Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, relieved the commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 March 8, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

After allegations of misconduct, Cmdr. Ryan Cech was relieved of command by Capt. Robert Patrick. Capt. Kevin Long has temporarily assumed command of the squadron. Cech has been temporarily reassigned to CPRW 2 staff.

The decision to relieve Cech was based on actions that demonstrated poor judgment and lack of professionalism, calling into question Cech's leadership which undermined his credibility to continue to serve effectively in command.

Commanding officers have a great deal of responsibility for their units, their Sailors and their mission. Standards of performance for commanding officers are extremely high.

The "Golden Swordsmen" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, operate the P-3C Orion in support of maritime security and theater operations. The squadron currently supports detachments in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, and U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations based at Comalapa, El Salvador. After deployment, VP-47 will move to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and transition to the P-8A Poseidon.