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14/12/2004
Royal Navy captain relieved and sent home
The captain of a Royal Navy warship has been relieved of his command and ordered home over allegations of bullying.
Commander David Axon was ordered off HMS Somerset following a formal complaint lodged by a junior officer. Commander Axon left ship in Gibraltar and will return to the UK to answer allegations that his behaviour fell below the "standards required of a commanding officer."
The Ministry of Defence has condemned press reports describing the incident as a "mutiny". A spokesperson for the MoD said that an "equal opportunities investigation" had been instigated following complaints from a junior officer. Commander Axon will return to the UK and a board of inquiry will be held to examine the claims brought against him. If the inquiry clears the captain he could be reinstated.
It is extremely unusual for a ship's captain to be relieved of command while on active duty, particularly as HMS Somerset was already on the last leg of a homeward journey.
A Type 23 frigate, HMS Somerset had been on picket duties in the Gulf for six months, primarily protecting offshore Iraq oil installations from terrorist attack. The ship will be returned to the UK by the Executive Officer.
Commander Axon, who joined the Navy in 1986, lives in Southsea has been in command of HMS Somerset since December 2003.
(SP)
Commander David Axon was ordered off HMS Somerset following a formal complaint lodged by a junior officer. Commander Axon left ship in Gibraltar and will return to the UK to answer allegations that his behaviour fell below the "standards required of a commanding officer."
The Ministry of Defence has condemned press reports describing the incident as a "mutiny". A spokesperson for the MoD said that an "equal opportunities investigation" had been instigated following complaints from a junior officer. Commander Axon will return to the UK and a board of inquiry will be held to examine the claims brought against him. If the inquiry clears the captain he could be reinstated.
It is extremely unusual for a ship's captain to be relieved of command while on active duty, particularly as HMS Somerset was already on the last leg of a homeward journey.
A Type 23 frigate, HMS Somerset had been on picket duties in the Gulf for six months, primarily protecting offshore Iraq oil installations from terrorist attack. The ship will be returned to the UK by the Executive Officer.
Commander Axon, who joined the Navy in 1986, lives in Southsea has been in command of HMS Somerset since December 2003.
(SP)
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