The commanding officer of the Ketchikan-based Coast Guard cutter Douglas Denman has been temporarily relieved from their position. Lieutenant Edwin Kuster was temporarily relieved Monday following an investigation that led to what they call a “loss of confidence.”
Pamela Manns, a Public Affairs Officer with the Coast Guard, said in an email, “the commanding officer was not meeting the high standards of leadership and performance expected of someone in their position.”
Manns also clarified that the relief status is not due to misconduct. She said the primary purpose of the relief is to “ensure the safety, operational effectiveness, and morale of the cutter and its crew.”
The temporary relief may or may not become permanent. If warranted, that decision will be made by the Commander of the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center.
An interim commanding officer has been appointed to the Douglas Denman to maintain all operations. There are four cutters based in Ketchikan.
This comes at a time when the Coast Guard is experiencing a lapse in funding due to the Department of Homeland Security being largely shut down, limiting availability to respond to media requests.
