The U.S. Navy said the commanding officer of the Ohio-Class submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) was relieved of duty January 4 by the commander of Submarine Group 10 at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.
This decision came after an investigation of the incident that took place November 25, 2015. The USS Georgia was returning to port when it struck a channel buoy and then grounded.
According to the Navy, the investigation remains open and is pending final review. Current estimates of damage as a result of the incident are approximately $1 million.
The Navy said in a statement that Captain Dave Adams was relieved of duties “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.”
Adams has been temporarily assigned to Submarine Group 10.
Capt. William Breitfelder, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 16, will temporarily assume command of Georgia (Blue) until a permanent relief is assigned.
The USS Georgia is one of four U.S. Navy submarines that has undergone a transformation from ballistic to guided missile-armed submarines. Her conversion was completed in 2007.
The submarines in Kings Bay each have two separate crews. Having two crews ensures the submarine is on deployment for the vast majority of every year while maintaining crew morale and readiness. While one crew is deployed or performing maintenance at the refit, the other crew is on shore continuing to train in simulators. Every few months the crews swap roles.
Adams was commanding the blue crew.
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