PEARL HARBOR – Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, removed from command Rear Adm. Ron Horton, Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific, today for loss of confidence in his ability to command.
Adm. Walsh based his decision on the findings of the investigation into the production and broadcast of inappropriate videos aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
Rear Adm. Horton, who was the commanding officer of USS Enterprise during the period when inappropriate videos were produced and aired between May and December 2007, was determined to be derelict in the performance of his duties.
Specifically, for failing to: (1) hold himself responsible for the professional decorum of the ship and with it, the obligation to play an active role in the command climate for the crew; (2) provide adequate guidance and oversight; and (3) take prudent measures to ensure compliance with Navy standards.
“There is no higher responsibility in the U.S. Navy than that of command. Individuals in command are expected to uphold the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment which includes maintaining a command climate based on professionalism and respect,” said Adm. Walsh.
The U.S. Navy holds those in positions of command to very high standards and accountable when those standards are not met. When a commanding officer is found to be derelict in the performance of his duties and his superior loses confidence in his judgment and ability to lead, the commanding officer is removed from command.
Announcement by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, Adm. John C. Harvey, regarding investigation: https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58910
Copies of the investigation, Adm. Harvey’s endorsement and the 25 videos are available at the following website – https://usfleetforcesfoia.info/enterprise_investigation.htm.