Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
Naval Surface Group Western Pacific was announced the day before the Navy released scathing reports blaming fatal collisions involving the destroyers Fitzgerald and John S. McCain on crew failures.
The Navy's 7th Fleet announced the commanding officer, Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez, and the executive officer, Cmdr. Jessie L. Sanchez, were relieved due to loss of confidence. Ten sailors drowned after the McCain collided with a merchant vessel in August.