On Sunday, October 20th, the US Navy recently relieved the commander and executive officer of the Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) at the Yokosuka base, citing a loss of confidence in their leadership abilities.
According to a press release issued by the US Navy, Rear Admiral William Greene, the commander of the maintenance center, relieved Captain Zaldy Valenzuela and Lieutenant Colonel Art Palalay of their duties as commander (captain) and executive officer (executive officer) respectively.
Captain Dan Lannamann has temporarily assumed command, while Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Emge has taken over as executive officer until a permanent successor is appointed.
The Navy stated in the press release: “The Navy demands the highest standards from its commanders and personnel. Navy leaders have a significant responsibility to their sailors and commands.”
The press release did not further elaborate on the specific reasons for the dismissal of the two officers. It simply stated a loss of confidence in them, with the Navy rarely disclosing the reasons behind such decisions.
According to the Navy Times, Captain Valenzuela, who was relieved of his duties as commander (captain), previously served as the ship superintendent and carrier type director at the maintenance center, as well as the Electrical Officer for the USS Bonhomme Richard LHD-6 and the Operations and Communications Officer for the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19.
Palalay joined the Navy in 1993 and had been in service since 2006. Before becoming the executive officer (executive officer) of the maintenance center in 2023, he served as the readiness officer for the Surface Ship Combat Systems Department of the Pacific Fleet.
The Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) at the Yokosuka base in Japan is located at the US military port in Yokosuka City. It is equipped with six dry docks and provides intermediate and warehouse-level maintenance services for Navy vessels and the US Seventh Fleet.