The U.S. Navy on Wednesday removed the commander of its 7th Fleet, the first significant dismissal after four collisions this year in the Asia-Pacific region. Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, who was expected to retire soon, was relieved of duty “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a statement. The decision, made by U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift, comes just two days after the USS John S. McCain collided with an oil tanker near Singapore, killing at least several of the 10 sailors who have been reported missing.
