The chief of the boat (COB) of the Guam-based Los Angeles-class submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) was relieved of his duties July 27, 2016 due to a pattern of ineffective leadership.

Master Chief Machinist's Mate (Weapons) Joseph H. Decker III was removed from his position by Cmdr. Patrick Friedman, commanding officer of Oklahoma City.

Decker, who had served aboard Oklahoma City since April 2015, has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam.

Decker is being relieved by Senior Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Brandon Kyle Edmiston, assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron -11 since January 2014.

For questions related to this release, contact Lt. Tia Nichole McMillen at (808) 473-0625 or (808) 473-0911.