Lt. Col. James Wilkerson, former 31st Fighter Wing inspector general at Aviano AB, Italy, faces a court-martial for allegedly groping a female civilian base employee in March, announced Aviano officials last week. Specifically, the Air Force has charged Wilkerson, who was the wing’s IG from January to May, with two counts of violating Article 120 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice—for abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual assault—and three counts of violating Article 133—for conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. He faces a maximum sentence of more than 37 years of confinement if convicted in his trial this fall, said the officials. “The Air Force and the 31st Fighter Wing are dedicated to a culture where sexual assault is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st FW commander, in an Aug. 16 release. To continue to the full report, click here.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
