‘Wild Weasel’ maintenance squadron commander fired at Misawa

Lt. Col. Jason Moehle, the commander of the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Misawa Air Base in Japan who oversaw maintenance of its famed “Wild Weasel” F-16s, was relieved of his duties Monday.

Col. Rognald Christensen, commander of the 35th Maintenance Group, fired Moehle “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” said Col. Kristopher Struve, commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, in a statement Wednesday.

“A decision of this magnitude is never easy to make, but it’s the right decision in ensuring we’re maintaining the highest standards of leadership in the 35th Fighter Wing’s ranks,” Struve said.

According to information provided by the Air Force Personnel Center, Moehle took command of the squadron in June 2018. He entered active duty in June 2004 and commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He is a 21A aircraft maintenance officer whose decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

RELATED

U.S. airmen in Japan practice for potential conflict

“During surge operations, we're validating our wing's ability to generate [aircraft] in a simulated combat scenario,” said Capt. Josh Plocinski, the 14th Fighter Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation, in the press release.

By Phillip Swarts

The 35th Fighter Wing, which has 44 F-16CM Fighting Falcon aircraft, is the Air Force’s leading Wild Weasel organization. If a conflict were to erupt with a nation that possesses air defenses such as surface-to-air missiles, the Wild Weasels would likely be among the first sent in to take out those enemy defenses and clear the way for other aircraft.

Lt. Col. Clarence McRae has assumed command of the squadron until further notice.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to remove an incorrect reference to a previous aircraft mishap.

In Other News

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

Will the Supreme Court’s GI Bill ruling mean more money for vets?

A major veterans education benefits ruling by the Supreme Court this week could have far-reaching effects for millions of students.

Air Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, rescue ops

Staffing changes in the Alaska Air National Guard may hurt the organization's ability to secure America's western airspace and carry out rescue operations.

Load More