LIHUE — Cmdr. Garron Morris, executive officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, was fired last week due to “unsatisfactory performance while serving,” according to base officials. Morris took over as the base’s second-in-command in March 2012.
LIHUE — Cmdr. Garron Morris, executive officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, was fired last week due to “unsatisfactory performance while serving,” according to base officials.
Morris took over as the base’s second-in-command in March 2012. He was relieved of his duties Thursday by Capt. Bruce Hay, commanding officer of PMRF.
Hay said Morris’ performance resulted in a loss of confidence in his ability to continue in the role.
“My decision was purely based on his performance in fulfilling the duties of the position,” Hay said. “An executive officer has a unique position of trust and responsibility, and has a key role in shaping morale, good order and discipline within the command. Due to this unique position, I must have full confidence in that officer’s judgment and ability to lead.”
Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson, PMRF’s air operations department head, will take over as acting executive officer until a permanent replacement is found, according to base spokesman Stefan Alford.
Morris grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz., and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 with a degree in aerospace engineering, according to his biography.
The P-3 Orion pilot received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and various other campaign awards.
