Cmdr. Kevin Mooney has been relieved of command following non-judicial punishment (NJP) proceedings in Japan:
U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs—YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) — The commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, relieved Cmdr. Kevin Mooney of his command of USS San Francisco (SSN 711) Feb. 12. The decision to relieve Cmdr. Mooney was made following non-judicial punishment (NJP) proceedings held in Yokosuka, Japan. Additionally, as a result of the NJP, Mooney received a Letter of Reprimand.
Following the submarine striking an underwater seamount Jan. 8, Greenert reassigned Mooney to the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, based in Guam. During the conduct of the investigation into this incident, it became clear to Greenert that several critical navigational and voyage planning procedures were not being implemented aboard San Francisco. By not ensuring these standard procedures were followed, Mooney hazarded his vessel.
One Sailor died and several were injured as a result of the grounding during operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. Of 137 aboard, 98 Sailors experienced some injury, and 23 were injured seriously enough that they were unable to stand duty during the sub’s transit back to Guam.
Cmdr. Andrew Hale, deputy commander, Submarine Squadron 15, has assumed the duties as commanding officer of San Francisco. …
