Coast Guard Sector North Carolina commander temporarily relieved of duty

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Coast Guard says it has temporarily relieved the commander of Sector North Carolina in Wilmington due to loss of confidence in his abilities to command.

Capt. Sean Murtagh was temporarily removed from command of Sector North Carolina Monday by Rear Adm. Stephen Metruck, Coast Guard 5th District commander, in Portsmouth, VA. Metruck appointed Capt. Joseph Dufresne, deputy commander of Sector North Carolina, to assume temporary command of the sector. Murtagh was temporarily reassigned to the 5th District in Portsmouth, until further notice.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard said the reasons for the temporary relief of command are under investigation. Some examples of why a commander would be relieved of duty are personal conduct, issues with safety or lack of compliance.

The commander of Sector North Carolina duties include security of the North Carolina ports and overseeing missions. Murtagh was in charge of nine Coast Guard stations, three aids to navigation teams, three cutters (not including the CGC Diligence) and 441 personnel. The cutters under his command include the Bayberry, Nantucket and Cushing.

The Coast Guard says the change will not impact Sector North Carolina’s search and rescue response, maritime security or other vital mission operations.

“What’s important for the public to know is that while command of the sector has changed, the Coast Guard’s ability to respond within Sector North Carolina’s area of responsibility has not,” Rear Adm. Metruck said in a news release. “We’re always ready to respond.”

Metruck appointed Capt. Joseph Dufresne, deputy commander of Sector North Carolina, to take over temporary command. The spokesperson tells WWAY Dufresne has just as much experience as Capt. Murtagh and they are confident in his abilities.

Capt. Sean Murtagh took command of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina on July 12, 2013.