The commanding officer of USS Shamal (PC 13) based in Naval Station Mayport, Florida, was relieved of her duties Aug. 18, by Commander, Naval Surface Squadron (CNSS) 14 Capt. Glenn Kuffel.

Lt. Cmdr. Alisha E. Hamilton was relieved of her duties by Kuffel due to loss of confidence in her ability to command following the preliminary findings of an on-going command investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior on the part of Hamilton.

Lt. Cmdr. David Catterall, commanding officer, USS Tornado (PC 14), temporarily assumed command.

Hamilton assumed command of USS Shamal (PC 13) in January 2015 and has temporarily been reassigned to Commander, Navy Region Southeast pending final results of the investigation.

USS Shamal (PC 13) is a patrol coastal ship whose primary mission is coastal patrol and interdiction. Patrol coastal ships have been employed jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard to help protect our nation's coastline, ports and waterways from terrorist attack. In addition, the ships have been forward deployed to the Gulf region in support of the war on terrorism.

For questions related to this release, contact Lt. Cmdr. Myers Vasquez at (757) 836-3330 or (757) 621-4145.