We have never seen such a disaster. 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. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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 wing is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. [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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. 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. 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. [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. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro All Rights Reserved. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. 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. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. [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. 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. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. [16][17] As a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed a single "new" squadron, the 480th Fighter Squadron. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 2023 Stars and Stripes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. 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. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. 1 ago. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Hauck, a pilot with over 2,400 hours flying in F-16s, including 285 combat hours in Operation Enduring Freedom, is a 1998 graduate of the Air Force Academy. 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. 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. 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. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. (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. Organizational Goals: To successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilians and their families. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Col. David Epperson spent the night before he relinquished command of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in neighboring villages, filling sandbags to help stem widespread flooding after days of heavy rainfall. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. - 5 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations Officer at Minot AFB, - 5 Maintenance Squadron Commander at Minot AFB, - 379 Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Commander at Al Udeid AB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The 52nd FW supports the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power for suppression of enemy air defenses, counter air, air interdiction, and close-air support. 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. [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. 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. U.S. Air Force Tech. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. 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, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. [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. 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. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. About 30 . The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . [14], On 1 April 1994, the squadron was inactivated again as part of the post-Cold War force reductions,[4] being replaced by the 22nd Fighter Squadron who had relocated to Spangdahlem from Bitburg Air Base on the same day. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. [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. 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. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). 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. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. [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. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. [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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. [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. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . from around the world. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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 . 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. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Air Force). Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. 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. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. The former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany was disciplined after an investigation into accusations that he rubbed his crotch against the rear end of a lieutenant colonels wife at a dinner last year. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 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. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 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.
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