317th Airlift Wing commander at Dyess AFB in Abilene relieved of command

Col. David L. Owens on Wednesday was relieved as commander of the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base.

The announcement was made by the commander of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Lt. Gen. Giovanni K. Tuck.

According to an announcement posted mid-afternoon Wednesday on the Dyess website, Owens was relieved of his command "due to the creation of an unhealthy work environment that impacted the commander’s ability to lead effectively. A recent investigation substantiated allegations that he failed to establish and maintain a healthy command climate and created a toxic environment."

Col. Rhett Boldenow, 317th vice commander, was named interim commander effective immediately.

The 317th is the 28-plane C-130 wing at the base. Formerly the 317th Airlift Group, it was elevated to a wing in July. It is one of four active duty C-130 wings.

Owens at that time was named its first commander.

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That change put two wings at the base, with the 317th joining the 7th Bomb Wing that drew a commander in August with Col. Brandon Parker taking charge. Parker also is base commander.

The Air Force said Owens, as 317th commander, was responsible for "organizing, training and equipping 1,200 personnel to operate, maintain and sustain C-130J aircraft engaged in worldwide combat aerial delivery operations."

“I am committed to ensuring we have the right leaders in place," Tuck said. "Our focus is on taking care of our airmen and civilians as we rebuild the command climate in the 317th Airlift Wing.”

Owens has been temporarily detailed to the 7th Bomb Wing pending a new assignment.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996 and earning his pilot's wings two years later, Owens is a 22-year veteran of the Air Force. He served for more than two years as military aide to the vice president at the White House.

He was promoted to colonel in August 2015.

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