Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. All Rights Reserved. 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 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 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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base spangdahlem commander fired. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. [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. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 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. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. 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. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. 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. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. 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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. [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. 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 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. [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. Spangdahlem Air Base official You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. Making mistakes is a part of life. 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. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. 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. 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. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. 6. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. 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. 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. 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. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. 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. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. . 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, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, Israels window to strike Iran narrows as Putin enters equation, Air Force command climate investigation ends with Okinawa commanders removal, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. 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. Col. Anthony Retka, who retired earlier this month, was accused of abusive sexual contact against Jordana Kennedy, the wife of Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy, at an off-base going away party in May 2019. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, renders his final salute to the 52nd FW during the wings change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (Past three) Previous assignments: [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. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. 2023 Stars and Stripes. The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. [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. 210320-F-LH638-1120. Melody W. Howley). An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 1 ago. [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. 152k members in the AirForce community. 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. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com 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. [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. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). 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 mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. [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. He is headed to. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 0 0 Less than a minute. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. All Rights Reserved. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. 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. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. 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. Sgt. By the time Retka returned to Spangdahlem as a group commander, he was viewed by some as a bully who had a tendency to mock, disparage or undermine his subordinates. 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. 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. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. - 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. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. 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.