In a major shake-up, the Navy has removed Capt. Zaldy Valenzuela and Cmdr. Art Palalay from their leadership roles at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan. Rear Adm. William Greene made the decision citing a “loss of confidence in their ability to command.” The Navy, as is typical, did not specify the exact reasons for their removal, though such actions often involve performance issues or specific incidents.
Valenzuela, commissioned in 1999, had a long-standing career, including deployments on the USS Bonhomme Richard and USS Denver, as well as various leadership roles at other maintenance centers. His decorations include the Navy Achievement Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Palalay, who began his Navy career as an enlisted sailor, was commissioned in 2006 and had served on the USS Bunker Hill and USS Vincennes before moving to the repair facility.
This move comes amid heightened responsibilities for the repair station, a key hub for maintaining ships deployed across East Asia, including the 7th Fleet. Recently, the USS Preble, equipped with the cutting-edge HELIOS laser system, arrived at the facility, highlighting the strategic importance of the installation.
Capt. Dan Lannamann, formerly with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, will temporarily take command of the facility, while Cmdr. Timothy Emge, the station’s operations officer, steps in as executive officer. This leadership transition comes as the Navy continues its commitment to maintaining high standards of command across its global operations.
Last year alone, 16 Navy commanding officers were relieved from duty, with most citing the same “loss of confidence” issue.
