The Journal's Top Stories for the Week of Aug. 6, 2023

SIOUX CITY -- Sioux City earned a big honor Wednesday, as the U.S. Navy announced it will name a combat ship the USS Sioux City.

The naming is part of a Navy initiative to honor important Heartland cities that have supported the military. A second combat ship will be named USS Omaha.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the next five Navy ships, with the other three being guided-missile destroyers -- the USS John Finn, USS Ralph Johnson and USS Rafael Peralta.

"I chose the name for our two new littoral combat ships after Midwestern cities from America's heartland, to honor the patriotic, hard-working citizens of Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., for their support of and contributions to the military," Mabus said.

A littoral combat ship is a fast, relatively small vessel that operates close to shore, the area known as the littoral zone.

Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack welcomed the decision. Loebsack was born and raised in Sioux City before moving to eastern Iowa.

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, also praised the ship, which will be 378 feet long.

"This is a wonderful tribute to the people of Sioux City and the historical commitment of all those in Siouxland to the defense and security of the United States. Littoral combat ships are described as a major part of the future of the Navy, so it's fitting to name one for a city that is on the move and forward looking," said Grassley.

Another piece of Sioux City's rich military history was written on Wednesday.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the next five Navy ships: Three guided-missile destroyers - the USS John Finn, the USS Ralph Johnson and the USS Rafael Peralta - and two littoral combat ships - the USS Omaha ... and the USS Sioux City.

"I chose the name for our two new littoral combat ships after Midwestern cities from America's heartland, to honor the patriotic, hard-working citizens of Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, for their support of and contributions to the military," Mabus said in a Department of Defense news release.

Littoral combat ships, Mabus said, will be "a major part of the future of our Navy." The ships, which Mabus described as fast and agile with an ability to operate in both shallow and deep waters, will support mine, undersea and surface-warfare missions. The USS Sioux City, which will be built in Marinette, Wis., will be 378 feet in length and reach speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Having a key vessel in America's defense arsenal named for our community should be a source of pride for all Sioux Cityans. Due to its strong tradition of support for America's men and women in uniform, we can't think of any city in Iowa more deserving of this honor than this one.

We return the Navy salute. And look forward to the commissioning ceremony.

MARINETTE, Wis. | A keel-laying ceremony for the future USS Sioux City was held Wednesday in Marinette, Wis.

The keel is one of 71 modules that will make up the USS Sioux City, a littoral combat ship. The 378-foot vessel will have a top speed of 46 mph. Construction started in June.

A similar ship being built will be called the USS Omaha. 

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in February 2012 said he selected the names “after Midwestern cities from America's heartland to honor the patriotic, hard-working citizens of Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., for their support of and contributions to the military.”

Mary Winnefeld, wife of U.S. Navy Admiral James Winnefeld Jr., the vice chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, took part in the ceremony. She is the ship's "sponsor," a tradition in which a person's initials are welded into the vessel.

The USS Sioux City is expected to be on the water by 2016. It is being built by Marinette Marine Corp. in Wisconsin.

Five Freedom-class warships are in various stages of construction.

SIOUX CITY | The commander and a dozen crew members of the USS Sioux City were surprise guests at Siouxland Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on Sept. 29.

The visit gave the chief and crew a chance to introduce themselves and make friends in the city for which their future ship is named.

"It's important for us to come to the city and develop a relationship that's going to endure for a long period of time," said Cmdr. Kevin Ralston, who was named the USS Sioux City's chief officer earlier this year.

The ship, one of the Navy's new class of littoral combat ships, is nearing completion at a Marinette, Wisconsin, ship yard. It's expected to be launched in December, then undergo months of testing before it's delivered to the Navy, likely sometime in 2017.

"I've been all over it, walked all over it. It's very sleek, very fast and will be extremely maneuverable," said Ralston, a Montana native who is familiar with Sioux City from driving through while on the way to his home state when he was based at U.S. Strategic Command near Omaha.

The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast -- in the littoral zone -- and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. The ships are designed for mine detection, clearing mines, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

The ships in this group have been given the names of cities mostly located in the middle of the country -- Omaha, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Detroit, St. Louis.

