AFSOUTH command chief removed due to 'loss of confidence'

Chief Master Sgt. Jose Barraza, the command chief of the 12th Air Force, also known as Air Forces Southern, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, has been relieved of command.

AFSOUTH Commander Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly removed Barraza Nov. 23 due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to carry out his duties," AFSOUTH said in a Monday release.

Capt. Bryan Bouchard, a spokesman for AFSOUTH, said Barraza's removal stemmed from an ongoing investigation, but could not comment on the subject of that investigation. Bouchard did not know when the investigation would be finished.

"The general felt it was in the best interests of good order and discipline to remove [Barraza] to ensure the needs of the organization would be met," Bouchard said.

The release said that Barraza will be transferred to a different position at Davis-Monthan until the investigation is finished. As command chief, Barraza served as the top enlisted adviser to AFSOUTH leadership.

Barraza, who joined the Air Force in 1989, has been the command chief at AFSOUTH since June 2015. He was previously the command chief of the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.

He was the subject of a January 2014 Airman Magazine story, "Playing the Pawn," that detailed his inspirational journey from Los Angeles gang member to a position of Air Force leadership.

The 12th Air Force report to Air Combat Command, and also serves as the air component for U.S. Southern Command. It provides air and space support for the military in Central and South America and the Caribbean.