Capt. Chavius Lewis was relieved of command on Friday, the Navy announced February 13.
Rear Adm. Alexis Walker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, removed Lewis from his position as commanding officer of destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) “due to a loss of confidence in Lewis’ ability to command,” the Navy stated.
Lewis took command of Mason in 2024. He was reassigned to Naval Surface Group Southeast following his removal.
“The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met,” the Navy said. The service did not provide additional details about the circumstances behind the decision.
Capt. Kevin Hoffman will serve as Mason’s interim commanding officer, the Navy announced. The destroyer is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and currently assigned to U.S. 2nd Fleet.
Mason is participating in the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise, a predeployment workup that certifies the destroyer to deploy. The Navy said the relief does not impact the ship’s mission or schedule.
What to watch next: Mason continues predeployment training exercises with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
Sources: The Navy, Rear Adm. Alexis Walker
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