Navy Commander Sarah M. Quemada Relieved of Duty in Norfolk

The Navy revealed Thursday that Cmdr. Sarah M. Quemada is no longer in charge of the Naval Information Warfare Training Group Norfolk in Virginia. Because they "lost confidence in her ability to command," Rear Adm. Brian A. Harding, who is in charge of the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, decided.

No more information was given about the events that led to Quemada's dismissal. The Navy has often used the phrase "loss of confidence" to describe changes in leadership without providing specific reasons. These reasons could be anything from problems at work to lousy behavior in personal life.

A news release from the Navy said, "The Navy holds commanding officers to the highest standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met."

Quemada's firing is the first of a senior officer in 2025. Even though this doesn't happen very often, it shows how committed the Navy is to ensuring that everyone in its ranks has good leadership.

The Navy hasn't said whether Quemada will be moved or retired, and it hasn't named a permanent candidate either. Cmdr. Quemada was in charge of the training group in Norfolk, which works to improve navy personnel's information warfare skills and provide them with training.

This change is part of the Navy's ongoing work to support its standards for leadership and keep operational integrity. As the Navy continues to look into the case, more information may come to light.

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