CO Kitty Hawk relieved of command

The Navy yesterday removed the captain of the USS Kitty Hawk, an aircraft carrier that played a key role in the war in Afghanistan, citing a "loss of confidence in the skipper's ability" to lead his crew and carry out essential missions and taskings."

Capt. Thomas Hejl, who took command of the Kitty Hawk in August 2001, was removed by Vice Adm. Robert Willard, commander of the 7th Fleet.