As good people, like Capt. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. IG found former academy commandant misused travel, had poor command 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.. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. 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. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Witnesses also revealed that in 2004, while he was a captain deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Retka engaged in a prank called steamrolling, barging naked into sleeping pilots dorm rooms and rolling over them in bed until they woke up. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 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.. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com 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. All Rights Reserved. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. 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. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. 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. 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. He is also the base 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. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. (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. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF 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. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. [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. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. 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 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. June 2018 present, Commander, Shaw AFB, S.C. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, Pentagon, Va. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . Air Force). 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 photo by Staff Sgt. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. 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. 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. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . The 480 FS assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany is the only United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa flying unit performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. [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. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. 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. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany 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. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. 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. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. 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. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass 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. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. O'Malley, a highly accomplished fighter pilot, also oversees the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team that calls the base home, the same unit that Kotnik was relieved from. 0 0 Less than a minute. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. 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. F-16 fighter pilot heads from Afghanistan to Spangdahlem to command Col. Anthony Retka, who retired earlier this month, was accused of abusive sexual contact against Jordana Kennedy, the wife of Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy, at an off-base going away party in May 2019. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. 210320-F-LH638-1120. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. [32] The pilot ejected safely. 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. The word here at Spang is bouncing from a medical issue(But that is nonsense) to possible misconduct, but he has not yet been officially charged. 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. 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. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. 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. All Rights Reserved. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 1 ago. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. 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. 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. [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. 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. 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 Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. 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. [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. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. [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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. [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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. [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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday in Germany and neighboring Belgium after flooding turned streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapse, The Associated Press reported. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. 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 posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. spangdahlem commander fired Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 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. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. 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..