McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. Air Forces are supposed to break shit and kill people. 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. 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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. He is headed to. 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. (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. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. All Rights Reserved. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. 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. 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. 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. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. [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 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff 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. 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. 16. 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. 6. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 2002 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 2004 Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. 2005 Masters degree in business administration, Trident University, distance learning program, 2005 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, 2009 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Special Operations & Low Intensity Conflicts, Naval Postgraduate School. [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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. 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. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. A combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. The wing also supports the Supreme Allied Commander by providing credible deterrence, delivering combat capabilities, executing joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration, facilitating inter-theater airlift, and building partnership capacity. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. [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. 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. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. [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. He may get promoted early now. 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It was exciting to have the first female demo team pilot here at Shaw, but Im also just as excited about the many other females that are serving with great distinction across our Air Force. 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. Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. 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. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. Sgt. [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. (Past three) Previous assignments: The base authorized a four-hour delay Wednesday night for personnel coming to work the next day, after rainfall over 12 hours equaled the average for the entire month of July. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. All Rights Reserved. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, who assumed command of the wing in July, was removed by 3rd Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa release. 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. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. 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. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. 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. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. 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. [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. 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. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. 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. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. U.S. Air Force Tech. [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. 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. 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. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. 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. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. 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. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, makes his final remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The wing is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. 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. He is also the base commander. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. 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. 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. 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. 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. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. [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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. 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. 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. 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. 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.. [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. Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. 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. 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. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. 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. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. It thrust me forward.. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. Making mistakes is a part of life. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. . 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. from around the world. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. [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. [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. from around the world. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
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