/ CBS Sacramento. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. 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. Sgt. 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. 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, By All Rights Reserved. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. Keegan said Friday he did not know the status of the probe. 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. She also signed off on the request to discard the evidence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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. Gavin Newsoms office and Baldwins successor, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the Guards acting adjutant general. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! 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. The first of three. The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, retired. 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.. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. The California Air National Guard says its top commander, Major General Clay Garrison, has been relieved of command and will be replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. News At least five Guard members from the 144th Fighter Wing filed formal complaints. Stunning 4K videos show F-117s operating in California more than a decade after the stealth jet retired. California Governor Jerry Brown and the First Lady also extended their deepest condolences to Nehring's family and friends. Entertainment 4/23 update:The LA Times has dug into the California Air National Guard scandal. Mercedes Taylor. 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. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Col. Jeremiah Cruz was named Kelly's interim replacement. The Fresno Air National Guard base hosted a ribbon cutting for its new fuel storage facilities, featuring tanks with increased capacities. A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. 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. The speech was clearly directed at me and a few other people that have pursued justice through the IG.. Jerry Brown. 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.. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Brig. (559) 454-5383 Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander, said, "We have the distinct honor of being the . Will Political Reality Shape a Mighty Morro Bay Wind? FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. 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 Air National Guard is a reserve component of the United State Air Force. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. U.S. Air Force Col. 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. Magram attained the rank of assistant adjutant general and had been part of Baldwins inner circle. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Last week, Maj. Gen. Clay L. Garrison and Col. Dan Kelly were removed in the wake of a Times investigation that detailed the whistleblower complaints and allegations that officers covered up an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard member's boots. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force's military assets, the responsibility falls on the Security Forces Defenders. 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. Chris Drudge), U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. 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. Charles Vaughn). This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. 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. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing. He said he believed that having subordinates give him rides to medical appointments was consistent with the Air Forces wingman concept, in which Guard members look out for one another. 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 guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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. 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. But at least five of its Air National Guard members have filed internal complaints about a nasty incident and other concerns. Members of the Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. The 20,000-member Guard serves a dual stateand-federal mission that includes responding to emergencies in California, such as earthquakes, wildfires and civil disturbances, and assisting U.S. armed forces in military operations overseas. 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. Two of those were related to the urine incident, including one filed by Pineda. 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 . It all happened under his watchful eye, but he was not alone in allowing this to happen.. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. 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. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brig. 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. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. A spokesman for Gov. Local Woodside says it should've been handled differently from the start, especially since people in command positions might've been involved. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. Latest, Latest (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Jennifer Pineda found that someone at the Fresno base had urinated in the boots she had left in a bathroom overnight. 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. 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. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. All Rights Reserved. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. 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. The California National Guard has been buffeted by allegations of misconduct in its upper ranks, coverups and retaliation against whistleblowers. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Keegan said Garrison will retire in the coming weeks. FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif --. 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. 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. He said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. Pissgate was just one example, Woodside said. Public Affairs Office: A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. NORTH DIGHTON, Mass. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. Gen. Jeffrey Magram will be involuntarily transferred next week to the U.S. Air Force retired reserve, an action that is parallel to a firing, California National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Brandon Hill said Friday. An F-117 Nighthawks at the Fresno Air National Guard Base in California, September 15, 2021 . 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. 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. Now Eric Bischoff to Tell Story in Fresno. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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 exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. 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. 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. Published Nov. 8, 2022. Sports. ID cardquestions and appointments: Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Garrison's only guidance, Johnston wrote, was that he first confer with the 144th's judge advocate general at the time. 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. A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . Pineda declined to comment. He Toppled Vince McMahon. Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: Navin denied any involvement, according to Guard records. 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. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Phone: (559) 454-5246 Both of them, along with others, felt targeted by Sikora's remarks, the report said. 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. Except When Its Not. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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", By Col. Victor Sikora was relieved of command after engaging in conduct unbecoming of an officer by addressing a gathering of Guard members in a manner some found intimidating and humiliating, according to a report released Friday. 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. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. A Guard member who took Magrams mother shopping was quoted in the report as saying that she was particular. The two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. 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. 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. Forensic analysts say urine can be tested for DNA, but it degrades faster than other tissue and bodily fluids. News, Appetite for Fresno The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Members of the 144ths security forces conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the 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. 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. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. 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. Recruiters: The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. Gen. Gen. Gregory F. Jones, who has served as an assistant adjutant general in the Guard since December 2017, was appointed to replace Garrison. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. (559) 515-6008 At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. One of the jets was a single-engine F-16C Fighting . 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. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. 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. Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. Baldwin has been adjutant general of the Guard since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. Paul Pringle is a Los Angeles Times reporter who specializes in investigating corruption.