The USS Sioux City is scheduled to be based in Mayport, Florida, and will operate across the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and in the Middle East. It will have a core crew of 53. Other detachments assigned to the ship will bring the total number on board to around 100, Ralston said.

During The Sept. 29 Chamber dinner, Mayor Bob Scott unveiled the ship's official crest as Ralston and the other sailors, wearing their uniforms, stood on stage. The Navy had researched the community and incorporated elements of Sioux City's history in the crest, including Chief War Eagle and the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

For now, the crew is getting familiar with the ship and others in its class that are further along in construction and testing. Ralston smiled as he talked about finally getting the chance sometime next summer or fall to take the USS Sioux City out on the water for testing.

"We just can't wait to get on it and operate it," he said.

MARINETTE, Wis. | With all the pomp and ceremony befitting such an occasion, the USS Sioux City left the land behind, splashing into the water where it is meant to be.

The ship was christened and launched Saturday into the Menominee River at the Marinette Marine Shipyards, where she has been under construction since 2013.

Hundreds of people, including Naval dignitaries, Sioux Cityans and many of the workers who built the ship, gathered near the dock on an unseasonably warm day to witness the first ship named for Sioux City move one step closer to joining the Navy fleet.

"For the United States of America, I christen thee Sioux City. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her," ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld said seconds before shattering a bottle of champagne across the bow in one swing, drawing cheers.

Within seconds, the ship slowly slid down the launching skids and landed with a splash that created waves shattering the ice covering the river. As the USS Sioux City rocked and bobbed in the water, a Navy band played "Anchors Aweigh," as the crowd cheered and whistled.

Nancy Kielhold, who traveled from Sioux City with her husband, Nick, was still emotional after witnessing the ship strike the water.

"I could have cried it was so emotional. The speeches connected to Sioux City and Iowa. It was so patriotic," she said, choking up slightly. "I swear I got hit by drops of water from the launch."

Sioux City was well-represented by some two dozen people who stood to be recognized by the crowd during the ceremony before the launch. That so many would travel so far for the occasion showed Sioux City's commitment to supporting the ship and her crews in any way possible, mayor Bob Scott told the crowd.

"We as a community are honored in a way you can't imagine," Scott said. "Our community has embraced this already and will continue to do so for the lifetime of the ship. We do have a rich history in the military, and this is an honor we will not soon forget."

Throughout the past two days, shipbuilders, Naval officers and contractors expressed the amount of pride they had in a ship that has yet to sail. The pride Sioux City has showed in this ship made an impression on them, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan said.

During the weekend, McGowan said, Navy officials were surprised that so many from Sioux City came to the launch. Most cities have far fewer citizens attend these ceremonies.

"It's interesting to have learned some communities have not embraced their namesake ship and crew as Sioux City has," McGowan said after the launch. "The entirety of the two days just gave me an enormous sense of pride to say Sioux City is my home town.

"We're going to do everything in our power to make sure the community continues to support the ship and its crew in the future."

That the ship was named for a smaller city in a land-locked Midwestern state brings pride to sailors from those areas. Having a ship named for Sioux City is special, said Capt. Paul Young, a Fremont, Nebraska, native who oversees the crews that will serve on the ship.

"It tugs at the heartstrings for sure because I know the quality of people in the Midwest, especially in Nebraska and Iowa," Young said.

The launch capped off a ceremony of speeches from executives, Navy brass and politicians, many of them paying tribute to Sioux City.

Though the USS Sioux City is a warship, it also will take part in peace-keeping missions and relief efforts, calling to mind Chief War Eagle and his desire for peace with early settlers in the Sioux City area, said Gloria Valdez, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Ship Programs.

Adm. Michelle Howard, vice chief of Naval Operations, the Navy's second-in-command, complimented Iowans' innovative spirit, citing the invention of the Eskimo Pie ice cream treat in Onawa.

"This spirit is wrapped up in (the ship's) motto: 'Forging a New Frontier'. The Sioux City is going where few ships have gone before," Howard said.

