Air Force fires commander, disciplines others in Massachusetts Air National Guard leak case
The commander of an Air National Guard unit in Massachusetts was amongst 15 service members who had been disciplined for dereliction of responsibility following an inside investigation into an airman accused of sharing greater than 40 photos of labeled data to a social media platform, Air Force officers stated Monday.
Col. Sean Riley, commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, was relieved of command after an Air Force inspector basic inquiry concluded that he and others within the chain of command did not take “proper action” after they turned conscious that Airman 1st Class Jack Teixeira was allegedly posting labeled data, largely concerning the warfare in Ukraine.
“However, the investigation did not find evidence that members of Teixeira’s supervisory chain were aware of his alleged unauthorized disclosures,” the Air Force stated Monday.
Commanders and supervisors at Airman Teixeira’s unit did not adequately examine areas underneath their command and issued inconsistent steerage about reporting safety incidents. Inspectors additionally famous a scarcity of supervision and oversight of night time shift operations, officers stated.
“Every airman and guardian is entrusted with the solemn duty to safeguard our nation’s classified defense information. When there is a breach of that sacred trust, for any reason, we will act in accordance with our laws and policies to hold responsible individuals accountable,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated in an announcement following Monday’s announcement of the Air Force inspector basic report.
Other commanders within the unit who had been suspended following Airman Teixeira‘s arrest have been permanently removed. His unit’s duties had been reassigned to different organizations within the Air Force.
“Our national security demands leaders at every level protect critical assets, ensuring they do not fall into the hands of those who would do the United States or our allies and partners harm,” Mr. Kendall stated.
The Air Force inspector basic’s report is separate from the continued Justice Department case towards Airman Teixeira.
According to courtroom paperwork, the pictures had been posted on-line between December 2022 and March 2023. He was arrested April 13 and charged with unauthorized elimination and transmission of nationwide protection data and unauthorized elimination and retention of labeled paperwork. He has pleaded not responsible.
