US Navy relieves commanding officer of California medical training unit citing loss of confidence

Published Aug 7, 08:30 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy relieved Capt. Mathew Loe as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Lemoore in California after only one year on the job, citing a 'loss of confidence in his ability to command.' Rear Adm. Kevin Brown of Naval Medical Forces Pacific made the decision. Loe has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Medical Forces Pacific, and the command's executive officer, Capt. Robin Bennett, has taken over as interim leader. The Navy did not specify the reason for the relief, noting that 'loss of confidence' can cover issues from poor performance to misconduct. The command, located at Naval Air Station Lemoore, trains medical staff and provides healthcare to over 30,000 active-duty and veteran service members and their families. The Navy stated the change does not affect operational readiness. Loe, a nurse with deployments to Afghanistan, had previously served as the command's executive officer.