Per a statement released on the night of Wednesday, the US Navy has fired Capt. Paul Choate, commander of Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic in Virginia Beach, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

With this, he is the 7th Navy commander to be removed from command in 2023. The details were not revealed apart from the remark that commanders must hold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership and are accountable when they fall short of these benchmarks.

Choate’s center dealt with off-flight line repair and overhaul of engines, their components and the airframes of aircraft in the naval inventory, along with aviation-related equipment on vessels.

The Executive Officer, Captain Richard Foster, who was scheduled to take command in December, has taken over the Center while Choate has been reassigned to the Headquarters of the Commander For Fleet Readiness Centers, the statement mentioned.

Choate was born in Saigon, Vietnam, enlisted in the Navy in 1986 and commissioned in 1996.

He was a part of many squadrons, serving on USS John C. Stennis, USS Makin Island and USS Carl Vinson. He also served in Iraq as an explosive device technical officer.

He has been given many awards for his service, including the Bronze Star, four awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, six awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, etc.

He was removed weeks after the Navy removed the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Howard.

This year, the Navy fired commanders of destroyers Carney, John Finn and Stout and the commander of the amphibious transport dock, the Mesa Verde.

The Commanding Officer of the Oregon-based Navy Reserve Unit was also fired after he was arrested and charged on allegations of choking his mother and stepfather.

References: 13newsnow, military.com

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