The leader of the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing has removed his second-in-command due to a loss of confidence, according to a spokesperson for Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
Col. William Jones, the 20th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, was relieved of command Feb. 17 by Col. Stephen Jost, the wing's commanding officer, according to spokesperson Capt. Keavy Rake.
"Jones has been temporarily reassigned to Headquarters, Ninth Air Force," Rake said in a statement. "No decisions have been made to name an interim vice commander at this time."
The wing gave no specific explanation as to why Jones was removed for loss of confidence.
"The Air Force relies on all airmen, and especially commanders of all levels, to uphold and adhere to the highest of standards, to foster a professional atmosphere," Rake said. "When these standards are not met, confidence is lost and we cannot allow the individuals to remain in positions of command."
Jones joined the Air Force in 1993, though he served before that in the Army Reserve, according to his official bio. He has more than 2,000 flight hours, most on the F-16 Falcon and T-38 Talon trainer, and has spent much of his career as an instructor pilot.
Jones has received the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster.
The story was first reported by local S.C. paper The Sumter Item.
