LCS 15 commander removed

The commander of the pre-commissioning unit Littoral Combat Ship Billings was removed from command of LCS 15 on June 28 after it hit a moored ship in the St Lawrence River in Montreal, Canada, USNI News reported. Cmdr. Michael Johnson was removed from command of the yet-to-be commissioned Billings, a Surface Force Atlantic spokesperson told USNI News on June 29. “Capt. Shawn Johnston, commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two (LCSRON 2), relieved PCU Billings (LCS 15) Blue Crew’s commanding officer … due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson told USNI News. The relief followed the June 21 collision in Montreal. Former Billings commander Cmdr. Nate Rowan, now commander of the blue crew on USS Wichita (LCS-13), has assumed command of the ship. Billings was leaving its berth in Montreal, under the assistance of tugs, when the LCS struck the moored bulk carrier Rosaire Desgagnes. Billings is currently pier-side in Montreal as an investigation and damage assessment continues. Billings sustained minor damage above the waterline and is able to safely transit to its homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., a Navy spokesperson said last week. (USNI News 06/30/19) Billings is a Freedom class LCS and built at Marinette (Wis.) Marine.