The commanding officer of guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) was relieved March 1.

Capt. Joseph Carrigan was relieved by Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Task Force 70, due to loss of confidence in Carrigan's ability to command.

The relief follows an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding a grounding that occurred Jan. 31 in waters near Yokosuka, Japan. While the investigation is still under review by leadership, sufficient findings of fact emerged during the investigation to warrant the relief of the commanding officer.

With ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of the ship and the lives of Sailors, commanding officers are held to the highest standards of accountability and must have the full confidence of Navy leaders.

Capt. Jonathan Duffy, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, will assume temporary duties as commanding officer until a permanent relief is assigned. Carrigan has been temporarily re assigned to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.

The Navy is finalizing plans to accomplish follow-on repairs to Antietam related to the Jan. 31 grounding, which are expected to commence in Japan in the coming weeks.

Antietam has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan since 2012. Through regular, routine and lawful operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Antietam has demonstrated the Navy's enduring commitment to regional security and stability.

For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil.