USS Porter CO Fired After Collision

NORFOLK, Va. - The skipper of the USS Porter has been removed from command after his ship collided with an oil tanker just outside the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic relieved Cmdr. Martin Arriola of command on Thursday.

The collision earlier this month left a breach about 10 feet by 10 feet in the starboard side of the USS Porter, a Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer. No one was injured on either vessel.

The Navy says Rear Adm. Dave Thomas reassigned Arriola to the staff of Naval Surface Force Atlantic because of a loss of confidence in Arriola's ability to command.

Porter's new commanding officer is Cmdr. Dave Richardson, the former executive officer of USS McFaul.

The USS Porter is undergoing repair in the United Arab Emirates.