Norfolk, Va. – The commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News was relieved of duty on Friday by the commander of Submarine Squadron 6 at Naval Station Norfolk. The action comes just a week after he was arrested on domestic assault charges in Chesapeake.
According to the Navy, Cmdr. Christopher Tarsa was relieved of command by Capt. Paul Snodgrass due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve effectively as commanding officer.
Chesapeake Police say Tarsa was charged with domestic assault after an incident with his spouse on August 9th. The incident reportedly started in a vehicle in a parking lot near Greenbrier Road and Kempsville Road and eventually led to a home where the report was taken.
Tarsa assumed command of Newport News on Aug. 2, 2013. He has been administratively reassigned to the staff of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.
Cmdr. Roger Meyer, deputy commander at Submarine Squadron 6, has assumed command of Newport News until a permanent replacement is named. Meyer previously commanded USS Miami (SSN 755).
