Air Force Fires Guam Commander for 'Shortfalls in His Personal Conduct'

Air Force officials have fired a commander who oversaw a base in Guam and said his removal was due to conduct that occurred before he held that position. Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, commander of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was relieved of his duties "due to shortfalls in his personal conduct prior to taking command," according to a Monday press release from Pacific Air Forces.

"I did not make this decision lightly," Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander of the 11th Air Force -- which oversees the 36th Wing, said in the press release. "Commanders must always be held to the highest standards."