Captain of U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk dismissed

Japan Policy & Politics, Sept 9, 2002

YOKOSUKA, Japan, Sept. 3 Kyodo

The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet announced Tuesday it dismissed Capt. Thomas Hejl, the captain of its aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, over various troubles and incidents involving its crew members.

According to the commanding office, troubles involving its crew members continued as some were involved in crimes such as robbery while others went absent without leave.

The flattop, whose home port is Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, also caused damage to a propeller of a plane on board when it made a port call at Singapore due to piloting errors.

A spokesman for the 83,960-ton Kitty Hawk told a press conference in Yokosuka it was concluded that Hejl lacked the ability to lead his crew members and implement important missions.

Capt. Robert Barbaree, a staff officer of the 7th Fleet, was assigned as new captain of the Kitty Hawk the same day. Hejl is expected to be temporarily assigned to the Naval Air Forces, Pacific staff in San Diego, according to the commanding office.

The Kitty Hawk, part of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet, carries about 75 aircraft, including fighter jets, and has a crew of 2,800. It can accommodate abut 5,500 people, including flight crews.