2
2
0
The commodore of the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing 1, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, was fired Tuesday after a loss of confidence in her ability to lead. Capt. Heather Cole had "not performed up to the high standards demanded of an officer in command," Naval Air Forces said in a press release.
Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, the AIRFOR boss, relieved Cole of command of the wing and Task Force 124, an operational command post that reports to U.S. Strategic Command.
The relief stemmed from an investigation Shoemaker launched in February based on revelations of significant issues within the wing, said Cmdr. Jeannie Groeneveld, AIRFOR spokeswoman.
Cole's shortcomings were professional in nature, she said, and unfolded over time, adding that she could not comment further as the investigation has not been completed.
"The relief was due to deficiencies in her performance that were identified in the findings of the investigation," Groeneveld said. The deficiencies had nothing to do with TF-124's Strategic Nuclear Forces mission, she said, but instead were "cultural issues" within the wing itself.
Cole has been temporarily assigned to the San Diego-based staff of AIRFOR pending the outcome of the investigation.
Attempts to immediately reach Cole via phone and email were unsuccessful Tuesday, after the Navy announced the relief.
Capt. Brian McCormick, who has served as the task force's deputy commander, has been named the acting wing commander.
The post answers to two masters. Strategic Communications Wing 1 reports to AIRFOR on the manning and training of the E-6B Mercury squadrons that fly the airborne command post.
The wing's operational side, Task Force 124, is part of the nuclear command and control echelon and reports to U.S. Strategic Command on missions like Airborne Command Post, the Airborne Launch Control System, the Non-Strategic Nuclear Forces Theater Commanders and the "Take Charge and Move Out" (TACAMO) Emergency Action Message relay.
A native of Ferris, Texas, Cole is a graduate of the University of Texas and received her commission through Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, in 1990. She received her wings in 1991, according to her official bio.
Cole, a naval flight officer, served first in P-3 aircraft at various assignments until she transitioned to the TACAMO community in 1993.
She also served as the aviation initial assignment detailer, first in Washington, D.C., and then making the move to Millington, Tennessee, in 1999 when Navy Personnel Command relocated there. From 2000 to 2003, Cole served as the operations administrative officer aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/17/navy-tacamo-co-cole-fired-investigation-cultural/24915989/
Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, the AIRFOR boss, relieved Cole of command of the wing and Task Force 124, an operational command post that reports to U.S. Strategic Command.
The relief stemmed from an investigation Shoemaker launched in February based on revelations of significant issues within the wing, said Cmdr. Jeannie Groeneveld, AIRFOR spokeswoman.
Cole's shortcomings were professional in nature, she said, and unfolded over time, adding that she could not comment further as the investigation has not been completed.
"The relief was due to deficiencies in her performance that were identified in the findings of the investigation," Groeneveld said. The deficiencies had nothing to do with TF-124's Strategic Nuclear Forces mission, she said, but instead were "cultural issues" within the wing itself.
Cole has been temporarily assigned to the San Diego-based staff of AIRFOR pending the outcome of the investigation.
Attempts to immediately reach Cole via phone and email were unsuccessful Tuesday, after the Navy announced the relief.
Capt. Brian McCormick, who has served as the task force's deputy commander, has been named the acting wing commander.
The post answers to two masters. Strategic Communications Wing 1 reports to AIRFOR on the manning and training of the E-6B Mercury squadrons that fly the airborne command post.
The wing's operational side, Task Force 124, is part of the nuclear command and control echelon and reports to U.S. Strategic Command on missions like Airborne Command Post, the Airborne Launch Control System, the Non-Strategic Nuclear Forces Theater Commanders and the "Take Charge and Move Out" (TACAMO) Emergency Action Message relay.
A native of Ferris, Texas, Cole is a graduate of the University of Texas and received her commission through Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, in 1990. She received her wings in 1991, according to her official bio.
Cole, a naval flight officer, served first in P-3 aircraft at various assignments until she transitioned to the TACAMO community in 1993.
She also served as the aviation initial assignment detailer, first in Washington, D.C., and then making the move to Millington, Tennessee, in 1999 when Navy Personnel Command relocated there. From 2000 to 2003, Cole served as the operations administrative officer aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/17/navy-tacamo-co-cole-fired-investigation-cultural/24915989/
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 19
Good call, that's why we do investigations. I am sure those subordinates with which she had "cultural issues" with would undoubtedly agree as well.
(1)
(0)
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
That's a great point but it goes back to the fact that we all have more than one persona, we have the one at work the one that our friends see and the one that people try to keep tucked away from everyone. Could be that she let some of that other persona out....
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
CPO Tena Slason
Want to make sure my comment posts - Hello Paul
Have some respect - investigation is not over - have some respect for the Navy and TACAMO!
Have some respect - investigation is not over - have some respect for the Navy and TACAMO!
(0)
(0)
CPO Nicholas Harris
She was my boss when I was stationed CSCW-1. This is a shock for me and I served with ATC Slason (Tena's Husband). Captain Cole was very professional and supported her sailors. When the article referenced the cultural climate this was probably due to the infamous command climate survey.
TACAMO has changed drastically and from what I understand morale is low due to the change in ops not the quality of life. Hopefully the investigation will vindicate her.
TACAMO has changed drastically and from what I understand morale is low due to the change in ops not the quality of life. Hopefully the investigation will vindicate her.
(0)
(0)
Just Obama getting rid some more of our military that he does't like.
(0)
(0)
I went and looked at a few of the other articles related to relieving Captain Cole of her command. The two things that stand out the most are:
1) The investigation into her conduct and leadership is still ongoing
2) Relieving her of command was not related to the Nuclear Forces Mission of her wing
The STRATCOMMWING One website does not have any information on the incident at all. It just lists the current chain of command listing a Captain Brian McCormick as the Acting Commander.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/17/navy-tacamo-co-cole-fired-investigation-cultural/24915989/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/03/18/navy-strategic-air-wing-commander-fired.html
1) The investigation into her conduct and leadership is still ongoing
2) Relieving her of command was not related to the Nuclear Forces Mission of her wing
The STRATCOMMWING One website does not have any information on the incident at all. It just lists the current chain of command listing a Captain Brian McCormick as the Acting Commander.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/17/navy-tacamo-co-cole-fired-investigation-cultural/24915989/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/03/18/navy-strategic-air-wing-commander-fired.html
TACAMO wing CO fired amid investigation
Capt. Heather Cole was removed from command of Strategic Communications Wing 1 after a report uncovered problems with her professionalism.
(0)
(0)
I certainly would consider the source. Russians are the most trustworthy when it comes to news and they need as much deflection away from the Ukraine situation as they can get.
(0)
(0)
The linked article seems like the kind of thing right out of a Tom Clancy novel.
(0)
(0)
No proper authentication = no valid order.
If this actually occurred it was probably an exercise. And I emphasize IF she was correct.
Note: subsequent posting indicate she was not relieved for this incident.
If this actually occurred it was probably an exercise. And I emphasize IF she was correct.
Note: subsequent posting indicate she was not relieved for this incident.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next