Norfolk, Va. — Capt. Kevin Hoffman took command of the USS Mason on Thursday after the Navy relieved its previous skipper mid-exercise. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer was undergoing Composite Training Unit Exercise, or COMPTUEX, a key certification drill for ships preparing for deployment with the U.S. 2nd Fleet.

Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker made the call from her post as head of Carrier Strike Group 10. Officials provided no specifics on why Lewis was removed. The Navy released a brief statement: “The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”

Lewis now serves temporarily at Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. Hoffman steps in without disrupting the ship’s schedule, according to Navy spokespeople. USS Mason, homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, continued its training uninterrupted.

COMPTUEX tests a vessel’s readiness across combat scenarios, from air defense to anti-submarine operations. The exercise certifies strike groups for real-world missions. USS Mason joined Carrier Strike Group 10 for this phase, honing skills before any overseas deployment.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers like Mason anchor the Navy’s surface fleet. They pack the Aegis combat system, tracking and engaging threats at long range. Vertical launch cells hold Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 surface-to-air missiles and other ordnance for multi-role strikes.

The ship logged its latest action in the Red Sea last year, downing Houthi drones and missiles during tense operations. Mason returned to Mayport after that stint. No word yet on whether this leadership shakeup ties to recent combat experience.

Navy leaders emphasize accountability in command roles. Relievings-for-cause happen several times a year across the fleet, often during intense training. Spokespeople stressed the change won’t delay Mason’s certification or future operations.

Carrier Strike Group 10, built around the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, wrapped major deployments last year. The group now preps fresh units like Mason for upcoming rotations. Officials expect full certification soon, keeping the 2nd Fleet’s tempo steady.

Home at Mayport, Mason supports Atlantic operations. Its crew of about 300 specializes in layered defense for carrier groups. The relief marks the latest in a string of command changes as the Navy pushes readiness amid global tensions.