‘Loss of confidence’: US Navy fires commanders of warships deployed against Iran

The US Navy has fired several top officers without its customary public announcements, drawing criticism from lawmakers amid heightened security concerns at American military installations and tensions with Iran.

Those removed include the leadership team of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS South Dakota. Its commander, second-in-command and senior enlisted sailor were relieved of their duties in October after the submarine reportedly struck something on the seabed.

The Navy also sacked Commander Caitlin Cunningham from her position leading the USS Michael Murphy destroyer on 27 September, citing a “loss of confidence”, according to a defence official.

The vessel had been deployed to support operations against Iran.