Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Just my opinion but good leadership includes being open and honest in decision making. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. My base had a squadron commander (Maj) that got relieved of command for the same "reason" given for this guy. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. [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. [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. The wing assets remained and were re-designated as the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing when the 12th TFW was moved without personnel or equipment from Cam Ranh Bay Air Base on 1 April 1970, to replace the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing and its units. 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. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. 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. Melody W. Howley). Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. [33], On 7 April 2016, the 480th EFS deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,[34] returning to Spangdahlem on 12 October. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. Col. Steven Lamb, 52nd Mission Support Group commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd MSG change of command ceremony, July 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. Michael Kent, 726th Air Mobility Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of readiness and resources (left), shows Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, how to set up solar panels for the Expeditionary En-route Continuity of Operations Kit at the 726th AMS on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 20, 2021. 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. 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 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. The 52nd FW commander oversees all five of the wings groups, who directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. [23] Returning in November, the 480th FS were the last fighter unit to support Operation New Dawn. [4] It was inactivated on 1 May 1944 while based at Lake Charles Army Air Field. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. 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.. 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. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. [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. [4] The squadron was deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, on 5 February 1966 as part of the USAF buildup in Southeast Asia. Air Force officials in Europe said at the time that. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Gen. Kristin Goodwin, former commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. 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. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. 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. Maybe O'Mally's approach to announcing what has to have been heartbreaking news for Kotnik, regardless of the circumstances, stems from the fact that he helped mastermind and starred in the video below while serving as the Chief Weapons Instructor for the 35th Fighter Squadron, a unit based in South Korea. The 52nd FW, an operational unit under the 3rd Air Force, maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and TPS-75 radar systems and $2.5 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of NATO and the national defense directives, according to the Air Force. 210320-F-LH638-1120. [22] 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. 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. [9], In November 1967, a member of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Capt. Shes had previous assignments for Stars and Stripes in Japan, reporting from Yokota and Misawa air bases. 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. All Rights Reserved. Air Force officials said the base sustained no significant damage from the heavy rainfall. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. [4], The 480th TFS was reactivated on 15 November 1976 as part of the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany, flying the F-4D Phantom II. 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. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. 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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. Born in Peoria, Ill., he graduated from DODEAs now-defunct Frankfurt American High School. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. All Rights Reserved. from around the world. July 2011 June 2012 Director of Operations, 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 12.
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