While Details Remain Unknown, Maj. Gen. Stewart is Out for Good

The commander overseeing the US Air Force's pilot training efforts was removed from his post following an investigation into possible misconduct.

Major General Phillip Stewart was cut loose due to what Air Education and Training Command head Lieutenant General Brian Robinson called "a loss of confidence in his ability to lead”. Steward had been on the job for less than a year, with the alleged conduct somewhat mysterious while the investigation remains underway. For the time being, Stewart will be replaced by his former deputy, Brigadier General Christopher Amrhein, until further notice.

“The Air Force takes any misconduct allegation seriously and is committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” Robinson said in the release announcing Stewart's forcible departure. During his time overseeing the 19th Air Force, he oversaw more than 32,000 employees with a fleet of 1,500 aircraft, training more than 27,000 airmen from around the country and allied nations each year. The 2-star general cut his teeth as an F-15C pilot starting out in 1992, becoming an IP and evaluator as he worked his way up the ladder. Throughout his flying career, he logged more than 600 combat hours over 168 missions, earning the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. Before overseeing training, Steward commanded the NATO Global Hawk force and its air advisors in Afghanistan, netting himself the NATO Meritorious Service Medal from the alliance’s secretary general.

Major General Stewart joins a handful of departing personnel in the force this year, with half a dozen officers axed from infrastructure, fueling, and logistics in recent months.

FMI: www.af.mil