The ship is the 11th in the littoral combat class, a new class of ships designed to sail nearer the coast -- in the littoral zone -- and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. The ships are designed for mine detection and clearing, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

Building and development of the ships in the Sioux City's class involve 10,000 people and 900 companies in 43 states, said Stephanie Hill, general manger and vice president of Lockheed Martin mission systems and training, ship and aviation systems.

Work remains to finish the ship's interior and install many of its operating systems. After up to 12 months of testing on Lake Michigan, the USS Sioux City will be commissioned before arriving in its home base in Florida.

MARINETTE, Wis. | In few other circumstances is Sioux City seen as an equal to a city such as Detroit, St. Louis or Indianapolis.

Even cities such as Omaha, Fort Worth and Little Rock have bigger reputations.

All are larger. Some have professional sports teams. Their names are in the news, and TV shows and stories originate from them regularly.

Sioux City isn't on equal footing in size or perceived prestige.

But now, in at least one instance, we take our place alongside them, standing on equal, maybe even higher ground.

On Saturday, the USS Sioux City, a member of a class of ships that is the most technologically advanced of all those built for the Navy, was launched into the chilly waters of the Menominee River in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Many of the ships in this class bear the names of those larger, more well-known cities. Currently docked near the Sioux City are the Detroit and the Little Rock. Already deployed is the Fort Worth. The Omaha was launched recently. St. Louis, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, they're under construction.

Those cities may be bigger, but what Navy officers and contractors learned over the weekend is that of all of these cities that have ships named for them, few, if any, will match the pride and support Sioux City will show for its namesake vessel.

It takes about 10 hours to drive nonstop from Sioux City to Marinette. Yet two dozen or more Sioux Cityans made that trip, in the middle of winter, wanting to see those large letters spelling out Sioux City on the back of the ship and watch it slide into the water.

How many came from those larger cities when their ships were launched? Not nearly that many, Navy officials said.

Time after time on Friday and Saturday, shipyard executives, contractors and high-ranking Navy officers were amazed to see such a large turnout from Sioux City.

They were impressed, and the bet here is that they will continue to be impressed. We might not have all the attractions of those larger cities, but few will equal the amount of pride we'll take in this ship.

In a nod to Sioux City's proud military history, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus back in 2012 named this ship in our honor.

He knew what we all know: On an airstrip south of town, men learned how to fly bombers during World War II. The late Col. Bud Day, a Medal of Honor among the many decorations he received for his heroic service, called Sioux City home.

And Mabus is surely aware of the ongoing commitment of the many National Guard members and reservists from this area.

We, of course, know. And we're proud of it.

Now, the rest of the nation and the world will learn about it.

As Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said Friday, we're a small city, one that doesn't receive honors like this too often.

But the honor belongs to everyone else.

Soon they, too, will know what we've known all along.

Sioux City has a lot to be proud of, and we'll stand right up next to anyone, no matter how far we have to go, to show it.

SIOUX CITY | Petty Officer 3rd Class Tony Dailey heard the stories from his father about the July 4th tradition of many Sioux City residents.

"He told me stories about jumping over the border to buy fireworks," Dailey said of many Sioux Cityans' short trips to South Dakota fireworks stands to stock up on items not permitted in Iowa.

His father's family moved from Sioux City to eastern Iowa long ago, Dailey said, so this weekend he, as well as nine other members of the USS Sioux City crew, is seeing first-hand many Sioux City landmarks and traditions while learning more about the city and the people who live here.

"We wanted to bring crew members out here so people get to know them. Veterans Day weekend made sense. It allows us to get to know the city and the city to get to know us," said Cmdr. Shockey Snyder, who will be the ship's first commanding officer.

The USS Sioux City was christened and launched Jan. 30 at the Marinette Marine Shipyards in northern Wisconsin, where construction is now complete and builders are conducting systems testing.

