Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. 144th Fighter Wing taking to the skies for night-flight . The jets made a pass over a crowd of National Guard members and civilians who had assembled in front of the 144th Fighter Wing's maintenance hangar on the Fresno Air National Guard Base. The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. The document quoted one unnamed Guard member as saying he did not want to drive Magram because my job is to take care of the airmen in the state of California and not be a chauffeur for a general.. In a statement Friday, Keegan said, The Guard is committed to providing a transparent, respectful and positive command climate. I am confident that Brig. Both were inconclusive and the case was closed. News, Joe Mathews Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. At least five Guard members from the 144th Fighter Wing filed formal complaints. Baldwin denied that the jet had been prepared for such a deployment and said the move against Magram had nothing to do with the report. Reached by phone Friday, Pineda said, At this time, I don't have a comment.. However, Magram had been counseled in 2017 that tasking Guard members for rides to personal appointments was inappropriate, the report stated, adding that his wingman argument rings hollow. The investigation similarly faulted him for using an underling to work on his travel awards accounts, including for personal trips. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. Keegan said Garrison will retire in the coming weeks. Voting Is Fast and Easy on Recall Day. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. In interviews with the Times, several current and former members of the guard described a culture of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. Baldwin has been adjutant general of the Guard since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. "This is a problem with their leadership.". Local Will Political Reality Shape a Mighty Morro Bay Wind? Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. They didn't identify any suspects and eventually got rid of the urine without ever testing it for DNA. The two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers in 'pissgate' scandal A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. Many of the pilots are part-time reservists, signing up after careers in the U.S. Air Force, and some fly in their civilian lives for commercial airlines. The first of three. A recent spate of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officers underscores the need for reform in Californias National Guard, current and former Guard members say. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. FILE - In this April 12, 2006, file photo, then US Air Force Lt. Col. Clay "Slam" Garrison, Weapons Officer assigned with the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard, explains the units area of coverage on a map of California in Fresno, Calif. They deserve better., He said the Guard now has an opportunity to get a fresh start with new leadership.. California National Guard members watch over an access point to the Capitol in Sacramento. Our traditional members serve one weekend each month and about two weeks each year, with opportunities for full-time employment. Entertainment Jennifer Pineda found out someone urinated in her uniform boots. A Guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Except When Its Not. At least five Guard members, including a pilot who was killed in October in a crash during a training mission in Ukraine, from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. Chris Drudge) The 144th is the biggest wing in the state, home to roughly 115 officers, including about two dozen fighter pilots, and more than 1,000 enlistees in support units. A recent spate of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officers underscores the need for reform in Californias National Guard, current and former Guard members say. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a womens bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. The vast majority means all of you, except for a couple of you, and they know who they are so we don't need to call them out. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, were removed in the wake of a Times investigation, Head Of The California Air National Guard Dismissed After Alleged Cover-up In 'Pissgate' Scandal. (559) 454-5274 U.S. Air Force Col. The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Latest, Latest Navin denied any involvement, according to Guard records. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj . ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Concertgoer lets out a loud full body orgasm while L.A. Phil plays Tchaikovskys 5th, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, L.A. Affairs: I had my reasons for not dating white men. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. The 20,000-member Guard, a branch of the California Military Department, which is also led by the adjutant general, serves a dual mission that includes responding to emergencies in the state,. All Rights Reserved. This clearly means that anyone exercising their right to speak with the IG or the press is not honorable, not a good person, and implies they are not a red-blooded American, the report quotes Swertfager as saying. I want to reiterate that had I ever heard of any ethics issues like this from subordinates, peers or commanders, or perceptions of such, I would have corrected or addressed it on the spot, Magram said in a statement to an inspector general. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times The 194th is equipped with the F-15 Eagle and like its parent wing, the 144th Griffins, is operationally-gained within the active U.S. Air Force by the Air Combat Command (ACC). Baldwin said the fact that he resided in El Dorado Hills, where the protests were small and peaceful, had no bearing on the deployment of the RC-26B reconnaissance plane. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command . The command change follows a Los Angeles Times report on allegations that whistleblowers at the Guards Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guardsman discovered urine in her boots. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper. Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. Crime Attempts to reach Magram for comment were unsuccessful. