The Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15 relieved the commanding officer of the San Diego-based frigate USS Vandegrift Friday.
Capt. John L. Schultz relieved Cmdr. Joseph F. Darlak, Vandegrift's commanding officer, due to loss of confidence after demonstrating poor leadership and failure to ensure the proper conduct of his wardroom officers during a September port visit in Vladivostok, Russia.
Capt. Schultz also detached the executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Ivan A. Jimenez, the chief engineer and the operations officer for personal conduct involving use of alcohol and not adhering to established liberty policies.
Capt. H. Thomas Workman, Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23 has assumed command of Vandegrift and will serve as the commanding officer until the ship completes its current seven-month deployment. Vandegrift is expected to return to San Diego later this month.
Vandegrift is deployed in the C7F area of responsibility and remains fully ready for any mission tasking.
– From a Navy news release.
