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. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Prior to leaving your installation make sure you have emergency phone numbers with you such as the First Sergeant/Commander Support Staff at both your losing and gaining installations. 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. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. [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 squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. Emergency Assistance Associated . [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. 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. As Saber Lead, Hauck now commands five groups, 23 squadrons and nine geographically separated units spread across five countries, with approximately 5,000 dedicated military and civilian personnel. The squadron relocated to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base on 21 December 1962, where they remained until 1963 when the squadron was withdrawn from France upon request of French government, due to disagreements over the basing of nuclear-weapon capable F-100 Super Sabres on French soil. He was now working directly for Retka. . 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 Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. 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. 152k members in the AirForce community. 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(Melody Howley/U.S. 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. 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. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. [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. 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. We have never seen such a disaster. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. [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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. 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. Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week 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. A combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. 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.. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. German town divided over US troop withdrawal - DW - 08/11/2020 Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander 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. 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. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. 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. 2022Recurrent Ventures. 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. 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. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. spangdahlem commander fired. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 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 While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. 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. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. 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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 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. He may get promoted early now. 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. 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. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. 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. Biographies - Spangdahlem Air Base Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. 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. 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. from around the world. 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. EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem 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. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. 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. F-16 fighter pilot heads from Afghanistan to Spangdahlem to command 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. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 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. (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. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. [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. Melody W. Howley). 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. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass 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 mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. 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.. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. 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.. 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. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS 1 ago. 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. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. 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. Exactly the way they like it. 16. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. 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. 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. Sgt. [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. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. 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. Spangdahlem Air Base official
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