This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. 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. 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 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. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. All Rights Reserved. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron.
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. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. 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. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. [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. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. . [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. McFall, who was the 52nd Fighter Wings vice commander from July 2012 to June 2013, wont have far to go: Hes currently the commander of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, according to his Air Force biography. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. This new way of operating is still developing, but with the innovation and flexibility in your blood, Saber Nation leads the way in this new way of fighting, and the rest of us are following you.. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. [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. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. 0 0 Less than a minute. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Spangdahlem received F-35s from the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; KC-135s from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.; and six EA-18 Growlers from the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. 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. 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. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.
[10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. 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. (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. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan.
Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes 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 My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. [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. [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. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. 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. 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. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 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. But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. Ali Stewart) Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . He is also the base commander. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets [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. All Rights Reserved. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. 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 Tech. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. Emergency Assistance Associated . 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.
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. He may get promoted early now.
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. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 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. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. About 30 . The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power.
Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command 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.
New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States.
Spangdahlem AB to Keep F-16s, at Least for Now Exactly the way they like it. 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 combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. Press J to jump to the feed. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, middle, and Lt. Col. John Szczepanski, outgoing 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, right, sing the Air Force song at the conclusion of the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling.
52nd MSG changes command - Spangdahlem Air Base 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. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. 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. 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. 210320-F-LH638-1120. 2023 Stars and Stripes.
52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air [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. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. 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. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. 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. 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. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. The 52nd FW, an operational unit under the 3rd Air Force, maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems and $2.5 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of NATO and the national defense directives, according to the Air Force. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 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. Sgt. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. [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]. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. [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.
[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 I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group.
About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany
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