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.. [22] On 2 May 2011, the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn. Bilodeau, who was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of the 3rd Air Force, was not relieved for any misconduct or wrongdoing, according to USAFE. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. 152k members in the AirForce community. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. While at Da Nang Air Base, the squadron scored nine MiG kills. From what I got from it he didn't make the flight line work enough weekends to meet sortie requirements. [4], In April 1987, the 480th began receiving the General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon, initially operating it in tandem with the F-4G. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. 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 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. Captain Sijan later died in a prison camp and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Work Philosophy: Do your best every day, and if you routinely get the small things right, the big things will take care of themselves. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. The base is poised to grow in the next five to seven years. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. 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. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? Edit: loljk he wrote something an hour ago. The 480 TFS was therefore inactivated on 17 November 1971. He is headed to the Pentagon to lead the Checkmate Division at Air Force headquarters. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. [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. 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. 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. [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. [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). Kotnik, an experienced F-16C pilot whose call sign is "SiS", was certified as the Viper team leader by USAF Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Mike Holmes on January 29, 2019. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. 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. [9], On 20 October 1971, the 480th TFS flew its last combat mission, which was also the last combat sortie for 12th TFW. In 1979, the Warhawks converted to the F-4E Phantom II. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. She is a 2011. 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. 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. 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. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. All Rights Reserved. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. The rest are tools to accomplish that. 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. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Spangdahlems previous wing commander, Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, was relieved of duties in late December, less than six months on the job. 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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. The wing includes about 5,000 military and civilian personnel, spread across nine sites in five countries. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. from around the world. from around the world. 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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. 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. [39][40] The plans to move 480th FS have been put on hold as the new Biden administration looks to review the previous administrations plans to move the squadron to Italy.[41]. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, 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. The former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany was disciplined after an investigation into accusations that he rubbed his crotch against the rear end of a lieutenant colonels wife at a dinner last year. 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), 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. Col. Anthony Retka, who retired earlier this month, was accused of abusive sexual contact against Jordana Kennedy, the wife of Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy, at an off-base going away party in May 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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 from around the world. It cost him a star. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. All Rights Reserved. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. The base authorized a four-hour delay Wednesday night for personnel coming to work the next day, after rainfall over 12 hours equaled the average for the entire month of July. But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. 2022Recurrent Ventures. 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. 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. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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.. He was now working directly for Retka. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. [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. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. 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. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. Thats what teamwork is, thats what Saber Nation is, Epperson said during the ceremony. 2023 Stars and Stripes. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. Spangdahlem is home of the 52d Fighter Wing, which maintains, deploys and employs Lockheed Martin Block 50 F-16CJ and Republic A/OA-10 aircraft and TPS-75 radar systems in support of NATO and the national defense directives. from around the world. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. 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. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 16. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. Exactly the way they like it. 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. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. We still don't know what the cause was behind the firing, but it has come to our attention that the commander who did the deed made a very low-brow video with his squadronmates while deployed to Kunsan Air Base in Korea during the mid-2000s.

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