A commanding officer at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was fired “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a press release published by the Navy on Dec. 21.

Commander William Coulter, who had been serving as the Electronic Attack Squadron 136 — also known as VAQ-136 “Gauntlets” — commanding officer since January 2023, was relieved by Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello on Dec. 20.

The Gauntlets fly EA-18G Growlers, which according to the Navy are the most advanced electronic attack aircraft and stand as the Navy’s first line of defense in hostile environments.

The press release did not disclose the reason why Coulter was removed from command but said commanding officers “are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards.”

Commander Paul Ritter was set to take over his duties in April 2024 but is taking the assignment effective immediately while Coulter is temporarily reassigned to VAQ Wing Pacific.

According to his bio on the Navy’s website, Coulter was born in Seattle and has served in various roles including department head of VAQ-138 “Yellow Jackets,” safety, administration, operations and maintenance officer and Joint Force Development Experimentation Branch chief.

He has received various decorations including one Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.