spangdahlem squadron commander fired

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was more supportive. 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. 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. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. First-term airmen will have an easier time finding a new Air Force job, Meet 12M+, the new community app for military spouses, Kansas man upset he cant buy mini Toyotas like the Taliban and ISIS, Army Special Ops Command welcomes first female command sergeant major, UN envoy says Sudans warring sides agree to negotiate, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. Within one month the wing had deployed people and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in and around Afghanistan. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. We see it in the aircrew community and in several high-demand career fields like maintenance. In addition to moving the F-16s, EUCOM will relocate its own headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany, to Belgium, where NATO has its headquarters. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. The video includes song, dance, repeated references to genitalia, a big penis and testicles puppet, and is based around discomfort of the male genitalia while flying on missions and a particular brand of talcum powder that is a solution to those issues. 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. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. Editors Note: This story was updated July 29 at 6:17 p.m EDT with additional details. Looking back, I realize that instead of being asked how we can make this happen, Im basically told what is going to happen. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. It received F-15 Eagles in 1994 but lost its F-4Gs. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war as required. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. 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. The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. We had more than 2 dozen people reach out and tell us about how she, the first shirt, and other [senior enlisted leaders] were abusing folks going through issues that required treatment (both with mental health and other medical), wrote The Salty Crew Chief 2.0, an Instagram page popular among Air Force maintainers, in a Dec. 3 post about Widmans firing. 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. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. Those guys got me into a place where I could work within my limitations at the time and be a productive contributing member to the unit, without compromising my recovery.. Comm: 06565-61-1110 If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. 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. This made life more difficult for CL because he was already unable to drive due to his medical issues. 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. Comm: 06565-61-1110 The 52d Mission Support Group delivers world class mission support ensuring the wing is able to conduct wartime and contingency missions. Maj. April Widman, commander of the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands for a photo at Dyess Air Force Base, March 17, 2021. 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. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. The 52d Operations Group Detachment 1, based at ask AB, Poland, represents the United States Air Force's first permanent presence in Poland and continues to foster bilateral defense ties, enhance interoperability and increase capacity to conduct military operations with Allied nations. 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. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. 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. 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. 16. 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. Members of those fields are widely understood to be the most depressed members of the service, and data leaked to the popular Facebook page Air Force amn/nco/snco in 2020 showed a higher suicide rate among those career fields than the rest of the branch. 52 FW Pillars: 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. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 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. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 6. It is a slap in the face at a friend and ally when we should instead be drawing closer in our mutual commitment to deter Russian and Chinese aggression, Romney said in a statement. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. 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. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. "I'd say single digits [of billions], but that'll be spread out over time," he said. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Air Force last week halted the intelligence mission of the 102nd Intelligence Wing as the services inspector general investigates. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 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. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. The 52d Contracting Squadron (52 CONS) provides agile contracting support and solutions for Spangdahlem Air Base, its GSUs, and deployed operations. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a detachment commander were suspended, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said. Maj. Charles Schulz temporarily assumed command of the squadron the following day. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. 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 video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. 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. 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 52nd was reactivated on 18 August 1955 and designated 52nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). He was now working directly for Retka. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. 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. The wing provides United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa and/or the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems. The wing enables U.S. power projection sustaining AMC's air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. Melody W. Howley). This article is about the 52nd Fighter Wing activated in 1948. The Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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 . 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. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who was suspended was not identified in Wednesdays Air Force statement. Her husband told investigators that Retka approached the group directly behind his wife and stood crowded subway close to her, which he described as awkward. 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. 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. -Agile Combat Employment As good people, like Capt. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. I talked to my supervisor and he said that was pretty extreme, the airman said of the demotion. 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. Additionally, they utilize combat-ready Airmen with 36 different Air Force career specialties, to oversee a $6.3 million operating budget and provide sustained support across 23 functional areas while maintaining 16 facilities. I was done, no more dreams of commissioning and doing 20 years in the service. The past year has been a busy one for the wing, which has been a part of U.S. European Commands efforts to reassure allies in eastern Europe in the wake of Russian aggression in Ukraine. When that trust is lost it affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion and ultimately risks mission accomplishment.. I dont know why they had it out for me so bad.. Other airmen shared negative experiences regarding Widman on social media. Affected allied nations and NATO leaders were notified in the past few days, Esper said. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Both spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation. This was unfortunate because theyre both wonderful people, but theyve continued to persevere despite it. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. 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 MMG receives, stores, maintains, controls and employs $6 billion of U.S. protection level 1 assets in direct support of NATO contingency, wartime and strike missions. 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. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level one assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. [10], On 18 June 2013, the 81st Fighter Squadron was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany. Right out the gate she was extremely un-empathetic towards what I and my family were going through, the airman added. 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. The 52nd MMG maintains a 15-person staff that provides command leadership and support for more than 620 active-duty personnel from 26 Air Force specialty codes at their four geographically separated units. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. 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. The wing provides United States Air Forces in . 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 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement that U.S. consultations with allies ahead of the announcement underlines the continued commitment by the United States to NATO and to European security., But in Washington, members of Congress from both parties criticized the decision. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. 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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