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the Guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Gen. David Hawkins made antisemitic and homophobic slurs, including that Jews are unrepentant sinners and that gay marriage is a reason terrorists attack the United States. It's all part of. In interviews with the Times, several current and former members of the Guard described a culture of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. Pissgate was just one example, Woodside said. The California air guard is the second largest, after New York's, in the Air National Guard, which is a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. (559) 454-5383 The head of the California Air National Guard and one of its five wing commanders have been removed from their positions amid complaints of reprisals against whistleblowers and allegations of. Keegan said Friday he did not know the status of the probe. The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. Based on this article, and in addition to other evidence collected, it would appear that there is a culture of reprisal, or at a minimum the perception of reprisal, that has a long stemmed history within the 144th, the inspector general report states. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Magram became the focus of more upheaval last summer, when The Times disclosed that an internal probe found that he had on-duty Guard members drive him up to 120 miles round-trip to personal dental and medical appointments at Travis Air Force Base, according to a confidential report on the inquiry. Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. Our traditional members serve one weekend each month and about two weeks each year, with opportunities for full-time employment. / CBS Sacramento. Magram said in his statement that he was late in completing the training because of a tremendously busy operational tempo.. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. ", By At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. To find out about jobs in the Air National Guard check out: https://www.goang.com/ Public Affairs This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. Valley Weather Rollercoaster: Mid-90s Now, Upper 60s Next Week, Adventure in Spices? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Northern California town on edge after second fatal stabbing in a week, Sheriffs Department investigates memo alleging captain wouldnt promote angry Black sergeant, CEO of Cookies pot brand accused of kickbacks, strong-arm tactics, Californias top military brass rocked by homophobia, antisemitism, indecent exposure scandals, What you need to know about the scandals at the California National Guard. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. | A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. All Rights Reserved. Members of the Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. A mystery at a California military base led to claims of a cover-up. But fellow officers are questioning the investigations, complaining about retaliation for their contributions and a potential cover-up. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. In California, he held various positions at the 146th Airlift Wing at Port Hueneme before heading the 129th Rescue Wing in the Mountain View area. Based on this article, and in addition to other evidence collected, it would appear that there is a culture of reprisal, or at a minimum the perception of reprisal, that has a long stemmed history within the 144th, the inspector general report states. In a report released after the ousters of Garrison and Col. Dan Kelly, the commander of the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, the Military Department inspector general cited findings of a Times investigation two months ago that detailed the whistleblower allegations. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from his position because of complaints he made whistleblowers feel threatened at the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. April 12, 2019 7:05 PM PT A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from his position because of complaints he made whistleblowers feel threatened at the. Recruiters: Woodside says it should've been handled differently from the start, especially since people in command positions might've been involved. Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring, 44, was killed while taking part in a familiarization flight in a Russian-built Su-27UB fighter jet with a Ukrainian counterpart. Nehring began his career as an enlisted crew chief before being selected as a pilot. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Director of Psychological Health: Sikora was suspended as the wing's Operations Group leader in December. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. The vast majority of you are good people who are killing it in a high ops tempo year, you're very honorable, red-blooded Americans, Sikora said at the meeting, according to the report. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. At least one person recorded the briefing, where Sikora said anyone filing complaints was causing problems for the wing, according to the report. Weather, Education Consent from a parent or That inquiry is part of a broader investigation into whether whistleblowers at the 144th suffered reprisals for questioning the actions of their superiors on a range of matters. Paul Pringle is a Los Angeles Times reporter who specializes in investigating corruption. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for speaking up for Pineda. Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring stands in front of a Ukrainian Su-27UB aircraft parked at the Starokostiantyniv air base in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine. Fresno Guard pilots who step into an F-16 cockpit might risk their lives or carry in their hands the survival of others and the. A general forced out as head of the California Air National Guard two weeks ago says the state Guard commander has lost touch with reality.. Ron DeSantis replaced the Florida National Guard's adjutant general two years ago amid revelations of sexual abuse, coverups and reprisal. It's unfortunate that the young people in the California Air National Guard, our citizen soldiers, have to witness this type of activity that's occurring at the top, Bakos said Friday. Pineda filed a whistleblower complaint, in which she wrote that she feared she would be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. The preferred location for the new F-35A squadron is Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., while the F-15EXs are slated for Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., and Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. All three bases currently operate older F-15C/D model fighters which the Air Force wants to retire in the coming years. