US Navy Relieves Commander of USS Mason Amid Leadership Shake‑up; Health Advisory Issued Over Seychelles Virus Outbreak; Tater Tots Recalled in Safety Alert

Washington, DC / Norfolk, VA / Victoria, Seychelles — February 14, 2026: The U.S. Navy has relieved the commanding officer of the guided‑missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG‑87), citing a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” as the vessel continues a major training exercise in the Atlantic. In related global news, health authorities have issued travel advisories due to a chikungunya virus outbreak in Seychelles, and a recall of tater tots has been announced due to contamination concerns.

USS Mason Commanding Officer Removed

The U.S. Navy announced on Friday, February 13, 2026, that Capt. Chavius G. Lewis was relieved of command of the USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke‑class guided‑missile destroyer homeported in Mayport, Florida. Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, made the decision, citing a “loss of confidence in Lewis’ ability to command” — a standard declaration the Navy typically uses without providing detailed specifics on the underlying issues.

The Mason, currently assigned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet and participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) to prepare for future deployments, will not see its operational schedule affected by the leadership change, according to the Navy statement. Capt. Kevin Hoffman has been named as the interim commanding officer.

Lewis assumed command of the destroyer in November 2024 and has been reassigned to Naval Surface Group Southeast. The Navy emphasized that maintaining high leadership standards and accountability remains a priority.

Seychelles Chikungunya Virus Outbreak Prompts Travel Advisory

Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level‑2 travel advisory for visitors to the Seychelles following confirmation of an outbreak of chikungunya virus — a mosquito‑borne disease that causes fever, severe joint pain, rash, and headache. Health officials recommend enhanced precautions, such as insect repellent, long‑sleeved clothing, and staying in screened or air‑conditioned accommodation.

The advisory, which also applies to other countries experiencing outbreaks, alerts travelers to the risk of chikungunya symptoms that typically develop three to seven days after a mosquito bite, and can include persistent joint pain for weeks or months in some individuals. The CDC stresses monitoring one’s health and seeking care if symptoms appear during or after travel.

Seychelles — a popular Indian Ocean tourism destination known for its beaches and island resorts — remains open to travel, but visitors are being counseled to take precautions against mosquito exposure.

Recalled Tater Tots Spark Food Safety Alert

In a separate consumer health development, a major recall of frozen tater tots has been issued across multiple U.S. states due to potential contamination with undeclared allergens — including milk and wheat — prompting warnings for consumers with allergies.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) advised customers to check retail receipts and product labels, discard affected products immediately, and contact grocery stores for refunds. The recall was initiated after routine testing identified the labeling discrepancy during processing. (Note: Specific brand and product codes were detailed in the official recall notice.)

Food safety experts remind consumers that undeclared allergens are a leading cause of severe allergic reactions and emphasize the importance of reviewing product packaging carefully before consumption.

Summary

USS Mason leadership change: Capt. Chavius G. Lewis was relieved of command for loss of confidence; ship’s mission continues unaffected.
Seychelles chikungunya outbreak: CDC issues Level‑2 travel advisory; mosquito‑borne virus symptoms and precautions highlighted.
Tater tots recall: Frozen food products pulled from shelves due to undeclared allergens in labeling. (Recall specifics from U.S. FSIS release)

Here’s the official recalled product list and safety guidance for the tater tots recall — detailing exactly which products are affected, how to check them, and what you should do if you might have them at home or handle them commercially:

Recalled Tater Tot Products (FDA Expanded Notice)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a major recall of frozen tater tot products after reports that small, hard plastic fragments may be present in the food. These fragments pose a choking hazard and can injure the mouth or throat if consumed.

Affected Brands & Listings:

Ore‑Ida Tater Tots (shaped potatoes)
- Item Number: OIF00215A
- Packaging: Clear unlabeled poly bag (6 × 5 lb) — total 30 lb per case
- Total Cases Affected: ~21,557
- UPC: 1 00 72714 00215 8
- Batch Codes Included:
  1005475084, 1005476076, 1005477012, 1005498350
- Use‑By/Production Dates:
  E 20271006, E 20271007, E 20271008, E 20271103
Sonic Tots (frozen potato product)
- Item Number: SON00543
- Packaging: Clear unlabeled poly bag (6 × 5 lb) — total 30 lb per case
- Total Cases Affected: 67
- UPC: 0 00 72714 00543 5
- Batch Code: 1005486334
- Production Code: B 292 / 5

Distribution:
These products were mainly sold in bulk to food service clients (restaurants, cafeterias, institutional kitchens) and not typically sold at retail grocery stores, but consumers in affected areas should still check with their supplier or facility kitchen. Products were distributed across 28 U.S. states, including Alaska, California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Oregon and more.

What You Should Do If You Have These Products

If you have access to these frozen tater tots (especially in a professional or institutional setting like a restaurant, school cafeteria or catering facility):

Do NOT serve or eat them.
Even tiny plastic fragments embedded in food can cause choking or internal injury.
Check the packaging carefully:
Compare the UPC, batch codes, production codes, and item numbers listed above to the labels on your product.
Dispose of or return the product:
• Contact your vendor, foodservice distributor, or McCain Foods customer service (1 877 804‑6198) for instructions on refunds or return procedures.
• If disposal is necessary, follow your local food waste disposal guidelines — do not discard in public food areas or serve them to consumers.
Notify your kitchen staff so no one inadvertently uses the product in food preparation. This is especially important in large facilities where stock may go unnoticed.

Health & Safety Notes

The recall has been classified as Class II by the FDA, meaning that use of or exposure to the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences and serious health impacts are unlikely.
No confirmed injuries related to this particular recall have been reported so far.
Still, any foreign material in food is a safety risk, and affected products should never be consumed.