The senior enlisted leader of a California helicopter squadron was relieved of duty on Friday, Navy officials said.
Command Master Chief Brian Todd Morris was removed from his post at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 4 due to “a loss of confidence in his ability to perform the duties of a command master chief,” according to Naval Air Forces spokesman Cmdr. Ronald Flanders.
Morris, originally from Baxley, Georgia, did not respond to a request for comment submitted through Navy public affairs.
Flanders declined to specify what led to the firing but said Morris faces no further disciplinary action.
Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Dan Poblete has assumed the duties of the squadron’s acting command master chief until the Navy assigns a permanent replacement, Flanders added.
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Morris enlisted in 1991 and began Nuclear Field, Machinist Mate ‘A’ School, but was released to attend Cryptologic Collections ‘A’ School throughout much of 1992, according to his official biography.
His sea duties included the guided-missile cruisers Philippine Sea and Shiloh and the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.
He was Reagan’s recipient of the 2011 Navy and Marine Corps Association Senior Enlisted Leadership Excellence Award.
Morris reported to the Naval Air Station North Island-based Legendary Black Knights in June 2017.
His personal decorations include the Joint Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, according to his bio.
His relief was first reported by Military.com.
Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
