The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. Inside the scandals at the California National Guard - Los Angeles Times The complaints disclosed by The Times focused on the leadership of the Fresno base and included an alleged cover-up of an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard member's boots. 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. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh paid a visit to the California Air National Guards 144th Fighter Wing where he engaged with Airmen during their drill Feb. 4, 2023, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base. 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. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. 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,. Our mission is to promote positive support for the 144th Fighter Wing and the California Air National Guard by providing accurate, relevant and timely information to our members, their families, our local community, our state and our nation. Kelly's future in the Guard has yet to be determined, Keegan said. 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.. Lt. Col. Nehring and a Ukrainian service member were killed when the Ukrainian Su-27UB aircraft they were in crashed during a familiarization flight. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. 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. Sikora did not respond to requests for comment Friday. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Woodside says it should've been handled differently from the start, especially since people in command positions might've been involved. California National Guard members watch over an access point to the Capitol in Sacramento. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. To find out about jobs in the Air National Guard check out: Public Scoping Process: July 19 - Sept. 2, 2022, COVID-19 What is the U.S. Government doing, FRESNO RELATIVE RISK SITE EVALUATION FACT SHEET & SCORING SUMMARIES, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. Air Force Picks New Guard Locations for F-35, F-15EX Fighters Ron DeSantis replaced the Florida National Guard's adjutant general two years ago amid revelations of sexual abuse, coverups and reprisal. The Guard memo obtained by The Times says Magram on several occasions wrongfully encouraged or requested subordinates to perform tasks or run errands for him outside their military duties, such as giving him rides to personal appointments. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. NORTH DIGHTON, Mass. At least five Guard members from the 144th Fighter Wing filed formal complaints. Gen. Gregory F. Jones, who has served as an assistant adjutant general in the Guard since December 2017, was appointed to replace Garrison. 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 . The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. He says new rules instituted in 2016 might make the incident a more serious crime, which would've brought in more seasoned investigators. At least five Guard members from the 144th wing, including a pilot who was killed in October in a crash during a training mission in Ukraine, filed formal complaints. Col. Dave Johnston, a commander who signed off on the evidence destruction, said in statements provided to The Times that he had consulted with Garrison before doing so. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. Club One Casino Readies Move to Granite Park, Fresno Scandal Forces Out Air National Guard Commander, Fresno State Announces Class of 2023 Graduate Deans' Medalists. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. 144th Fighter Wing - AF The Fresno Air National Guard base hosted a ribbon cutting for its new fuel storage facilities, featuring tanks with increased capacities. But everybody else.. 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. 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. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against Hawkins received a letter of reprimand as a result, the Guard said. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, urinated in a female Guard members boots, use of a spy plane to monitor civilian protesters, deploy a fighter jet to frighten demonstrators, The commander of the scandal-plagued California National Guard steps down, Californias top military brass rocked by homophobia, antisemitism, indecent exposure scandals, Turmoil shakes California National Guard with firing, suspension of top generals, California Guard members feared fighter jet would be ordered to frighten protesters, Spy plane was sent to monitor protest in affluent suburb, home to head of California National Guard, In California National Guard, whistleblower claims of retaliation go beyond Fresno, Head of California Air National Guard removed amid allegations of cover-up and retaliation, California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers, Must Reads: Someone urinated in a female sergeants boots. 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. Keegan said Garrison will retire in the coming weeks. Air National Guard - ABC30 Fresno Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guards air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. A spokesman for Gov. Sports. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. 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 Times reported last year that an internal inquiry substantiated allegations that Brig. Garrison was removed because the California Military Department, which oversees the air and army branches of the Guard, had lost faith, trust and confidence in his ability to lead, a spokesman said. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brig. The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Brig. The inquiry also determined that Magram failed to complete his annual cybersecurity training and thus had lower-ranking Guard members each day request that headquarters temporarily restore his computer access. 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. 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 . Published Nov. 8, 2022. Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. General requirements include: AGE. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Maj. Dan Woodside, a retired 144th fighter pilot who is a witness in an inspector general's Pineda investigation and has complained about how she was treated, said Guard members were afraid to approach Garrison with any reports of wrongdoing, fearing they would be punished. But fellow officers are questioning the investigations, complaining about retaliation for their contributions and a potential cover-up. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. Sgt. The Air Force says that Nehring has been a member of the 144th for more than 20 years. 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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. Careers - AF 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. One of the jets was a single-engine F-16C Fighting . This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. "This is a problem with their leadership.". 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 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. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command . 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. Former military lawyer Scott Taylor tells us the story now is less about the crime and more about officers accusing their superiors of covering it up. Valley Weather Rollercoaster: Mid-90s Now, Upper 60s Next Week, Adventure in Spices? A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. (559) 454-5383 Chris Drudge) A guard spokesman on Friday, April 5, 2019, confirmed the shakeup, but did not have additional details. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. Magram had generally confirmed the members accounts of running errands for him, according to the report. The two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. 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. 144th Fighter Wing - Wikipedia She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. "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. Brig. Commander Out At California Air National Guard After Scandal Fresno Scandal Forces Out Air National Guard Commander A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. After queries by The Times, however, the Guard said a second inquiry had substantiated similar allegations against him, and another round of discipline was pending. An F-15C air-to-air combat jet was placed on alert in case of unrest over the pandemic or election, sources and records say. ), 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. 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. Navin denied any involvement, according to Guard records. The following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a womens bathroom at the 144th when she discovered her boots had been soiled. It all happened under his watchful eye, but he was not alone in allowing this to happen.. Voting Is Fast and Easy on Recall Day. The commander of the scandal-plagued California National Guard steps down National Guard scandals include sexual misconduct, coverups, reprisals Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times Commander out at California Air National Guard after scandal 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. Published Apr 15, 2019 10:00 AM EDT. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. Commander out at California Air National Guard after boot urination scandal He flew the F-16 Viper for more than 15 years, before converting to the F-15 Eagle. Entertainment Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. Gavin Newsom referred questions about Friday's shakeup back to the Guard. FRESNO, Calif. - The roar of two fighter jets flying over Fresno marked the beginning of a new era June 18. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. A Guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! Gov. 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. 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. 144th FW signs Heritage jet > 144th Fighter Wing > Article Display The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. Behold F-117s On Their Historic Deployment To Fresno In These Stunning When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force's military assets, the responsibility falls on the Security Forces Defenders. Investigators reached no conclusions that time around either. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? 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. 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. Gen. F-15 Eagle, 'right aircraft for the mission - The National Guard Latest 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. Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: In a memorandum to Magram that The Times obtained this week, Beevers wrote, Your conduct has caused me to lose faith, trust, and confidence in your ability to continue serving.. 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. (559) 454-5286 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. 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. 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. A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing has made some passes and garnered attention on the internet recently, after . 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. Legendary Valley Thoroughbred Elected to Racing Hall of Fame, Collision Ends Smyly Perfect Game Bid, Cubs Top Dodgers 13-0, Oakland As Set Vegas Move in Motion With Stadium Land Deal, Draymond Greens Suspension Is the Talk of the NBA Playoffs, California Swertfager could not be reached for comment. 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. 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. 4/23 update:The LA Times has dug into the California Air National Guard scandal. The familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. In a statement Friday, Keegan said, The Guard is committed to providing a transparent, respectful and positive command climate. I am confident that Brig. See Why Customers Flocked to Fresno Cannabis Store on Day 1. 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. Two of those were related to the urine incident, including one filed by Pineda. ", By 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. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj . 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. Overview. Garrison ran the base at the time of the incident. The Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing. Charles Vaughn). The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. Air National Guardsman Arrested as F.B.I. Searches His Home