USS Mason Captain Chavius G. Lewis, who was serving as the commanding officer of the USS Mason missile destroyer, has been fired from his duties. According to Military Times, Rear Admiral Alexis T. Walker said the Navy dismissed Lewis because of a “loss in confidence in his ability to command” the service.
“The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met,” the Navy said, per Military Times.
A “loss of confidence” is a blanket statement that is often used when the Navy fires senior leaders, Military Times reported. The Navy didn’t provide additional details about the firing.
What’s next for the USS Mason?
While the USS Mason now prepares for deployment, the Navy said the dismissal of Lewis will not affect the schedule, Newsweek reported. The Mason is now assigned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet and taking part in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). Capt. Kevin Hoffman has now replaced Lewis, who is reassigned to the Naval Surface Group Southeast.
Who is Chavius G. Lewis?
Lewis had served as USS Mason captain since 2024. He became the USS Mason commanding officer after he was deployed several times to the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. Lewis also previously commanded the USS Pioneer and USS Dextrous.
What is the USS Mason?
The USS Mason, which was built in 2001, is the third ship to bear that name. The second Mason, built in Massachusetts in 1943, is the only U.S. Navy destroyer commanded by a predominantly Black crew.
The USS Mason survived a scare in 2016 when it was deployed off the Yemen coast. Two missiles from the Yemen rebel group, the Houthis, targeted the ship at that time, but it was not damaged. The Navy destroyer also faced missile attacks during the counter-Houthi mission in 2024 and successfully shot down the missiles.
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