Personnel assigned to the 52nd FW continued to deploy for Operation Enduring Freedom circa 2020. But the fact that the spouse got access to the orders set Widman off, CL recalled. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. I was done, no more dreams of commissioning and doing 20 years in the service. 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. 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. higher suicide rate among those career fields. Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. 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. 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. 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. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. Spangdahlem wing commander relieved of duty | Stars and Stripes 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. CL soon realized that his physical wellbeing and the wellbeing of his family were a low priority for Widman, who told him that he would have to come back to work and fit his medical appointments around workdays. 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. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. IE 11 is not supported. Ramstein Air Base is unaffected, DOD officials said. 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. [9] As a result of the drawdown of F-16s, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were inactivated on 13 August 2010 and formed a single "new" squadron, the 480th Fighter Squadron. 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. The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. This video shows how The 52d Fighter Wing accomplishes this mission, while also taking care of the other two pillars: Airmen and Community. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. 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. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. Air Force suspends leadership for unit of suspected Pentagon - CNN 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. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is a major command of the U.S. Air Force. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. 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. DSN: 314-452-1110 Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Other airmen shared negative experiences regarding Widman on social media. The Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. 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. [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. 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 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. Medical evaluation boards help the Air Force determine if an airman is still physically able to continue serving in the branch. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. 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. U.S. European Command is broadly restructuring to better address the needs of the National Defense Strategy, which focuses on advanced military adversaries like Russia and China rather than insurgents in the Middle East. In January and December 1999, the wing supported Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force, and Decisive Forge with numerous deployments to Italy and Turkey. The problems are compounded by a lack of effective prevention and intervention from mental health, he added. After 20 years of war you think the Air Force wouldve figured it out by now, he 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. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. Not only does the plan fail to consider major logistical issues, questions about deterrence and implementation of the National Defense Strategy, and concerns about implications for U.S. efforts in Africa and elsewhere, but also it will almost certainly result in significant costs to the Department, he said in a statement. 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. Widman declined to comment. 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. In a written statement to OSI, Retka denied he inappropriately touched Kennedy and that any contact was incidental and not done with the intent to abuse, humiliate or degrade her or for his own gratification. 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. "I'd say single digits [of billions], but that'll be spread out over time," he said. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. Many of the more than 50 leaked documentsNBC News obtainedwere labeled Top Secret, the highest level of classification. -Agile Combat Employment The 52d Logistics Readiness Squadron (52 LRS) supports the wing, GSUs and AMC partners as a single source for logistics operations support, and leads the wings mobility machine, ensuring timely and accurate deployment of personnel and equipment. Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News. 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. 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. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. 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. Published Dec 8, 2021 8:49 AM EST. Air Force suspends commanders from unit where Jack Teixeira worked [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 Air Force last week halted the intelligence mission of the 102nd Intelligence Wing as the services inspector general investigates. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. 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. Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association, 1501 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, Va., 22209-1198. Comm: 06565-61-1110 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. 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. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 52nd Mission Support Group > Spangdahlem Air Base > Fact Sheets It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. This was unfortunate because theyre both wonderful people, but theyve continued to persevere despite it. 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. DSN: 314-452-1110 The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. 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. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Maj. Charles Schulz temporarily assumed command of the squadron the following day. 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. Wolters said Spangdahlems 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could move soonest, at a time to be determined, bound for Italy. It operated with other NATO forces in frequent "squadron exchange" programs and hosted US-based units on temporary duty in Europe. 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. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. In this particular instance, the 317 AMXS had a large deployment ready to go, but for whatever reason Widman authorized them to leave early for pre-deployment training, according to CL, which caused a bunch of logistical issues. Calling from Germany: He was also told to make up for time absent from work as a result of the Air Force directed-med board appointments. The 52d Operations Group consists of a fighter squadron, an operations support squadron and two geographically separated aviation detachments, both located in Poland. 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 wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. So they wasted a whole day and ruined my treatment, the airman said. 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. David Roza 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 Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. 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 wing enables U.S. power projection sustaining AMC's air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. Wolters said Spangdahlem's 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could "move soonest, at a time to be determined," bound for Italy. CL was undergoing medical treatment and started a medical evaluation board (MEB) when Widman took command of the 317 AMXS in the summer of 2020. 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. Its a commander-run program that fell under the oversight of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, CL explained. 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. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. Additionally, they support 16 geographically separated units by providing administrative, personnel, contingency response, force sustainment and quality of life support. spangdahlem commander fired - faircube.com (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. U.S. Africa Command will also move out of Stuttgart, though its ultimate destination is yet to be determined, Wolters said. It flies the F-16CJ fighter aircraft. October 1996 May 1997, Executive Officer, 71st Operations Group, Vance AFB, Okla. 2. In 2010, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons were combined to form the 480th Fighter Squadron. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. We applaud leaders like those in the 317th [airlift wing] and [maintenance group] that opened channels and empowered people to come forward, they added. I talked to my supervisor and he said that was pretty extreme, the airman said of the demotion. Service members will be told of re-stationing decisions well in advance in order to prepare themselves and their families for their move, USAFE said. She was very unfair and unethical to members going through medical treatment and those who sought mental health, said an airman who served with 317 AMXS for five years who agreed to speak with Task & Purpose under the pseudonym CL.. 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. from around the world. CL felt that unfair treatment personally when he was recovering from injuries suffered while deployed. Moving F-16s from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem to Italy will better increase security along NATOs eastern flank and help preserve peace, Air Forces Europe said in a statement. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Looking back, I realize that instead of being asked how we can make this happen, Im basically told what is going to happen. Meanwhile, two wings that had planned to move to Spangdahlem will now stay put. 16. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. In addition to moving the F-16s, EUCOM will relocate its own headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany, to Belgium, where NATO has its headquarters. He was now working directly for Retka. CL also recalled an incident when Widman retaliated against another airmans wife for trying to help the spouses of other airmen. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). Within one month the wing had deployed people and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in and around Afghanistan. Witnesses also told OSI investigators that while at Kunsan, Retka once placed a much smaller pilot who became extremely intoxicated as part of a squadron initiation rite and drunkenly tackled Retka in a chokehold and refused to let go. 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. 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. 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. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. 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. Spangdahlem group commander disciplined for inappropriately touching Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. They were suspended pending further investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, the Air Force said. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. Melody W. Howley). The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW. The detachment commander who was suspended was in charge of overseeing administrative support for airmen at the unit, the Air Force said. Comm:011-49-6565-61-1110 Kennedy told investigators she was in shock and disbelief at what had just happened and felt numb, upset and uncomfortable. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. But plans accelerated after President Donald J. Trump said in June he intended to pull U.S. forces from Germany because that nation had failed to invest enough of its own money in defense. I didnt want to make a big deal of it because the night had just started and I wanted to honor these nice people, Kennedy told Air Force Times. 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. 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. 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. Comm: 06565-61-1110 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. The Air Force has suspended leaders of the Massachusetts Air National Guard unit involved in the leak of a trove of classified documents, the service said April 26. It cost him a star. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Col. Leslie Hauck accepted responsibility of the 52nd FW from Col. David Epperson in front of Airmen, local leaders and family, making him the 30th commander since its activation as the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing in December 1971. 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 . 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. After October 1985, using the F-4 Phantom II model aircraft, defense suppression became the wing's sole tactical mission. The 52nd Fighter Wing also supports USAFE's Joint Fires Center of Excellence, whose mission is to conduct joint and combined training focused on the effective integration and application of tactical fires. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1.

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