CG: CO firing unrelated to cutter problems

[unhappycamper]

CG: CO firing unrelated to cutter problems
By Amy McCullough - Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Mar 4, 2009 18:06:52 EST

The commander of the high endurance cutter Gallatin was fired Tuesday and temporarily reassigned to the Atlantic Area staff in Portsmouth, Va.

Atlantic Area Commander Vice Adm. Robert Papp Jr. relieved Capt. Mike B. Christian from command, citing “loss of confidence in the ability to provide appropriate and adequate leadership.”

“To have command of a Coast Guard cutter is one of the most demanding and crucial jobs with which an officer can be entrusted,” Papp said in a statement. “I take the responsibility of command very seriously, and it is vital that I have complete confidence in the commanding officer’s ability to properly lead his crew.”

Gallatin, which is more than 40 years old, was removed from a patrol last July – just a few months after Christian took command of the ship — and sent back to its home port to “resolve multiple casualties.” An inspection revealed the cutter was highly corroded and suffering from structural deterioration, according to the Coast Guard.

Atlantic Area spokesman Robert Wyman said there was no singular incident that led to Christian’s removal, and he added that Gallatin’s issues are mostly related to the ship’s age.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/03/coastguard_cofired_030409/%2e