Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. Shortly after publishing this piece, Colonel Derek 'Maestro' O'Malley gave us an exclusive and unprecedented in-depth interview in which we discuss the Gold Bon video, making mistakes, achieving redemption, and becoming a better leader because of it, as well as what goes into making a disciplinary decision for an Airman that has fallen into trouble. 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. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. He may get promoted early now. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. Wing commanders put on their star halfway through their two year stunt like clockwork from what I've witnessed. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. Spangdahlem fighter wing changes command as heavy flooding strikes Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. (Senior Airman Arielle Vasquez/Air Force) An inspector general report released Thursday found Brig. 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.. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes All Rights Reserved. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Air Forces are supposed to break shit and kill people. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. [10] The reformed squadron retained the primary SEAD role of its previous incarnation. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. Exactly the way they like it. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet 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. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. [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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command 2022Recurrent Ventures. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. [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. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. He is also the base commander. 152k members in the AirForce community. 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. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. 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. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany 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. 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. Spangdahlem received F-35s from the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; KC-135s from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.; and six EA-18 Growlers from the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. 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. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. 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. He is headed to. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Press J to jump to the feed. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. 1 ago. 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.. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. 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. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. 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. [14][15], In April 2010, the 52nd Fighter Wing's strength was reduced by one third when 20 F-16CJs and one F-16D were transferred to the 179th Fighter Squadron of the Air National Guard. 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. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. [7], In July 1963, the 480th TFS was reassigned to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where it re-equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II in 1965. 16. 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.. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. Her husband told investigators that Retka approached the group directly behind his wife and stood crowded subway close to her, which he described as awkward. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. June 2018 present, Commander, Shaw AFB, S.C. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, Pentagon, Va. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. 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. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base 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. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. [12], In late 1983, the 480th TFS, along with the entire 52nd TFW, was tasked with the Wild Weasel mission, being equipped with eight F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels and 16 F-4E Phantom IIs. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. 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 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. I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think its important to understand why we take this approach. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] [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. 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. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". She is a 2011. More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday in Germany and neighboring Belgium after flooding turned streets into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and causing buildings to collapse, The Associated Press reported. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. IG found former academy commandant misused travel, had poor command 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. 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. 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. 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 Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. 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. 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. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. [5], The unit was reactivated as the 480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (480th FBS) on 25 September 1957 at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of the 366th Fighter-Bomber Wing. We have never seen such a disaster. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, who assumed command of the wing in July, was removed by 3rd Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa release. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. 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. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. And thats why we achieved the things we achieved despite the pandemic and every other thing thrown our way these past years.. It thrust me forward.. The wing also supports the Supreme Allied Commander by providing credible deterrence, delivering combat capabilities, executing joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration, facilitating inter-theater airlift, and building partnership capacity. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. 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. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. Col. Anthony Retka, who was commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, was disciplined with an administrative action after an investigation into allegations that. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. About 30 . 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. 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.. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found.