---
title: "USS Decatur CO fired following command investigation"
description: "The captain of the destroyer USS Decatur was fired on Thursday following a command investigation that was completed in mid-December, Navy officials announced"
date: "2020-01-16"
modified: "2020-01-16"
authors:
  - name: "Jeff Schogol"
    job_title: "Senior Pentagon Reporter"
    link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/jeff-schogol.md"
url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/uss-decatur-commander-fired/"
categories:
  - "Around the World"
  - "Destroyers"
  - "Military Branches"
  - "Navy"
  - "News"
  - "Ships"
  - "Tech & Tactics"
  - "United States"
tags:
  - "Leadership"
---

# USS Decatur CO fired following command investigation

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/22511138-4.jpg>)

The captain of the destroyer USS Decatur was fired on Thursday following a command investigation that was completed in mid-December, Navy officials announced.

A spokeswoman for 3rd Fleet declined to say whether Cmdr. Bob Bowen was relieved of command specifically because of the investigation's findings.

"There was an investigation and then he was relieved today due to loss of confidence in his ability to command," said Lt. Rochelle Rieger.

Bowen enlisted in the Navy in October 1984, rising to the rank of chief petty officer before being commissioned in March 2000, according to his official biography. He went on to graduate from the Naval War College.

His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

## Author
Jeff Schogol is the former senior Pentagon reporter for Task & Purpose. He reported on both the Department of Defense as a whole and individual services, covering a variety of topics that include personnel, policy, military justice, deployments, and technology.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/jdschogol/>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-schogol-188a9317/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/JeffSchogol>)

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