A Sacramento Bee newspaper investigation has uncovered a major problem with the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing based in Fresno that has cost the Government hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You can read the story HERE.

The pilots were double-dipping – working during the day flying F-16s and then grabbing a shift (on alert) at night and getting paid for that, too. It’s not exactly safe, either.

The double dipping went all the way to the top of the Fresno unit as the Wing Commander was on pace to make about $316,000 this year.

Now there’s a big investigation by the Air Force. There will probably be criminal charges.

Readers may remember that the 144th Fighter Wing is scheduled to receive the Montana National Guard’s F-15s.

The newly formed group, Citizens for Montana’s Military, brought this investigation to the Montana media’s attention yesterday. KRTV (CBS) grabbed to story and ran with it. You can read it HERE.

Citizens for Montana’s Military believe that with the leadership of the 144th in question, the basis for moving the F-15s from Montana to California deserves another look – an impartial look – to ensure Montana received a fair shake.

I totally agree.

There’s a lot about this move that does not make sense. Now, it’s up to the Montana Congressional delegation to take the ball and run with it all the way to the Pentagon to ensure Montana was treated fairly in all aspects of the decision to move the F-15s to Fresno. Then, they need to press the Pentagon about the future of a flying unit in Fresno because after this investigation is complete, Fresno may not have any pilots left to fly Montana’s F-15s.

It’s worth another look.