Best Defense

Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

While we were out

After only six months, the commander of a USAF fighter wing in Germany was relieved of command.

Split-second shot
Split-second shot
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Capt. Christopher Stricklin ejects from the USAF Thunderbirds number six aircraft less than a second before it impacted the ground at an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 14. Stricklin, who was not injured, ejected after both guiding the jet away from the crowd of more than 60,000 people and ensuring he couldn't save the aircraft. This was only the second crash since the Air Force began using F-16 Falcons for its demonstration team in 1982. The ACES II ejection seat performed flawlessly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

The commander of a USAF fighter wing in Germany was relieved. Not clear why. Apparently didn’t pass probationary period.

The commander of a USAF fighter wing in Germany was relieved. Not clear why. Apparently didn’t pass probationary period.

Wikipedia

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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