He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. 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. In December 1971, it became the host wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and inherited tactical squadrons from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing at nearby Bitburg Air Base. 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. All Rights Reserved. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. 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 Tech. The squadron relocated to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base on 21 December 1962, where they remained until 1963 when the squadron was withdrawn from France upon request of French government, due to disagreements over the basing of nuclear-weapon capable F-100 Super Sabres on French soil. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Exactly the way they like it. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. This new way of operating is still developing, but with the innovation and flexibility in your blood, Saber Nation leads the way in this new way of fighting, and the rest of us are following you.. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. 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. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. We have never seen such a disaster. 6. [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. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. "This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is in the best interest of the men and women of the 52nd Fighter Wing," Roberson said in the release. Other pilots also engaged in steamrolling at the Kunsan dorms in the early 2000s, witnesses said, describing a frathouse-like atmosphere rife with pranks and heavy alcohol use that was more tolerated in the Air Force at the time. Making mistakes is a part of life. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. 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. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, The impossible choice facing many of Americas military families, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. [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. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. [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. [13], In late 1990, the 480th TFS deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield before flying SEAD missions between 17 January and 11 April 1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm. 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. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. [33], On 7 April 2016, the 480th EFS deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,[34] returning to Spangdahlem on 12 October. More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday in Germany and neighboring Belgium after flooding turned streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapse, The Associated Press reported. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. United States Air Force Europe (19621963), United States Air Force Europe (19761994), Last edited on 18 December 2022, at 14:14, United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 580th Air Resupply and Communications Group, 366th Fighter Bomber Wing (later 366th Tactical Fighter) Wing, "480th Fighter Squadron Embraces the Spirit of the Lafayette Escadrille", "480th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) July 1942 - May 1944", "480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron August 1957 - April 1959", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (France) April 1962 - February 1966", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a Brief History", "480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Southeast Asia) February 1966 - November 1971", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Spangdahlem) November 1976 - April 1994", "U.S., Bulgarian air forces partner for training", "Precision and Purpose: Airpower in the Libyan Civil War", "480th Fighter Squadron deploys in support of Operation New Dawn", "Last F-16s out provide joint support for Iraq", "U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts", "480th Fighter Squadron deploys to Afghanistan", "US Forces in Poland strengthen NATO partnerships during aviation rotation", "PRESS RELEASE: Air Force releases investigation results on F-16C crash", "Accident General Dynamics F-16CJ-50-CF 91-0366/SP, 11 Aug 2015", "480th FS deploys in support of Operation Inherent Resolve", "480th FS returns from Operation Inherent Resolve", "Power loss, bad weather caused Spangdahlem F-16 crash in Germany, Air Force says", "480th EFS improves interoperability, strategic partnerships at Blue Flag 2019", "U.S. European Command Force Posture Policy Press Conference: Secretary Esper's Opening Statement (as prepared)", "The U.S. Air Force will relocate the 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base to Aviano Air Base", "Plans to Draw Down in Germany on Hold as New Administration Considers Options", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=480th_Fighter_Squadron&oldid=1128123844, 19421944; 19511956; 19571959; 19621971; 19761994; 2010present, Activated on 30 April 1962 (not organized), 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 10 October 1966, McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II (19681971; 19761979), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (19791987), McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel V (19831991), This page was last edited on 18 December 2022, at 14:14. 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 But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. 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. 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. Epperson said service members delivered about 500 bags of sand at the nearby village of Niederkeil and continued filling them until the local fire chief said it was enough to stop the flooding. The squadron was first activated by III Bomber Command as the 480th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 15 July 1942 flying the B-26 Marauder, assigned to the 336th Bombardment Group. 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. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. After assuming command, Hauck told his airmen: I know we are going to face trial and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission ready.. But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. from around the world. 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. 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. 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. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. All Rights Reserved. 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. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? from around the world. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. 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.. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? He may get promoted early now. 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. [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. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. 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. 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. [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. The former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany was disciplined after an investigation into accusations that he rubbed his crotch against the rear end of a lieutenant colonels wife at a dinner last year. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. [12], On 19 September 1985, the history of the 480th Bombardment Squadron and 480th Air Resupply Squadron was consolidated with the existing 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron which had first formed in 1957. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. 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. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. 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. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. 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. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. . 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. Shortly after publishing this piece, Colonel Derek 'Maestro' O'Malley gave us an exclusive and unprecedented in-depth interview in which we discuss the Gold Bon video, making mistakes, achieving redemption, and becoming a better leader because of it, as well as what goes into making a disciplinary decision for an Airman that has fallen into trouble. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." O'Malley, a highly accomplished fighter pilot, also oversees the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team that calls the base home, the same unit that Kotnik was relieved from. 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. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. She is a 2011. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. June 2018 present, Commander, Shaw AFB, S.C. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, Pentagon, Va. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Shortly after the Kennedys arrived and began chatting with other guests in the center aisle of the dining room, the report said, Retka walked up to the group and pinched or touched a male colonels rear end. (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 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. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. Quoting the 3AF/CC "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 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. 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. [22] Hauck, a pilot with over 2,400 hours flying in F-16s, including 285 combat hours in Operation Enduring Freedom, is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy. The closure of Mildenhall is part of a sweeping reorganization of U.S. forces in Europe recommended by the Pentagon to consolidate infrastructure and save money. 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. 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. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Press J to jump to the feed. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. Sgt. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired.
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