The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 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. 6. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. 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. 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. 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. 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. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. Want to write for Task & Purpose? The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. 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. classified documents that were leaked on the internet, Allies criticize U.S. handling of top-secret documents after massive leak. 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. Wolters said Spangdahlem's 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could "move soonest, at a time to be determined," bound for Italy. 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 . But the system has been broken for a while, he felt. Several witnesses told OSI the event was somewhat crowded, but relatively easy to navigate without bumping into other people.
If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. 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. 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. Comm: 06565-61-1110 January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. The White House approved the reorganization in June, and Pentagon officials began briefing Congress last week. During his speech, Reed commended Spangdahlems Sabers for their leadership as Air Force innovators. -Integrated Base Defense. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Both the 100th Air Refueling Wing and the 352nd Special Operations Wing will remain at Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. 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. 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. Calling from CONUS: The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. July 2001 - January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany 6. Its no surprise to me that this team was the first in-theater to reach Initial Operation Capability for a new paradigm of deterrence that we call Agile Combat Employment, Reed added. The 470th Air Base Squadron (470 ABS) provides full spectrum support to 6,000 clients, patrons, customers and patients in 3 countries while supporting NATO, DoD and their family members. 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. 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.. It received F-15 Eagles in 1994 but lost its F-4Gs. We want to again thank all those that came forward, knowing the risk if you were found speaking out.. I dont know why they had it out for me so bad.. 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. I was done, no more dreams of commissioning and doing 20 years in the service. 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. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. Maj. Mission, Airmen and Community
Retka said he was also carrying a tall glass of beer in front of him, and told someone else that Kennedy may have felt the glass against her. The 52nd was reactivated on 18 August 1955 and designated 52nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). Comm:011-49-6565-61-1110 Its a commander-run program that fell under the oversight of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, CL explained. Calling from CONUS: The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who was suspended was not identified in Wednesdays Air Force statement. 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. 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. 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. Teixeira is alleged to have used the online forum Discord to share the leaked information with his small community of online friends and to have taken photos of paper documents that he may have smuggled out of a secure facility. The new mix of Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft will replace the A-10s now based at. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. DeliverAirpower options to deter and combat aggression
Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. In January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. The 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, provides Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. Saber Nation is driven by initiative and innovation by our most junior Airmen and our management and tolerance of risk at our most senior levels so we can fail fast and fail forward to succeed., An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The remainder would be relocated elsewhere in Europe. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. Wolters said Spangdahlems 52nd Civil Engineering Squadron could move soonest, at a time to be determined, bound for Italy. 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. 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. 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. vehicle registration & drivers license testing, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. All aircraft were from the 22nd Fighter Squadron. He has been charged with possessing classified documents pertaining to national security and possessing national defense material. 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. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. from around the world. 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 Air Force did not provide details on how such a move would impact force support at the base. 52nd Fighter Wing Mission Statement:
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. New commander takes charge of 52nd FW. October 2009 July 2011, Deputy Operations Group Commander, 33rd Operations Group, Eglin AFB, Fla. 11. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. She told investigators that about 30 people had previously passed through the center aisle without any physical contact, and that there was eight to 10 feet of open space behind her. 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. 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. 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. Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. Unfortunately, this airman may not the first to be served paperwork after a suicide attempt. We applaud leaders like those in the 317th [airlift wing] and [maintenance group] that opened channels and empowered people to come forward, they added. 2022Recurrent Ventures. DSN: 314-452-1110 The 52d Mission Support Group delivers world class mission support ensuring the wing is able to conduct wartime and contingency 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. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. He survived and was checked into a mental health clinic in San Antonio, about a four-hour drive south of Dyess. I felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon in the United States on September 11, 2001, the 52nd Fighter Wing began preparations for possible combat tasking. 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. Get your daily fix of Air Force news delivered right to your inbox every day. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Group dental services include general dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, orthodontics and prosthodontics. 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. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. 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. U.S. to End Spangdahlem Air Base's Mission, Remove 11,900 Personnel 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. Teixeira, 21, an airman first class, was assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. This video shows how The 52d Fighter Wing accomplishes this mission, while also taking care of the other two pillars: Airmen and Community. The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Tuesday over a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. He was now working directly for Retka. 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. The airmans mental health continued to deteriorate until one day in March 2021, when he attempted suicide. DSN: 314-452-1110 At the end of the day, our Air Force culture is one of professionalism, safety, and success achieved only through teamwork and accountability.. 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. Teixeira has not entered a plea, according to court records. 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. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. 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 . 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. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. 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. All suspensions are temporary pending further investigation.. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a detachment commander were suspended, Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. 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. 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. Right out the gate she was extremely un-empathetic towards what I and my family were going through, the airman added. This support ensures ready medics and a medically-ready force capable of providing full spectrum airpower to joint and allied commanders. Spangdahlem's 726th Air Mobility Squadron provides logistics, and aerial port capabilities to Air Mobility Command aircraft transiting through Spangdahlem AB. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, the commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command on Tuesday after less than six months on the job because of loss of faith and confidence in his leadership, U.S. Air Forces in Europe announced. 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. David Owsianka). 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. 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.
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