USS Gunston Hall CO Relieved of Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100812-16
8/12/2010
From Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Dave Thomas, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), relieved Cmdr. Fred R. Wilhelm, the Commanding Officer of the Little Creek-based amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Aug. 12, due to loss of confidence in Wilhelm's ability to command.
The relief occurred during Admiral's Mast and comes after an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, simple assault, and conduct unbecoming of an officer against Wilhelm. He has been reassigned to administrative duties at COMNAVSURFLANT.
Gunston Hall is now commanded by Capt. Mark H. Scovill, recently the deputy commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, and he will serve until the next commanding officer reports to the ship in October.
The ship's former executive officer (XO), Cmdr. Kevin S. Rafferty, and former command master chief (CMDCM)(SS) Wayne Owings, who were on board at the time the incidents occurred, also received non-judicial punishment at Admiral's Mast for failing to take action after repeated observations of inappropriate conduct. However, Owings also faced sexual harassment and simple assault charges for his conduct.
The former XO and former CMC have reported to COMNAVSURFLANT for administrative duties.
Rafferty's relief arrived on board Gunston Hall, as previously scheduled, on July 26. He immediately assumed the duties of XO and Rafferty transferred prior to the completion of the investigation. The new command master chief was previously scheduled to report July 30, and he too assumed the duties of CMC prior to the completion of the investigation.
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