Col. Jaron Roux has been terminated from his post following an ongoing investigation into allegations he had an unprofessional relationship with another service member. He was the 437th Airlift Wing Commander at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Roux was removed on Thursday by the head of the 18th Air Force, Maj. Gen. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., for lack of confidence in his ability to lead. He was also alleged an unprofessional relationship and fraternization. Point to be noted that fraternization typically refers to an inappropriate peer relationship between an officer and a subordinate in the US military. A spokeswoman for the 18th, Capt. Alexis Burdon said that an investigation into Roux started on 11th March and the investigation into allegations of misconduct is ongoing.
Burdon said, “There have currently been no charges preferred against him”. But, she didn’t comment further on details about the pending investigation. Roux took command of the 437th in August and has been reassigned to Air Mobility Command headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Bibb also released a statement and said, “Commanders are placed in a special position of trust and are expected to exemplify the highest standards of conduct personally and professionally. I must have complete confidence in our wing commanders to lead airmen, maintain good order and discipline, and execute the mission in an environment where professional relationships and the Air Force core values serve as the foundation for our actions”. Now, the 437th vice commander, Col. Christopher Robinson will serve as the wing’s top officer for the time being.
It is noteworthy that Roux graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in 2000. He was assigned to the Charleston base to fly the C-17 Globemaster III following pilot training. Roux returned to the academy as the executive officer to the Commandant of Cadets in 2009. He was the vice commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates prior to his role at the 437th. Roux has more than 4,100 hours, including 900 combat hours, in the C-17, KC-10 Extender, T-37B Tweet, T-1A Jayhawk, and T-52A trainer. His staff tours also include assignments at the Academy, the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, and at Air Mobility Command.