The blue crew commander of the submarine Pennsylvania was relieved of command late last week after less than six months on the job, Navy officials confirmed Monday.



Cmdr. Steven Everhart was relieved Friday by Capt. Mark Schmall, head of Submarine Squadron 17, due to a loss of confidence in Everhart's ability to serve as commanding officer, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Cmdr. Corey Barker said in an email.



Confidence in Everhart's leadership began waning during an investigation that began about a month ago.



Barker would not say what the nature of that investigation entails, citing the ongoing nature of the probe,



Everhart, from Great Falls, Montana, took command of the Ohio-class ballistic missile boat's blue crew on Jan. 13.



He has been administratively reassigned to the staff of Submarine Group Nine, Barker said. No decision on detaching Everhart from the sea service has been made, he said.



Capt. Chad Hennings, Submarine Squadron 17's deputy commander, has assumed command on the Bangor, Washington-based boat until a permanent replacement is named.



Geoff Ziezulewicz covers the Navy for the Military Times. Contact him with tips and feedback at geoffz@miltarytimes.com, or on Twitter at @JournoGeoffZ.



