The second-in-command of a San Diego-based coastal patrol boat squadron when one of its small vessels was seized by Iran in January in the Persian Gulf was relieved of his job Thursday, the Navy announced.
Cmdr. Eric Rasch was executive officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron 3 when 10 sailors were captured and detained for about 16 hours. Navy officials believe their boat drifted toward a remote Iranian military outpost.
The incident was a major embarrassment to the Navy, particularly since the sailors were videotaped and used for propaganda purposes in Iran.
A Navy statement said Rasch was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command. He was temporarily reassigned to Coastal Riverine Group 1.
Cmdr. Gregory Meyer, who was in command of the squadron at the time, was previously reassigned to CRG 1, pending the conclusion of an investigation.
The riverine boats are used for patrols and defense in shallow water areas.
–City News Service
