Nuclear Group Commander Relieved of Duty

In another case of the Air Force demanding the highest performance from its nuclear officers, Col. Robert Stanley, commander of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., relieved Col. David Lynch, head of wing’s security forces group, of command after “a loss of confidence” in his ability to lead, according to a wing release. Stanley took this action on Aug. 22, states the release. Col. John Wilcox, Air Force Global Strike Command security forces division director, will serve as the interim group commander until Lynch’s replacement is in place. The group’s four security forces squadrons and more than 1,200 personnel protect the wing’s 150 Minuteman III ICBMs. The 341st MW earlier this month received an unsatisfactory rating in a nuclear surety inspection. “Lynch’s removal is not a result” of that outcome, states the release. “However, as the 341st MW prepares for a re-inspection, Stanley must have full confidence in the leadership ability of his commanders,” it states. Lynch is the second nuclear commander relieved of duty of late. In June, Lt. Col. Randy Olson lost his job as the 91st Operations Support Squadron commander at Minot AFB. N.D. (See Minot Daily News report.)