[14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander (center), passes the 52nd FW guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), as he relinquishes command during the 52nd Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. 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. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro This will be a difficult time for Capt. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. U.S. Air Force Tech. [32] The pilot ejected safely. We still don't know what the cause was behind the firing, but it has come to our attention that the commander who did the deed made a very low-brow video with his squadronmates while deployed to Kunsan Air Base in Korea during the mid-2000s. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. 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. [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. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. 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. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. 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.. [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. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. [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. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. 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. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. 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. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. Saber Nation is driven by initiative and innovation by our most junior Airmen and our management and tolerance of risk at our most senior levels so we can fail fast and fail forward to succeed., An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. 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. Witnesses also revealed that in 2004, while he was a captain deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Retka engaged in a prank called steamrolling, barging naked into sleeping pilots dorm rooms and rolling over them in bed until they woke up. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com 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. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. 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. I do find it weird that he has been pulled from the global, and his official bio was pulled before that press release went out. 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. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. [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. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW - Spangdahlem Air Base 2022Recurrent Ventures. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". 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 photo by Staff Sgt. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. 152k members in the AirForce community. [9] Post-Desert Storm, the squadron's F-4Gs were transferred over to the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron leaving the 480th as a sole F-16 unit. 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. The wing also supports the Supreme Allied Commander by providing credible deterrence, delivering combat capabilities, executing joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration, facilitating inter-theater airlift, and building partnership capacity. 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. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes The wing su 38,240 people like this 40,716 people follow this 17,223 people checked in here http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/ +49 6565 611110 Base officials said about 50 members of the 52nd Civil Engineering squadron and others from the wing filled and delivered over 1,800 sandbags to the surrounding communities. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. [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. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. 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. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. [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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Saber Nation, I know we are going to face trials and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission-ready, whether that be to execute the dynamic force employment on the fly or lead the Air Force in Agile Combat Employment with multi-functional Airmen advancement, Hauck said. Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. 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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. Melody W. Howley). Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. Retka, who took over the operations group in August 2017, was in his third year in command, and had already been planning to retire at Spangdahlem, Myers said. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. The 480 FS assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany is the only United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa flying unit performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. [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. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. [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. 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 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. 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. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. He is also the base commander. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. 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. [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. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. . 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. Spangdahlem Air Base - Home - Facebook A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. He is headed to. 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. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. USAF's First Female F-16 Demo Pilot Relieved of Command After Only Two The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. (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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 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. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. The video includes song, dance, repeated references to genitalia, a big penis and testicles puppet, and is based around discomfort of the male genitalia while flying on missions and a particular brand of talcum powder that is a solution to those issues. [7], In July 1963, the 480th TFS was reassigned to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where it re-equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II in 1965. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. 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. [10] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Biographies - Spangdahlem Air Base John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base It thrust me forward.. 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. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Exactly the way they like it. 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. 210320-F-LH638-1120. [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. 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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. On February 12, 2019, news that the first woman to lead an Air Force demonstration team was fired after just two weeks in the position sent shockwaves through the aviation community and made headlines in the mainstream press. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander We have never seen such a disaster. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. He was now working directly for Retka. 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. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. 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. 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.