Overview
- Cmdr. Joseph Sammur was relieved of command on July 30 for a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy announced after Submarine Squadron 20 removed him from the post.
- The Navy temporarily reassigned Sammur to Submarine Group 10 and named Cmdr. Luke Kelvington as the interim commander of the West Virginia’s Blue Crew.
- Officials said the change will not affect the submarine’s mission or schedule because USS West Virginia is currently in port undergoing a maintenance repair period.
- Sammur had taken command of the Blue Crew on Aug. 14, 2025 after commissioning in 2006 and serving in strategic operations roles, according to public Navy records.
- The Navy offered no specific reason beyond the standard phrase “loss of confidence,” making this the latest in a string of 2026 commander removals and leaving open the possibility of an investigation or a later permanent replacement announcement.