Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. When that trust is lost it affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion and ultimately risks mission accomplishment.. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. The highly classified documents are alleged to have been leaked by Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman. 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.. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. Read the full fact sheet. 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. 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. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a detachment commander were suspended, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. It operated with other NATO forces in frequent "squadron exchange" programs and hosted US-based units on temporary duty in Europe. 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. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. Dynamic operations and force employment deliver joint force commanders the critical capability to move forces fluidly into and across the . 52 FW Pillars:
Wolters said Spangdahlems 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could move soonest, at a time to be determined, bound for Italy. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. 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. 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 . Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News. They reveal details of U.S. spying on Russias war machine in Ukraine and secret assessments of Ukraines combat power, as well as intelligence about Americas allies, including South Korea and Israel. In addition to air interdiction and counter air operations, the 480th is EUCOMs sole squadron capable of performing the "Wild Weasel" mission of suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD). Maj. Charles Schulz temporarily assumed command of the squadron the following day. Its a commander-run program that fell under the oversight of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, CL explained. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. In addition to moving the F-16s, EUCOM will relocate its own headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany, to Belgium, where NATO has its headquarters. 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. Editors Note: This story was updated July 29 at 6:17 p.m EDT with additional details. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. The Air Force did not provide details on how such a move would impact force support at the base. Widmans removal from command comes as the Air Force struggles to confront a mental health crisis within its ranks, especially in the maintenance and security forces (the Air Force equivalent of military police) career fields. In January 1973, a Wild Weasel defense suppression mission was added. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. -Deterrence
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. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. It cost him a star. 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. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. Ramstein Air Base is unaffected, DOD officials said. Commanders are taking appropriate action as information becomes available, the Air Force said. 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. June 2012 June 2014, Commander, 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 13. 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. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. 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. 52nd Fighter Wing > Spangdahlem Air Base > Fact Sheets Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Comm:011-49-6565-61-1110 We have thousands of Airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. No matter what becomes of the investigation into Widman, wing leadership emphasized the value it places on leadership accountability. 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.. Medical evaluation boards help the Air Force determine if an airman is still physically able to continue serving in the branch. Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. June 2008 October 2009, student, Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif. 10. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. The 52d Contracting Squadron (52 CONS) provides agile contracting support and solutions for Spangdahlem Air Base, its GSUs, and deployed operations. The 52d Mission Support Group delivers world class mission support ensuring the wing is able to conduct wartime and contingency missions. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), passes the guidon to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Bilodeau, who was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of the 3rd Air Force, was not relieved for any misconduct or wrongdoing, according to USAFE. It received F-15 Eagles in 1994 but lost its F-4Gs. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. September 1998 August 1999, student, F-16 Initial Qualification Training, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. 4. But at the same time, I wish I had [said] Tony, what is your goal? [10], On 18 June 2013, the 81st Fighter Squadron was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany. 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. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. 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. [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. 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 . Pentagon leaders on July 29 sought to highlight the strategic goals of the moves, but Trump said the impetus is largely to punish Berlin. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. 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. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. Theyll be better for the experience, and in turn, well be better as an Air Force. 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. A female officer acting in the skit played the part of a harasser who was badgering a junior male airman for a date and offering her number. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. The 480th Fighter Squadron (480th FS), nicknamed the "Warhawks", is an active United States Air Force unit operating the General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcon.The 480 FS assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany is the only United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa flying unit performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission. The remainder would be relocated elsewhere in Europe. Colonel Derek "Maestro" OMalley is the commander for the 20th Fighter Wing. 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. I thought things were going to be good, I was coming back to work and was still looking to prove my value to the Air Force and that I could still continue to serve at this point. This article is about the 52nd Fighter Wing activated in 1948. 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. Witnesses said Retkas chokehold was a full asphyxiation that caused the drunk pilot to lose consciousness and soil himself. David Roza At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. | 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. 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. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. 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. A second airman said he experienced similar treatment. CL felt that unfair treatment personally when he was recovering from injuries suffered while deployed. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. DSN: 314-452-1110 He was also told to make up for time absent from work as a result of the Air Force directed-med board appointments. 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. Teixeira, 21, an airman first class, was assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.".
After October 1985, using the F-4 Phantom II model aircraft, defense suppression became the wing's sole tactical mission. 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. But the distance did not stop Widman and the assistant first sergeant of the 317 AMXS from making the drive down to the hospital to serve the airman separation paperwork. "[12] His deputy served as commander until Col. McFall took command.[13][12]. Read the full fact sheet. Copyright 2023. Read the full fact sheet. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. For the New York Air National Guard unit, see, For World War II lineage and history, see, The emblem was updated 3 December 1996. Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. 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. 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. Col. Anthony Retka, who was commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, was disciplined with an administrative action after an investigation into allegations that. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Widman declined to comment. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. But the fact that the spouse got access to the orders set Widman off, CL recalled. Esper said force changes could start to take place within weeks. Air Force suspends commanders from unit where Jack Teixeira worked The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. classified documents that were leaked on the internet, Allies criticize U.S. handling of top-secret documents after massive leak. The 52d Force Support Squadron (52 FSS) supports the wing with Airman & Family Services, Community services, Force Development, Manpower & Personnel and Sustainment services. The assigned F-16 aircraft can be tasked to suppress enemy air defenses, provide close air support, carry out air interdiction, counter-air, strategic attack, and combat search and rescue. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. 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. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. Calling from CONUS: This support ensures ready medics and a medically-ready force capable of providing full spectrum airpower to joint and allied commanders. 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. Right out the gate she was extremely un-empathetic towards what I and my family were going through, the airman added. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people. I talked to my supervisor and he said that was pretty extreme, the airman said of the demotion. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. His command team said they would not help him with transportation due to manning and operations issues, he said. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group (52 MMG)[7], Established as the 52nd Fighter Wing, All Weather, on 10 May 1948, the wing served in the United States as an air defense unit in the northeastern United States from 1947 until the end of 1968.[8]. 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. Looking back, I realize that instead of being asked how we can make this happen, Im basically told what is going to happen. Read the full fact sheet. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was more supportive. The group consists of 7 squadrons providing communications, security, contracting, transportation, supply, deployment planning and execution, education, lodging, food services, recreation, personnel support, fitness programs, engineering, housing, disaster response, explosive ordnance disposal, fire and environmental protection for more than 15,000 personnel in the local community and geographically separated units, all while preparing combat ready forces for US and NATO missions. The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. 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. 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. higher suicide rate among those career fields. Though the investigation of Widman is still ongoing, two airmen who served under her spoke with Task & Purpose about their experience under her command. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. 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. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. I cant give names but I can say that I witnessed the results of her trying to break him, he went on. vehicle registration & drivers license testing, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Bear in mind this is one of my first interactions with her. We see it in the aircrew community and in several high-demand career fields like maintenance. 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. Major changes are also envisioned for the U.S. Army in Europe, including moving the 4,500-member 2nd Calvary Regiment home to the U.S., rotating Stryker units to the Black Sea region, and basing a lead element of the Armys V Corps in Poland. The 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. He was now working directly for Retka. The former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany was disciplined after an investigation into accusations that he rubbed his crotch against the rear end of a lieutenant colonels wife at a dinner last year. 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. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3.
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