Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. 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 June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. [10] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. All Rights Reserved. What you do is truly inspiring, and its extremely important in this theater as we think of all of Europe and all of Africa and all of the challenges that are before us, Reed said. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. from around the world. 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.. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. This will be a difficult time for Capt. 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. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. 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. 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. [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. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Maj. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. 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. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. (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 U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Making mistakes is a part of life. German town divided over US troop withdrawal - DW - 08/11/2020 Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes 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. 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. [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). USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. 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. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week [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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. 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. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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 July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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 Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. 152k members in the AirForce community. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. 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. 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. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Col. David Epperson spent the night before he relinquished command of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in neighboring villages, filling sandbags to help stem widespread flooding after days of heavy rainfall. Ali Stewart) Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. The 52nd FW supports the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power for suppression of enemy air defenses, counter air, air interdiction, and close-air support. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. [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. 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. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". 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. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. 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. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. [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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. "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. Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - Two B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base's 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, currently operating from Royal Air Force Fairford, England, conducted hot-pit refueling using the innovative Versatile Integrated Partner Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit, at Spangdahlem AB Oct. 11. 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.. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. from around the world. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. 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. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. [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. [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. 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. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. [39][40] The plans to move 480th FS have been put on hold as the new Biden administration looks to review the previous administrations plans to move the squadron to Italy.[41]. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. [22] 52nd Fighter Wing - Wikipedia He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. [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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, the 3rd Air Force commander, lauded Epperson for his work, especially his efforts setting up a site to make sure airmen were free of the coronavirus before deploying to Africa and the U.S. Central Command area of operation. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. [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. 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. Emergency Assistance Associated . 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. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 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. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Retka said he was also carrying a tall glass of beer in front of him, and told someone else that Kennedy may have felt the glass against her. We have never seen such a disaster. 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. 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 . Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base [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. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. It cost him a star. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. [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. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. 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. [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. 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. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. 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. A female officer at Spangdahlem told investigators that in October 2018, Retka tried to sidestep her authority by saying he would solve a particular issue with another male officer, and said, We will talk about this as men later, over cigars and scotch.. 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. 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. EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. 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.