SUPT commander fired at CAFB

Colonel Derek Stuart, commander of the 14th Operations Group at Columbus AFB, Miss., was removed from command of the 52-week specialized undergraduate pilot training (SUPT) on Jan. 2. Stuart was fired by 19th Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Craig Wills “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command,” the Air Education and Training Command said in an e-mail Jan. 7. Lt. Col. William McElhinney III has assumed command of the 14th OG, according to the AETC. (Source: AF Times 01/08/20) McElhinney was in command of the 43rd Flying Training Squadron at CAFB. The 43rd FTS, part of the 14th Flying Training Wing, administers and executes the AETC/AFRC Associate Instructor Pilot (IP) Program and provides Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and Traditional Reserve (TR) IPs to augment the cadre of active duty pilots conducting pilot training. During wartime, or hostilities, the unit is mobilized to offset anticipated losses of experienced active duty pilot contributions to the instructor pilot training programs. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/01/08/ops-group-commander-in-charge-of-pilot-training-at-columbus-afb-fired/