Here’s Admiral Harvey commenting on the USS PONCE (LPD) case. Listed in a piece is a summary of the prior DFC’s this year:
- USS THE SULLIVANS– Multiple operational incidents culminating with a buoy collision that damaged the port screw while deployed.
- USS JOHN L HALL – Collision with a pier while deployed
- USS TRUXTUN – Inappropriate relationship with a junior member of the wardroom.
- NCTS Bahrain – Inappropriate relationships with several members of the command.
- USS GUNSTON HALL – Sexual harassment, maltreatment of subordinates, assault, drunk and disorderly conduct. Command Master Chief (CMC) also relieved for failure to take appropriate action for inappropriate/unprofessional behavior.
- USS MEMPHIS – Cheating ring involving exams.
- NMCB 21 – Failure to address inappropriate/unprofessional behavior by subordinates. CMC also relieved for failure to take appropriate action for fraternization and unduly familiar relationships.
- USS ENTERPRISE – Exceptional lack of judgment while XO of ENTERPRISE.
- USS STOUT – Failure to take action to deter unprofessional behavior in overseas ports, hostile command climate. CMC also relieved for failure to correct a pervasive pattern of unprofessional behavior by the ship’s crew.
- USS PONCE – Dereliction of duty, unprofessional conduct, favoritism, hostile command climate. Executive Officer (XO also relieved for being complicit by action and inaction in creating a hostile, unprofessional and unsafe environment onboard PONCE.