[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. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. 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 . 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. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. (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. F-16 fighter pilot heads from Afghanistan to Spangdahlem to command 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. 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. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. 16. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, renders his first salute during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. [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. We have never seen such a disaster. 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. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. IG found former academy commandant misused travel, had poor command 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. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. Biographies - Spangdahlem Air Base (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. from around the world. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base 480 TFS F-4Ds were originally scheduled for redeployment to Holloman AFB, however, instead were distributed to bases throughout Southeast Asia: Clark Air Base, Philippines; Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base and Udon AB, Thailand; Da Nang AB; and Inspection and Repair as Necessary facilities (IRAN) at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. He was now working directly for Retka. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. Ali Stewart) Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, makes his final remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes All Rights Reserved. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. [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. 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.. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom As good people, like Capt. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander 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 command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States.
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. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. 2023 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. 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. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Spangdahlem Air Base official 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. from around the world. Sgt. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Air Forces are supposed to break shit and kill people. 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. 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. 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. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. 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.. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. 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. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. [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. 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. 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. U.S. Air Force Tech. 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. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. 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. [38], On 29 July 2020, it was announced by the Department of Defense that the 480th FS would be re-positioned from Spangdahlem to Aviano Air Base, Italy as part of a plan to withdraw forces from Germany. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). [4] The squadron was deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, on 5 February 1966 as part of the USAF buildup in Southeast Asia. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). Making mistakes is a part of life. 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. 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF 2023 Stars and Stripes. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. 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. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. spangdahlem commander fired. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW - Spangdahlem Air Base He may get promoted early now. 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. Thats why I knew Col. Hauck and the Hauck family are a perfect match, the perfect fit, not just for the Saber Nation, but for the Eifel community here.. 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. [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. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. [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. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. [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. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. [12], In late 1983, the 480th TFS, along with the entire 52nd TFW, was tasked with the Wild Weasel mission, being equipped with eight F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels and 16 F-4E Phantom IIs. [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. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. 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.