USS Georgia Submarine Commander Dismissed Following DUI Arrest

In an unprecedented turn of events at the commencement of this year, the United States Navy has made the decision to relieve Capt. Geoffry Patterson, commander of the blue crew of the USS Georgia submarine, from his duties. The decision, announced on a recent Monday, is an outgrowth of what the Navy describes as a "loss of confidence in his ability to command".

Capt. Patterson’s dismissal came to light after Rear Adm. Thomas Buchanan, the commander of Submarine Group 10, officially detached him from his leadership position. While the Navy has reserved the specifics of the circumstances leading to this loss of confidence, it is a known pillar of the Navy that commanders are charged with upholding the "highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership." It’s also known that the Navy has a zero-tolerance stance on any deviation from these expectations.

Although the Navy's statement remains tight-lipped about the factors contributing to this decision, further information sourced from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office identifies a likely impetus. Records show that Capt. Patterson was arrested on charges including driving under the influence (DUI) and improper lane change in the early hours of January 9. Following his arrest in the vicinity of Kings Bay, Georgia, where the USS Georgia is homeported, Patterson was released upon posting a bond exceeding $1,800.

This incident has marked Capt. Geoffry Patterson as the first Navy commander to be dismissed in 2023. Command of the USS Georgia's blue crew was assumed in May 2022 by Patterson and appears to not have endured full tenure, given the vessel's last deployment concluded in September 2022. The 790-day forward deployment emphasizes the relentless demands placed on those in command positions.

The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, USS Georgia, is one of four in the Navy's fleet that has been retrofitted from their original ballistic missile configurations. These submarines are now equipped with up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and are primed for the deployment of special operations forces on covert missions.

Integral to naval operations are the dual crew systems in place for ballistic and guided-missile submarines, designated as blue and gold crews. This organization enables continuous submarine availability, satisfies strategic naval requirements, and ensures adequate time for crew training, readiness, and overall morale.

Despite the upheaval in leadership, the Navy ensures that Capt. Christopher Osborn, formerly of the USS Georgia's gold crew, has assumed command and that no operational impacts are anticipated.

The swift and decisive action taken by the Navy in the case of Capt. Patterson is a stark reminder of the level of accountability expected from those in command positions and the importance of maintaining strict adherence to naval regulations and standards.