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. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. [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. The 52nd was reactivated on 18 August 1955 and designated 52nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. 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. Copyright 2023. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. He was now working directly for Retka. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Read the full fact sheet. [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. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. 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. 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. 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. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. David Roza 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. 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. 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. 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. Wing Commander Col. David Epperson took administrative action against Retka after the Office of Special Investigations completed its investigation last September, Gabe Myers, a spokesman for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said Tuesday. They were suspended pending further investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, the Air Force said. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. DOD is also rethinking its brick-and-mortar infrastructure amid fears that permanent bases could be vulnerable to attack. 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. 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. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of how classified information is handled and secured. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. The detachment commander who was suspended was in charge of overseeing administrative support for airmen at the unit, the Air Force said. O'Malley, a highly accomplished fighter pilot, also oversees the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team that calls the base home, the same unit that Kotnik was relieved from. All Rights Reserved. It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. 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. 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 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. 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? The Pentagon will begin winding down U.S. operations at Germanys Spangdahlem Air Base, pulling out Air Force F-16s and canceling plans to move tankers and special-operations forces there, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper announced July 29. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. 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 Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. Commanders are taking appropriate action as information becomes available, the Air Force said. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. The current mission statement of the 52d Fighter Wing is to deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. When people see the Airpower portion of this, they often times assume this means flying, but the mission goes well beyond that. Personnel assigned to the 52nd FW continued to deploy for Operation Enduring Freedom circa 2020. 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. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. Costs would include military construction and permanent change of station moves for Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Read the full fact sheet. The new mix of Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft will replace the A-10s now based at. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrived here Nov. 12, to enhance U.S. Air Forces Central's ability to deter . 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. 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. Right out the gate she was extremely un-empathetic towards what I and my family were going through, the airman added. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. 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. Id say single digits [of billions], but thatll be spread out over time, he said. Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, Victims of Army helicopter collision in Alaska include 2 chief warrant officers, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. 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. In concert with USAFE wings at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the 52nd Fighter Wing directly supports the strategic mobility mission once conducted at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany. Calling from Germany: (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Mission, Airmen and Community The wing provides United States Air Forces in . 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a detachment commander were suspended, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Many of the more than 50 leaked documentsNBC News obtainedwere labeled Top Secret, the highest level of classification. Comm:011-49-6565-61-1110 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. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. 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.. This was unfortunate because theyre both wonderful people, but theyve continued to persevere despite it. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. 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. Meanwhile, two wings that had planned to move to Spangdahlem will now stay put. We still don't know what the cause was behind the firing, but it has come to our attention that the commander who did the deed made a very low-brow video with his squadronmates while deployed to Kunsan Air Base in Korea during the mid-2000s. 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 wing enables U.S. power projection sustaining AMC's air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. 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. 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. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. 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. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a . The incident has raised questions among lawmakers in Washington about who has access to classified materials and about safeguards. The wing participated in numerous tactical exercises, operations, and tests of USAFE and NATO and provided close air support, interdiction, and base defense operations. Melody W. Howley). After 20 years of war you think the Air Force wouldve figured it out by now, he said. The 480th Fighter Squadron operatesover two dozenblock 50 F-16 aircraft in the most challenging air-to-air and air-to-ground mission sets. 2022Recurrent Ventures. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. 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.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. The 52d Operations Group consists of a fighter squadron, an operations support squadron and two geographically separated aviation detachments, both located in Poland. No matter what becomes of the investigation into Widman, wing leadership emphasized the value it places on leadership accountability. I dont know why they had it out for me so bad.. This article is about the 52nd Fighter Wing activated in 1948. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. When that trust is lost it affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion and ultimately risks mission accomplishment.. The move came on the order of the 102nd Intelligence Wing commander at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. Within one month the wing had deployed people and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in and around Afghanistan. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. Teixeira, 21, an airman first class, was assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. The 52d Operations Support Squadron maintains and oversees all airfield management, air traffic control and ancillary services necessary to conduct more than 5,000 annual flight hours. In April 2010 the wing's strength was reduced by one third. 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. 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. 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. 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. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. Calling from CONUS: And the time when it was OK to pinch someones butt or rub up against someone or make a derogatory or misogynistic comment, I really want to see those days go away and be behind us.. -Deterrence 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. I was made to feel like I was a second-class citizen and a piece of shit for things outside my control., By The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war as required. Wolters said Spangdahlem's 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could "move soonest, at a time to be determined," bound for Italy. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron, part of the Massachusetts Air National Guard in which the 21-year-old Teixeira served, was suspended from his leadership position, as was . DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. The squadron consists of two flights, Operations and Plans/Implementation, and has quality assurance and communications focal point elements. If reports from members are made, they are taken seriously through due process.. This support ensures ready medics and a medically-ready force capable of providing full spectrum airpower to joint and allied commanders. 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. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. CL felt that unfair treatment personally when he was recovering from injuries suffered while deployed. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. Affected allied nations and NATO leaders were notified in the past few days, Esper said. 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. Maj. 2023 Stars and Stripes. In 2010, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were combined to form the 480th Fighter Squadron. The 52d Maintenance Group provides peacetime and combat maintenance support for the 52d Fighter Wing. 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. Careerism and cronyism are a cancer in the Air Force that is causing retention issues, he 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. 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. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. 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 Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Esper estimated the cost to be "several billion dollars," but did not provide a formal estimate. Both spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation. Theyre way off, and theyve been off for years and they have no intention of paying it. 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. This video shows how The 52d Fighter Wing accomplishes this mission, while also taking care of the other two pillars: Airmen and Community. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. As good people, like Capt. The 52d Contracting Squadron (52 CONS) provides agile contracting support and solutions for Spangdahlem Air Base, its GSUs, and deployed operations. 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. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. We applaud leaders like those in the 317th [airlift wing] and [maintenance group] that opened channels and empowered people to come forward, they added.
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