‘Loss of confidence’: US Navy fires commanders of warships deployed against Iran

Removals include the commander of a destroyer deployed to support operations against Iran and three senior members of an attack submarine’s command team. US Marines and sailors prepare F-35B fighter jets for flight operations aboard the USS Essex in the US Fifth Fleet’s area of operations on 27 September 2018 (AFP) Published date: 14 November 2026 16:34 GMT | Last update: 7 sec ago The US Navy has fired several top officers without its customary public announcements, drawing criticism from lawmakers amid heightened security concerns at American military installations and tensions with Iran. Those removed include the leadership team of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS South Dakota. Its commander, second-in-command and senior enlisted sailor were relieved of their duties in October after the submarine reportedly struck something on the seabed. The Navy also sacked Commander Caitlin Cunningham from her position leading the USS Michael Murphy destroyer on 27 September, citing a “loss of confidence”, according to a defence official. The vessel had been deployed to support operations against Iran. Admiral Brian Monahan, who served as attending physician to Congress and the Supreme Court for nearly 18 years, is also reported to have left his post amid an investigation. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Democratic Representatives Joe Courtney and Adam Smith said the Navy had failed to notify the House Armed Services Committee. In a letter to acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and the service’s top uniformed officer, Admiral Daryl Caudle, they expressed “deep frustration” over the lack of communication. US air travel thrown into chaos as nationwide flights grounded over 'radar instability' Read More » “As a result of the Navy’s failure to communicate, what should have been a standard exercise in information sharing has instead raised questions about the Navy’s commitment to transparency and its commitment to a productive working relationship with Congress,” the lawmakers wrote. The lack of public disclosure has also renewed scrutiny of the US military’s handling of information about the war on Iran. The Associated Press has reported that restrictions on satellite imagery and limited official statements delayed public understanding of damage to 26 US military bases and other sites in the region following Iranian strikes. The developments come as the US Air Force responded to suspected drone activity over RAF Lakenheath, a major US-operated airbase in eastern England, on Friday evening. The incident prompted a security response, but no personnel, aircraft or infrastructure were affected, according to the Air Force. Heightened tensions with Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been pressing US President Donald Trump to resume military action against Iran. Mossad chief Roman Gofman was in Washington on Friday for scheduled talks with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. He is also expected to meet White House envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami, according to Axios. Trump has so far favoured maintaining economic pressure and a naval blockade, although he has not ruled out further strikes. On Thursday, Trump said the US did not need an agreement with Tehran and redirected Vice President JD Vance, who had played a central role in negotiations, towards domestic political issues. “We don’t need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Iran, meanwhile, told the International Atomic Energy Agency that discussions on restoring nuclear monitoring could not proceed while it faced threats of further military attacks, particularly against its nuclear facilities. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.