Col. firing linked to accountability push

[Sarge 25+]

8th Fighter Wing commander relieved

By Erik Holmes
Posted : Monday Nov 10, 2008 9:03:01 EST

The commander of the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, was relieved of command Monday because of a lack of confidence in his leadership.

Col. Bryan Bearden was removed by Gen. Howie Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander, because of “duty performance factors,” according to a press release from the base.

A PacAF official said Bearden was not being investigated for any wrong-doing, but that the wing has faced challenges during a series of recent inspections.

“Chandler … said new leadership was required to maintain the highest levels of precision and reliability,” according to the press release.

Bearden was replaced by Col. Jerry Harris, who was serving as director of operations for 13th Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Bearden took command of the Wolf Pack in May after serving previously as commander of the 43rd Maintenance Group at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

He will be reassigned to a position outside Korea, according to the press release.

[CrustySMSgt]

wow... things must be bad at the Kun...

[Smeghead]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

wow... things must be bad at the Kun...

Not especially

[harbingerofsorrow]

I remember when i was there for an ORI. we went to MOPP 0 starting ona friday afternoon, even though the exercise didn't start until sunday nite/monday morning. I recall hearing that the IG team wasn't to pleased with that. The wing king ended up getting his star anyway....

[Sgt_ski]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

wow... things must be bad at the Kun...

I'm sure they will be. I just wish we could get the story behind the events, instead of the sanitized garbage we have been getting. Although, it appears on the surface that a lot of the traditions and things that made life at Kunsan bearable are going to be a thing of the past now. This place is going to suck for a while.

[harbingerofsorrow]

That reminds me of the end of my tour there. Apparently you aren't allowed to sell liquor w/o a license, so all the hooches had a donation box at the entrance. What a glorious few months those were. Also, the 24 hr rec center with beer available 24 hrs a day as well was pretty sweet. What did suck though was the 1 exercise a month for my tour, plus 3 in a 6 week period leading up to and including the ORI. And they wonder why people drank so much...

[TheShaggy]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

wow... things must be bad at the Kun...

I'll bet you someone spotted an Airman walking from their dorm room to their car without their reflective belt at 1300. Instead of properly going up the chain of command, the issue went straight up to the PACAF/CC prompting the firing of the 8th FW/CC for not properly monitoring the people in his wing. Seriously, something like that happening would not surprise me one bit.

[technomage1]

Let the new era of accountability at all ranks begin! It's long overdue, the past way of burning the lower ranks and golden parachuting the higher was murder on morale since it was so unfair.

Wonder what he did, or didn't do? Anyone have the scoop?

[Sgt_ski]

Originally Posted by technomage1

Let the new era of accountability at all ranks begin! It's long overdue, the past way of burning the lower ranks and golden parachuting the higher was murder on morale since it was so unfair.

Wonder what he did, or didn't do? Anyone have the scoop?

No, that's the thing, we don't know what happened.

[THE SHADOW]

I know Chandler and he's a 100%+ fighter pilot guy and this guy that was replaced came from Pope who was a Maintenance Group Commander.

Don't have this guys bio but if he ain't 100% fighter pilot, Chandler and him would have butt heads on any little issue and that would have done it. Chandler doesn't mince words when it comes to fighter ops, tactics, and training.