Crew members arrived in Sioux City Wednesday. In addition to seeing some local attractions, they will visit schools, help serve lunch at the Gospel Mission, drop the puck at Saturday's Sioux City Musketeers hockey game and provide the color guard at the Veterans Day service Friday at the Woodbury County Courthouse and for Saturday's Morningside College football game.

The four crew members who met with the Journal's editorial board Thursday morning said they knew little about Sioux City. Dailey, who grew up in Richland, Iowa, near Ottumwa, will be the lone Iowan among the initial 53 crew members. He's thrilled to be serving on board a ship named for a city in his home state.

"When I first saw the orders, I was blown away," he said. "It brings home to me when I'm so far away."

It will be a while before the USS Sioux City travels abroad. Months of testing lie ahead. The current time line calls for the ship to leave Wisconsin and Lake Michigan next November and head for the commissioning site, which has yet to be determined, but will be on the East Coast. A commissioning date has yet to be set.

Once commissioned, the USS Sioux City will go to its home base in Mayport, Florida, before it's deployed. Snyder said it's most likely to be deployed to the Middle East in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea areas, but "the ship could be deployed anywhere."

The USS Sioux City and other ships in the new littoral combat class are designed to be used closer to the shoreline and be used for mine detection, clearing mines, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

Petty Officer 1st Class Magalie Shaw said it's an honor to be among the first crew to serve on board a new ship. The first crew determines many of the initial policies.

"You set the standard once you step on board," Shaw said. "We'll see what works and what doesn't work."

SIOUX CITY | The U.S. Navy announced Thursday that the USS Sioux City will be commissioned in Annapolis, Maryland.

No date has been set, but the event is expected to take place later this year, according to a news release from the Navy.

"Annapolis is the home of the U.S. Naval Academy and has a long history of support to the Navy and Marine Corps. We are honored that they will host the commissioning ceremony for the future USS Sioux City," Capt. Patrick McNally, special assistant for public affairs to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, said in an email.

The USS Sioux City was christened and launched Jan. 30 at the Marinette Marine Shipyards in northern Wisconsin. Construction has been completed and the ship will undergo months of systems testing on Lake Michigan.

A large contingent of Sioux Cityans made the trek north for the launch. Chris McGowan, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president, said he hoped that a large group could make the trip to Annapolis.

"Sioux Cityans remain enthusiastic about our ongoing relationship with this ship and her crew, and we look forward to bringing a delegation of our citizens to the home of the United States Naval Academy for this historic event," McGowan said.

During a November visit to Sioux City by future crew members, Cmdr. Shockey Snyder, who will be the USS Sioux City's first commanding officer, said the ship likely would leave Wisconsin and Lake Michigan in late 2017 and head for the commissioning site.

Once commissioned, the USS Sioux City will go to its home base in Mayport, Florida, before it's deployed. Snyder said it's most likely to be deployed to the Middle East in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea areas, but "the ship could be deployed anywhere."

The ship belongs to a new littoral combat class of ships, which are designed to be used closer to the shoreline and be used for mine detection, clearing mines, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

SIOUX CITY -- When Petty Officer First Class Andrew Carlin first enlisted in the U.S. Navy more than 13 years ago, he wanted to see the world.

Since then, the 31-year-old Philadelphia native has been to 12 different countries as well as several destinations throughout the United States, including Sioux City.

Representing the Blue Crew, Carlin was honored as Sgt. Floyd Sailor of the Year on the USS Sioux City. He shared this honor with U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jerry Owens, of Jasper, Texas, who represented the ship's Gold Crew.

Both men accepted their awards during the 33rd annual Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Dinner, held Thursday at the Sioux City Convention Center.

According to Cmdr. James Malone, the men were chosen because "they have shown leadership, integrity, ethics and the core values of the Navy."

This was true of Owens, who had to leave Sioux City shortly after picking up his award, and Carlin, whom Malone calls an essential member of the USS Sioux City crew. 

"As the ship's command career counselor, (Carlin) helps to chart the career of crew members," Malone said. "As the ship's chief cook, he prepares three daily meals for more than 125 Navy personnel." 

"You better believe how important comfort food can be to the morale of a ship," Cmdr. Kevin O'Brien said, laughing. "You can't do good work if you don't have good food in your belly."

