The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. The Fresno Air National Guard base hosted a ribbon cutting for its new fuel storage facilities, featuring tanks with increased capacities. At least one person recorded the briefing, where Sikora said anyone filing complaints was causing problems for the wing, according to the report. The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Local The commander of the fighter squadron at the time, Col. Sean Navin, was one of the drinkers. He said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. The urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions within the guard that high-ranking officers, including Garrison, mishandled two investigations to find the perpetrator and tried to bury the episode to protect someone who may have been involved, according to interviews and guard records obtained by the Times. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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. The command change follows aLos Angeles Timesreport on allegations that whistleblowers at the guard's Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guard member discovered urine in her boots. The report was prepared by Brig. 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. Members of the 144th Medical Detachment 1 recently completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX California Homeland Response Force (HRF) external evaluation March 30, 2023, at Camp Roberts, California. Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: Must be between the age of 17 and 40. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Overview. Nehring was a fighter pilot with the California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron, part of the 144th Fighter Wing based at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, located on the southeast corner of Fresno-Yosemite International Airport. Ron DeSantis replaced the Florida National Guard's adjutant general two years ago amid revelations of sexual abuse, coverups and reprisal. 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 womens bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. Jones was unavailable for comment, Keegan said. She also signed off on the request to discard the evidence. However, in 2021, Baldwin suspended him with pay and reassigned him after a Times report that Guard members were concerned that their leaders had readied an F-15C fighter jet for a possible mission in which the aircraft would fly low over civilian protesters to frighten and disperse them. The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are investigating to determine the cause of the accident. They didn't identify any suspects and eventually got rid of the urine without ever testing it for DNA. 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. Dave Bakos, a retired general who served in the Guard for 32 years and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was among those who said Garrison should have demanded a more thorough investigation from the start. Latest Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. Swertfager could not be reached for comment. Chris Drudge), U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. 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 urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions that high-ranking officers, including Garrison, mishandled two investigations to find the perpetrator and tried to bury the episode to protect someone who may have been involved, according to interviews and Guard records obtained by The Times. The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. Garrison's only guidance, Johnston wrote, was that he first confer with the 144th's judge advocate general at the time. Police investigating early morning homicide in Porterville, Child among 5 killed by drunk gunman still on loose: TX police, 1 missing, 2 rescued after getting swept away in Kaweah River. All Rights Reserved. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. What Dyer Had to Say. 144th Fighter Wing taking to the skies for night-flight . She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. News, Latest Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. Voting Is Fast and Easy on Recall Day. Garrison did not act alone in this. 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. Some in the wing refer to the scandal as Pissgate., The saga dates to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. The Times reported last year that an internal inquiry substantiated allegations that Brig. FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif --. Crime The following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. Woodside retired from the unit in 2016, so he talked freely with Action News about the investigations into someone urinating in Pineda's uniform. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj . FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, CA -- The 144th Fighter Wing welcomed the arrival of two F-117 Nighthawk aircraft Sept 13, 2021 to the Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, to conduct dissimilar air combat training missions. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Members of the Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. 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. 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). 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.. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An airman from Fresno, killed in a crash of a fighter jet in Ukraine, has been identified as Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring. Allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers in the California National Guard are more widespread than the complaints made at a Fresno air base that led to a dramatic leadership shakeup of the organization earlier this month, The Times has found. Members of the 144ths security forces conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. 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. Gov. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. Entertainment Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. The 194th Fighter Squadron (194 FS) is a unit of the California Air National Guard 's 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. A mystery at a California military base led to claims of a cover-up. Airman & Family Readiness Office: The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. 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. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command . The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Garrison ran the base at the time of the incident. ID cardquestions and appointments: Nehring began his career as an enlisted crew chief before being selected as a pilot. 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. Local Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. A guard spokesman on Friday, April 5, 2019, confirmed the shakeup, but did not have additional details. 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 guard member discovered urine in her boots. ", By Off the Bottom Rope Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! 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. Recruiters: Allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers in the California National Guard are more widespread than the complaints made at a Fresno air base that led to a dramatic leadership shakeup of the organization earlier this month, The Times has found. 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. Maj. Gen. Clay L. Garrison, the top commander of the 4,700-member air guard, was dismissed for being unable to maintain a positive command climate, said Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan, spokesman for the California Military Department. In interviews with The Times, several current and former members of the Guard have described a climate of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the organization's inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. Police investigating early morning homicide in Porterville, Child among 5 killed by drunk gunman still on loose: TX police, 1 missing, 2 rescued after getting swept away in Kaweah River. The Guard denies it. In a statement Friday, Keegan said, The Guard is committed to providing a transparent, respectful and positive command climate. I am confident that Brig. 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. Now Eric Bischoff to Tell Story in Fresno. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. 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. The speech was clearly directed at me and a few other people that have pursued justice through the IG.. 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 a cover-up of misconduct that reached into the highest ranks of the organization, officials announced Friday. "This is a problem with their leadership.". "This is not a problem with the rank and file, the rank and file pilots or the great people that do their job out there every day," he 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. 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. "Back when this happened in 2015, if the Air Force Office of Special Investigation got involved, maybe it would've been handled differently," said the former judge advocate general, or JAG. The 144th Fighter Wing (FW) of the California Air National Guard occupies two separate parcels of land (the main base area and the Munitions Storage Area) totaling 110.726 acres (0.44809 km 2) of leased land on the Fresno Yosemite International Airport . 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. Reached by phone Friday, Pineda said, At this time, I don't have a comment.. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for speaking up for Pineda. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Latest Garrison was the top commander of the air guard, and Kelly headed the 144th wing. An F-117 Nighthawks at the Fresno Air National Guard Base in California, September 15, 2021 . Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. California California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from. 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. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. Our traditional members serve one weekend each month and about two weeks each year, with opportunities for full-time employment. Magram, who was once director of the Guard's 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. News, Appetite for Fresno Friday's report said that Sikora's conduct also had a chilling effect on Guard members by discouraging them from exercising their rights to seek redress through the organization's inspector general, their representatives in Congress or the news media. Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. Brig. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Published Nov. 8, 2022. (559) 454-5274 When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force's military assets, the responsibility falls on the Security Forces Defenders. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you were near Fresno Yosemite International Airport Wednesday morning, there's a good chance you saw and heard plenty of military aircraft activity. 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This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. Several Guard members took Sikora's remarks as a criticism of people who had filed complaints with the inspector general. 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. Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, California Air National Guard commander, addresses service members from participating countries during the opening ceremony for Clear Sky 2018 exercise at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 8, 2018. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. California Governor Jerry Brown and the First Lady also extended their deepest condolences to Nehring's family and friends. Col. Jeremiah Cruz was named Kelly's interim replacement. Latest, Latest At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. The familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Gavin Newsom referred questions about Friday's shakeup back to the Guard. The California National Guard has been buffeted by allegations of misconduct in its upper ranks, coverups and retaliation against whistleblowers. 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. Navin denied any involvement, according to Guard records. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guards air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. To ensure they are prepared for the task at hand, the 144th Fighter Wing, Security Forces Squadron, trains for Agile Combat Employment at Camp Roberts, California, Feb. 2, 2023. Mission [ edit] 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.