Cmdr. Angela Gonzales was relieved from duty as commander of the destroyer USS John Finn on May 20, 2023. (Samantha Oblander/U.S. Navy)
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The commander of a destroyer that only recently arrived in Japan has been relieved due to a “loss of confidence,” according to the Navy.
The head of the U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, removed Cmdr. Angela Gonzales from her job aboard the USS John Finn due to “a loss of confidence in her ability to fulfill her responsibilities in leading the ship,” 7th Fleet said in a news release.
Thomas made the decision following an investigation, 7th Fleet spokeswoman Cmdr. Hayley Sims told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday. She declined to comment further on the investigation.
“The U.S. Navy holds its leaders to very high standards and will hold leaders accountable when those standards are not met,” Simms wrote.
The destroyer USS John Finn arrives at its new homeport, Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, March 4, 2023. (Kaleb Sarten/U.S. Navy)
Thomas administratively reassigned Gonzales to U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force and named Cmdr. Matthew Hays as John Finn’s interim commander, according to the release.
“These leaders are entrusted with significant responsibilities to their Sailors and their ships. They are expected to maintain the Navy’s high standards for leadership, demonstrating competence in their duties at all times,” the release states.
The John Finn is one of the newest additions to Destroyer Squadron 15 and Task Force 71. It arrived at Yokosuka on March 4 from Naval Base San Diego, its former homeport, which it departed Feb. 16.
The John Finn will replace the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh, which is due to be decommissioned at Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Task Force 70 spokesman. Lt. Cmdr. Joe Keiley said in March. Keiley, citing operational security, declined to comment on the schedule for the Shiloh’s retirement.
Gonzales is at least the third ship commander fired over “loss of confidence” this year. Cmdr. Alexa Jenkins of the Florida-based destroyer USS Carney and Capt. Michael Nordeen of the Virginia-based amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde were relieved in January.
