Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of the Navy's Pacific Fleet, directed the skipper, Capt. David C. Cykhoff, and his executive officer, Capt. David M. Dober, be relieved of their command, Navy Times reported.

Dykhoff was fired for "loss of confidence in his ability to command and his failure to meet mission requirements and readiness standards," Navy officials said in a statement. Dober was ousted for "substandard performance."

Two months ago, while the George Washington was at sea, a fire burned through 80 spaces aboard the ship. An investigation revealed the fire was started when unauthorized smoking ignited improperly stowed flammables nearby, the Times said.

Now docked in San Diego, the carrier is to leave for Japan Aug. 21.

Capt. J.R. Haley, who recently commanded the carrier Theodore Roosevelt, has replaced Dykhoff. Capt. Karl O. Thomas, executive officer of the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, is the new executive officer.