John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Saber Nation, I know we are going to face trials and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission-ready, whether that be to execute the dynamic force employment on the fly or lead the Air Force in Agile Combat Employment with multi-functional Airmen advancement, Hauck said. Sgt. 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.. 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. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. 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. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. He is headed to. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. Spangdahlem is home of the 52nd Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CM/DM. 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. [38], On 29 July 2020, it was announced by the Department of Defense that the 480th FS would be re-positioned from Spangdahlem to Aviano Air Base, Italy as part of a plan to withdraw forces from Germany. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. (Leslie Keopka/Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force), Col. Joseph McFall (Courtesy U.S. Air Force). When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. 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 has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. Before Stripes, she worked for daily newspapers in Wyoming and Colorado. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. 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. 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. SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - Two B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base's 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, currently operating from Royal Air Force Fairford, England, conducted hot-pit refueling using the innovative Versatile Integrated Partner Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit, at Spangdahlem AB Oct. 11. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.". July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12. 210320-F-LH638-1120. His most recent biography has been removed from the Spangdahlem Air Base website. Air Force). (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). 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. 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. 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. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spangdahlem's previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander, renders his first salute during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. 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 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. 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. 2 weeks (roughly) later the squadron had to go to this failed leaders promotion to Lt. Col. Smdh. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Welcome to Spangdahlem Air Base's official Facebook page. He may get promoted early now. The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. This will be a difficult time for Capt. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. Press J to jump to the feed. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. 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. Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? . Its really devastating, said Malu Dreyer, governor of Rhineland-Pfalz state, which includes Spangdahlem. Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS 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. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Making mistakes is a part of life. 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 Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. It cost him a star. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. 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. He was now working directly for Retka. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, will keep its fighter mission after the Pentagon's Global Posture Review permanently reversed a Trump administration decision to shift the base's F-16 s to Italy and to cancel plans to move tankers and special operations forces there. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. 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. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. 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. All Rights Reserved. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. from around the world. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? Spangdahlem Air Base official 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. [11] On 15 April 1969, the squadron moved to Ph Ct Air Base (tail code: HK), South Vietnam. 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. U.S. Air Force Tech. from around the world. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Emergency Assistance Associated . 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. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. 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. 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. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. [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. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. 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. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. 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. 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. John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook A posting on Spangdahlems Facebook page said that Col. Joseph D. McFall will rejoin the Sabers next month, referring to the wings moniker. From what we can tell, even in the mid-2000s, this video caused quite a stir, although we are unaware at this time of the exact disciplinary actions taken by higher-ups in the chain of command. We have never seen such a disaster. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. [8] The continued drawdown of United States forces from Vietnam resulted in the inactivation of 37th TFW at Ph Ct AB on 31 March 1970. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. About 30 Spangdahlem families displaced by deadly floods in Germany His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. 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 . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Log InSign Up User account menu 28 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. 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. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. 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. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. [31], On 11 August 2015, F-16CJ 91-0366 crashed in Bavaria after suffering a structural failure which prohibited fuel flow to the engine. 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. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander 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. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. - 5 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations Officer at Minot AFB, - 5 Maintenance Squadron Commander at Minot AFB, - 379 Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Commander at Al Udeid AB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. [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. [14], On 1 April 1994, the squadron was inactivated again as part of the post-Cold War force reductions,[4] being replaced by the 22nd Fighter Squadron who had relocated to Spangdahlem from Bitburg Air Base on the same day. 1 ago. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command 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. 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 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. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). F-16 fighter pilot heads from Afghanistan to Spangdahlem to command Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. 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. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. [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. The USAFE press release says it wasn't for misconduct. "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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement is named. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass It thrust me forward.. 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 U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. He is also the base commander. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. 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. fairport senior ball 2020 spangdahlem commander fired. 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. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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 unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. 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. [22] Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. Home/how to remove temporary spray adhesive from fabric/ spangdahlem commander fired. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem.