spangdahlem commander fired spangdahlem commander fired

On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. Maj. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. 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. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. 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. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 210320-F-LH638-1120. (Melody Howley/U.S. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. [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]. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. 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. [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. 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. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. 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. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. from around the world. The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 16. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. [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. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. Emergency Assistance Associated . 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. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . Why would you put your privates beside my body?, She told investigators that Retka came up to her a few minutes later, apologized, and asked if they were OK, to which she responded Yeah, Tony, were good. The report quoted Kennedy as saying Retka then replied, Okay, good, because you were [indistinguishable] target. Kennedy told Air Force Times that Retka said she was the non-intentional target.. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. 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. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. "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 the release. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets This was made years before she served in the same squadron. 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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. 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. [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. What you do is truly inspiring, and its extremely important in this theater as we think of all of Europe and all of Africa and all of the challenges that are before us, Reed said. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". [4], The 480th TFS was reactivated on 15 November 1976 as part of the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany, flying the F-4D Phantom II. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. [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. 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. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. This will be a difficult time for Capt. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. 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. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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 ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. [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. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. 2023 Stars and Stripes. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. (Senior Airman Arielle Vasquez/Air Force) An inspector general report released Thursday found Brig. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. Exactly the way they like it. We have never seen such a disaster. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. [32] The pilot ejected safely. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. 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. 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. (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 Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Air Forces are supposed to break shit and kill people. [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. 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. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. 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 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. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. American Forces Network - Spangdahlem Army and Air Force Exchange Service Defense Commissary Agency Department of Defense Education Activity Detachment 17, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 518, Air Force Office of Special Investigations USAFE Operator The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. 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. 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. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. [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. [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. 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. Peter M. Bilodeau. 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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. [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. 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. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. 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 Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. 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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. 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 wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. In these types of situations, I never forget that were dealing with real human beings, that I care deeply about, and that we are charged to take care of. 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.. 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. 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. 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. [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. About 30 . Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Kotnik, an experienced F-16C pilot whose call sign is "SiS", was certified as the Viper team leader by USAF Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Mike Holmes on January 29, 2019. 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. 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. 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. 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. [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. 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. 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. Making mistakes is a part of life. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. 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. 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. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. 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. 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. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). [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. 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. He is headed to. He may get promoted early now. [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. 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. As good people, like Capt. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. 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. 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. 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. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5.