Commander fired
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on May 27, 2015 1:46 PM
Full Size
Charles Underhill
One of the highest-ranking officers on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base -- the decorated colonel responsible for overseeing everything from security, food services and personnel support for the 4th Fighter Wing -- was fired Friday after his commanding officer deemed him unfit to lead.
4th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Charles Underhill, who received his commission in 1991 and has served since, was "relieved from command by Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing Commander, because of a loss of confidence in his ability to command following the initiation of an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations," a statement provided by the wing's Public Affairs Office said.
And while Slocum, through his staff, declined to comment on the nature of the investigation, an airman with knowledge of the inquiry alleged that the colonel had been accused of sexual misconduct.
"In order to preserve the rights of individuals and the integrity of the process, we do not comment further on ongoing investigations," the statement read.
Officials had no comment when asked why someone of such a high stature would be terminated before the investigation is completed.
Underhill's official Air Force biography lists his responsibilities as:
"As commander, he is responsible for the leadership and management of the base's civil engineers, communications and computer systems support, security and law enforcement, transportation requirements, supply, personnel support, logistics readiness, education, food services, and the housing and recreational activities for a community of more than 13,000 people."