Navy Fires Rear Admiral in Charge of Aviation Depots

The flag officer who oversees the Navy's eight aviation maintenance depots has been removed from his job over a loss of confidence in his ability to lead amid an investigation.

Rear Adm. Trent DeMoss, commander of Fleet Readiness Centers in Maryland, was relieved of his duties by Vice Adm. Dean Peters, the head of Naval Air Systems, on Monday. The decision was based on "a loss of confidence in [DeMoss'] ability to command," said Rear Adm. Charlie Brown, chief of Navy information.

The Navy Inspector General is investigating the matter, Brown said, adding "we will not comment on an ongoing investigation."

DeMoss has been reassigned to Naval Air Systems' headquarters. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Capt. Christopher Couch, Fleet Readiness Centers' vice commander, has been temporarily put in charge of the command until a replacement is identified.

There are eight fleet readiness centers across the U.S. and in Japan. The centers conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul of Navy aircraft, engines and other equipment. Each year, about 16,000 sailors, Marines and civilians at the centers overhaul and repair about 1,000 aircraft, according to the Navy.

DeMoss previously commanded one of those eight depots -- Fleet Readiness Center Southeast -- where he also served as executive officer. He also deployed to Kosovo and Macedonia and served on multiple aircraft carriers, where he supported missions in South Africa and the Middle East.

DeMoss took command of Fleet Readiness Centers in August after being selected for rear admiral, lower half in July. Peters presided over the change-of-command ceremony.

DeMoss was commissioned in 1991.His personal awards include a Legion of Merit, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

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