Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom from around the world. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. spangdahlem commander fired 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. 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 . 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. After serving as a C-5 Crew Chief at Travis AFB, I was accepted for an ROTC scholarship to attend California State University, Sacramento, where I commissioned in 2004. Col. Leslie Hauck accepted responsibility of the 52nd FW from Col. David Epperson in front of Airmen, local leaders and family, making him the 30th commander since its activation as the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing in December 1971. As good people, like Capt. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia 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 -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. 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. Making mistakes is a part of life. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command [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. 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. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. 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. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. [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. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. 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. Spangdahlem AB to Keep F-16s, at Least for Now He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. The culture within the USAF has changed to some degree since its inception, but it stands as an incredibly stark reminder that really talented and valuable people can make really dumb decisions. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. German town divided over US troop withdrawal - DW - 08/11/2020 Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. The 52nd FW commander oversees all five of the wings groups, who directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. 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. 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. [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. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. 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. (Senior Airman Arielle Vasquez/Air Force) An inspector general report released Thursday found Brig. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. 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. [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. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. 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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. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air 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. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. 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.. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. All Rights Reserved. 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. [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 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. [22] Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. [32] The pilot ejected safely. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. 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. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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.. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF 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. [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. spangdahlem commander fired. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. 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. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." It cost him a star. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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.. Press J to jump to the feed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emergency Assistance Associated . 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. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. 0 0 Less than a minute. Spangdahlem refuels BTF bombers with VIPER kit for first time We have never seen such a disaster. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. [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. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. Witnesses also told OSI investigators that while at Kunsan, Retka once placed a much smaller pilot who became extremely intoxicated as part of a squadron initiation rite and drunkenly tackled Retka in a chokehold and refused to let go. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. 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. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. [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. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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 went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. 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. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired. 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. 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. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq.