A destroyer captain who’s been preparing his crew for deployment just lost his job.
The Navy removed Capt. Chavius Lewis from command of USS Mason on Friday, citing “a loss of confidence in Lewis’ ability to command.” Rear Adm. Alexis Walker made the call.
Lewis had been running the ship since 2024. Now he’s been reassigned to a shore position at Naval Surface Group Southeast.
The Navy’s statement gave no hint about what triggered the decision. “Loss of confidence” is the phrase the military uses when firing commanders, but the service rarely explains what happened behind closed doors.
“The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met,” the Navy said in its February 13 announcement.
The timing is notable. Mason is in the middle of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise, a critical predeployment certification that determines whether the destroyer is ready to sail on operational missions.
Capt. Kevin Hoffman stepped in as interim commanding officer. The Navy insisted the leadership change won’t derail Mason’s training schedule or upcoming deployment plans.
But for Lewis, the career implications are immediate. Command at sea is a milestone for Navy officers, and losing it can end advancement prospects.
What to watch next: Mason continues training exercises under new leadership as the crew prepares for deployment with the carrier strike group.
Sources: The Navy, Rear Adm. Alexis Walker
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