The Coast Guard has permanently removed the commander of its Montauk station for conducting training exercises in heavy surf.
James Weber was initially relieved of duty in October.
A United States Coast Guard rescue boat battles the surf off Montauk Point in New York, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2009. A Coast Guard commander says that Chief Petty Officer James Weber put his boats and crews in a dangerous situation during the August storm. Weber has been relieved of command after photos turned up on the Internet of two rescue boats training in heavy surf generated by Hurricane Bill. (AP Photo/Thomas Colla)
Last summer, he and a subordinate took a pair of 47-foot rescue boats into 10- to 15-foot surf generated by the effects of Hurricane Bill.
The chief petty officer’s permanent removal was announced Monday after a review. He will be transferred to duty elsewhere on Long Island, or possibly Connecticut.
The Coast Guard said Weber’s certification to steer in high surf had expired. A Coast Guard spokesman said Weber declined to comment.
Commercial fishermen in Montauk have criticized the move, saying Weber had done good work until the incident.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
