Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Bourque was fired from command of the Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne, the Navy announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jeffry Willadsen/U.S. Navy )

WASHINGTON — The Navy fired the commanding officer of the Wyoming-based Reserve center, the service announced Tuesday.

Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Bourque was fired from the Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command. Naval Reserve Command Cheyenne is a subordinate command of the Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Everett in Washington state. The Wyoming-based command trains and manages Reserve sailors, preparing them to mobilize.

The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague “loss of confidence” when removing commanders and other leaders from authority positions.

“The Navy maintains the highest standards for commanding officers and holds them accountable when those standards are not met,” the Navy said in a statement.

Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Nichols has been temporarily assigned as the commanding officer of the reserve center until a permanent replacement is assigned. Bourque has been temporarily reassigned to Navy Reserve Forces Command.

Bourque assumed command of the Reserve training unit in April 2023.