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James E. Williams Commanding Officer, Command Master Chief Relieved

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091204-13
Release Date: 12/4/2009 6:32:00 PM

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) was relieved of command Dec. 4 due to loss of confidence in the comanding officer's ability to command.

Capt. Robert C. Barwis, commander, Destroyer Squadron 26, relieved the commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer James E. Williams.

The command master chief was also relieved as a result of the substandard performance of his duties.

The relief comes after nine James E. Williams Sailors received nonjudicial punishment in November 2009, following investigations that substantiated charges of fraternization between senior and junior enlisted personnel aboard the ship.

"Such a large number of fraternization cases in one command is a clear indication of a leadership failure," stated Adm. J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "This leadership failure fostered a command climate that allowed the fraternization to occur. The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute. It is our tradition that with responsibility goes authority and with them both goes accountability. This accountability is not for the intentions, but for the deed. Nobody trusts or has confidence in leaders who believe they cannot be held accountable for what they do. And when confidence and trust are lost in those who lead, we fail. The James E. Williams commanding officer and command master chief are being held accountable for the fraternization that occurred on their watch."

The commanding officer, Cmdr. Paul Marquis, is being reassigned to administrative duties at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (CNSFA). He has been relieved by Cmdr. Anthony J. Linardi.

Command Master Chief Timothy Youell will also report to CNSFA. The prospective command master chief is Command Master Chief James Stuart.

Additionally, the executive officer, Cmdr. Daniel D. Sunvold, will be reassigned as the executive officer onboard USS Bainbridge (DDG 96). By reassigning him, the Navy is providing both James E. Williams and Sunvold the opportunity for a fresh start, with a new leadership team.

Separate investigations into sexual assault allegations have also resulted in the preferral of charges to be investigated at an Article 32 investigation.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.