The U.S. Navy has relieved Cmdr. Robert Moreno of his duties as commanding officer of the USS Wyoming Blue Crew, due to a loss of confidence in his leadership capabilities. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Navy, with Rear Adm. Bob Wirth, the commander of Submarine Group Ten, overseeing the decision.
According to a Navy release, commanding officers are expected to maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct. The Navy emphasized that it holds its leaders accountable when they fail to meet these expectations. The release did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind Moreno’s dismissal, stating that “loss of confidence” is a standard phrase used in such cases.
In the wake of Moreno’s dismissal, Capt. David Burke, the deputy for training at Submarine Squadron 20, will temporarily assume command of the USS Wyoming. The submarine, an Ohio-class ballistic missile vessel, is currently stationed at Kings Bay, Georgia, and undergoing maintenance, meaning the command change will not disrupt its operations.
Cmdr. Robert Moreno enlisted in the Navy in 2005 and took command of the USS Wyoming on May 14, 2024. Following his removal, he has been reassigned to the Naval Submarine Base in Kings Bay, Georgia. Before his tenure on the Wyoming, Moreno held significant leadership positions, including commander of Joint Force Maritime Component and Submarine Force Atlantic, both located in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Navy has experienced a notable series of leadership changes in 2025. This year alone, several commanding officers have been relieved from their posts, including the chief of naval operations in February and the commanding officer of the Navy Information Operations Command Colorado in April. Other notable dismissals include the commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center in Manchester, New Hampshire, in May, and the executive officer for the Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants, also in May.
More recently, a Navy doctor was dismissed after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made headlines by announcing her firing over social media conduct. The Navy’s leadership shakeups have raised questions about accountability and standards within the service.
The ongoing leadership changes reflect a broader scrutiny of Navy personnel management, particularly in light of recent controversies and operational challenges. As the service continues to navigate these changes, it remains committed to upholding the standards expected of its officers and ensuring the effective command of its vessels.