Full Breakdown
U.S. Navy Relieves Top Leaders of Japan’s Largest Overseas Ship Repair Facility
6/5/2026, 1:40:05 PM
Leadership Relief at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center
On June 3, 2026, Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander of the Navy Regional Maintenance Center, removed Capt. Wendel Penetrante (commanding officer), Capt. Edwin Catubig (executive officer), and Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Howell (command master chief) from the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to command.
Background & Context
This is the second senior-leadership removal at the command in under two years; the previous relief occurred in October 2024. The facility, the Navy’s largest overseas ship-repair center, provides intermediate- and depot-level maintenance for 7th Fleet surface ships and supports operations across Japan, Southeast Asia, and Singapore. Vice Adm. Scott Gray, head of Navy Installations Command, visited the site earlier in 2026.
Key Personnel
Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann oversaw the relief. The removed leaders were Capt. Wendel Penetrante, Capt. Edwin Catubig, and Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Howell. Interim command is held by Capt. John Bauer, with Cmdr. David Reinhardt and Master Chief Petty Officer David Marcus serving as acting executive officer and acting command master chief.
Data & Operations
The command employs roughly 120 military personnel, 325 civilians, and about 2,500 Japanese workers. In 2025 it logged more than 714,000 man-days of ship repair and modernization, supported maintenance in Singapore, and responded to a fire aboard USS New Orleans.
Why It Matters
The facility is a critical node for maintaining 7th Fleet surface-ship readiness in the Indo-Pacific, directly affecting U.S. naval presence and deterrence. Leadership continuity helps avoid disruptions to repair cycles that could impact operational tempo.
Official Statements & Responses
The Navy’s release said the reliefs were due to a loss of confidence in the leaders’ ability to command and emphasized that the mission would not be affected. It noted that “loss of confidence” is the standard phrase for senior-leader removals. The Navy gave no further details, and Naval Sea Systems Command did not answer inquiries.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Navy did not disclose the specific reasons for the loss of confidence, and Naval Sea Systems Command did not respond to requests for more information, leaving the exact circumstances unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is no impact to the command’s mission as a result of these reliefs,” — U.S. Navy release
- “loss of confidence in their ability to command,” — U.S. Navy release
- “RELATED The Navy did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the firing.” — U.S. Navy release
- “Spokespeople for Naval Sea Systems Command did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for additional information about the leadership changes.” — Naval Sea Systems Command spokesperson
What’s Next
Capt. John Bauer will act as interim commander while permanent replacements are selected; Cmdr. David Reinhardt and Master Chief Petty Officer David Marcus will remain as acting XO and command master chief to maintain operations.
