from around the world. [33], On 7 April 2016, the 480th EFS deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,[34] returning to Spangdahlem on 12 October. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. All Rights Reserved. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed.
Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Maj. 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. About 30 . Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Army colonel who oversaw ground zero for US militarys COVID-19 cases is retiring, 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. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. 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. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. (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 Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. 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. 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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. Wing Commander Col. David Epperson took administrative action against Retka after the Office of Special Investigations completed its investigation last September, Gabe Myers, a spokesman for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said Tuesday. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. 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 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. [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. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 16. The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. 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. 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. As good people, like Capt. 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. This will be a difficult time for Capt. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test.
John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook German town divided over US troop withdrawal - DW - 08/11/2020 Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, stands at parade rest in front of a formation for the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. (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. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander (center), passes the 52nd FW guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), as he relinquishes command during the 52nd Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau.
Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. 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. 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. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. 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 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. [32] The pilot ejected safely. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 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. 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. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G.
Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat 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. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. 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 [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. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. 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. 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.
EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem 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. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] 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. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net.
Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. 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. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. 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. 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. 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. 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. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. 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.. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia 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. 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. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. [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. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. 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. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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.. 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. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. "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. 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.
480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. 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. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. 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. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. 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. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. 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. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 We have never seen such a disaster. [13], In 1993, the Warhawks became the USAF's first squadron to be equipped with the Block 50 F-16s, and was again tasked with the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). Air Force). The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. 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. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. He may get promoted early now. 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. 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.. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead."
52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. 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. .
New commander takes charge of 52nd FW - Spangdahlem Air Base [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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. 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. 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. Melody W. Howley). We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). spangdahlem commander fired. Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos.
Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes 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. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. 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.
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