Navy Relieves Three Leaders at Key Japan Ship Repair Facility

Published Jun 5, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

The move marks the second leadership shake-up at the command in less than two years.

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Published Jun 5, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

The Navy has removed the top three leaders of its largest overseas ship maintenance facility, marking the second leadership shake-up at the command in less than two years. Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander of Navy Regional Maintenance Center, relieved Capt. Wendel Penetrante, commanding officer of U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC); Capt. Edwin Catubig, the executive officer; and Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Howell, the command master chief, all on June 3. The Navy said the leaders were removed because of a "loss of confidence in their ability to command" but provided no additional details. This latest service news comes after Navy Secretary John Phelan lost his job in April, as reports indicated that President Donald Trump wanted a change, citing slow shipbuilding times.