Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. However, she didnt want to make a scene and ruin the evening, as she and her husband had gotten a babysitter to be able to go out for the night. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, the commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command on Tuesday after less than six months on the job because of loss of. Wing Commander Col. David Epperson took administrative action against Retka after the Office of Special Investigations completed its investigation last September, Gabe Myers, a spokesman for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said Tuesday. What you do is truly inspiring, and its extremely important in this theater as we think of all of Europe and all of Africa and all of the challenges that are before us, Reed said. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. 2023 Stars and Stripes. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level one assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet [14], On 1 April 1994, the squadron was inactivated again as part of the post-Cold War force reductions,[4] being replaced by the 22nd Fighter Squadron who had relocated to Spangdahlem from Bitburg Air Base on the same day. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. [6], Three years later on 30 April 1962, the 480th TFS was reactivated again under United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. USAFE-AFAFRICA commander Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian said Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, that moving Spangdahlem's 480th Fighter Squadron from Germany to Aviano Air Base, Italy, could take some time.. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, middle, and Lt. Col. John Szczepanski, outgoing 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, right, sing the Air Force song at the conclusion of the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. [14][15], In April 2010, the 52nd Fighter Wing's strength was reduced by one third when 20 F-16CJs and one F-16D were transferred to the 179th Fighter Squadron of the Air National Guard. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. 2023 Stars and Stripes. The past year has been a busy one for the wing, which has been a part of U.S. European Commands efforts to reassure allies in eastern Europe in the wake of Russian aggression in Ukraine. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. [28][29] The pilots who did not deploy were effected by the 2013 United States budget sequestration which led to a loss of multiple flying currencies, these weren't regained until August 2013 when flying resumed. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, awards the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. John Szczepanski, outgoing 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. American Forces Network - Spangdahlem Army and Air Force Exchange Service Defense Commissary Agency Department of Defense Education Activity Detachment 17, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 518, Air Force Office of Special Investigations USAFE Operator The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. Spangdahlem AB Avionics Flight gets vital system back in the sky Air Force Brothers in Arms Reunited After 15 Years Air Force Headlines US Department of Defense delivers field hospital to Trkiye DAF establishes policies to increase access to non-covered reproductive health care DAF hosts 3rd Virtual Women's Air and Space Power Symposium You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? Spangdahlem Air Base - Home - Facebook 6. [19] In March 2011, the Warhawks deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn in order to create a no-fly zone over Libya. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It cost him a star. Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. The 52nd FW supports the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power for suppression of enemy air defenses, counter air, air interdiction, and close-air support. The 52nd Fighter Wing includes more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel who help maintain and deploy the units F-16 fighters and other military hardware. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Roberson announced the appointment of Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, as interim wing commander until a replacement can assume full-time duties. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. Kotnik, an experienced F-16C pilot whose call sign is "SiS", was certified as the Viper team leader by USAF Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Mike Holmes on January 29, 2019. . In late September, Jordana Kennedy said in a memo to reviewing authorities that Retka should not be retained on active duty, and should be removed from command and leave the service. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Col. David Epperson spent the night before he relinquished command of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in neighboring villages, filling sandbags to help stem widespread flooding after days of heavy rainfall. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Hokaj, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, gives a brief during the base Flight Commander's Leadership Course at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Dec. 1, 2020. McFall, who was the 52nd Fighter Wings vice commander from July 2012 to June 2013, wont have far to go: Hes currently the commander of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, according to his Air Force biography. Organizational Goals: To successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilians and their families. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. A female officer at Spangdahlem told investigators that in October 2018, Retka tried to sidestep her authority by saying he would solve a particular issue with another male officer, and said, We will talk about this as men later, over cigars and scotch.. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. Spangdahlem AB to Keep F-16s, at Least for Now In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. Spangdahlem is home of the 52d Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CJ and Republic A/OA-10 aircraft and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. Making mistakes is a part of life. [35], From 2 to 22 February 2019, the Warhawks deployed 18 F-16s to Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, to operate alongside local F-16 squadrons (Esquadra 201 and Esquadra 301) of the Portuguese Air Force. U.S. Air Force Tech. [16][17] As a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed a single "new" squadron, the 480th Fighter Squadron. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. 152k members in the AirForce community. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. from around the world. Bilodeau, a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, flew F-16s at Spangdahlem for nearly three years in the late 1990s, when he served as an instructor pilot and assistant chief of weapons for the 23rd Fighter Squadron. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Melody W. Howley). Maybe some will think the video is humorous and just a product of servicemen and women blowing off steam while stationed half a world away from home. