Commander of Alaska Coast Guard vessel reassigned

SITKA (AP) — The commander of the Coast Guard vessel Maple in Southeast Alaska has been temporarily removed from command because of a “lack of confidence,” an agency spokesman said.

Lt. Cmdr. Fred Seaton was removed Oct. 1 after officials received reports of problems on board, KCAW reported Monday. Seaton has served as commander of the Sitka-based cutter since June 2012.

Coast Guard spokesman Kip Wadlow said the agency began an investigation last month following reports of a “poor command climate.” While the investigation continues, preliminary results led the Coast Guard commander for Alaska,...