He has been charged with possessing classified documents pertaining to national security and possessing national defense material. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think its important to understand why we take this approach. The 52d Force Support Squadron (52 FSS) supports the wing with Airman & Family Services, Community services, Force Development, Manpower & Personnel and Sustainment services. While the airman at Dyess submitted a rebuttal against the separation paperwork to try to stay in the service, in the end, there was not much he could do to challenge the separation. vehicle registration & drivers license testing, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The airman said he was completely open with his leadership about mental health issues he was going through in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Both spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation. 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. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. 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. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets The detachment commander who was suspended was in charge of overseeing administrative support for airmen at the unit, the Air Force said. The remainder would be relocated elsewhere in Europe. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bear in mind this is one of my first interactions with her. DSN: 314-452-1110 IE 11 is not supported. Read the full fact sheet. A female officer acting in the skit played the part of a harasser who was badgering a junior male airman for a date and offering her number. 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. 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. Even now, 75 years after the wars end, Germany hosts one of the largest contingents of U.S. troops in the world. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. They provide housing assistance to accompanied and unaccompanied Airmen/families, support all wing environmental programs, provide Fire, HAZMAT, and emergency response through their fire protection flight, provides emergency management and disaster preparedness through their readiness and emergency management flight, and provides aircraft, force protection and range clearance for through their explosive ordnance disposal flight. Air Force fires commander who separated an airman recovering from a Making mistakes is a part of life. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. The 52d Medical Group consists of Operational Medical Readiness, Health Care Operations, and Medical Support Squadrons. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Retka, who took over the operations group in August 2017, was in his third year in command, and had already been planning to retire at Spangdahlem, Myers said. No matter what becomes of the investigation into Widman, wing leadership emphasized the value it places on leadership accountability. Command of an Air Force unit is a position that requires trust, both up and down the chain of command, Young said in a statement. Its a commander-run program that fell under the oversight of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, CL explained. This video shows how The 52d Fighter Wing accomplishes this mission, while also taking care of the other two pillars: Airmen and Community. U.S. Air Force Chief Toby Roach, 52nd Fighter Wing command chief, (left), holds the guidon while Col. David Epperson, 52nd FW outgoing commander, (center), and Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd FW incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander, during the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on . 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. The White House approved the reorganization in June, and Pentagon officials began briefing Congress last week. He was now working directly for Retka. spangdahlem commander fired - faircube.com Whether employing fighter and intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance aircraft or supporting strategic mobility operations, the wing continues to be a key asset to European security and NATO, providing domineering expeditionary air power. 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. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. Lt. Kaitlin Cashin, public affairs officer for the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess. A female officer at Spangdahlem told investigators that in October 2018, Retka tried to sidestep her authority by saying he would solve a particular issue with another male officer, and said, We will talk about this as men later, over cigars and scotch.. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. Major changes are also envisioned for the U.S. Army in Europe, including moving the 4,500-member 2nd Calvary Regiment home to the U.S., rotating Stryker units to the Black Sea region, and basing a lead element of the Armys V Corps in Poland. 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. "I'd say single digits [of billions], but that'll be spread out over time," he said. 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. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. Additionally, the medical group provides wide-spread support to nineteen Geographically Separated Units throughout five countries and to one Limited Scope Medical Treatment Facility. The deployment of rotational forces from the United States we have observed whether its the BCTs going from the United States to Korea, to Poland, or the bomber task force, were finding that they are deploying at a much higher level of readiness, Esper said. The 52d Operations Group Detachment 2, located at Miroslawiec AB, Poland, operates MQ-9 aircraft and delivers persistent airborne ISR capabilities throughout the theater. Comm: 06565-61-1110 CL said at the end of all this, I got burnt out and no amount of optimism could change the reality of the situation, he said. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. 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. 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.. Though the investigation of Widman is still ongoing, two airmen who served under her spoke with Task & Purpose about their experience under her command. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, was arrested April 13 in connection with the investigation ofclassified documents that were leaked on the internet. The Defense Department will move 11,900 people out of American military installations across Germany, Esper said, including 6,400 whose jobs would return to the U.S. CL also recalled an incident when Widman retaliated against another airmans wife for trying to help the spouses of other airmen. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. Calling from CONUS: It was activated in 1948, but derives significant elements of its history from the predecessor Second World War 52nd Fighter Group, which is now the 52nd Operations Group, subordinate to the wing. This support ensures ready medics and a medically-ready force capable of providing full spectrum airpower to joint and allied commanders. 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. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. 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. Unfortunately, this airman may not the first to be served paperwork after a suicide attempt. Its clear that this whole entire wing is flying in formation, and its apparent from your three consecutive trips to the finals of the Air Forces Spark Tank innovation contest, and it is truly impressive what youve done there. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, said she was looking into an incident of an airman in Colorado who was sent a Letter of Reprimand and a Letter of Counseling shortly after attempting suicide. Details for the planned move are still in the works, and orders for Airmen soon headed to Spangdahlem will not be canceled. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? Our team is committed to instilling professional leadership characteristics not only for leadership at the squadron level, but for every airman Col. Young wrote in his statement. DeliverAirpower options to deter and combat aggression Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. 52 FW Pillars: 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. CLs experience was especially painful for him, considering how airmen are told from day one to be a good wingman, seek help if they need it, and to trust their first sergeants and chain of command, CL said. 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. It deployed aircraft and personnel to strategic locations in Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of the liberation of Kuwait from September 1990 March 1993. The group consists of 7 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 15,000 personnel in the local community and geographically separated units, all while preparing combat ready forces for US and NATO missions. The squadron oversees $60 million in annual obligations, co-leads with CPTS the wings end of fiscal year operations, manages the FWs $25 million Government Purchase card program and Quality Assurance Program (as it relates to contracts), and provides all contracting authority for Theater Security Package operations. 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.. 52nd Fighter Wing Mission Statement: 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. A second airman said he experienced similar treatment. Ramstein Air Base is unaffected, DOD officials said. The 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, provides Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. In April 2010 the wing's strength was reduced by one third. The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. This situation gives us an opportunity to reflect on the culture we need, where airmen understand their responsibilities as both leaders and wingmen, she said at the time. The 52nd Fighter Wing, which has one squadron plus a medical group, mission support group, munitions maintenance group, operations group, and other agencies, totals about 5,000 personnel. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. 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. 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. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW. -Deterrence Retka said he was also carrying a tall glass of beer in front of him, and told someone else that Kennedy may have felt the glass against her. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander, renders his final salute to the 52nd FW during the wings change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The service began investigating Widman on Sept. 29 to ensure Air Force standards for professionalism and culture are upheld by leadership while affording all members due process, Cashin told Task & Purpose. 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. Near the end of 1992, it began receiving A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Costs would include military construction and permanent change of station moves for Airmen and their families. Spangdahlem F-16 squadron demonstrates - U.S. Central Command Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of how classified information is handled and secured. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. 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. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. It served once more as an air defense unit in the southeastern United States. We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. Spangdahlem's 726th Air Mobility Squadron provides logistics, and aerial port capabilities to Air Mobility Command aircraft transiting through Spangdahlem AB. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. This article is about the 52nd Fighter Wing activated in 1948. 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.. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. Maj. Charles Schulz temporarily assumed command of the squadron the following day. Supported by these pillars that provide the framework for the 52d Fighter Wing, the wing has three priorities: Deterrence, Agile Combat Employment, and Integrated Base Defense. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. 16. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. 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. The squadron consists of two flights, Operations and Plans/Implementation, and has quality assurance and communications focal point elements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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 Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. This will be a difficult time for Capt. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. 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. -Agile Combat Employment On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. 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. 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group (52 MMG)[7], Established as the 52nd Fighter Wing, All Weather, on 10 May 1948, the wing served in the United States as an air defense unit in the northeastern United States from 1947 until the end of 1968.[8]. For the New York Air National Guard unit, see, For World War II lineage and history, see, The emblem was updated 3 December 1996. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. 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. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Shortly after publishing this piece, Colonel Derek 'Maestro' O'Malley gave us an exclusive and unprecedented in-depth interview in which we discuss the Gold Bon video, making mistakes, achieving redemption, and becoming a better leader because of it, as well as what goes into making a disciplinary decision for an Airman that has fallen into trouble. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a detachment commander were suspended, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said. 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. Additionally, the Maintenance Group operates a centralized jet engine repair facility and hydrazine servicing facility supporting locations within Europe and the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. Esper said force changes could start to take place within weeks. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. The 52nd was reactivated on 18 August 1955 and designated 52nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). Esper said the strategic goal is to move away from permanent basing in favor of dynamic force employment, enabling the military to proactively move troops as missions demand.
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