U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun, at sea in March 2025. (Sierra Bryant/U.S. Navy)
Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of the destroyer USS Truxtun, was relieved of his command on Sunday.
Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet, made the decision, which he said was “due to a loss of confidence in Koffi’s ability to command.”
The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague “loss of confidence” when removing commanders and other leaders from authority positions.
Koffi has commanded the Truxtun since Jan. 9, 2025.
The action occurred after Truxtun was involved in a collision with the oiler USNS Supply during a replenishment at sea in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, the Navy said.
Southern Command said two personnel reported minor injuries, and the cause of the collision is under investigation.
Koffi has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic.
Cmdr. Taylor Auclair, most recently assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will serve as commanding officer.
The Navy said the Truxtun is currently in port at Ponce, Puerto Rico, in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking.
