PERSIAN GULF: Navy Admiral fires skipper of submarine in collision

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The commander of the submarine that collided with an amphibious assault ship in the Persian Gulf has been relieved of duty after the admiral of the submarine group ‘lost confidence in his ability to command,’ the Navy announced Tuesday.

Cmdr. Ryan Brookhart has been reassigned to desk duty in Bahrain. His submarine, the Hartford, collided with the New Orleans on March 20 in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both vessels are in Bahrain for repairs.

‘Although the investigations into the accident are not complete, [Rear Adm. Michael J.] O’Connor determined that there was enough information to make the leadership change,’ the Navy said.

Brookhart was replaced by Cmdr. Chris Harkins, a veteran submariner.

Brookhart, a 1989 graduate of Iowa State University, took command of the Hartford on October 2006.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego