Witnesses interviewed by OSI also described a history of unprofessional, sexist and misogynistic comments and inappropriate behavior on Retkas part, including an inappropriate comment after an anti-sexual harassment skit. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. 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. The wing provides logistics support for C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy aircraft, crew, passengers and cargo to sustain air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. 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. Comm: 06565-61-1110 Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who offered a failed amendment to the 2021 defense policy bill that would have blocked such a move, called the plan a grave error.. The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. The five groups within the wing are responsible for operations, maintenance, mission support, medical operations, and munitions maintenance. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. This whole incident sparked an investigation and we know what came from that., Though Widman declined to comment for this story, when asked about the accusations that Widman had retaliated against subordinates, the 7th Bomb Wing replied: Retaliation is illegal and not in alignment with our Air Force core values for integrity, Lt. Cashin wrote. But the system has been broken for a while, he felt. Near the end of 1992, it began receiving A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. Copyright 2023. It operated with other NATO forces in frequent "squadron exchange" programs and hosted US-based units on temporary duty in Europe. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. 8. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. Russian aircraft have flown near U.S. forces in Syria almost two dozen times over the past week, as Russian warplanes continue their aggressive maneuvers in the country,according to American officials. 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. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, taxi off at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to participate in a large force exercise within the North Sea airspace, U.K., on May 27, 2020. Mission, Airmen and Community Ramstein Air Base is unaffected, DOD officials said. 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. The inactivation marked the end of A-10 operations in Europe at that time. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. The wing is comprised of approximately 5,000 military and civilian personnel spread across nine geographically separated units and thirteen real property sites in five different nations. 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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. I was made to feel like I was a second-class citizen and a piece of shit for things outside my control., Luckily, CL was saved by a few good senior non-commissioned officers in the unit who care about their troops and saw what was happening, he said. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Maj. April Widman, commander of the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands for a photo at Dyess Air Force Base, March 17, 2021. If reports from members are made, they are taken seriously through due process.. 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. Australia says it wont buy the B-21 bomber, but Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden said it may still be on the table when the program is more mature. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was more supportive. 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. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. 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. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. The last major downsize at Spangdahlem came in 2013 with the departure of the 81st Fighter Squadron, the last A-10 unit based in Europe. 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. He is also the base commander. Comm: 06565-61-1110 Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. The group consists of the 52d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the 52 Maintenance Squadron, which together provide safe, reliable maintenance for F-16 C/D Fighting Falcons, and a variety of other combat and support aircraft transiting the region. Calling from Germany: Making mistakes is a part of life. The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Additionally, they support 16 geographically separated units by providing administrative, personnel, contingency response, force sustainment and quality of life support. The 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group provides four fully capable U.S. munitions support squadrons responsible for the ownership, custody, accountability and release of war reserve munitions supporting Belgian, Dutch, German and Italian air forces. The 480th Fighter Squadron operatesover two dozenblock 50 F-16 aircraft in the most challenging air-to-air and air-to-ground mission sets. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. Esper made the announcement in a joint briefing with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John E. Hyten and U.S. European Command boss Gen. Tod D. Wolters. The problems are compounded by a lack of effective prevention and intervention from mental health, he added. The member of Key Spouses managed to get those orders on her own, and she worked with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center to make sure the other spouses had access to the right resources. 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. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. And while they are deployed, they are able to sustain a much more fixed focus on their mission and their capabilities., Wolters said EUCOM aims to rotate units in perpetuity in multiple locations. He said the flexibility that this affords us certainly complicates a potential enemy against us, and it dramatically improves our operational capability to more effectively deter and defend.. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. The 52d Force Support Squadron (52 FSS) supports the wing with Airman & Family Services, Community services, Force Development, Manpower & Personnel and Sustainment services. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. Editors Note: This story was updated July 29 at 6:17 p.m EDT with additional details. We want to again thank all those that came forward, knowing the risk if you were found speaking out.. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. The group consists of seven squadrons providing communications, security, contracting, transportation, supply, deployment planning and execution, education, lodging, food services, recreation, personnel support, fitness programs, engineering, housing, disaster response, explosive ordnance disposal, fire and environmental protection for more than 11,500 personnel in the local community and geographically separated units; all while preparing combat ready forces for US and NATO missions. The detachment commander who was suspended was in charge of overseeing administrative support for airmen at the unit, the Air Force said. The new mix of Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft will replace the A-10s now based at. In January and December 1999, the wing supported Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force, and Decisive Forge with numerous deployments to Italy and Turkey. 52 FW Priorities: [11], In December 2014, the wing commander, Col. Peter Bilodeau, who had commanded the wing for six months, was relieved of his command for "a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. If completed, the plan would shrink the U.S. mission in Germany, which has been a key strategic location for American military operations since the end of World War II. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. 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. In 1987, the 52nd acquired F-16 Falcons and became the first wing to integrate F-16Cs with F-4Gs to form hunter/killer teams within individual fighter squadrons. Wolters said Spangdahlem's 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could "move soonest, at a time to be determined," bound for Italy. They were suspended pending further investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, the Air Force said. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. But the fact that the spouse got access to the orders set Widman off, CL recalled. Specifically, the wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. As Saber Lead, Hauck now commands five groups, 23 squadrons and nine geographically separated units spread across five countries, with approximately 5,000 dedicated military and civilian personnel. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. "[12] His deputy served as commander until Col. McFall took command.[13][12]. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). It received F-15 Eagles in 1994 but lost its F-4Gs. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of how classified information is handled and secured. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. 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. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. 2023 Stars and Stripes. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, provides Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. 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. Widmans removal from command comes as the Air Force struggles to confront a mental health crisis within its ranks, especially in the maintenance and security forces (the Air Force equivalent of military police) career fields. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. Esper estimated the cost to be several billion dollars, but did not provide a formal estimate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The Air Force relieved an officer of command who served separation paperwork to an airman in a mental health clinic for treatment after a suicide attempt, made one airman feel like a piece of shit for going through a medical evaluation board, and retaliated against an airmans spouse. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. I dont know why they had it out for me so bad.. The group is also responsible for the safe storage, maintenance, buildup, and delivery of a combat ready munitions stockpile valued in excess of $275 million. Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association, 1501 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, Va., 22209-1198. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. If youre thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. 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.. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who was suspended was not identified in Wednesdays Air Force statement. 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. To make matters worse, their spouses needed support from base agencies, but the commander did not allow their deployment orders to be distributed to the members, which would have allowed the spouses to get that support. He said on Twitter that the Pentagons plan is consistent with his view that the Pentagon needs to maintain a strong forward presence, sustain force projection, and take care of our military families.. All Rights Reserved. The assigned F-16 aircraft can be tasked to suppress enemy air defenses, provide close air support, carry out air interdiction, counter-air, strategic attack, and combat search and rescue. It was originally approved for the, Learn how and when to remove this template message, United States Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, 39th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, 81st Tactical Fighter (later, 81st Fighter), 480th Tactical Fighter (later, 480th Fighter), https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/729630/52nd-operations-group/, https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/293554/52nd-fighter-wing/, https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/293615/52nd-maintenance-group/, https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/1501409/52nd-medical-group/, https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/729629/52nd-mission-support-group/, https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/293616/52nd-munitions-maintenance-group/, "480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron", "Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe", "Wing commander relieved of post in Germany", "Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=52nd_Fighter_Wing&oldid=1152228417, 52nd Operations Support Squadron (52 OSS), 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (52 AMXS), 52nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (52 OMRS), 52nd Healthcare Operations Squadron (52 HCOS), 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron (52 LRS), 470th Air Base Squadron (470 ABS) NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, 701st Munitions Support Squadron (701 MUNSS), 702nd Munitions Support Squadron (702 MUNSS), 703rd Munitions Support Squadron (703 MUNSS), 704th Munitions Support Squadron (704 MUNSS), Eastern Air Defense Force, 1 September 1950 6 February 1952, Third Air Force (Air Forces Europe), 1 December 2006 present, 606th Air Control Squadron: 30 Sept 1995 - 1 April 2017, This page was last edited on 28 April 2023, at 23:39. The 52d Mission Support Group is organized into seven squadrons: The 52d Civil Engineer Squadron (52 CES) is responsible for maintaining, repairing and improving base real property to include 1,686 facilities, and also manage current and upcoming construction projects. Ultimately, the wing 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. 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 medical group operates an outpatient clinic at Spangdahlem which includes family practice, pediatrics, women's health, psychiatry, aerospace medicine and optometry with exceptional clinical laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and physical therapy support. Germany owes billions and billions of dollars to NATO, and why would we keep all of our troops there?. (U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. Read the full fact sheet. 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. A culture where respect, trust, accountability, and compassion guide our actions.. The culture within the USAF has changed to some degree since its inception, but it stands as an incredibly stark reminder that really talented and valuable people can make really dumb decisions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the administration for failing to be more consultative in drafting the plan. The spouse then stepped down from the Key Spouse organization, but Widman continued to target her husband, CL said. Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere, Russians seem to be baiting US jets to dogfight in Syria, general says, Biden awards football trophy to Air Force Academy, Commanders suspended at base where alleged Pentagon leaker worked, Military sex assault reports rise, even as Army numbers fall. Widman was mad the unit was already trending at this time due to those logistics issues, CL said. 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. Additionally, the squadron manages the execution and performance of $17 million in base-wide service contracts ranging from custodial services to military family housing change of occupancy. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Maj. April Widman, the commander of the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, was fired at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2, after the commander of the 317th Airlift Wing, Col. James Young, lost confidence in her ability to lead the squadron, said 1st. U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is a major command of the U.S. Air Force. 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. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. Esper estimated the cost to be "several billion dollars," but did not provide a formal estimate. 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. 6. As good people, like Capt. Additionally, they provide combat arms training for base personnel including surrounding GSUs, conduct criminal investigations as well as assisting host nation police when involving military personnel/dependents (or as requested), and processes vehicle registration & drivers license testing. The base primarily handles C-17 and C-5 aircraft that carry fully equipped, combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice and provide field support to sustain the fighting force. Careerism and cronyism are a cancer in the Air Force that is causing retention issues, he said. Then-Lt. Col. Anthony Retka, who was then commander of the 35th Fighter Squadron, boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Max Thunder exercise at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea in 2012. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. All five 52d FW groups directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. Without our airmen, our local community and our Allies, the 52d Fighter Wing would not be able to complete the mission or support these priorities. The 480th Fighter Squadron (480th FS), nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon.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. He was now working directly for Retka. David Owsianka). The tankers were participating in MacDills Operation Violent Storm, an exercisedesigned to force, In the months following the reveal of Northrop Grummans B-21 Raider in December, several publications affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party or its Peoples Liberation Army published articles downplaying the aircrafts viability, saying the U.S. cannot afford enough of the bombers to make a difference in a possible conflict with, The Air Force will consider the Armys freshly-chosen Bell V-280 tiltrotor as a possible combat search and rescue platform for work in contested airspace, but will also look at other technical options, including the CV-22 as an interim solution, Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q., Brown, Jr. told the House, The planned Special Operations Power Projection Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., will include MC-130s, AC-130s, and light attack aircraft, Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. They reveal details of U.S. spying on Russias war machine in Ukraine and secret assessments of Ukraines combat power, as well as intelligence about Americas allies, including South Korea and Israel. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. Teixeira is alleged to have used the online forum Discord to share the leaked information with his small community of online friends and to have taken photos of paper documents that he may have smuggled out of a secure facility. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. Calling from Germany: Coming out of treatment, I went to this meeting with her, the shirt [Air Force term for first sergeant], and squadron chief, CL said. The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. Additionally, LRS is responsible for the commercial movement and storage of personal property and provides ticketing for PCS, TDY and emergency leaves for DoD passengers; ensures quality petroleum and cryogenics products are acquired/produced/issued safely and efficiently to using organizations and executes vehicle maintenance, management and operation of more than 875 vehicles. Looking back, I realize that instead of being asked how we can make this happen, Im basically told what is going to happen.
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