In a recent turn of events, the Florida State Guard faces scrutiny over alleged aviation safety issues and financial mismanagement. Records indicate that the DeSantis administration was informed of these concerns nearly a year before they became public. This revelation came after James Ethridge, a retired Navy commander, raised alarms about the situation.
Ethridge, who was appointed in March to address safety concerns in the guard’s Aviation Response Squadron, quickly identified “severe” safety violations and financial waste, reportedly totaling millions. He advised grounding all flights until the issues were rectified. However, his warnings were met with resistance, and he was dismissed just three weeks into his tenure. According to Ethridge, his termination was abrupt, with officials citing a “failure to follow directives” and “conduct unbecoming a public employee” as reasons.
The Orlando Sentinel recently revealed that the administration kept these issues hidden until senior officers, pilots, and soldiers began exiting the agency amid accusations of financial mismanagement, unreported sexual harassment, and poor planning. Ethridge’s report, shared with the governor’s office, highlighted missing FAA compliance documentation and unsafe flight conditions.
Ethridge, a seasoned Navy pilot with over 20 years of experience, was tasked with enhancing safety standards. His concerns about the guard’s practices, including being pressured to fly without adequate training, were dismissed when the investigation into his claims was dropped following his firing.
State officials attributed his dismissal to non-compliance with guard policies, citing the unauthorized distribution of a safety memo among soldiers. Ethridge and his attorney assert that his firing was retaliation for his safety concerns. They sought whistleblower protection from the Florida Commission on Human Relations but were denied. An investigator acknowledged Ethridge’s whistleblower activities but found no evidence they led to his firing.
Ethridge has since filed an unlawful termination suit with the Public Employee Relations Commission. The guard, mostly comprising volunteers, also employs a paid staff of about 32, many of whom are retired military personnel. The reactivation of the guard by Gov. DeSantis, after 75 years of inactivity, faced criticism as being akin to a personal military force.
Former guard employees have publicly accused Mark Thieme, the guard’s director, of misusing funds for personal gain, including obtaining a private pilot’s license. They claimed he spent millions on incompatible aircraft and retaliated against those who raised concerns. The Florida House of Representatives is reportedly investigating these allegations.
The state guard’s troubles coincide with Gov. DeSantis’s request to double its $36 million budget. Despite multiple requests, neither the governor’s office nor Thieme has commented on the situation. Meanwhile, several salaried pilots have resigned, citing safety concerns and intimidation. Chief Pilot Matt Sweet, Ethridge’s supervisor, recently resigned, adding to the agency’s leadership turnover.
Mike Pintacura, a former guard commander, also resigned, expressing his disillusionment with the current leadership. He criticized the handling of state funds and the lack of response from the governor’s staff. Pintacura expressed disappointment with Gov. DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who he claims have not addressed the issues raised.
Ethridge’s attorney criticized the human relations commission’s decision to deny whistleblower protections, highlighting the timing of his firing and the lack of investigation into his complaints. Ethridge remains steadfast in his commitment to aviation safety, stating, “I owe it to aviation, an industry I cherish, to stop the FSG from flying aircraft until they are Safe for Flight.”
