“The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps [IRGC] Navy is fully monitoring the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf and has a close watch on all movements.”-Brigadier General Reza Torabi, Commander of the IRGC’s First Naval Zone

27 October 2012, U.S. Navy (USN) Rear Admiral Charles “Chuck” M. Gaouette has been replaced.  He was the commander of the USS Stennis Carrier Strike Group, which reportedly entered the Persian Gulf.

The Stennis CSG entered the 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility (AoR) on 17 October. The AoR includes the Persian Gulf: “We’re looking forward to working with our partner nations and ensuring the vital sea lanes of this region remain free for all maritime traffic…”-Rear Admiral Gaouette

Gaouette is being investigated for “inappropriate leadership judgment” according to the USN.  He is being replaced by Rear Admiral Troy Shoemaker.

Reports say the investigation is not related to personal conduct, but perhaps is related to the way he commanded the USS Stennis the last time it was in the Persian Gulf.

Back in January the Iranian military said it would take action against the USS Stennis if it returns to the Persian Gulf.  They claim it deliberately sailed through Iranian naval war games, and sailed danger close to Iranian oil platforms.

There are reports that the USS Stennis CSG entered the Persian Gulf on 21 October.  Iranian military officials made it clear they were keeping an eye on the USS Stennis: “Great developments in different fields have taken place in the [Iranian] Navy and many successes have been achieved…..[including] monitoring of the U.S. aircraft carriers at any moment.”-Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Iranian Navy

No info on when Rear Admiral Charles “Chuck” M. Gaouette was removed from command of the Stennis CSG, the USN only announced the command change on 27 October.  The San Fransisco Chronicle pointed out that it is unusual for a CSG commander to be replaced in the middle of deployment.