Navy ship's command out after boozy Russia visit

Ryan P. Mutha  /  U.S. Navy photo via AP U.S. Navy, Cmdr. Joseph R. Darlak, right foreground, commanding officer of the guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift, is shown Sept. 20 taking a bite of a traditional offering of bread and salt after arriving in Vladivostok, Russia, for a port visit during operations in the Western Pacific. SAN DIEGO — Cmdr. Joseph E. Darlak and top officers of the San Diego-based Navy frigate USS Vandegrift have been relieved of duty after a rowdy, booze-fueled port visit to Vladivostok, Russia. Darlak, the Vandegrift's skipper, was removed Friday by Capt. John L. Schultz after an investigation "due to loss of confidence after demonstrating poor leadership and failure to ensure the proper conduct of his wardroom officers" during the three-day September stop, the Navy said in a statement. Executive officer Lt. Cmdr. Ivan A. Jimenez and the ship's chief engineer and operations officer were also relieved "for personal conduct involving use of alcohol and not adhering to established liberty policies," the statement said. The names of the two lower-ranked officers were not released because their positions are not considered public under Navy policy, and Navy officials did not give specifics on the misbehavior of any of the officers. Only on NBCNews.com Uncertain finale looms amid weekend campaign blitz Republicans struggle to get Senate majority after self-inflicted wounds 'Free gas' offer in NY causes rush; public then told to wait Look back at Hurricane Sandy State elections decide health care's future Despite bloodshed, Mexico ignored by candidates Don't call me hero': He rescued 9 people, a parrot, dogs Watch US News videos on NBCNews.com In a post on the official Facebook page of the Navy's 7th Fleet, the commander celebrated the visit as it began on Sept. 20. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to visit Vladivostok and experience all the city has to offer," Darlak said in the post. "Our sailors are especially looking forward to making new friends." The officers were relieved during a port visit in Guam, and they'll be temporarily reassigned in San Diego pending more possible administrative actions, the Navy Times reported. Darlak's ouster comes just over three months after he assumed command of the Vandegrift. He previously served as executive officer of the destroyer Stethem. Stay informed with the latest headlines; sign up for our newsletter Capt. H. Thomas Workman, a deputy commander from the ship's squadron, has taken over the Vandegrift until it returns to San Diego at the end of its seven-month deployment later this month, the statement said, and the Navy emphasizes that the ship remains fully ready for any mission. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.