Leadership Shake-Up at U.S. Navy Japan Repair Center

The commanding officer, executive officer, and command master chief of SRF-JRMC in Yokosuka were relieved due to a loss of confidence in their ability to command. Capt. Wendel Penetrante, Capt. Edwin Catubig, and Master Chief Thomas Howell were replaced, with Capt. John Bauer (CO), Cmdr. David Reinhardt (XO), and Master Chief David Marcus (CMC) serving in interim roles. Navy officials say there is no impact to the command’s mission, which maintains Navy ships for the 7th Fleet; the facility employs about 120 service members, 325 civilian staff, and roughly 2,500 Japanese nationals. A source noted the reliefs were related to conduct, not performance, though the Navy’s statement emphasizes loss of confidence.”,