Air Force Special Ops Commander Ousted After Domestic Violence Arrest
Air Force Lt. Col. Brent P. Byng, who had led the 19th Special Operations Squadron for just over a month, was relieved of his command following his arrest in Florida on domestic violence charges. Byng, responsible for training AC-130 gunship crews, was arrested on June 23 for allegedly choking a woman and a child.
In a statement, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) emphasized, “Command is a privilege, not a right. The Air Force has a strict zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity and holds commanders to the highest standards. In the interest of the unit, the member, and the Air Force, Lt. Col. Byng was relieved from command for cause.”
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Byng confronted his wife over alleged infidelity and demanded her phone. The situation escalated when he reportedly grabbed his wife’s neck, then threatened their children with a pocket knife to obtain the phone. The children fled in fear, and Byng allegedly attempted to choke one child on the front porch before stopping when a neighbor arrived. His wife then rescued the children and called for help from a nearby home.
Byng faces felony charges including cruelty toward a child, obstructing justice, battery, and aggravated assault. Authorities are investigating the incident, and Air Force officials are cooperating fully.
An interim commander has been appointed to lead the 19th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, which trains crews for AC-130 and MC-130 gunships and tankers.
AFSOC confirmed it is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
