The USS Wyoming submarine commander relieved of duty this week has drawn nationwide attention to leadership standards within the U.S. Navy’s strategic deterrent fleet. The Navy announced on October 8, 2025, that the commanding officer of the ballistic missile submarine was removed from his post due to a “loss of confidence” in his ability to command.
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Relief of Command: What Happened
Commander Robert Moreno, who led the Blue Crew of USS Wyoming (SSBN-743), was relieved of his duties by Rear Admiral Bob Wirth, the head of Submarine Group Ten. The decision came after leadership determined that Moreno could no longer effectively fulfill the responsibilities required of a commanding officer of a nuclear-armed submarine.
The Navy emphasized that this decision was based on leadership and judgment factors, not a single operational incident. The submarine remains in maintenance at its homeport, and operational schedules are not expected to be affected by this change.
Captain David Burke, who currently serves as deputy for training at Submarine Squadron 20, has assumed temporary command of the Wyoming Blue Crew while the Navy begins the process of selecting a permanent replacement.
About USS Wyoming and Its Role
USS Wyoming (SSBN-743) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine based out of Kings Bay, Georgia. It is one of the key vessels in the U.S. Navy’s fleet of nuclear deterrence submarines, carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles designed to ensure second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict.
The ship operates with two crews — Blue and Gold — which alternate deployments and maintenance cycles. This dual-crew structure allows the vessel to maintain high operational availability while also providing training and rest periods for sailors.
As commander of the Blue Crew, Moreno was responsible not only for the operational readiness of the submarine but also for the morale, training, and discipline of the crew. His removal underscores the Navy’s strict standards for leadership within the strategic deterrence mission.
Commander Moreno’s Tenure
Commander Moreno assumed command of USS Wyoming’s Blue Crew in May 2024. He had previously served in various roles across the submarine force, rising through the ranks over two decades of service. His relief after just over a year in command signals that the Navy acts decisively when confidence in a commander erodes.
Leadership positions aboard ballistic missile submarines are among the most sensitive in the military. Commanding officers must meet exceptionally high standards of conduct, decision-making, and operational proficiency. The Navy’s “loss of confidence” standard reflects not only performance but also the intangible qualities of trust and leadership that are critical for operating strategic assets.
Why “Loss of Confidence” Matters
The phrase “loss of confidence” is significant in Navy culture. It is often used to describe situations where a commander’s leadership, judgment, or ability to execute responsibilities is no longer trusted by higher command. Unlike disciplinary actions that follow misconduct investigations, loss-of-confidence reliefs can occur swiftly, ensuring that leadership concerns do not compromise mission readiness.
Commanding officers are given broad authority but also held to uncompromising standards. Even minor lapses in leadership judgment can trigger removal when nuclear weapons, sensitive operations, or strategic missions are involved.
Reliefs of Command in Context
Relieving a submarine commander is not a routine action. Each year, only a handful of commanding officers across the Navy face removal. Most reliefs involve either personal misconduct, leadership breakdowns, or operational failures. Within the submarine force, the threshold is especially high due to the unique risks associated with underwater operations and nuclear deterrence responsibilities.
Recent years have seen a number of command reliefs across different platforms, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to accountability. However, the relief of the USS Wyoming commander is particularly notable because it involves a strategic ballistic missile submarine — a cornerstone of national security.
Next Steps for USS Wyoming
The immediate focus for the Navy is to ensure stable leadership aboard USS Wyoming. Captain David Burke will lead the crew on an interim basis, overseeing ongoing maintenance and preparing the vessel for future patrols. A formal process to select a new permanent commanding officer is already underway.
This selection process typically involves evaluating senior submarine officers with proven operational experience, leadership capability, and strong professional reputations. The goal is to restore long-term leadership stability before the submarine returns to full operational status.
The Navy has also initiated a standard internal review to assess any leadership or procedural gaps that may have contributed to the loss of confidence. While such reviews are routine in these situations, they play an important role in maintaining the integrity and readiness of the submarine force.
Impact on Submarine Force Culture
This leadership change reinforces the message that accountability remains paramount within the Navy, especially in its strategic forces. Commanding officers of ballistic missile submarines operate under a unique level of scrutiny because their decisions carry national security implications.
The relief also serves as a reminder to submarine crews and officers across the fleet that leadership standards are non-negotiable. Maintaining trust, discipline, and operational excellence is essential at every level of command.
For the broader submarine community, such events often lead to renewed emphasis on leadership development, mentorship, and command readiness programs. These efforts aim to ensure future commanding officers are fully prepared to meet the Navy’s high expectations.
Key Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | Cmdr. Robert Moreno assumes command of USS Wyoming Blue Crew |
| October 8, 2025 | Moreno relieved of command due to loss of confidence |
| October 2025 | Capt. David Burke takes temporary command |
The Bigger Picture
The removal of the USS Wyoming submarine commander does not alter the Navy’s strategic deterrence posture. Ballistic missile submarines operate on carefully structured deployment cycles, with leadership transitions designed to avoid any operational disruption.
However, such reliefs do have ripple effects across the force. They often prompt discussions about leadership expectations, command climate, and how to better identify potential issues before they rise to the level of a relief.
This event also highlights how seriously the Navy treats the role of submarine commanders. The position is not merely about technical expertise; it is about trust, judgment, and the ability to lead under immense pressure.
The relief of the USS Wyoming submarine commander underscores how leadership accountability remains central to maintaining the Navy’s strategic strength. Share your thoughts below or check back for further updates as this story develops.