Virginia Beach, Va. - Cmdr. Michael Runkle has now been relieved of his duties as commanding officer of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 based in Virginia Beach. Two members of this unit died in February at an underwater weapons-testing facility in Maryland.
According to the Navy, he was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
They say there were climate concerns after there were discussions with two members of the unit back in January. A survey was done and they found morale issues and a lack of leadership involvement according to the Navy's website.
After the two sailors drowned in Maryland, officials conducted an investigation and found "continued climate weaknesses" and safety concerns.
Runkle has been reassigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.
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