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. 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. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. 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. 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 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. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. 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. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that Bilodeau was removed because of loss of faith and confidence in his leadership, not for any misconduct or wrongdoing. [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. [10] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. 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. 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 Chief Toby Roach, 52nd Fighter Wing command chief, (left), holds the guidon while Col. David Epperson, 52nd FW outgoing commander, (center), and Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd FW incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander, during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It cost him a star. 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. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. 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. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. Maj. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. Why would you put your privates beside my body?, She told investigators that Retka came up to her a few minutes later, apologized, and asked if they were OK, to which she responded Yeah, Tony, were good. The report quoted Kennedy as saying Retka then replied, Okay, good, because you were [indistinguishable] target. Kennedy told Air Force Times that Retka said she was the non-intentional target.. I didnt want to make a big deal of it because the night had just started and I wanted to honor these nice people, Kennedy told Air Force Times. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . 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 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. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. 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. Making mistakes is a part of life. Ali Stewart) August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. 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. from around the world. [5], The unit was reactivated as the 480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (480th FBS) on 25 September 1957 at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of the 366th Fighter-Bomber Wing. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. 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 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). "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. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. 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 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 has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. [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. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. Army colonel who oversaw ground zero for US militarys COVID-19 cases is retiring, 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. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. from around the world. 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. [13], In 1993, the Warhawks became the USAF's first squadron to be equipped with the Block 50 F-16s, and was again tasked with the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. 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. 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. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. 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 Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 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. As good people, like Capt. The wing is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). 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. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 6. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. [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. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. 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. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro 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. 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. 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. Air Force). [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. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. 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. 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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. [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. All Rights Reserved. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. 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. 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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. 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. But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Less than a month after its former commander was relieved of duty, Spangdahlem Air Base announced its welcoming back a previous leader to take charge of the 52nd Fighter Wing. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. 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. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. - 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. (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. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. 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. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 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. 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. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. 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. [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. [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 photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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.. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report.