U.S. Icebreaker "Mackinaw" Skipper Fired

The Coast Guard's 9th District commander, Rear Adm. Robert Papp, has recommended permanent relief for the commander of the new Great Lakes icebreaker "Mackinaw," following a collision December 12, 2005 that dented the yet-to-be-commissioned ship.

In the statement, the Admiral said he had lost confidence in Captain Don Triner's ability to command, both because of the accident and perceived missteps made by the Captain and several crew members following a reception in Cheboygan, Michigan on December 17th.

"After reviewing both investigations, I have concluded that Capt. Triner gave insufficient attention to navigation and ship-handling training during the ship's shakedown cruise, thus contributing to the collision in Grand Haven," Papp said.

"With respect to the event in Cheboygan, Captain Triner has exhibited personal behavior and conduct inconsistent with service norms and expectations for the commanding officer of a Coast Guard cutter."

The firing makes permanent a temporary decision to relieve Triner following the December 12th accident. The "Mackinaw" slammed into the Grand Haven, Michigan breakwall while approaching the area ship channel. The collision caused damage to the new vessel's bow as well as to the wall.
At the time of the incident, the ship was on a shakedown cruise traveling to its homeport of Cheboygan from its shipyard at Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wisconsin.

After the accident, Captain Triner stayed on board as an adviser until the ship reached Cheboygan. He was allowed to represent the "Mackinaw" during welcoming ceremonies at Cheboygan on December 17th.

Following the formal celebration, crew members, including Triner, moved to a Cheboygan bar where they continued to consume alcoholic beverages, according to a retired Coast Guard officer familiar with the event.

Papp cited that party ? "subsequent reports of inappropriate use of alcohol by Triner and some members of his crew" ? as a factor in his decision to fire the captain.

Triner has a right to appeal the decision to Atlantic Area Commander Vice Admiral Vivien Crea. He is currently assigned to Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.

The "Mackinaw" is now commanded by Capt. Michael Hudson.