Removal of Second American Officer in Connection with Detention of Sailors in Iranian Waters

The United States Navy has removed another officer in connection with the detention of American sailors in Iranian waters and is expected to announce its decision regarding further action against seven sailors and their officer next week. According to a report by the Associated Press on Friday, Admiral Kevin Dungan, head of the U.S. Central Command Navy, has removed Captain Kyle Moses, commander of Strike Group 56, from his position and transferred him to another section. The news agency quoted Admiral Dungan as stating that the removal of Captain Moses was based on preliminary investigation results regarding the incident in Iranian waters, and after reviewing the final investigation results, he will decide on other necessary actions. The Associated Press also quoted a U.S. official stating that further clarifications regarding the other seven sailors, including Eric Rush, the squadron's executive officer at the time, are under review and decisions will be announced next week. This U.S. official, who requested anonymity, said that Admiral Frank Moreno, head of the U.S. Navy's combat mission command, is considering the need to escalate actions against Eric Rush. Eric Rush, who was the squadron's executive officer at the time of the detention of ten American sailors in Iranian waters, later took command of the squadron but was removed from his position over a month ago due to 'lack of effective and efficient leadership, oversight, and adherence to standards.' Greg Meyer, the squadron commander at the time of the incident, is another member of the seven-person group whose status is under decision-making. Mr. Meyer has not held a command position for some time, and no decision has yet been made regarding him. In addition to Eric Rush, Greg Meyer, and three sailors detained in Iranian waters, an officer and a sailor stationed at a naval base in Kuwait, who were responsible for overseeing the operations of the detained sailors, are also among these seven individuals. The Associated Press reports that besides these individuals, several other sailors have also faced administrative reprimands in connection with the incident in Iranian waters. American officials announced last December that nine male sailors and one female sailor, aboard two Navy patrol boats, entered Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf due to deviation from the predetermined route and were detained by the Revolutionary Guard, but were later released. Since the release of this group, the U.S. Navy has begun its investigation into the incident, but the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic praised the actions of the Revolutionary Guard Navy and awarded 'Victory Medals' to the commanders involved in the detention of the American sailors.