Montpelier commander relieved of duty

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The commander of the USS Montpelier was relieved of his duties Friday following an investigation into the ship's collision with the USS San Jacinto in October.

According to a news release from the US Fleet Forces Command, Commander Thomas Winter was relieved Friday by Capt. Blake Converse due to "loss of confidence in Winter's ability to command."

Following the collision off the coast of Florida between the Montpelier and San Jacinto in October, an investigation found human error as the reason for the incident, citing Winter's "failure to follow established procedures."

Winter has been reassigned to administrative duties with Submarine Forces Atlantic in Norfolk.

Commander Stephen Mongold will assume all duties of the Montpelier commanding officer position.