Elite Air Force Rescue Squadron Commander Relieved over 'Loss of Confidence'

The head of an elite Air Force rescue squadron has been removed after more than a year in the job.

Col. Daniel P. Walls, 23rd Wing commander, relieved Lt. Col. Scott Rein from command of the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, on Monday, the service said in a news release.

Rein assumed command in June 2018, according to a Facebook post.

"After careful consideration, the decision to relieve the commander was made based on a loss of confidence in his ability to lead and command," the release states, adding that Lt. Col. Chad Kohout is currently serving as interim commander of the unit.

Related: F.E. Warren Security Forces Commander Relieved Following Investigation

Kohout was named commander of the 36th Rescue Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, in 2017, according to the service.

“Rein is not and never was under investigation of any kind, nor is any criminal investigation expected to follow his removal from command. Rein was relieved over a loss of confidence in his ability to maintain a healthy work environment," said Master Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik, superintendent for public affairs at the Wing.

The 41st is an active-duty HH-60G Pave Hawk personnel recovery squadron specializing in rescue in combat environments. The unit is part of the 347th Rescue Group, the oldest Air Force active-duty operations group dedicated to personnel recovery, according to the service.

Rein's ouster follows another leader's removal over loss of confidence in recent days.

Officials with Air Force Global Strike Command's 90th Missile Wing announced Monday that Col. Damian Schlussel, commander of the 90th Security Forces Group at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, relieved Lt. Col. Nicholas Petren, head of the 90th Security Forces Squadron, "due to a loss of confidence" in his leadership.

Following an investigation, Petren was relieved over his inability to maintain a healthy command climate, officials with the 90th said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

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