Duluth-based Coast Guard ship’s commander relieved

The US Coast Guard has announced that the commanding officer of the Duluth-based Cutter Spar.

According a USCG press release, Lt. Cmdr. Joel Wright, was temporarily relieved of duty on Thursday, due to loss of confidence in “ability to execute the responsibilities of a commanding officer.”

“There was a loss in confidence of the command’s ability to ensure accountability and a failure to act consistently with our Core Values.” Said Rear Adm. Jon Hickey, the Coast Guard’s Ninth District Commander, which encompasses all of the Great Lakes.

According to the Coast Guard, Lt. Cmdr. Kent Hunt has been placed in temporary command of the Spar, and the ship currently fully operational.

The Spar is a buoy tender which missions include navigational aids, ice breaking, as well as emergency response. It operates throughout the Great Lakes, but primarily in Lakes Superior and Michigan.

The Coast Guard says the investigation into Wright is ongoing.