Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. 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. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 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. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. [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. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. 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. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. [26] On 9 November 2012, the 52nd OG set up a detachment (52nd OG Det 1) at ask Air Base in Poland. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. (Past three) Previous assignments:
Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." 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. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. All Rights Reserved. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. U.S. Air Force Chief Toby Roach, 52nd Fighter Wing command chief, (left), holds the guidon while Col. David Epperson, 52nd FW outgoing commander, (center), and Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd FW incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander, during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, The impossible choice facing many of Americas military families, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. 1 ago. 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.. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. 2022Recurrent Ventures. [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. About 30 . In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. Press J to jump to the feed. (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. 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. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. The FCLC is a course to help Company Grade Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and civilians get a broader perspective on the mission of the base and what . Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. United States Air Force Europe (19621963), United States Air Force Europe (19761994), Last edited on 18 December 2022, at 14:14, United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 580th Air Resupply and Communications Group, 366th Fighter Bomber Wing (later 366th Tactical Fighter) Wing, "480th Fighter Squadron Embraces the Spirit of the Lafayette Escadrille", "480th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) July 1942 - May 1944", "480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron August 1957 - April 1959", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (France) April 1962 - February 1966", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a Brief History", "480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Southeast Asia) February 1966 - November 1971", "480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Spangdahlem) November 1976 - April 1994", "U.S., Bulgarian air forces partner for training", "Precision and Purpose: Airpower in the Libyan Civil War", "480th Fighter Squadron deploys in support of Operation New Dawn", "Last F-16s out provide joint support for Iraq", "U.S. pilots plant SEAD with Turkish counterparts", "480th Fighter Squadron deploys to Afghanistan", "US Forces in Poland strengthen NATO partnerships during aviation rotation", "PRESS RELEASE: Air Force releases investigation results on F-16C crash", "Accident General Dynamics F-16CJ-50-CF 91-0366/SP, 11 Aug 2015", "480th FS deploys in support of Operation Inherent Resolve", "480th FS returns from Operation Inherent Resolve", "Power loss, bad weather caused Spangdahlem F-16 crash in Germany, Air Force says", "480th EFS improves interoperability, strategic partnerships at Blue Flag 2019", "U.S. European Command Force Posture Policy Press Conference: Secretary Esper's Opening Statement (as prepared)", "The U.S. Air Force will relocate the 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base to Aviano Air Base", "Plans to Draw Down in Germany on Hold as New Administration Considers Options", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=480th_Fighter_Squadron&oldid=1128123844, 19421944; 19511956; 19571959; 19621971; 19761994; 2010present, Activated on 30 April 1962 (not organized), 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 10 October 1966, McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II (19681971; 19761979), McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (19791987), McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel V (19831991), This page was last edited on 18 December 2022, at 14:14. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. This will be a difficult time for Capt. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. 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. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 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 wing commander relieved of duty 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. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. [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. 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. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. [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. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. 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. 16. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS 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.". 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. 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. Pentagon officials announced earlier this month that Spangdahlem would gain about 10 CV-22 Ospreys and 10 MC-130J aircraft, together with associated personnel from the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. (Senior Airman Arielle Vasquez/Air Force) An inspector general report released Thursday found Brig. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. [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. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. 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. 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. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. 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.. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. 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.. 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. [36] On 8 October 2019, F-16CJ 91-0340 crashed near Zemmer due to it suffering partial power loss while flying during bad weather, the pilot ejected with minor injuries. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. 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. [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. 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. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Thats why I knew Col. Hauck and the Hauck family are a perfect match, the perfect fit, not just for the Saber Nation, but for the Eifel community here.. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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.
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