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. [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. 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. As good people, like Capt. 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. 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. Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. 0 0 Less than a minute. Other pilots also engaged in steamrolling at the Kunsan dorms in the early 2000s, witnesses said, describing a frathouse-like atmosphere rife with pranks and heavy alcohol use that was more tolerated in the Air Force at the time. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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 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. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. You haven't been stationed in grand forks or Minot have you? 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Spangdahlem's F-16s aren't leaving Germany for Italy just yet 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. [32] The pilot ejected safely. 52nd MSG changes command - Spangdahlem Air Base He is headed to. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, The impossible choice facing many of Americas military families, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. Emergency Assistance Associated . Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. 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. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. [27], In April 2013, the 480th EFS deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for six months to support Operation Enduring Freedom. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. Biographies - Spangdahlem Air Base Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. 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. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The venue was crowded, he said, and he turned his body sideways to move through a group of people. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. 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.. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Air Force). Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. [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. 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. 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.. 2023 Stars and Stripes. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). 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. Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. 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. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF [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. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. 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. According to the report, Retka, the Kennedys and other staff and family from the 52nd attended a farewell dinner for the former vice wing commander at the Schloss Neiderweiss restaurant on May 3. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. EC commander tours Ramstein, Spangdahlem spangdahlem commander fired - bayaninstitute.net Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Lance Sijan, ejected from his disabled aircraft and was badly injured in North Vietnam. Maj. I do find it weird that he has been pulled from the global, and his official bio was pulled before that press release went out. 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. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. A female officer at Spangdahlem told investigators that in October 2018, Retka tried to sidestep her authority by saying he would solve a particular issue with another male officer, and said, We will talk about this as men later, over cigars and scotch.. 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. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. Melody W. Howley). (Past three) Previous assignments: All Rights Reserved. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. 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. We have never seen such a disaster. 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. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. 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. 210320-F-LH638-1120. On 1 July 1958, the unit was redesignated the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (480th TFS). ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. He is also the base commander. 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. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander 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. 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. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Bilodeau was the vice commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Korea before coming to Spangdahlem, according to the Kunsan Air Base installation page. Spangdahlem AB Base Essentials - Military OneSource 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. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 6. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. 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. Commenters on the air base's Facebook page posted a few images of streets and backyards full of brown water. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. 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. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. [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. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. [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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. His official bio, which you can read in full here, states his responsibilities as such: "He is responsible for the mission readiness of the wings aircraft, 17 wing staff agencies, stewardship of Shaw, and the health and welfare of 6,576 active duty Airmen and civilians and more than 8,000 family members. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. 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. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. 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.