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). Press J to jump to the feed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany An experienced fighter pilot who flew combat sorties in Iraq and Afghanistan is the new commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing. - 5 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations Officer at Minot AFB, - 5 Maintenance Squadron Commander at Minot AFB, - 379 Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Commander at Al Udeid AB. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. [8] The continued drawdown of United States forces from Vietnam resulted in the inactivation of 37th TFW at Ph Ct AB on 31 March 1970. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. It was when Epperson saw his relief, Col. Leslie Hauck, doing the same thing that he knew the wing was in good hands, Epperson said at a change-of-command ceremony Thursday. John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook 16. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air The 52nd FW, an operational unit under the 3rd Air Force, maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems and $2.5 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of NATO and the national defense directives, according to the Air Force. I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think its important to understand why we take this approach. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. In these types of situations, I never forget that were dealing with real human beings, that I care deeply about, and that we are charged to take care of. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." The 52nd FW commander oversees all five of the wings groups, who directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. from around the world. By the time Retka returned to Spangdahlem as a group commander, he was viewed by some as a bully who had a tendency to mock, disparage or undermine his subordinates. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. As Saber Lead, Hauck now commands five groups, 23 squadrons and nine geographically separated units spread across five countries, with approximately 5,000 dedicated military and civilian personnel. The 480th Fighter Squadron (480th FS), nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. Emergency Assistance Associated . Courtesy of U.S. Air Force (), In a 52nd Fighter Wing tradition, outgoing acting wing commander Col. Lars Hubert, right, passes a saber to incoming wing commander Col. Peter Bilodeau at the wing's assumption of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Friday, July 11, 2014. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, the commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command on Tuesday after less than six months on the job because of loss of faith and confidence in his leadership, U.S. Air Forces in Europe announced. The Wing Commander's Proclamation ensures Saber families will take necessary measures to prevent home fires and continue to educate themselves on fire prevention safety measures. Bilodeau was the vice commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Korea before coming to Spangdahlem, according to the Kunsan Air Base installation page. Before saluting the Airmen of the 52nd FW for one last time as its commander, Epperson praised the Sabers for their hard work throughout his nearly two years at the helm. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. A combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. Press J to jump to the feed. Retka said he was also carrying a tall glass of beer in front of him, and told someone else that Kennedy may have felt the glass against her. Its no surprise to me that this team was the first in-theater to reach Initial Operation Capability for a new paradigm of deterrence that we call Agile Combat Employment, Reed added. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. From what we can tell, even in the mid-2000s, this video caused quite a stir, although we are unaware at this time of the exact disciplinary actions taken by higher-ups in the chain of command. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, who assumed command of the wing in July, was removed by 3rd Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa release. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. All Rights Reserved. Then-Lt. Col. Anthony Retka, who was then commander of the 35th Fighter Squadron, boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Max Thunder exercise at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea in 2012. The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Tuesday over a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. We have never seen such a disaster. Spangdahlem group commander disciplined for inappropriately touching In a written statement to OSI, Retka denied he inappropriately touched Kennedy and that any contact was incidental and not done with the intent to abuse, humiliate or degrade her or for his own gratification. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander USAF's First Female F-16 Demo Pilot Relieved of Command After Only Two Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). The FCLC is a course to help Company Grade Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and civilians get a broader perspective on the mission of the base and what . Commander, 52d Munitions Maintenance Group, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel THOMAS GRAHAM Commander, 52d Operations Group Colonel LESLIE F. HAUCK III Commander, 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel STEVEN N. LAMB Commander, 52nd Mission Support Group Colonel WILLIAM H. McKIBBAN My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Col. Steven Lamb, 52nd Mission Support Group commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd MSG change of command ceremony, July 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. [36] On 8 October 2019, F-16CJ 91-0340 crashed near Zemmer due to it suffering partial power loss while flying during bad weather, the pilot ejected with minor injuries. from around the world. About 30 . Courtesy of U.S. Air Force (), In a 52nd Fighter Wing tradition, outgoing acting wing commander Col. Lars Hubert, right, passes a saber to incoming wing commander Col. Peter Bilodeau at the wing's assumption of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Friday, July 11, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. 1 ago. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. Michael Kent, 726th Air Mobility Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of readiness and resources (left), shows Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, how to set up solar panels for the Expeditionary En-route Continuity of Operations Kit at the 726th AMS on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 20, 2021. [24][25], In March 2012, the 480th deployed to Konya Air Base to take part in Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2012 with the Turkish Air Force, practising SEAD. All Rights Reserved. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. 2023 Stars and Stripes. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against.