Navy removes ship’s top command after boozy visit to Russian port

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO

The commander and top officers of a San Diego- based Navy frigate have been relieved of duty after a rowdy, booze-fueled port visit to Vladivostok, Russia.

Cmdr. Joseph E. Darlak, skipper of the USS Vande-grift, was removed Friday by Capt. John L. Schultz after an investigation “due to loss of confidence after demonstrating poor leadership and failure to ensure the proper conduct of his wardroom officers” during the three-day September stop, the Navy said in a statement.

Executive officer Lt. Cmdr. Ivan A. Jimenez and the ship’s chief engineer and operations officer also were relieved “for personal conduct involving use of alcohol and not adhering to established liberty policies,” the statement said.