USS Montgomery, a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, showcasing its capabilities.
Two senior U.S. Navy officers of the USS Montgomery have been relieved from their posts due to a ‘loss of confidence’, reportedly linked to a sexual harassment investigation. Captain Marc Crawford confirmed the removal of Commander Richard J. Zamberlan and Commander Phillip Lundberg. In their place, Commander Dustin Lonero has been appointed as the interim commander. The Navy emphasizes leadership accountability, indicating a commitment to maintaining standards and trust within its ranks. This incident could spark further discussions on leadership accountability in military environments.
Two senior U.S. Navy officers assigned to the USS Montgomery (LCS 8) have been relieved of their command due to a “loss of confidence,” as confirmed by the Navy on December 30, 2025. Captain Marc Crawford of Surface Division Eleven conducted the relief of Commander Richard J. Zamberlan, the commanding officer, along with the executive officer, Commander Phillip Lundberg. While the Navy did not disclose specific reasons for the officers’ removal, it is believed to be related to their management of a sexual harassment investigation.
In an interim arrangement, Commander Dustin Lonero from the USS Coronado (LCS 4) has been temporarily appointed to take over the responsibilities of commanding officer aboard the USS Montgomery. Both Zamberlan and Lundberg will be reassigned to serve under Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, according to Navy officials.
Surface Division Eleven, which oversees the USS Montgomery, is recognized as the Navy’s first division within the Littoral Combat Ship fleet to focus on specific warfare capabilities. This division also includes USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), and USS Omaha (LCS 12).
The Navy’s statement highlights the significance of leadership and accountability among its personnel, underscoring the institution’s commitment to upholding standards within its ranks. The relief of these officers points to a growing emphasis on addressing issues of conduct and maintaining trust in command leadership, particularly concerning sensitive matters like sexual harassment.
The USS Montgomery was commissioned into service as part of the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) fleet, designed to be agile and versatile in various maritime environments. These ships are intended for operations close to shore and perform a multitude of tasks, including anti-surface warfare, anti-mine warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.
Surface Division Eleven plays a critical role within the LCS program, which is aimed at meeting emerging threats and ensuring naval superiority in contested coastal regions. The division’s ships are equipped with modular mission packages that allow them to adapt to different missions based on strategic requirements.
In recent years, the U.S. Navy has taken a more proactive approach to manage sexual harassment and misconduct within its ranks. Following various high-profile cases, the service has implemented comprehensive training programs, established reporting mechanisms, and fostered a culture of accountability to address these serious issues. The relief of officers in connection with a harassment investigation indicates that the Navy is serious about enforcing its policies and maintaining the integrity of its leadership structure.
The situation aboard the USS Montgomery is a reminder of the Navy’s ongoing struggle to balance operational effectiveness with the need for a respectful and safe working environment. As the service navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that those in command maintain the trust and confidence of their crews.
With Commander Lonero stepping in as the new commanding officer, the USS Montgomery will continue its operations while the Navy evaluates the situation further. The reassignment of Zamberlan and Lundberg to other responsibilities reflects the service’s efforts to uphold its standards and reinforce the importance of responsible leadership.
This incident may serve to catalyze further discussions and improvements regarding leadership accountability and the handling of sensitive issues within military ranks, as the Navy aims to restore confidence in its command structure and ensure the welfare of its personnel.
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