LOS ANGELES - The commanding officer of the nuclear powered submarine USS Hampton was relieved of his duty Thursday because of a loss of confidence in his leadership, the Navy said.
Cmdr. Michael B. Portland was relieved of duty after a U.S. Navy investigation found the ship failed to do daily safety checks on its nuclear reactor for a month and falsified records to cover up the omission.
"His oversight of the crew's performance did not identify these issues" on his own, Navy Lt. Alli Myrick, a public affairs officer, said. Portland's commanders identified the problems during a routine review, she said.
It appears from a preliminary investigation on the Hampton that sailors in Submarine Squadron 11 had skipped the required analysis of the chemical and radiological properties of the submarine's reactor for more than a month even though a daily check is required.
The Hampton, a Los Angeles Class submarine assigned to Submarine Squadron 11, is the most advanced nuclear attack submarine in the world, carrying a torpedo, cruise missile, and mine-laying arsenal, according to information on the Navy's Web site. The submarine is docked in San Diego.
Portland's dismissal as commander is effective immediately. Myrick said Portland will be temporarily assigned to squadron duty.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 10/26/2007