Anchorage Coast Guard commander removed

JUNEAU - Capt. Mark Hamilton, the Coast Guard's commander for the Anchorage sector, has been temporarily relieved of his duties.

The Coast Guard announced Monday that Hamilton was removed by Rear Adm. Arthur E. Brooks, commander of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. In its press release, the Coast Guard cited alleged misconduct and a loss of confidence in Hamilton's ability to command.

The Coast Guard said an investigation will be conducted. At its conclusion, Brooks may recommend that Hamilton resume command or be permanently relieved of his duties.

Hamilton has been temporarily reassigned to the district staff.

Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Eric Eggen said that he could not comment about Hamilton's situation until an investigation had been completed. Eggen said he did not know how long an investigation would take.

Capt. John S. Kenyon, who has been the Seventeenth District Chief of Prevention, has temporarily been assigned command of the Anchorage sector.

Hamilton had been deputy commander for Coast Guard operations in the Los Angeles area. He took command of Coast Guard operations for Anchorage last August. He took over for Capt. Mark DeVries, who retired.

The Coast Guard's Anchorage operation includes diverse duties, from verifying compliance of fishing vessels in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea to sport fishing vessels and tour boats.

The Anchorage sector also inspects vessels transporting freight and passengers between the Lower 48 and western Alaska.

Another mission is inspecting waterfront facilities, tank ships and barges associated with the oil industry.