The head of pilot training in the Air Force was fired amid an investigation into allegations of alleged misconduct, authorities said this week.
Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, commander of the San Antonio-based 19th Air Force, was relieved Tuesday due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to lead” after less than a year on the job. Officials with Air Education and Training Command confirmed that his firing was related to “alleged misconduct” but declined to elaborate on the accusations.
Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of AETC, said new leadership at the top of the 19th Air Force was needed to ensure “good order and discipline and continued high performance.”
“The Air Force takes any misconduct allegation seriously and is committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” Gen. Robinson said in a statement.
Brig. Gen. Christopher R. Amrhein, vice commander of the 19th Air Force, has been appointed as interim commander, AETC officials said.
The 19th Air Force is responsible for training more than 30,000 U.S. and allied students in a number of specialties, from aircrews to drone pilots.
Gen. Stewart is a 1992 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has served multiple combat tours, including once commanding the air component of NATO’s advise and assist training mission in Afghanistan.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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