Latest update (mid-Jan 2007) from Plymouth Evening Herald-
SUB CAPTAIN REASSIGNED AFTER DEATHS
The US Navy has removed the commander of a nuclear submarine that was involved in a fatal incident off the coast of Plymouth, England.
On December 29, rough seas swept four American sailors from the deck of the submarine off Plymouth.
The USS Minneapolis-St Paul was leaving Plymouth harbour when the sailors were knocked into the water by surging waves.
The four men were taken to hospital in Plymouth, where two were pronounced dead. According to officials, a Navy investigation determined that the incident was avoidable and due in part to a poor decision by the commander.
He was identified by a Navy statement as Cmdr Edwin Ruff.
According to the Navy, Ruff has been reassigned to a position ashore. The decision was made by Vice Adm. Chuck Munns, commander of the Navy's Submarine Force.
"Munns took this action due to a loss of confidence in Ruff's ability to command," said the service statement.
Earlier this week, Ruff and another officer on the submarine received letters of reprimand.
The Navy did not provide further details on the findings of its investigation.
The submarine's executive officer Lieutenant Commander Peter Young has been reprimanded. Charges were considered against three other sailors but they were dismissed.
Senior Chief Thomas Higgins, 45, from Kentucky, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Holtz, 30, from Ohio, died following the incident.
The Minneapolis-St Paul, assigned to the 6th Fleet, had just completed a weeklong layover in Plymouth.
Based in Norfolk, Virginia, the sub was heading to sea for routine duties when the accident happened.
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