“Loss of Confidence” Is Accountability, Not Evasion When the US Navy Relieves Commanding Officers

By Rear Admiral Scott Jones, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

A recent RealClearDefense article questioned the Navy’s use of the term “loss of confidence” when relieving commanding officers (COs), suggesting it hides the truth and erodes trust.

As someone who commanded five times over more than a decade and has relieved COs when necessary, I believe that the critique misunderstands both the phrase and the process.

The Meaning Behind the Words “Loss of confidence” is not vague jargon — it is a precise professional term of art. It means the trust essential to command no longer exists and that the officer cannot continue without risking lives, readiness, or national security. Relief is immediate, often within hours. That is decisive accountability, not avoidance.

Why We Don’t Publish Every Detail
The Navy does not withhold specifics to evade scrutiny. It does so to prevent real harm. Public disclosure can:

• Permanently damage a relieved officer’s reputation beyond what is necessary for accountability.
• Undermine crew cohesion and morale during ongoing operations.
• Compromise ongoing investigations or reveal classified information.
• Expose junior personnel or victims to public identification.

These are second- and third-order effects that matter deeply in a fighting force.

Perspective on the Numbers
Roughly 16 COs are relieved each year — about 1–3% of those in command at any time. Contrast that with the fact that only about three percent of officers ever achieve O-5 command at sea, and fewer still reach O-6. These are already elite leaders. The rarity of reliefs shows both the rigor of our selection process and our willingness to act when a CO falls short.

Accountability Without Public Spectacle
The article claims the Navy cannot learn without making its reasons public. In truth, the Navy learns from every relief through investigations, formal records, and lessons incorporated into training and professional development. We don’t need to try cases in the press to ensure the institution grows stronger.

The Human Side
The Navy is a human institution. Even exceptional leaders can fail. But command remains one of the most demanding roles in any profession. The authority and responsibility are immense, and the standard is absolute. When a CO no longer meets it, we act swiftly — not to punish for punishment’s sake, but to protect sailors, missions, and the trust of the nation.

Bottom Line
“Loss of confidence” is not a smokescreen. It’s the Navy’s clearest statement that the standard of command has not been met, and that we will not hesitate to act when it matters most. That’s accountability — decisive, disciplined, and carried out with respect for the people who serve.

Rear Admiral Scott Jones, U.S. Navy (Ret.), served more than 40 years on active duty and reserve, including over 10 years in command, ultimately as Commander Naval Air Force Reserve and Vice Commander, Naval Air Forces.