Military

USS Higgins Commanding Officer Relieved

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070508-04
Release Date: 5/8/2007 8:43:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Capt. Adam Levitt, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 23, relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey P. Menne, commanding officer, USS Higgins (DDG 76), due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command May 8.

Capt. Roy Kitchener, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 operations officer, is currently serving as the acting commanding officer. Menne has been temporarily assigned to CSG-11 pending further review.

The loss of confidence decision was based on an administrative matter and is under further investigation.

Higgins is assigned to CSG-11 and is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Maritime Security Operations.

Higgins is homeported in San Diego.