assumed command of the Montpelier until a permanent relief is assigned, she said.

Swanbeck’s firing is the second command relief of June, according to information provided to Navy Times.

The Navy relieved Cmdr. Tim Rhatigan of his command of the Norfolk-based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 on June 1, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

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