The move Monday comes as the U.S. and Japan increase their deterrence against China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Cmdr. Adam Ochs was relieved of his duties as commanding officer of the USS Santa Barbara due to a "loss of confidence," the Navy announced.
Pvt. Andrey Okunev, a National Guard soldier from California, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.
The "provocative move," as the DOD called it, comes several days after the U.S. said it struck a Venezuelan drug-carrying vessel, killing 11 on board.
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