August 15, 2014
USS Newport News CO Relieved
BY MAREX
The commanding officer of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) was relieved of duty Aug. 15 by the commander of Submarine Squadron 6 at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Cmdr. Christopher Tarsa was relieved of command by Capt. Paul Snodgrass due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve effectively as commanding officer. It is not immediately clear what led to this decision.
In a Navy statement, it said it “holds those in positions of command to very high standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”
Tarsa assumed command of Newport News on Aug. 2, 2013. He has been administratively reassigned to the staff of commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.
Cmdr. Roger Meyer, deputy commander at Submarine Squadron 6, has assumed command of Newport News until a permanent replacement is named. Meyer previously commanded USS Miami (SSN 755).