Navy Relieves Commanding Officer of New Hampshire Reserve Center
The U.S. Navy has made a significant leadership change at its Manchester, New Hampshire Reserve Center. Commander Joseph Dearing was relieved of his duties by Captain Christian Parilla, according to a statement issued on Friday.
Reserve centers play a critical role in the Navy’s operations, serving as the main point of contact for reservist sailors. Across the nation, there are 122 such centers that facilitate administrative tasks and drill days for reservists.
Notably, Dearing is the second reserve center commander to face relief in recent months. The previous incident occurred in December, when the Navy removed the commanding officer of its Cheyenne, Wyoming reserve center due to personal conduct issues, as reported by Military.com.
The official rationale for Dearing’s relief was a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.” This marks the Navy’s fourth commanding officer removal this year, a common military justification that could indicate issues ranging from poor performance to personal misconduct.
An anonymous Navy official disclosed to Military.com that Dearing’s removal was due to performance-related issues, with no misconduct involved. The official emphasized that Dearing is not under investigation.
In recent years, the Navy has seen similar actions with 14 commanding officers relieved in 2024 and 15 in 2023. The Navy currently has approximately 1,600 commanding officers in its active-duty ranks.
Commander Dearing’s career began in 2000 as an enlisted sailor. Over the years, he served in various capacities within the Navy’s aviation sector, including positions at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 in California and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 in Washington. In 2008, he transitioned into officer ranks through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program, later earning his degree and commission as a reserve surface warfare officer in 2010.
His service record includes time aboard the USS Stethem and education at the Naval War College. He assumed command of the Manchester reserve center in September. Dearing has received numerous awards, such as the Surface Warfare Officer Insignia, the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals, and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals.
With Dearing’s reassignment to the Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command in Norfolk, Commander Christopher Worthy will temporarily take on the leadership role at the Manchester Reserve Center until a permanent replacement is appointed.
