Wyoming Air National Guard fires two senior commanders citing 'loss of confidence'

Published Jul 21, 05:08 PM UTC

The Wyoming Air National Guard relieved two senior commanders on July 17, citing a 'loss of confidence and trust in their ability to effectively lead and command.' Col. Brian Diehl was removed as commander of the 153rd Airlift Wing, and Col. Lawrence Sullivan was fired from command of the 153rd Operations Group. Brig. Gen. Barry Deibert, the state's top Air Guard officer, stated that leaders are held to the highest standards and that appropriate action must be taken when trust is broken. No specific reasons for the firings were disclosed, which is typical in military relief announcements. Diehl had a background as an airlift pilot and special operations assignments, while Sullivan had prior Army and Air Force helicopter experience. The 153rd Wing operates C-130H aircraft for missions including strategic airlift, firefighting, and Antarctic resupply.