spangdahlem commander fired

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. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. All Rights Reserved. Spangdahlem refuels BTF bombers with VIPER kit for first time Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. Emergency Assistance Associated . I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. 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. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. 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. Air Force). 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.. All Rights Reserved. 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. Rating: command pilot Flight hours: more than 2,100, including 146 combat hours Aircraft flown: T-3, T-37, T-38, F-15E, F/A-18F, F-35A, and F-16, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. 480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air 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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Bilodeau was the vice commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Korea before coming to Spangdahlem, according to the Kunsan Air Base installation page. [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. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. All Rights Reserved. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. Quoting the 3AF/CC "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. [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. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 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. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 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. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. 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. [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. 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 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. 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. 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 was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release 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. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. I do find it weird that he has been pulled from the global, and his official bio was pulled before that press release went out. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. 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. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. 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. Exactly the way they like it. [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. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. 2023 Stars and Stripes. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired. 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. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. 2022Recurrent Ventures. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. from around the world. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 A combat pilot, hes accumulated more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-16. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom 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 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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat [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. [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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). [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. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 480th Fighter Squadron (480th FS), nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. 152k members in the AirForce community. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. Press J to jump to the feed. Spangdahlem group commander disciplined for inappropriately touching While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, will keep its fighter mission after the Pentagon's Global Posture Review permanently reversed a Trump administration decision to shift the base's F-16 s to Italy and to cancel plans to move tankers and special operations forces there. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. [32] The pilot ejected safely. 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. After assuming command, Hauck told his airmen: I know we are going to face trial and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission ready.. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. 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. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. 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 Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Spangdahlem AB to Keep F-16s, at Least for Now Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. Finally the Spangdahlem Command Post is accessible 24/7 and can be reached at DSN: 314-452-6141 or Comm: 011-49-6565-61-6141. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. 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. 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. 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. 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. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. This will be a difficult time for Capt. At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. 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. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. 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. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. She is a 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 52nd Fighter Wing - Wikipedia 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. 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. 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. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] [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. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". 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. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 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. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI.



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