Lt Colonel McCormick's Controversial Leadership at Tinker AFB

In June 2023, Lt Colonel William McCormick assumed command of the 552d Training Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, succeeding Lt Colonel Richard Higashi. However, far from bringing a fresh start, McCormick's tenure has been marked by controversy and accusations of continuing the flawed practices of his predecessor.

Lt Colonel William McCormick inherited a situation marred by allegations of prejudice and mishandling within the squadron, particularly concerning Captain Juan Gale who had faced unsubstantiated accusations under previous leadership. Expectations for fair treatment under new leadership were dashed as reports surfaced suggesting that Lt Colonel McCormick not only failed to rectify past injustices but allegedly perpetuated them.

It was alleged in court proceedings in February 2024, that Lt Colonel William McCormick was aware of a purportedly malicious tactical plan targeting Captain Juan Gale and had reportedly misled him for 30 days as he attempted to regain his entitlements, including flight pay, security clearance, and clearance of his records.

Furthermore, Lt Colonel William McCormick allegedly attempted to counsel (RIC) Captain Gale in March of 2024, on accusations that were disproven in 2022 and refused to provide a rights reading on March 18, 2024,  allegedly stating, "I don't have to read you your rights." This action is a violation of Air Force regulations as well as Commander and the Law (page 149-152).

Furthermore, Lt Colonel William McCormick allegedly misled leadership from the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACs) when they attempted to assist Captain Juan Gale in reclaiming what was rightfully owed to him under the 14th Amendment ("Section 1: No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." This allegedly occurred after Major General Koscheski dismissed the case, raising further questions about Lt Colonel McCormick's commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards.

“This kind of leadership is not just incompetent, it's dangerous," remarked the Gale family . "To see someone entrusted with leadership fail to uphold the basic principles of fairness and justice erodes trust not only among service members but also among the American public."

The controversy surrounding Lt Colonel William McCormick underscores broader concerns about leadership within the Air Force and its implications for those considering military service. "If leaders like Lt Colonel William McCormick are allowed to operate unchecked, how can we expect young people to trust their futures in the hands of such a system?" asked advocates for military justice reform.

Despite calls for accountability and transparency, the issues at Tinker Air Force Base continue to unfold, casting a shadow over the 552d TRSS and raising fundamental questions about ethics and leadership within the U.S. Air Force.