U.S. Air Force strip senior officer of command

The United States Air Force has removed Col. Gabriel S. Arrington from his role as commander of the 12th Air Task Force (ATF) following an internal investigation that found misconduct inconsistent with command responsibilities.

The decision was made by Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, deputy commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), who cited a loss of confidence in Arrington’s ability to command.

Announcing the decision on January 30, 2025, Sonkiss emphasised the critical role of the 12th ATF and the high standards expected of its leadership.

“The 12th ATF is on the leading edge of the Air Force’s transformation. The Air Force needs this unit laser-focused on developing a highly lethal, disciplined, unified, and ready force,” she stated. “We hold all Airmen accountable for their actions, especially those holding positions of command.”

The 12th Air Task Force is a key unit within the U.S Air Force, responsible for training and certifying 2,500 Airmen for deployment through the Force Generation cycle. Their mission is to ensure that Air Force personnel are cohesive, disciplined, and ready for combat operations.

Following Arrington’s removal, it is understood that Lt. Col. Jonathan Hoefing, previously serving as the unit’s deputy commander, has taken over as interim commander.

While the U.S. Air Force has not disclosed specific details of Arrington’s misconduct, the removal of a senior commander is a significant decision, often reflecting serious breaches of conduct, leadership failures, or ethical violations.

The U.S. Air Force, the organisation claims, has a strict zero-tolerance policy for leadership failings, particularly in units responsible for combat readiness and operational effectiveness.

Arrington’s dismissal comes amid a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on military leadership accountability. The U.S. military has faced several high-profile command removals in recent years, reflecting efforts to enforce discipline and maintain trust within the armed forces.

No further details have been released.