Commander of USS Pelelieu Relieved
For the second time in only days, the Navy has fired a ship's commander in connection with allegations of improper behavior.
Capt. David A. Schnell was removed from command of the amphibious assault ship Peleliu on Aug. 15 after Navy investigators concluded his behavior toward several crew members was "inappropriate, improper and unduly familiar," Navy officials said in an announcement.
Schnell's firing comes as the Peleliu is engaged in assisting with relief operations in Pakistan, where flooding has killed more than 1,600 people and injured at least 2,000 more. The disaster is said to be affecting millions of Pakistanis. The Peleliu's helicopters have been ferrying relief supplies from the ship in the Arabian Sea into Ghazi, Schnell told Voice of America on Aug. 12.
It was also on Aug. 12 the Navy canned Cmdr. Fred R. Wilhelm of the dock landing ship Gunston Hall for sexual harassment, maltreatment of a subordinate, simple assault, and conduct unbecoming an officer.
In the latest firing, the Navy said that Vice Adm. Mark I. Fox, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet, lost confidence in Schnell's ability to command based on the results of the investigation. Capt. Mark E. Cedrun, chief of staff for Expeditionary Strike Group 3, was given command of the Peleliu temporarily while the Navy considers a permanent replacement.
Schnell has been assigned to administrative duties at the office of Commander, naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Navy announcement did not indicate what would happen next with Schnell, who had only taken command of the Peleliu 11 months ago.
According to reports, the Navy has fired seven ship's captains so far this year.