"If somebody's not happy with the food, they're never afraid to tell you," Carlin explained. His specialties include such favorites as chicken wings.

In addition, Carlin credited daughters Adrianna, 2, and Desiree, 7, and, especially, wife Roxanne for keeping him grounded.

"Roxanne acts an ombudsman for crew member families," he said. "One of least appreciated role is that of a service member's spouse. Roxanne does a great job."

This is especially true now since the pace is picking up for the USS Sioux City, which is slated to be commissioned Nov. 17 in Annapolis, Maryland.

"We want to see as many Sioux Cityans as possible on both Nov. 16 and 17," Malone said. "I guarantee that anyone who travels from Sioux City to Annapolis will get a tour of the ship."

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Clouds, stormy seas and fog hampered and delayed the USS Sioux City's voyage to Annapolis.

But the sun broke out bright and early Saturday morning, and though clouds rolled in and a chilly breeze kicked up, nothing was going to cool the excitement in the air as the first U.S. Navy ship named for Sioux City officially joined the Navy fleet.

Tied to the Dewey Seawall at the U.S. Naval Academy, the USS Sioux City was "brought to life" here, more than six years after Sioux City learned it would be the ship's namesake city.

"Officers and crew of the USS Sioux City, man our ship and bring her to life," ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld called out to the crew, standing at parade rest before her.

"Aye, aye," crew members yelled out. Then one by one, sailors hustled to the ship, each shaking Winnefeld's hand before heading to one of two ramps up to the ship, running on board and taking a spot standing at attention at the rails.

Photos: USS Sioux City commissioning ceremony

Photos: USS Sioux City commissioning ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony

A rousing round of cheers and applause from the more than 6,000 people, many of them making the 1,200-mile trip from Sioux City, accompanied the sailors while the Naval Academy band played "Anchors Aweigh."

Soon, the ship's horns began to blow, radars spun, the gun turret turned. The crowd's cheers grew louder.

"What a great day," the ship's commanding officer, Cmdr. Randy Malone, said once the crew was on board. He thanked Sioux City and its residents who have welcomed him and crew members every time they've visited, making them feel at home.

"We are proud to sail in your name," Malone said.

In return, the citizens of Sioux City, and all of Iowa, are proud to be represented by a crew that will honor the city and state through its hard work and shared vision, said Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, the commissioning ceremony's featured speaker.

"You are all now the children of Iowa," Ernst said. "It speaks volumes that this ship carries the great name of USS Sioux City."

In February 2012, the Navy announced that Sioux City would be the name of the 11th ship of its new littoral combat ship class, designed to sail in shallow waters near shore. That unique design enabled it to sail into the shallow Severn River alongside the Naval Academy and become the first Navy warship ever commissioned here.

It made the commissioning a historic event not just for Sioux City, but also for Annapolis, which provided a warm welcome for its Iowa visitors all week, creating a bond between the two cities.

"We are honored to be participating in this historic occasion with all of you," Sioux City mayor pro tem Dan Moore told the crowd. "The relationships of the people will live and live and live for many decades to come."

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson cemented that relationship minutes later as he approached the podium and looked toward Malone.

"I hereby place the United States Ship Sioux City in commission," he said. "May God bless and guide this warship and all who shall sail her."

Cmdr. Chavius Lewis, the ship's executive officer, ordered the ship's colors and commissioning pennant hoisted, and Malone read his official orders to command the ship and reported for duty to Richardson. As Malone set the ship's first watch, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan presented the officer of the day with a ceremonial long glass, symbolic of the days when crews used looking glasses to aid in their navigation.

The ship is capable of surface warfare and can be modified for anti-submarine or anti-mine missions. It could be deployed to protect shipping lanes in which Iowa products are transported to overseas markets, stopping drug smugglers or a number of other missions.

Whatever its mission, it will carry Sioux City's name across the world, Lewis said when addressing the crowd at the start of the ceremony.

"The ship's crew is proud to represent the Sioux City name as we prepare to defend the American way of life whenever and wherever," he said.

