Naval Captain fired from Mayport ship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Naval Captain assigned to a Mayport-based missile cruiser has been relieved from duty.

According to the statement released by the Navy, Captain Erica Hoffmann, was relieved as commanding officer of USS Philippine Sea due to a loss of confidence in her ability to command. She will be temporary reassigned to the staff of Commander in the U.S. Fourth Fleet.

Hoffmann has served as the commanding officer of the USS Philippine Sea since April 2019.

On May 7, the Philippine Sea was at a pier in Yorktown Naval Weapons Station when 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the York River.  A Navy oil recovery team and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the spill and most of the fuel was contained, according to the Associated Press.

There hasn’t been confirmation yet if the fuel spill is connected to the firing of Hoffmann.

Capt. Robert Thompson, assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, will assume temporary duties as commanding officer until a permanent relief is identified.

Hoffmann will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.