Pacific Air Forces boss Gen. Howie Chandler on Nov. 10 relieved Col. Bryan Bearden of his duties as commander of the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, South Korea. A Nov. 10 release cited the reason given by Chandler as “duty performance factors.” Bearden, who had led the Wolf Pack wing since May 2008, will receive a new assignment outside Korea, according to the release. Chandler has named Col. Jerry Harris, who has been serving as 13th Air Force director of operations at Hickam AB, Hawaii, to take command at Kunsan.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

