Maine warship built at Bath Iron Works loses command

By Ted Cohen

The Navy has fired the commander of an Arleigh Burke destroyer that was built in Maine at Bath Iron Works.

Cmdr. Caitlin Cunningham was removed from command nine months into an 11-month deployment that saw extensive action against Iran, according to TaskAndPurpose.com.

No reason was given for Cunningham’s firing.

The Navy regularly uses the term “loss of confidence” as a catchall for the many reasons a commander can be relieved.

The term is used for everything from mishaps onboard the vessel to personal misconduct by an officer.

Bath launched the 510-foot guided-missile destroyer, named for medal of honor recipient Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, in 2011.

The ship's keel was laid down on June 18, 2010, and during the event, Maureen Murphy and Edwin Bard inscribed the signatures of Murphy's family on an iron plate during a dedication ceremony for Michael Murphy.

The plate was affixed to the ship's hull during construction.