CMSgt. Jose Barraza, command chief of the 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern, was removed from his position Monday, according to a press release. Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of the 12th Air Force and AFSOUTH, made the move because of a loss of confidence in Barraza’s ability to carry out his duties. Barraza is the subject of “an ongoing investigation” and has been reassigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., until the outcome of that investigation is final, according to the release. AFSOUTH spokesman Capt. Bryan Bouchard said Tuesday that he was unable to comment on the subject of an ongoing investigation. Bouchard said that the position of chief master sergeant is “very vital and very intensive” and that Kelly had decided to remove Barraza “in the interest of good order and discipline.” Barraza had been in his position since June of 2015.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.