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4/23 update:The LA Times has dug into the California Air National Guard scandal. Gov. In an email to The Times, Hill said an internal disciplinary board substantiated the allegations against Magram, and the general was removed for cause. The boards action came after two separate inquiries into Magrams conduct by military inspectors general; directives to dismiss him were issued by Gov. She said in her complaint she feared she'd be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention.. The 20,000-member Guard, a branch of the California Military Department, which is also led by the adjutant general, serves a dual mission that includes responding to emergencies in the state, such as earthquakes, wildfires and civil disturbances, and assisting U.S. armed forces in military operations overseas. An F-117 Nighthawks at the Fresno Air National Guard Base in California, September 15, 2021 . FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing is under scrutiny from the U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office because of a disgusting discovery four years ago. Many of the pilots are part-time reservists, signing up after careers in the U.S. Air Force, and some fly in their civilian lives for commercial airlines. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations into the Pineda incident, according to internal investigative records obtained by The Times. The 144th is the biggest wing in the state, home to roughly 115 officers, including about two dozen fighter pilots, and more than 1,000 enlistees in support units. The Air Force initially issued a letter of admonishment to Magram as a result of the first inspector general investigation. John Oliver's Parody Book Among Most 'Challenged' Works, Newsom Says His El Salvador Trip a Counter to Trump, Hear Mayor, Councilmembers Share Vision for $20 Million Senior Center on Blackstone. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. After The Times began asking questions about the Pineda episode, the military department asked the U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office to conduct an investigation the third into the Pineda incident. News, Latest Rieger recommended in his report that Sikora receive a memorandum of reprimand and be relieved of command due to the loss of faith in him as a 144th leader. Administrators at the Fighter Wing didn't respond to our request for comment, but after the L.A. Times started asking about the Pineda episode, the California Military Department asked the U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office to conduct a third investigation. Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, who oversees both the air and army branches of the California Guard as adjutant general of the Military Department, was unavailable for comment, Keegan said. Brig. Pineda filed a whistleblower complaint, in which she wrote that she feared she'd be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention.. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Many of the pilots are part-time reservists, signing up after careers in the U.S. Air Force, and some fly in their civilian lives for commercial airlines. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. The report was prepared by Brig. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. Forensic analysts say urine can be tested for DNA, but it degrades faster than other tissue and bodily fluids. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM RELATED: U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, In a statement, U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Kelly, commander of the 144th Fighter Wing said, "We are a close-knit family and when a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the 144th Fighter Wing feels it. (559) 454-5100 The Guard reconnaissance aircraft flew over peaceful protests in the upscale community of El Dorado Hills, the location of Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwins home. The familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing. 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. But everybody else.. The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. Airman & Family Readiness Office: (559) 515-6008 Then something changed, Most of Yosemite Valley is closed due to potentially perilous snowpack and flooding, 7 hospitalized after driver in stolen car runs red light in San Bernardino, police say, Barstow police investigating after officer caught on video hitting man with a baton, Man found guilty of murdering teens who ding-dong-ditched his house, Sacramento, San Francisco mayors take shots at each others city before NBA playoff game, Unseasonable rain, cooler temperatures in forecast for Los Angeles this week. Federal investigators on Thursday arrested a 21-year-old air national guardsman who they believe is linked to a trove of leaked classified U.S . In interviews with the Times, several current and former members of the guard described a culture of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. Magram, who was once director of the Guards air staff, is the fifth general to resign, retire or be fired in the wake of scandals exposed by Times investigations of the organization over the last four years. FRESNO, Calif. - The roar of two fighter jets flying over Fresno marked the beginning of a new era June 18. (559) 453-5461 The California air guard is the second largest in the Air National Guard, a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. In 2020, in response to another Times report, Newsoms office denounced the Guards decision to send a military spy plane to suburban El Dorado Hills, where Baldwin lived, to help civilian authorities monitor demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd.
fresno air national guard scandal
