The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(BOSTON) — Chief Warrant Officer J.L. Horne was permanently relieved as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Marcus Hanna, home-ported in South Portland, Maine, on Wednesday.
Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson, 1st Coast Guard District commander, effected the relief due to a loss of confidence in Horne's ability to command. A commanding officer is charged with the ultimate responsibility of the safety of the crew and the safe navigation of the cutter.
Tiongson appointed Chief Warrant Officer P.W. Morkis to assume temporary command of the cutter until a permanent commanding officer can be named.
Horne has temporarily been assigned to Coast Guard Sector Northern New England.
Coast Guard cutter Marcus Hanna is a 175-foot buoy tender home-ported in South Portland, Maine, with a crew complement of 24.
