U.S. Navy Dismisses USS Wyoming Commander Amid Leadership Concerns
The U.S. Navy has relieved Cmdr. Robert Moreno of his duties as the commanding officer of the USS Wyoming Blue Crew. The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes from Rear Adm. Bob Wirth, the commander of Submarine Group Ten, who cited a loss of confidence in Moreno’s leadership capabilities.
According to a Navy statement, “Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct.” The release emphasized that commanding officers are expected to maintain the highest levels of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and that the Navy holds them accountable when they do not meet these expectations.
While the Navy did not disclose specific details surrounding Moreno’s dismissal, the term “loss of confidence” often serves as a general explanation for the removal of senior officers. In the interim, Capt. David Burke, who serves as the deputy for training at Submarine Squadron 20, will assume temporary command of the USS Wyoming.
USS Wyoming’s Status and Moreno’s Background
The USS Wyoming is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine based in Kings Bay, Georgia. Currently, the vessel is undergoing maintenance, and the Navy confirmed that the change in command will not impact its operations.
Cmdr. Moreno, who joined the Navy in 2005, took command of the USS Wyoming on May 14, 2024. Following his dismissal, he has been reassigned to the Naval Submarine Base in Kings Bay. Prior to his role on the Wyoming, Moreno held significant positions, including commander of the Joint Force Maritime Component and Submarine Force Atlantic, both based in Norfolk, Virginia.
Recent Leadership Changes Within the Navy
The dismissal of Cmdr. Moreno is part of a larger pattern of leadership changes within the U.S. Navy in 2025. Earlier this year, the service relieved several high-ranking officers, including the chief of naval operations in February and the commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command Colorado in April. In May, both the commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the executive officer for the Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants were also removed from their posts.
More recently, the Navy faced scrutiny when a doctor was dismissed after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized her social media presence. Additionally, in September, the commanding officer of the USS Santa Barbara was also relieved of duty. These incidents coincide with a significant leadership shakeup initiated by Secretary Hegseth, who has made a series of changes affecting several top aides and advisors.
The Navy’s ongoing emphasis on accountability and leadership standards underscores its commitment to maintaining operational integrity and effectiveness in its command structure.
