The Command Master Chief on the USS Cole, Larry Dean, was relieved of his duties on Thursday.
The Navy says he was relieved as a result of an “unduly familiar relationship” with a junior enlisted sailor aboard the ship.
Following an official command investigation, the USS Cole’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, found Dean guilty at non-judicial punishment proceedings and relieved him of his duties as the senior enlisted leader on the ship.
Dean has been temporarily reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic.
A new CMC for the USS Cole has yet to be determined.
