The Chief of the Boat (COB) of the ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) was removed from his position Dec. 2 due to professional performance shortfalls.

Master Chief Walt Rendell was removed from his position by Cmdr. Geoffrey Patterson, Maryland's commanding officer.

Rendell, who had served as COB since November 2014, will be administratively reassigned to Naval Submarine Support Center in Kings Bay, Ga.

Chiefs of the Boat are the senior enlisted leaders of Navy submarine commands and have a great deal of responsibility for their unit's assigned Sailors and their mission. They strengthen the chain of command by keeping the commanding officer aware of existing or potential issues of concern as well as procedures and practices which affect the mission, readiness, welfare and morale of the Sailors in the command.