Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15 relieved the commanding officer of the San Diego-based frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) Nov. 2.
Capt. John L. Schultz relieved Cmdr. Joseph F. Darlak, Vandegrift's commanding officer, due to loss of confidence after demonstrating poor leadership and failure to ensure the proper conduct of his wardroom officers during a September port visit in Vladivostok, Russia. Capt.
Schultz also detached the executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Ivan A. Jimenez, the chief engineer and the operations officer for personal conduct involving use of alcohol and not adhering to established liberty policies. Capt. H. Thomas Workman, Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23 has assumed command of Vandegrift and will serve as the commanding officer until the ship completes its current seven-month deployment.
Vandegrift is expected to return to San Diego later this month.Sounds like a liberty call in the finest traditions of the 7th Fleet from here, but perhaps there was more.
All I know is that in two blinks I can think of liberty calls that - if you wanted to - you could have relieved for cause half the Flag Staff, 2/3 the CVW staff, half the squadron CO/XO's and a balance of the reactor officers when the CVN pulled in.
Be careful who you go on liberty with. One fun-sponge who can't keep their mouth shut, an idiot with a camera phone, or a putz who can't handle their drink - and a lot of great professionals will have decades of service thrown away.
One of the top-5 lessons from a guy who grew up in the post-Tailhook Navy in that last paragraph. Right behind getting your warfare qualification faster than anyone else in your and the immediate-past peer group. Yes, that important.
Hat tip SK2.
* This kind of story sounds like familiar... who remember one just keep your own mouth close... whatever... far away from jokes and just having fun with your team, it's not a bad idea but don't compromise yourself for nothing unless you are completely sober and know exactly what you are doing!
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