Norfolk, Va. – Capt. Kevin J. Knoop, the commanding officer of the Medical Treatment Facility on the USNS Comfort, has been relieved of duty.
He has been reassigned to the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth for now.
Officials say there was a loss of confidence in his ability to command after they conducted an investigation. They say they found “command climate issues” and a “lack of leadership involvement.” Knoop assumed command of the MTF back in May of last year.
Capt. Rachel Haltner, who is the executive officer of the MTF on the Comfort, is now in command until a permanent replacement is chosen.
