Skipper of sub in collision off Japan loses command

The commander of the US nuclear submarine George Washington has been reprimanded and relieved of his command as a result of last month's collision with a Japanese freighter. The officer on deck at the time of the collision, which sank the freighter and killed two of its crew, was also reprimanded.

US officials said that Comdr. Robert Woehl and the officer on deck, Lt. Roy Hampton, could appeal and that the Pentagon would look into their case.

News of the reprimands may dampen anti-Navy sentiments before Friday's arrival of the US aircraft carrier Midway. Demonstrations are planned beca use of suspicions she carries nuclear weapons.