WILMINGTON, N.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard says the commander of Sector North Carolina in Wilmington has been temporarily relieved of his duty because of a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
Petty Ofc. 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn said Capt. Sean Murtagh was temporarily removed from command of Sector North Carolina on Monday by Rear Adm. Stephen Metruck, Coast Guard 5th District commander, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Littlejohn said information was presented through the chain of command that raised concerns and led to Murtagh being temporarily relieved of command. He said the information also prompted an ongoing investigation.
Murtagh was temporarily reassigned to the 5th District in Portsmouth, until further notice.
Metruck appointed Capt. Joseph Dufresne, deputy commander of Sector North Carolina, to assume temporary command.
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