Despite the successful operation (using a British robotic sub) to rescue seven sailors trapped in a small submarine last month, president Putin dismissed admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov as head of the navy. No reason was given, but Putin was eager to move ahead with reforms with the navy, and Kuroyedov has been out of action for much of the last two months for health problems. Kuroyedov was in command when the submarine Kursk went down in 2000. Several other senior navy officers were dismissed as well.