The U.S. Navy has removed the entire leadership team of its largest overseas ship maintenance facility, firing the commanding officer, executive officer, and senior enlisted leader of a key repair center that supports American naval operations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
The Navy announced Wednesday that Capt. Wendel Penetrante, Capt. Edwin Catubig, and Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Howell had been relieved of their duties at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) in Yokosuka, Japan. The facility is responsible for providing intermediate-level and depot-level maintenance for U.S. Navy vessels assigned to the 7th Fleet.
According to the Navy, all three leaders were removed due to a “loss of confidence in their ability to command,” a standard phrase often used when senior officers are relieved. Officials did not provide additional details about what led to the decision.
Vital Hub for Indo-Pacific Operations
The leadership shake-up comes at one of the Navy’s most strategically important maintenance facilities.
Located in Yokosuka, SRF-JRMC serves as the Navy’s primary ship repair and modernization center in East Asia and plays a critical role in keeping forward-deployed warships operational throughout the Western Pacific. The facility supports vessels operating near Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and other regional hotspots.
Just weeks ago, Navy officials were publicly praising the facility’s performance. In May, the command announced that it had delivered seven ships back to the fleet on or ahead of schedule during the first four months of 2026, including destroyers, mine countermeasures ships, and an amphibious transport dock.
Penetrante himself highlighted the organization’s success in maintaining operational readiness despite increased demand on the fleet.
A Pattern of Leadership Turmoil
The latest firings are not the first leadership shake-up at the facility.
In October 2024, the Navy simultaneously removed the command’s previous commanding officer and executive officer, also citing a loss of confidence. That incident led to interim leadership being installed until Penetrante assumed command in February 2025.
Penetrante took over the command just four months ago during a formal change-of-command ceremony attended by senior Navy maintenance officials. At the time, he was entrusted with leading what the Navy describes as its largest overseas ship maintenance and modernization operation.
Writing for Task & Purpose, Jeff Schogol reported additional details:
Catubig served as an enlisted sailor before being commissioned in 2003, his Navy biography says. He has served aboard an aircraft carrier and amphibious warfare ships.
Howell enlisted in the Navy in 2001 and has served on destroyers and an amphibious assault ship, his biography says.
The fact that the command’s entire senior leadership team was removed simultaneously is unusual and likely to generate questions about what occurred behind the scenes. The Navy has not indicated whether the removals stemmed from operational performance, leadership issues, misconduct, or another matter.
New Leadership Takes Over
Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander of the Navy Regional Maintenance Center, carried out the relief actions and has appointed interim leadership while the Navy searches for permanent replacements.
For now, the facility’s mission remains unchanged.
SRF-JRMC continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. naval readiness in the Indo-Pacific at a time when the Navy is placing increasing emphasis on deterring China and maintaining a strong forward presence throughout the region. The facility’s ability to quickly repair and modernize warships is viewed as a key component of that strategy.
While the Navy has disclosed who was removed, it has not yet revealed why. Until more details emerge, the simultaneous firing of three senior leaders at one of the service’s most important overseas commands is likely to remain the subject of intense scrutiny.
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