[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. 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. 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. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. 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. Spangdahlem Air Base official Emergency Assistance Associated . 210320-F-LH638-1120. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. 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. 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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. 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. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. 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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. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. 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 AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, stands at parade rest in front of a formation for the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 152k members in the AirForce community. 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. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. Exactly the way they like 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. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? This will be a difficult time for Capt. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. 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. [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. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. Spangdahlem fighter wing changes command as heavy flooding strikes It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. 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. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. After serving as a C-5 Crew Chief at Travis AFB, I was accepted for an ROTC scholarship to attend California State University, Sacramento, where I commissioned in 2004. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. 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. 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. 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. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. [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. [22] According to the report, Retka, the Kennedys and other staff and family from the 52nd attended a farewell dinner for the former vice wing commander at the Schloss Neiderweiss restaurant on May 3. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . 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. Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. 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. 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. [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. Press J to jump to the feed. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. 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.. 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.. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 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. She is a 2011. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. The rest are tools to accomplish that. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 2023 Stars and Stripes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, gives the ceremonial guidon to Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. [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. 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. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. [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. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. 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. 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 Wing Commander's Proclamation ensures Saber families will take necessary measures to prevent home fires and continue to educate themselves on fire prevention safety measures. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 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. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. As good people, like Capt. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. 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. 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. [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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. Organizational Goals: To successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilians and their families. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, will keep its fighter mission after the Pentagon's Global Posture Review permanently reversed a Trump administration decision to shift the base's F-16 s to Italy and to cancel plans to move tankers and special operations forces there. 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. A combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. spangdahlem commander fired - bayaninstitute.net Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. 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. [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. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. 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 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks.
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