Overview
- Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker removed Capt. Chavius G. Lewis on Feb. 13, 2026, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
- Capt. Kevin Hoffman was named the interim commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke–class destroyer.
- Lewis was temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Southeast following his relief.
- USS Mason remains in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise in the northern Atlantic, which the Navy says will proceed without disruption.
- Officials offered no additional details on the decision, noting the service’s common use of the “loss of confidence” rationale when relieving senior leaders.