Epperson, also an F-16 pilot, assumed command of the wing in September 2019. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. I checked the new tab and didn't see anything. Spangdahlem group commander disciplined for inappropriately touching 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. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. [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). Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. [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. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. 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.. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. Commander, 52d Munitions Maintenance Group, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel THOMAS GRAHAM Commander, 52d Operations Group Colonel LESLIE F. HAUCK III Commander, 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel STEVEN N. LAMB Commander, 52nd Mission Support Group Colonel WILLIAM H. McKIBBAN (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes). June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. Col. Lars R. Hubert, the 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, was appointed interim wing commander. 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. 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. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem - AF He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. [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. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. 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. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 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. [20][21] They flew their first sortie on 21 March 2011, tasked with SEAD. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. 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. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? . The closure of Mildenhall is part of a sweeping reorganization of U.S. forces in Europe recommended by the Pentagon to consolidate infrastructure and save money. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF 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. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. Spangdahlem AB Base Essentials - Military OneSource August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. 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. 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. By the time Retka returned to Spangdahlem as a group commander, he was viewed by some as a bully who had a tendency to mock, disparage or undermine his subordinates. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . 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. We have never seen such a disaster. Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. 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. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. It thrust me forward.. 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.. 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. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. 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. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." A wing spokesman confirmed the news Thursday. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. All Rights Reserved. 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. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. Epperson praised the wing, who look out for each other in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 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. John Q. Public - Spangdahlem Wing Commander given the | Facebook Shes a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Here you'll find command name, phone numbers & websites. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley) Spangdahlem Fire Department light up Fire Prevention Week Published Oct. 8, 2020 By Senior Airman Melody W. Howley Spangdahlem Air Base - Wikipedia An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. USAF's First Female F-16 Demo Pilot Relieved of Command After Only Two Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it.
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