Navy Relieves Commanding Officer of Naval Information Training Group Norfolk of Her Command

In a recent and unexpected development, the U.S. Navy has relieved Cmdr. Sarah M. Quemada from her position as the commanding officer of the Naval Information Warfare Training Group (NIWTG) Norfolk. This decision, effective January 16, 2025, was attributed to a “loss of confidence in her ability to command,” as stated by Rear Adm. Brian A. Harding, commander of the Naval Information Warfighting Development Center.

The Navy is on quite a roll, with no fewer than 18 high-ranking officers being relieved of their duties in the past 12 months.

A Brief Tenure at NIWTG Norfolk

According to Navy Times, Cmdr. Sarah M. Quemada’s time as the commanding officer of Naval Information Warfare Training Group (NIWTG) Norfolk was relatively short. She took on the role in June 2023, but her tenure ended abruptly on January 16, 2025. Rear Adm. Brian A. Harding, commander of Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, relieved Quemada of her duties, citing a “loss of confidence in her ability to command.” This phrase is commonly used by the Navy in such situations but typically does not include specific details about the reasons behind the decision.

Following her removal, Quemada was temporarily reassigned to Naval Information Forces. To maintain continuity, Capt. Steve McIntire was appointed as the interim commanding officer of NIWTG Norfolk until a permanent replacement is selected. Quemada served in the role for about 19 months, overseeing efforts to strengthen the fleet’s information warfare readiness through operational training and the management of mission-critical data for both afloat and shore-based commands.

Her previous assignments included roles such as the assistant branch chief to Cyber Pursuit and Exploitation at the NSA/CSS Threat Operations Center in Hawaii and officer-in-charge for Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX Detachment in Digby.

The Navy’s Stance on Leadership Accountability

The Navy’s decision to relieve Cmdr. Quemada underscores its unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards among its commanding officers. Given the 18 commanders relieved of duty in the past 12 months, one can’t help but wonder if they can’t be doing a better job in vetting candidates for high-profile, high-responsibility positions. 

In the official statement, the Navy emphasized that it “maintains the highest standards for commanding officers and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”

While the specific reasons for Cmdr. Quemada’s relief have not been disclosed, the term “loss of confidence” is commonly used by the military to indicate various issues, ranging from leadership challenges to personal conduct matters. It’s noteworthy that Cmdr. Quemada is the first commanding officer to be relieved in 2025, highlighting the Navy’s proactive approach to leadership oversight. But then again, it should be noted that we are only a little over two weeks into the new year. 

Interim Leadership and the Path Forward

In the wake of Cmdr. Quemada’s departure, Capt. Steve McIntire has been temporarily assigned as the commanding officer of NIWTG Norfolk. This interim appointment ensures continuity in leadership as the Navy initiates the process of selecting a permanent replacement. Cmdr. Quemada has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Information Forces.

The Role and Mission of NIWTG Norfolk

Naval Information Warfare Training Group (NIWTG) Norfolk plays a vital role in strengthening the U.S. Navy’s Information Warfare (IW) capabilities. Its mission is to improve the Fleet’s IW readiness by providing operational training, experienced IW personnel, and managing mission-critical data for both ship-based and shore-based operations. The command focuses on key areas like Cyber, Electronic Warfare, Cryptologic Warfare, Intelligence, Communications, Meteorology and Oceanography, and Space Operations.

NIWTG Norfolk offers tailored basic and intermediate IW training as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan and supports a flexible, continuous training model for the Fleet’s evolving deployment needs. Additionally, it oversees IW unit-level training and assessment while managing IW mission data to support naval operations.

Established in 2018, NIWTG Norfolk was created as part of a broader effort to enhance readiness within the Navy’s Information Warfare community. It collaborates closely with other IW organizations, such as the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), which handles individual-level training, and the Navy Information Warfare Development Command (NIWDC), which focuses on advanced-level training. The command’s mission is critical in preparing the Navy for competition against high-end adversaries and responding to the demands of great power competition.

A Broader Pattern of Leadership Changes

Cmdr. Quemada’s relief is not an isolated incident within the Naval Information Warfare Training Groups. In November 2024, Cmdr. Cayanne McFarlane, the commanding officer of NIWTG San Diego, was also relieved of duty due to a loss of confidence in her ability to command. Such actions reflect the Navy’s broader initiative to uphold leadership standards across all levels, ensuring that commanding officers meet the expectations and responsibilities entrusted to them.

Summing Up

The relief of Cmdr. Sarah M. Quemada from her command at NIWTG Norfolk reminds us of the Navy’s commitment to leadership excellence. It also reminds us that the Navy could probably be doing a better job in vetting candidates for high-level leadership positions. 

While the specific circumstances remain undisclosed, the overarching message is clear: the Navy prioritizes effective leadership to maintain operational readiness and uphold the trust placed in its commanding officers.