The commanding officer of the Groton-based Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700) was relieved of his duties Feb. 2 due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Cmdr. Edward Byers was removed from his position by Capt. Oliver Lewis, Commander, Submarine Squadron 12. Byers has been administratively reassigned to the staff of Commander, Undersea Warfare Development Center, Groton, Connecticut.

Capt. Jack Houdeshell, deputy commander at Submarine Squadron 4, has been assigned as commanding officer. Houdeshell previously served as commanding officer of Dallas prior to Byers.

Commissioned July 1981, Dallas is one of 16 submarines homeported in Groton.

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