spangdahlem squadron commander fired

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. It cost him a star. Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon in the United States on September 11, 2001, the 52nd Fighter Wing began preparations for possible combat tasking. Bear in mind this is one of my first interactions with her. -Integrated Base Defense. In January and December 1999, the wing supported Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force, and Decisive Forge with numerous deployments to Italy and Turkey. I was made to feel like I was a second-class citizen and a piece of shit for things outside my control., By (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). 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. 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. 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. The move came on the order of the 102nd Intelligence Wing commander at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. It operated with other NATO forces in frequent "squadron exchange" programs and hosted US-based units on temporary duty in Europe. A second Air National Guard unit has its first F-35s, as three of the fifth-generation fighters arrived at Truax Field, Wisc., on April 25. The wing participated in numerous tactical exercises, operations, and tests of USAFE and NATO and provided close air support, interdiction, and base defense operations. Comm: 06565-61-1110 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. 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. What Happens to the Air Forces Oldest F-22s if Congress OKs Their Retirement? He is also the base commander. Jordana Kennedy said having to be around Retka and his wife was crushing and super-stressful. She began to skip group events with spouses to avoid running into the Retkas, and said she recently had a panic attack when she thought they might show up. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. CL felt that unfair treatment personally when he was recovering from injuries suffered while deployed. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. I would have wanted to stay in the Air Force, if not for Widmans treatment of him, the airman said. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. 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. The 52d Contracting Squadron (52 CONS) provides agile contracting support and solutions for Spangdahlem Air Base, its GSUs, and deployed operations. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who was suspended was not identified in Wednesdays Air Force statement. We see it in the aircrew community and in several high-demand career fields like maintenance. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. 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. 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. Both spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation. As good people, like Capt. "I'd say single digits [of billions], but that'll be spread out over time," he said. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). The group consistently proves its combat effectiveness and versatility while supporting operations at home station, and at temporary duty and deployed locations throughout Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. 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. Read the full fact sheet. 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. When it comes to innovative thinking, you are the benchmark that all the rest of my wings measure against. When that trust is lost it affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion and ultimately risks mission accomplishment.. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. The new mix of Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft will replace the A-10s now based at. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Calling from CONUS: (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war as required. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Get your daily fix of Air Force news delivered right to your inbox every day. 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. classified documents that were leaked on the internet, Allies criticize U.S. handling of top-secret documents after massive leak. 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. Comm:011-49-6565-61-1110 Details for the planned move are still in the works, and orders for Airmen soon headed to Spangdahlem will not be canceled. We want to again thank all those that came forward, knowing the risk if you were found speaking out.. The 52d Maintenance Group provides peacetime and combat maintenance support for the 52d Fighter Wing. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. Russia Continues Dangerous Flights in Syria, Risking International Incident, Wisconsin Guard Wing Accepts First 3 F-35s, 18 KC-135s Line Up at MacDill, as USAFs Surge in Elephant Walks Continues, USAF Analysis: China Hopes The US Cant Afford Enough B-21s to Make A Difference, Air Force Will Look at CV-22, New Army Helicopter for Long-Range Combat Search and Rescue, New Wing at Davis-Monthan Will Include MC-130s, Light Attack CSAF Says, Northrop Says Its Premature For Australia to Buy the B-21But Maybe Later, Air Force Suspends Leaders of Unit Involved in Classified Document Leak. The 52d Operations Group Detachment 2, located at Miroslawiec AB, Poland, operates MQ-9 aircraft and delivers persistent airborne ISR capabilities throughout the theater. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. 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. 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. 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. All aircraft were from the 22nd Fighter Squadron. His command team said they would not help him with transportation due to manning and operations issues, he said. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. A total 24,000 U.S. military personnel will remain in Germany. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Widman declined to comment. In addition to moving the F-16s, EUCOM will relocate its own headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany, to Belgium, where NATO has its headquarters. Medical evaluation boards help the Air Force determine if an airman is still physically able to continue serving in the branch. 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. Widman was mad the unit was already trending at this time due to those logistics issues, CL said. The 52d Communications Squadron (52 CS) provides war-ready Airmen, communications capabilities, and cyber services to sustain Saber operations and Air Force power projection anytime, anywhere. 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. They were suspended pending further investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, the Air Force said. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander (center), passes the 52nd FW guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), as he relinquishes command during the 52nd Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. 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. 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. It thrust me forward.. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News. The 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron began flying operations at a deployed location in support of the war on terrorism within 100 hours of tasking notification. Calling from Germany: 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.. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. On 1 April 2017, the 606th Air Control Squadron, Detachment 1 was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany following the relocation to Aviano Air Base, Italy. The Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka). The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets The squadron consists of two flights, Operations and Plans/Implementation, and has quality assurance and communications focal point elements. DSN: 314-452-1110 He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. If reports from members are made, they are taken seriously through due process.. Teixeira has not entered a plea, according to court records. The 52d Mission Support Group delivers world class mission support ensuring the wing is able to conduct wartime and contingency missions. 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. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. 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. U.S. Africa Command will also move out of Stuttgart, though its ultimate destination is yet to be determined, Wolters 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. The incident has raised questions among lawmakers in Washington about who has access to classified materials and about safeguards. 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, they support 16 geographically separated units by providing administrative, personnel, contingency response, force sustainment and quality of life support. Even now, 75 years after the wars end, Germany hosts one of the largest contingents of U.S. troops in the world. vehicle registration & drivers license testing, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. from around the world. 6. The 52d Operations Group consists of a fighter squadron, an operations support squadron and two geographically separated aviation detachments, both located in Poland. Germanys delinquent, they havent paid their fees, they havent paid their NATO fees, he said, referring to NATOs stated goal for member nations to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . New commander takes charge of 52nd FW. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Near the end of 1992, it began receiving A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. For the New York Air National Guard unit, see, For World War II lineage and history, see, The emblem was updated 3 December 1996.

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