More command leaders have lost their jobs in the forward-deployed Navy. Both of the senior officers of the Sasebo, Japan-based Amphibious Squadron 11 were fired on Feb. 24.
The squadron’s commander, Capt. George Doyon, was fired for mishandling multiple staff complaints of workplace harassment against the deputy commander, Capt. Jeff Oakey, over the past year.
Oakey was fired for “substandard performance,” according to Cmdr. Clayton Doss, spokesman for 7th Fleet, who confirmed the dismissal was because Oakey fostered a poor workplace environment.
None of the complaints against Oakey were sexual in nature, Doss said.
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Navy sources familiar with the firing say an investigation was prompted by an IG complaint, which led to a review of recent command climate surveys. That investigation confirmed “multiple allegations” against Oakey and raised additional concerns, the official said.
Both officers have been assigned to temporary duty at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo. They are not expected to face any further disciplinary action, Doss said.
The previous commander of the squadron, Capt. Ed Thompson, has assumed duties as acting commander. Thompson has been serving as the deputy commander of expeditionary Strike Group 7. He commanded PHIBRON-11 from May 2015 to March 2017.
Capt. Marc Boran, former deputy chief of staff for operations and plans at ESG-7, is now the squadron’s acting deputy commander.
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
