The 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan relieved the commander of its maintenance squadron on Monday, according to a media report.

Lt. Col. Jason Moehle, who led the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintainers of the F-16 Wild Weasel aircraft, was relieved by 35th Maintenance Group commander Col. Rognald Christensen, who cited a loss of confidence in Moehle’s ability to command, the Air Force Times reported Wednesday. The Times quoted a statement from wing commander Col. Kristopher Struve.

“A decision of this magnitude is never easy to make, but it’s the right decision in ensuring we’re maintaining the highest standards of leadership in the 35th Fighter Wing’s ranks,” Struve said, according to the report.

Moehle assumed command of the maintenance squadron in June 2018, the report said.

As a major in March 2016, Moehle temporarily took over the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Langley, Va., when its commander at the time, Lt. Col. Ivan Pennington, was relieved by the 1st Wing commander for the same reason, lack of confidence.

The 1st Fighter Wing flies the F-22 Raptor advanced stealth fighter.

At Misawa, Moehle had responsibility for keeping the 44 F-16CM fighters ready to fly. Their role in combat is to clear a path for friendly aircraft by defeating opposing anti-air missiles and other defenses. The Wild Weasels typically arrive early during an air attack.

Moehle as a captain graduated in December 2011 from the U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School, Combat Support Course, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., according to the Air Force.

He entered the service in 2004 and was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, according to the Air Force Times. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal, the report said.

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