US Navy SEAL Team Commanding Officer Relieved

News from the U.S. Navy
News in Balance:

LITTLE CREEK, Va., Nov 26, 2009 -- The commanding officer of an East Coast-based SEAL team located at Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek, Va., was relieved of command Nov. 25 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties.

After careful consideration and deliberation, Capt. Colin Kilrain, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 2, relieved Cmdr. Dennis Debobes' of his duties as commanding officer, SEAL Team 4.

Debobes was not relieved due to a specific issue or incident, and there is no pending disciplinary action. Debobes assumed command of his SEAL Team in June, 2009. He is being relieved at the five-month point of a planned 24-month command tour. Debobes has been temporarily reassigned to another unit within the Navy.

Another SEAL officer will assume command until Debobes' permanent relief is identified.

SEAL Teams conduct special operation missions in support of U.S. combatant commanders at forward locations throughout the world.

(Report from a Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs news release.)