Capt. Jim Aiken, commander, Task Force 65, relieved Cmdr. Dennis Volpe, commanding officer of the Mayport-based frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Feb. 25, due to loss of confidence in Volpe’s ability to command.
The relief occurred following a preliminary inquiry into a Feb. 12 grounding incident in Samsun, Turkey. The grounding occurred as Taylor was preparing to moor in Samsun, Turkey.
Taylor was able to moor without further incident. There were no reported injuries, and the incident is currently under investigation.
Volpe has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14.
Cmdr. Chris Cigna has been named as interim commanding officer of USS Taylor until a permanent relief can be assigned.
Taylor is currently supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Black Sea to establish and enhance cooperation, mutual training and interoperability with regional partner nations and allies.
Taylor is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet area of operations.
[mappress] Press Release, February 26, 2014, 2014; Image: Wikimedia