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. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." 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. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. Her husband told investigators that Retka approached the group directly behind his wife and stood crowded subway close to her, which he described as awkward. [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. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Rating: command pilot Flight hours: more than 2,100, including 146 combat hours Aircraft flown: T-3, T-37, T-38, F-15E, F/A-18F, F-35A, and F-16, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. spangdahlem commander fired. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. 2002 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 2004 Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. 2005 Masters degree in business administration, Trident University, distance learning program, 2005 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, 2009 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Special Operations & Low Intensity Conflicts, Naval Postgraduate School. The culture within the USAF has changed to some degree since its inception, but it stands as an incredibly stark reminder that really talented and valuable people can make really dumb decisions. Col. David Epperson, left, the 52nd Fighter Wing's outgoing commander, and Col. Leslie Hauck, the incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, 3rd Air Force commander, during the wing's change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. [4], The 480th TFS was reactivated on 15 November 1976 as part of the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany, flying the F-4D Phantom II. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. 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. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 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. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. And the time when it was OK to pinch someones butt or rub up against someone or make a derogatory or misogynistic comment, I really want to see those days go away and be behind us.. 6. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), passes the guidon to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Bilodeau, who was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of the 3rd Air Force, was not relieved for any misconduct or wrongdoing, according to USAFE. 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. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. [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. Pentagon officials announced earlier this month that Spangdahlem would gain about 10 CV-22 Ospreys and 10 MC-130J aircraft, together with associated personnel from the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Witnesses also told OSI investigators that while at Kunsan, Retka once placed a much smaller pilot who became extremely intoxicated as part of a squadron initiation rite and drunkenly tackled Retka in a chokehold and refused to let go. 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. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. 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. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. All Rights Reserved. Exactly the way they like it. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. Air Force Col. Joseph D. McFall, left, presents the Legion of Merit to Col. Kelly S. Passmore, at a change of command ceremony on June 10, 2014, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. She is a 2011. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. The wing assets remained and were re-designated as the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing when the 12th TFW was moved without personnel or equipment from Cam Ranh Bay Air Base on 1 April 1970, to replace the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing and its units. Finally the Spangdahlem Command Post is accessible 24/7 and can be reached at DSN: 314-452-6141 or Comm: 011-49-6565-61-6141. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. IG found former academy commandant misused travel, had poor command You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. He is headed to. Its clear that this whole entire wing is flying in formation, and its apparent from your three consecutive trips to the finals of the Air Forces Spark Tank innovation contest, and it is truly impressive what youve done there. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley) Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week Published Oct. 8, 2020 By Senior Airman Melody W. Howley Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Maj. All Rights Reserved. He was now working directly for Retka. 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. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. Emergency Assistance Associated . She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. She told investigators that about 30 people had previously passed through the center aisle without any physical contact, and that there was eight to 10 feet of open space behind her. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. Spangdahlem received F-35s from the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; KC-135s from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.; and six EA-18 Growlers from the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. A female officer acting in the skit played the part of a harasser who was badgering a junior male airman for a date and offering her number. Col. Anthony Retka, former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, passes the guidon to incoming 480th Fighter Squadron Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy during a change of command ceremony on July 3, 2019. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 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. His official bio, which you can read in full here, states his responsibilities as such: "He is responsible for the mission readiness of the wings aircraft, 17 wing staff agencies, stewardship of Shaw, and the health and welfare of 6,576 active duty Airmen and civilians and more than 8,000 family members. Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Dec. 30 due to a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired. U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, gives the ceremonial guidon to Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. from around the world. Spangdahlem fighter wing changes command as heavy flooding strikes Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. 480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Bilodeau, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, salutes after his first flight in the Eifel as the wing commander July 14, 2014, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (Past three) Previous assignments:
Witnesses interviewed by OSI also described a history of unprofessional, sexist and misogynistic comments and inappropriate behavior on Retkas part, including an inappropriate comment after an anti-sexual harassment skit. The word here at Spang is bouncing from a medical issue(But that is nonsense) to possible misconduct, but he has not yet been officially charged. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. 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. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 0 0 Less than a minute. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. 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. [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. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, stands at parade rest in front of a formation for the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Col. Anthony Retka, who was commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, was disciplined with an administrative action after an investigation into allegations that. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. - 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. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. [I]f you want to understand my leadership style, it would be if its based on increasing combat capability, then youre doing the right thing and keep doing it. If not, lets talk and lets work on trying to get better while taking care of our airmen and families, he added. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. 52nd MSG changes command - Spangdahlem Air Base Units - Spangdahlem Air Base 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. [10] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. [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. 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. spangdahlem commander fired Making mistakes is a part of life. [17] In October 2010, the newly reactivated 480th FS deployed for the first time to Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria to carry out training with Mikoyan MiG-29s of the Bulgarian Air Force. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Maybe O'Mally's approach to announcing what has to have been heartbreaking news for Kotnik, regardless of the circumstances, stems from the fact that he helped mastermind and starred in the video below while serving as the Chief Weapons Instructor for the 35th Fighter Squadron, a unit based in South Korea. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. Spangdahlem AB to Keep F-16s, at Least for Now Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes This was made years before she served in the same squadron. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Press J to jump to the feed. Prior to leaving your installation make sure you have emergency phone numbers with you such as the First Sergeant/Commander Support Staff at both your losing and gaining installations. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Jordana Kennedy said having to be around Retka and his wife was crushing and super-stressful. She began to skip group events with spouses to avoid running into the Retkas, and said she recently had a panic attack when she thought they might show up. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet 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. 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 (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). U.S. Air Force Tech. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), 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. 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. Col. Leslie Hauck accepted responsibility of the 52nd FW from Col. David Epperson in front of Airmen, local leaders and family, making him the 30th commander since its activation as the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing in December 1971. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 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. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. [39][40] The plans to move 480th FS have been put on hold as the new Biden administration looks to review the previous administrations plans to move the squadron to Italy.[41]. 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. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed.