Anchorage Coast Guard commander relieved

By JAMES HALPIN

Facing allegations of misconduct, the commander of the Coast Guard’s sector in Anchorage was abruptly relieved from duty on Monday in a personal visit with the top officer in Alaska, according to Coast Guard officials.

Capt. Mark Hamilton was temporarily relieved for "alleged misconduct and loss of confidence in the officer’s ability to command," the Coast Guard said a press release. Coast Guard officials would not immediately elaborate, saying that the matter was the subject of an internal investigation. Asked if it would involve a criminal investigation, Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Eric Eggen said it was too soon to tell.

Hamilton, who was named to his post as Anchorage sector commander last summer, was removed from duty Monday morning pending results of the investigation after Rear Adm. Arthur E. Brooks, commander of the Coast Guard’s 17th District, arrived in Anchorage, Eggen said.

Hamilton could be reinstated to his position or permanently removed from the Coast Guard depending on the results, he said.

"If he is found guilty, it’s likely he will not remain with the Coast Guard," Eggen said. "We have allegations, that’s all we have right now.

"We’ll let the administrative process, the investigation, run its course and we’ll go from there."

Brooks will review the results of the internal investigation and make a recommendation to the commandant of the Coast Guard, who will make the final decision, Eggen said.

The results will be released once the commandant makes a decision, he said. Eggen said he did not know when that might be.

Eggen said Brooks was flying back to Juneau Monday night and was not immediately available to comment.

There are two sectors in Alaska: Anchorage and Juneau. Hamilton was named commander of the Anchorage sector in July 2008, after completing an assignment as deputy commander at sector Los Angeles. There, he oversaw more than 440 people, five cutters, three small-boat stations and one air station. He holds a biology degree from Williams Jennings Bryan College and a master’s in environmental management from George Mason University. While he is relieved as commander, Hamilton will be working in Anchorage under the Alaska district’s chief of staff until the final decision has been made on his fate, Eggen said.

Capt. John S. Kenyon, assigned as the 17th District chief of prevention, has assumed temporary command of the Anchorage sector.

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.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.