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 from his position as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Lemoore in California on Friday, citing a 'loss of confidence in his ability to command.' Rear Adm. Kevin Brown of Naval Medical Forces Pacific ordered the removal after Loe had served only about a year in the role, having taken command in July 2025. The Navy did not specify the reason, noting that 'loss of confidence' can cover issues from poor performance to misconduct. Capt. Robin Bennett, the command's executive officer, was named interim leader. The Navy stated the relief does not affect operational readiness. 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. Loe, a nurse with deployments to Afghanistan and multiple medical leadership roles, has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Medical Forces Pacific.