Wherever the ship may travel, the pride of Sioux City and its citizens will be there, too.

CARIBBEAN SEA -- The USS Sioux City on Wednesday assisted in the rescue of a mariner in medical distress while operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in the Caribbean. 

The USS Sioux City, a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship launched two years ago, received information about a possible medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) from U.S. Coast Guard District 7, reporting that one of the crew members on a tanker ship required medical assistance, according to a report on the U.S. Southern Command website. 

The ship deployed a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 to the vessel in need of help. When the helicopter arrived, the patient was placed in a litter, hoisted aboard the aircraft and immediately transported and transferred to a hospital in the Dominican Republic for further medical treatment.

"The duty to render assistance to other mariners at sea is something we take very seriously,” Cmdr. Daniel Reiher, commanding officer of Sioux City, said in the report. "The Sailors aboard Sioux City are trained and ready to answer this call whenever needed."

All mariners are obligated to provide assistance to those in distress at sea per the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). U.S. and coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance and search and rescue efforts. 

The USS Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South's mission, which includes countering illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

CARIBBEAN SEA -- The crew of the USS Sioux City seized over $24 million in suspected cocaine late last month, the U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs Office said in a statement released Monday. 

On April 26, a helicopter and a small boat were deployed from the USS Sioux City, a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, to intercept a go-fast vessel. 

The statement said packages had been thrown over the side of the vessel, which was first spotted by a maritime patrol aircraft. 

The vessel was searched, all of the packages were recovered, and two suspected drug traffickers were detained, according to the statement. 

The following day, the ship was directed to intercept a second go-fast vessel and three additional suspected drug traffickers were subsequently detained.

The ship, working with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 109, recovered an estimated 582 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth an estimated $24 million.

"I'm very proud of the efforts put forth by our Sioux City crew and embarked U.S. Coast Guard team," Cmdr. Wade Smith, the ship's commanding officer, said in the statement. "Counter-narcotics evolutions are long, precise, and require extensive coordination across the board. Conducting back-to-back drug busts, and doing so safely and professionally demonstrates the resilience and commitment of our team to this crucial mission here in U.S. 4th Fleet."

Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South's mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Cmdr. Bradford Tonder, commanding officer of the USS Sioux City (Gold Crew) has been relieved of his duties by Capt. Amy Graham, commodore, Surface Division (CSD), the U.S. Navy announced on Friday. 

Cmdr. Joseph Caldwell, commanding officer of USS Detroit (LCS 7) (Blue Crew), will be temporarily assigned as commanding officer of the USS Sioux City, according to the Navy statement. 

Tonder was relieved "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties." It was not immediately clear what caused the loss of confidence. 

He had served as the executive officer of USS Sioux City since June 2019, and as commanding officer since December 2020. 

The USS Sioux City made two major cocaine seizures last year, during Tonder's service. In September, the crew seized more than $20 million in suspected cocaine in the Caribbean. In late April, the ship recovered an estimated $24 million worth of suspected cocaine, in collaboration with U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 109. 

"Any time we can prevent this stuff from getting to our communities and affecting our families makes these experiences more rewarding. We want to be out here executing these missions," Tonder said in a statement at the time of the cocaine seizure in September. 

Tonder will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Surface Squadron (CNSS) 14, the Navy said, and there is no impact to the ship’s mission or schedule.

A native of Alabama, Tonder enlisted in March 1992 and served enlisted tours of duty aboard the USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Blue where he earned his Silver “Dolphins” and Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston, according to a Navy biography of him. 

His afloat commissioned assignments include Gunnery Officer, Ordnance Officer and Force Protection Officer aboard the USS John L Hall (FFG 32); Assistant Material and Readiness Officer (N4A) on Amphibious Squadron Eleven; Operations Officer aboard the USS Tortuga and the USS Germantown; and N3 on Amphibious Squadron Eleven, and command of the USS Sioux City. 

Tonder is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal; the Joint Achievement Medal; the Navy Achievement Medal; and various unit and service awards.