The United States Navy has relieved Commander Robert Moreno USS Wyoming Blue Crew commanding officer from his position, citing a “loss of confidence” in his leadership abilities. The decision, announced on October 8, 2025, represents another significant command change within the Navy’s submarine operations, similar to how various government agencies handle sensitive personnel matters across different sectors, much like recent court rulings on government seizures that demonstrate institutional accountability measures.
Key Facts About the Command Relief
- Commander Robert Moreno commanded USS Wyoming’s Blue Crew since May 2024
- Rear Admiral Bob Wirth made the decision to remove Moreno from command
- Captain David Burke has assumed temporary command of the submarine
- USS Wyoming is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine based in Georgia
- Navy cited “loss of confidence” without providing specific details
- Moreno has been reassigned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
What Led to the Command Decision
Rear Admiral Bob Wirth, commander of Submarine Group 10, made the unprecedented decision to relieve the Robert Moreno USS Wyoming command duties after serving for approximately 17 months. According to official Navy statements, commanding officers are “held to high standards of personal and professional conduct” and must “uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership.”
The Navy has not disclosed specific reasons behind Moreno’s removal, following standard protocol when using “loss of confidence” as grounds for dismissal. This terminology typically serves as an umbrella statement for various leadership or conduct issues that compromise a commander’s effectiveness.
Commander Moreno’s Naval Career Background
Robert Moreno began his military service as an enlisted sailor before commissioning as a Navy officer in December 2005. Throughout his distinguished career, he served aboard multiple submarines including the USS Pennsylvania, USS Dallas, and USS North Carolina, demonstrating extensive experience in submarine operations.
Prior to commanding the USS Wyoming, Moreno held key positions at Commander Joint Force Maritime Component and Commander Submarine Force Atlantic, both based in Norfolk, Virginia. His career progression reflected the Navy’s confidence in his abilities until recent developments led to his submarine command relief.
USS Wyoming Operations Continue Unaffected
The USS Wyoming represents one of the Navy’s most critical ballistic missile submarine assets, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. As an Ohio-class submarine, it operates with dual Blue and Gold crews, ensuring continuous operational readiness despite command changes.
Navy officials confirmed through official Navy communications that the leadership transition will not impact the submarine’s current maintenance schedule or future operational capabilities. Captain David Burke’s appointment as interim commander provides continuity while the Navy evaluates permanent replacement options.
The submarine crew operations continue under established protocols, with the Gold Crew maintaining their scheduled rotation cycles throughout the transition period.
Broader Pattern of Navy Leadership Changes
This command relief represents part of a significant trend in Navy leadership changes throughout 2025. The service has relieved numerous commanding officers across various commands, including recent changes at facility commands and operational units.
Defense leadership has implemented several high-level personnel adjustments, including major shakeups at senior Navy positions. These changes reflect the military’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of leadership across all operational units.
Impact on Submarine Force Operations
The Robert Moreno USS Wyoming command relief highlights the Navy’s rigorous standards for submarine commanders, who oversee some of the most sensitive and critical national security assets. Submarine commanders bear enormous responsibility for crew safety, mission success, and maintaining the strategic deterrent capability.
The military command structure ensures that experienced officers can immediately step into leadership roles when necessary, maintaining operational continuity without compromising mission readiness.
As the Navy continues evaluating its leadership requirements, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay remains a critical hub for ballistic missile submarine operations, supporting multiple Ohio-class vessels and their crews through rigorous operational standards.
