Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. Melody W. Howley). 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. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. 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. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. Sgt. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. Arriving at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France, with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak on 8 May. [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. 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. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. 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. 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. 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. from around the world. Organizational Goals: To successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilians and their families. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. 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. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. 0 0 Less than a minute. [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. 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. 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. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. He is also the base commander. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. 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. As good people, like Capt. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired. The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. 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. [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). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 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. Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Dec. 30 due to a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. [32] The pilot ejected safely. [6], Three years later on 30 April 1962, the 480th TFS was reactivated again under United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. 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. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, the 3rd Air Force commander, lauded Epperson for his work, especially his efforts setting up a site to make sure airmen were free of the coronavirus before deploying to Africa and the U.S. Central Command area of operation. She is a 2011. 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. 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. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. [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. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. 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. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. (Past three) Previous assignments: 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
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