Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. 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. 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. 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. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. 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. 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. 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.. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 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. Shortly after the Kennedys arrived and began chatting with other guests in the center aisle of the dining room, the report said, Retka walked up to the group and pinched or touched a male colonels rear end. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. [22] [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. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. 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. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . [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. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Ali Stewart) Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. 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. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, renders his final salute to the 52nd FW during the wings change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. [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. 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. 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. [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. This will be a difficult time for Capt. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. 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. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. 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. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. 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. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He was now working directly for Retka. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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.. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. 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.. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Sgt. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. (Melody Howley/U.S. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. All Rights Reserved. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. O'Malley, a highly accomplished fighter pilot, also oversees the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team that calls the base home, the same unit that Kotnik was relieved from. [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. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. This new way of operating is still developing, but with the innovation and flexibility in your blood, Saber Nation leads the way in this new way of fighting, and the rest of us are following you.. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? 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. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. 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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level one assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. 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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that Bilodeau was removed because of loss of faith and confidence in his leadership, not for any misconduct or wrongdoing. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. 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. Maj. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 fairport senior ball 2020 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. As Saber Lead, Hauck now commands five groups, 23 squadrons and nine geographically separated units spread across five countries, with approximately 5,000 dedicated military and civilian personnel. All Rights Reserved. [28][29] The pilots who did not deploy were effected by the 2013 United States budget sequestration which led to a loss of multiple flying currencies, these weren't regained until August 2013 when flying resumed. Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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.. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. All Rights Reserved. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. 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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. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. Air Forces are supposed to break shit and kill people. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. Press J to jump to the feed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. [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. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 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.. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. I can see your link when I view your user profile but I still don't see it in the AF subredditweird. She is a 2011. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. 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. 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. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. 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. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. However, she didnt want to make a scene and ruin the evening, as she and her husband had gotten a babysitter to be able to go out for the night. 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. [32] The pilot ejected safely. from around the world. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate..