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. A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. I didnt want to make a big deal of it because the night had just started and I wanted to honor these nice people, Kennedy told Air Force Times. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets It cost him a star. 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 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. 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 Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. The wing is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (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 Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), passes the guidon to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. 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. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. [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. Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. 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Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. As good people, like Capt. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 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. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. 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. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 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 comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. [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. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets (Melody Howley/U.S. 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 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. [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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. 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. All Rights Reserved. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. 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. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. All Rights Reserved. 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. . Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. 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. [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. 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. 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. At least 165 people were reported dead as of Monday evening, according to the German publication Deutsche Welle. We have never seen such a disaster. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), 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. [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. 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. 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. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. 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. [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. 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. [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). 152k members in the AirForce community. 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. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. He may get promoted early now. [18], The 480th FS participated in Exercise Red Flag 11-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, between 22 January and 4 February 2011. 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 . Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. McFall, who was the 52nd Fighter Wings vice commander from July 2012 to June 2013, wont have far to go: Hes currently the commander of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, according to his Air Force biography. 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. Making mistakes is a part of life. 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. [32] The pilot ejected safely. 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David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, makes his final remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. 480 TFS F-4Ds were originally scheduled for redeployment to Holloman AFB, however, instead were distributed to bases throughout Southeast Asia: Clark Air Base, Philippines; Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base and Udon AB, Thailand; Da Nang AB; and Inspection and Repair as Necessary facilities (IRAN) at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. 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. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). 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. 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. 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. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. All Rights Reserved. [22] 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. 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. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. Emergency Assistance Associated . Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. 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. (Past three) Previous assignments: 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. 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. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? 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. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. 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.
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