The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., following routine operations on Feb. 7, 2014. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Hedrick/U.S. Navy)
The Navy relieved the commanding officer of ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia homeported at Kings Bay, Ga., the service announced Saturday.
Cmdr. Joseph Sammur was relieved on July 30 because of a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a Navy news release. He has been temporarily reassigned to Submarine Group 10.
The term “loss of confidence” is frequently used by the military when specific reasons are not disclosed for the removal of a commander.
“The relief of the CO does not impact the ship’s mission or schedule,” the Navy said in the release.
Sammur assumed command of West Virginia on Aug. 14, 2025. Cmdr. Luke Kelvington, Submarine Squadron 20 Deputy for Training, has temporarily taken command while the submarine is in port undergoing a maintenance repair period, the release said.
Cmdr. James Kepper IV relinquishes command of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS West Virginia to Cmdr. Joseph Sammur during a change of command ceremony, Aug. 14, 2025, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. (Travis Alston/U.S. Navy)
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