Another Coast Guard officer relieved

The buoy tender Elderberry. U.S. Coast Guard photo

Top U.S. Coast Guard brass have relieved the skipper of the Petersburg-based cutter Elderberry for "loss of confidence" in his ability to command.

It's the second time in two months that a commanding officer has been relieved of duty.

The first case involved the head of the Sector Anchorage office.

Top Coast Guard commanders haven't disclosed details as to why the officers were removed.

Here's a press release on the Elderberry action:

U.S. Coast Guard, 17th District

June 18, 2009

Coast Guard Cutter Elderberry officer in charge relieved

JUNEAU, Alaska — Rear Adm. Gene Brooks, Commander, 17th Coast Guard District and Capt. Melissa Bert, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Juneau, temporarily relieved Senior Chief Petty Officer James Madsen Thursday from his duties as Officer in Charge of the Cutter Elderberry for loss of confidence in the ability to command.

Final determination regarding a permanent removal or resumption of command is made by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Woodward, assigned as the Officer in Charge at Aids to Navigation Team Sitka, has assumed temporary command of the Cutter Elderberry.

Senior Chief Madsen has been temporarily reassigned to the Coast Guard in Ketchikan, Alaska.

The Cutter Elderberry is a 65-foot inland buoy tender homeported in Petersburg, Alaska.