PEARL HARBOR -- Capt. Michael Majewski, commander, Submarine Squadron 7 (CSS-7), relieved Cmdr. Joseph Lautenslager as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) on April 27, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve as commanding officer.
A command investigation revealed leadership and command climate problems, which caused Majewski to lose confidence in Cmdr. Lautenslager's ability to perform as commanding officer.
Cmdr. Christopher Hedrick, deputy commander of CSS-7, has assumed command of Charlotte until a permanent replacement is named.
Commanding officers are held to a very high standard. Their position requires the utmost responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable in cases where they fall short of those standards.
