The Navy removed the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason on Friday, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command during a critical phase of the ship’s pre-deployment preparation.
Capt. Chavius G. Lewis was relieved from command of USS Mason (DDG-87) by Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, according to an official Navy statement. The decision came as the ship was participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise, a demanding certification event that tests a carrier strike group’s readiness for deployment.
Capt. Lewis has been temporarily reassigned to commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast, while Capt. Kevin Hoffman has assumed duties as the ship’s commanding officer. The Navy said the relief does not affect the ship’s operational schedule.
The Navy did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances that led to the decision. Officials said only that “the Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”
Capt. Lewis assumed command of Mason in November 2024 after a distinguished career that included commanding two littoral combat ships. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 2000 and held multiple sea and shore assignments throughout more than two decades of service.
The timing of the relief adds complexity to an already challenging situation. COMPTUEX represents the final major hurdle before a strike group deploys, testing ships under complex and stressful scenarios that depend on established rhythm, trust and clear expectations. A new commander stepping in midstream must quickly assess performance, understand crew dynamics and establish authority, often under significant time pressure.
“Loss of confidence” is a standard phrase the Navy uses when relieving senior leaders, and can encompass a range of concerns from performance deficiencies to professional judgment lapses or command climate issues. The term does not necessarily indicate criminal wrongdoing, though the Navy rarely provides additional details citing privacy and due process considerations.
For the officer relieved, the consequences are often career-defining. Command of a Navy destroyer represents the culmination of decades of service and is widely viewed as a pinnacle assignment. Relief from command can significantly limit future advancement opportunities.
The USS Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer homeported in Mayport, Florida, and is currently assigned to the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group as part of U.S. 2nd Fleet operations.
Officials reiterated that USS Mason remains fully mission capable and continues its assigned training and operations under new leadership.
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