Navy relieves USS West Virginia submarine commander for ‘loss of confidence’
Source: Task & Purpose
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The commander of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia was removed from his post last week after less than a year on the job, the Navy said over the weekend.
Cmdr. Joseph Sammur, the commander of the submarine’s Blue Crew was relieved of his command role by the head of Submarine Squadron 20 on Thursday, July 30, the Navy announced Aug. 1. No reason was given for Sammur’s dismissal save for a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.”
Sammur had led one of the submarine’s two crews since Aug. 14, 2025 when he took over Blue Crew from Cmdr. James Kepper IV. Navy submarine blue and gold crews alternate staffing patrols on submarines.
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Sammur is the latest naval commander to be removed from his post this year. As in many past cases, the Navy did not give a specific reason. “Loss of confidence” is used by the service as the reason for removal, a term that can cover everything from mishaps onboard the vessel, personal misconduct or poor performance on the job. The Navy did not allude to any reason; Sammur was reassigned temporarily to Submarine Group 10.
Cmdr. Luke Kelvington, Deputy for Training for the submarine squadron, was named the interim Blue Crew commander.
According to limited biographical information on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service from when he took command in 2025, Sammur commissioned in 2006. He previously was the Strategic Operations Section Head for the “Green Dragons” Operations Team at the National Airborne Operations Center.
The USS West Virginia entered service in 1990 and is homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia. It is currently at port for maintenance. The Navy said Sammur’s removal will not impact operations.
The post Navy relieves USS West Virginia submarine commander for ‘loss of confidence’ appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category
Command & Control
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
Removal of submarine commander due to loss of confidence
Location
Kings Bay
Unit
USS West Virginia, Submarine Squadron 20
Time
July 30, 2025
Equipment
Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine
Summary
Cmdr. Joseph Sammur was relieved of his command of the USS West Virginia on July 30, 2025, due to a loss of confidence in his leadership. Cmdr. Luke Kelvington has been appointed as the interim commander of the submarine's Blue Crew. The USS West Virginia, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, is currently undergoing maintenance at its home port in Kings Bay, Georgia.
Key Facts
- Cmdr. Joseph Sammur was relieved of command of USS West Virginia on July 30, 2025.
- The reason for his removal was cited as a 'loss of confidence' in his ability to command.
- Cmdr. Luke Kelvington was appointed as the interim Blue Crew commander.
- Sammur had been in command since August 14, 2025.
- USS West Virginia is currently at port for maintenance.