The wing is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. IG found former academy commandant misused travel, had poor command You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 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. Saber Nation is driven by initiative and innovation by our most junior Airmen and our management and tolerance of risk at our most senior levels so we can fail fast and fail forward to succeed., An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. [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. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command 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. spangdahlem commander fired Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. 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. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. [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. 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. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. (Melody Howley/U.S. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air 0 0 Less than a minute. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. 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. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Less than a month after its former commander was relieved of duty, Spangdahlem Air Base announced its welcoming back a previous leader to take charge of the 52nd Fighter Wing. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. 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.. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. 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. [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. [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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). 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. 16. Spangdahlem Air Base official In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. All Rights Reserved. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. [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. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. 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. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. from around the world. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. She is a 2011. Spangdahlem AB Base Essentials - Military OneSource 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 . 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. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. from around the world. "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. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes 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. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes Maybe some will think the video is humorous and just a product of servicemen and women blowing off steam while stationed half a world away from home. The past year has been a busy one for the wing, which has been a part of U.S. European Commands efforts to reassure allies in eastern Europe in the wake of Russian aggression in Ukraine. 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. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. [32] The pilot ejected safely. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. 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. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. 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. 52nd Fighter Wing - Wikipedia . 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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF 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. 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. 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. Melody W. Howley). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. But his family has lived in the region for 400 years and he refuses to be driven away even. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany 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.. She told investigators that about 30 people had previously passed through the center aisle without any physical contact, and that there was eight to 10 feet of open space behind her. [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. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. While based in France, the 480th TFS underwent deployments to Wheelus Air Base in Libya as well as participating in USAFE exercises. 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. 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.. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 2002 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 2004 Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. 2005 Masters degree in business administration, Trident University, distance learning program, 2005 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, 2009 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Special Operations & Low Intensity Conflicts, Naval Postgraduate School. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. Jennifer reports on the U.S. military from Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she writes about the Air Force, Army and DODEA schools. Retka said he was also carrying a tall glass of beer in front of him, and told someone else that Kennedy may have felt the glass against her. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 [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. He is also the base commander. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. [8] From here, the Warhawks carried out operations over North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. U.S. Air Force Tech. The 480th Fighter Squadron (480th FS), nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 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. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 1 ago. Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. 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. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). About 30 . Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. This will be a difficult time for Capt. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. 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.. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. Jordana Kennedy said having to be around Retka and his wife was crushing and super-stressful. She began to skip group events with spouses to avoid running into the Retkas, and said she recently had a panic attack when she thought they might show up. 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. [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. Press J to jump to the feed. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. 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. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords.
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