USS Taylor CO Relieved of Duty Following Ship Grounding

Capt. Jim Aiken, commander, Task Force 65, relieved Cmdr. Dennis Volpe, commanding officer of the Mayport-based frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Feb. 25, due to loss of confidence in Volpe's ability to command. 

Volpe has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14. 

Cmdr. Chris Cigna has been named as interim commanding officer of USS Taylor until a permanent relief can be assigned. 

The relief occurred following a preliminary inquiry into a Feb. 12 grounding incident in Samsun, Turkey. The grounding occurred as Taylor was preparing to moor in Samsun, Turkey. 

Taylor was able to moor without further incident. There were no reported injuries, and the incident is currently under investigation.