(Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. 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. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 Witnesses also revealed that in 2004, while he was a captain deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Retka engaged in a prank called steamrolling, barging naked into sleeping pilots dorm rooms and rolling over them in bed until they woke up. 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. [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. 0 0 Less than a minute. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. 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. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. 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.. 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. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] [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. 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. 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. (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 wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. 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. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Making mistakes is a part of life. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. All Rights Reserved. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets [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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. The squadron relocated to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base on 21 December 1962, where they remained until 1963 when the squadron was withdrawn from France upon request of French government, due to disagreements over the basing of nuclear-weapon capable F-100 Super Sabres on French soil. He is also the base commander. 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. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. 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. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. 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. 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. 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. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 2023 Stars and Stripes. [22] 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. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. 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. 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. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. 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. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. 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 [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. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. 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.. 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. 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. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Sgt. 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. At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. The base authorized a four-hour delay Wednesday night for personnel coming to work the next day, after rainfall over 12 hours equaled the average for the entire month of July. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. The rest are tools to accomplish that. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. 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. Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. [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. [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. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. Col. David Epperson, left, the 52nd Fighter Wing's outgoing commander, and Col. Leslie Hauck, the incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, 3rd Air Force commander, during the wing's change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? All Rights Reserved. from around the world. [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. 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. 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. 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. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. 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. 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 From what we can tell, even in the mid-2000s, this video caused quite a stir, although we are unaware at this time of the exact disciplinary actions taken by higher-ups in the chain of command. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW.
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