U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Commandant of Midshipmen Captain Gilbert Clark Jr. was relieved of duty Monday after leaders said they lost confidence in his ability to effectively lead.

The change in leadership comes nearly six months after Capt. Clark took the role of 91st Commandant , replacing Capt. Walter Allman III.

"The naval service maintains the highest standard for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met," USNA officials said in a statement.

Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen, Capt. Austin Jackson will serve as interim Commandant, officials said.

The Commandant handles the military training, professional development and day-to-day conduct of nearly 4,400 midshipmen.

Capt. Gilbert Clark Jr.

Capt. Clark graduated from the academy in 1998, then graduate

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