- The Washington Times - Monday, December 11, 2023

The commander of an Air National Guard unit in Massachusetts was among 15 service members who were disciplined for dereliction of duty following an internal investigation into an airman accused of sharing more than 40 images of classified information to a social media platform, Air Force officials said 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 general inquiry concluded that he and others in the chain of command failed to take “proper action” after they became aware that Airman 1st Class Jack Teixeira was allegedly posting classified information, mostly about the war in Ukraine.

“However, the investigation did not find evidence that members of Airman Teixeira’s supervisory chain were aware of his alleged unauthorized disclosures,” the Air Force said Monday. 

Commanders and supervisors at Airman Teixeira’s unit failed to adequately inspect areas under their command and issued inconsistent guidance about reporting security incidents. Inspectors also noted a lack of supervision and oversight of night shift operations, officials said.

“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 said in a statement following Monday’s announcement of the Air Force inspector general report.

Other commanders in the unit who were suspended following Airman Teixeira’s arrest have been permanently removed. His unit’s duties were reassigned to other organizations in 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 said.

The Air Force inspector general’s report is separate from the ongoing Justice Department case against Airman Teixeira.

According to court documents, the images were posted online between December 2022 and March 2023. He was arrested April 13 and charged with unauthorized removal and transmission of national defense information and unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.

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