Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. 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. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. 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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. Spangdahlem fighter wing changes command as heavy flooding strikes 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. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. 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. [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 Commander's Proclamation ensures Saber families will take necessary measures to prevent home fires and continue to educate themselves on fire prevention safety measures. [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. 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. 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 About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany 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. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. [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 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. He is also the base commander. 52nd MSG changes command - Spangdahlem Air Base Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. 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. 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. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. [12], In late 1983, the 480th TFS, along with the entire 52nd TFW, was tasked with the Wild Weasel mission, being equipped with eight F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels and 16 F-4E Phantom IIs. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. from around the world. [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. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 480 TFS F-4Ds were originally scheduled for redeployment to Holloman AFB, however, instead were distributed to bases throughout Southeast Asia: Clark Air Base, Philippines; Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base and Udon AB, Thailand; Da Nang AB; and Inspection and Repair as Necessary facilities (IRAN) at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, renders his first salute during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Base officials said about 50 members of the 52nd Civil Engineering squadron and others from the wing filled and delivered over 1,800 sandbags to the surrounding communities. 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. 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, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, Israels window to strike Iran narrows as Putin enters equation, Air Force command climate investigation ends with Okinawa commanders removal, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. Press J to jump to the feed. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass 210320-F-LH638-1120. Air Force). On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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.. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. 152k members in the AirForce community. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. The rest are tools to accomplish that. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW - Spangdahlem Air Base Making mistakes is a part of life. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. 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. [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. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Commander, 52d Munitions Maintenance Group, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel THOMAS GRAHAM Commander, 52d Operations Group Colonel LESLIE F. HAUCK III Commander, 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel STEVEN N. LAMB Commander, 52nd Mission Support Group Colonel WILLIAM H. McKIBBAN In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. 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. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. 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. About 30 . 8. 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. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Its no surprise to me that this team was the first in-theater to reach Initial Operation Capability for a new paradigm of deterrence that we call Agile Combat Employment, Reed added. 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. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. 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. [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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, the 3rd Air Force commander, lauded Epperson for his work, especially his efforts setting up a site to make sure airmen were free of the coronavirus before deploying to Africa and the U.S. Central Command area of operation. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. spangdahlem commander fired. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), passes the guidon to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. It cost him a star. 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. [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. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley) Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week Published Oct. 8, 2020 By Senior Airman Melody W. Howley 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. As good people, like Capt. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. 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. from around the world. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Emergency Assistance Associated . October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. (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. Press J to jump to the feed. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. Ali Stewart) Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. 480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. spangdahlem commander fired 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. 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. 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. Spangdahlem group commander disciplined for inappropriately touching The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 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. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. He is headed to. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. 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. 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. 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 Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week spangdahlem commander fired - bayaninstitute.net 2023 Stars and Stripes. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. 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. [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]. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander Biographies - Spangdahlem Air Base During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. (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. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. We have never seen such a disaster. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. 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. 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 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. (Senior Airman Arielle Vasquez/Air Force) An inspector general report released Thursday found Brig. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. [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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF 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. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. 16. 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.