U.S. Navy Relieves USS West Virginia Submarine Commander Over Loss Of Confidence

The U.S. Navy has relieved the commanding officer of the Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) following an internal investigation into a maintenance issue.

Commander Joseph Sammur was removed from command of the submarine’s Blue Crew after the Navy determined there was a loss of confidence in his ability to continue leading the unit. Commander Luke Kelvington has temporarily taken charge of the crew.

The Navy said the decision followed an investigation into a maintenance problem found while USS West Virginia was in port for scheduled work. Officials did not reveal details of the issue but confirmed that Sammur was temporarily reassigned to Submarine Group 10.

The submarine is currently in port undergoing a maintenance repair period. The Navy said the change in command will not affect the vessel’s mission or schedule.

Sammur took command of USS West Virginia’s Blue Crew on August 14, 2025. He was relieved on July 30, 2026, around 11 months after assuming command.

Before taking charge of USS West Virginia, Sammur served with the Naval Reactors Division, the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center and U.S. Strategic Command. He also previously commanded the Blue Crew of USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730) from 2020 to 2022.

According to a 2025 Navy profile, Sammur received his commission in September 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from New Mexico Tech and a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from Penn State.

Before joining USS West Virginia, he served as Strategic Operations Section Head for the “Green Dragons” Operations Team at the National Airborne Operations Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

USS West Virginia is one of 18 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines operated by the U.S. Navy. The submarine was commissioned in 1990 and is the third Navy vessel to carry the name West Virginia.

Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, USS West Virginia is assigned to Submarine Squadron 20 under Submarine Group 10 at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

The submarine carries Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and is designed to remain submerged for extended periods as part of the United States’ sea-based nuclear deterrent force.

The U.S. Navy uses the term “loss of confidence” when senior leadership determines that an officer no longer meets the requirements to remain in command.

The service usually does not publicly disclose the specific reasons behind such decisions, citing privacy concerns and the protection of sensitive information.

Such command changes can involve issues related to conduct, operational incidents, accidents or professional performance. However, the Navy’s public statements generally only confirm the relief and the loss of confidence decision.

Kelvington will continue as temporary commander of USS West Virginia’s Blue Crew while the Navy manages the leadership transition. The service has not released further details about the maintenance issue or the investigation.

References: wane, zona-militar