The wing has seen many people and aircraft come and go throughout the years, but one thing remains the same. Twenty F-16Cs were flown to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, one F-16 was transferred to Edwards Air Force Base, California. 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. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. -Agile Combat Employment 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. It operated with other NATO forces in frequent "squadron exchange" programs and hosted US-based units on temporary duty in Europe. 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 Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. In December 1971, it became the host wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and inherited tactical squadrons from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing at nearby Bitburg Air Base. 8. But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. 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]. 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. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. The colonel asked the group, Did somebody just touch my butt? and Kennedy replied, Yeah, mine too, the report said. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. 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. The Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. 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. Operations group commanders typically serve two-year stints, Myers said, but Retka last year volunteered to extend his time in charge of the 52nd. Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News. Teixeira was a cyber defense operations journeyman and had been granted top-secret security clearance in 2021, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the criminal case against him. 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. Copyright 2023. 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. 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 felt his pelvis, his privates, his everything into my backside, she told Air Force Times. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing (52 FW) is a wing of the United States Air Force stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. The 52d Contracting Squadron (52 CONS) provides agile contracting support and solutions for Spangdahlem Air Base, its GSUs, and deployed operations. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. 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. It thrust me forward.. I dont know why they had it out for me so bad.. In late September, Jordana Kennedy said in a memo to reviewing authorities that Retka should not be retained on active duty, and should be removed from command and leave the service. The 52d Operations Group Detachment 2, located at Miroslawiec AB, Poland, operates MQ-9 aircraft and delivers persistent airborne ISR capabilities throughout the theater. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, 15. 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. Shortly after publishing this piece, Colonel Derek 'Maestro' O'Malley gave us an exclusive and unprecedented in-depth interview in which we discuss the Gold Bon video, making mistakes, achieving redemption, and becoming a better leader because of it, as well as what goes into making a disciplinary decision for an Airman that has fallen into trouble. 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. Maj. April Widman, commander of the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stands for a photo at Dyess Air Force Base, March 17, 2021. But I quickly learned that the folks at the top of my chain did not care. Myers said the administrative action was taken only in response to the dinner incident, not the other incidents described to OSI. Looking back, I realize that instead of being asked how we can make this happen, Im basically told what is going to happen. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Read the full fact sheet. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. Esper estimated the cost to be "several billion dollars," but did not provide a formal estimate. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who offered a failed amendment to the 2021 defense policy bill that would have blocked such a move, called the plan a grave error.. The group is also responsible for the safe storage, maintenance, buildup, and delivery of a combat ready munitions stockpile valued in excess of $275 million. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. Maj. 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. 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.. Col. Anthony Retka, who retired earlier this month, was accused of abusive sexual contact against Jordana Kennedy, the wife of Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy, at an off-base going away party in May 2019. He is also the base commander. 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. Additionally, they support 16 geographically separated units by providing administrative, personnel, contingency response, force sustainment and quality of life support. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. DOD is also rethinking its brick-and-mortar infrastructure amid fears that permanent bases could be vulnerable to attack. Lt. Kaitlin Cashin, public affairs officer for the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. 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. 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. While the airman at Dyess submitted a rebuttal against the separation paperwork to try to stay in the service, in the end, there was not much he could do to challenge the separation. We applaud leaders like those in the 317th [airlift wing] and [maintenance group] that opened channels and empowered people to come forward, they added. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, was arrested April 13 in connection with the investigation ofclassified documents that were leaked on the internet. January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. DSN: 314-452-1110 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. Read the full fact sheet. Even now, 75 years after the wars end, Germany hosts one of the largest contingents of U.S. troops in the world. The 52d Operations Group consists of a fighter squadron, an operations support squadron and two geographically separated aviation detachments, both located in Poland. It was assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with North American F-86 Sabre aircraft. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. Ultimately, the wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander by providing credible deterrence, delivering combat capabilities, executing joint reception, staging, onward movement, and integration, facilitating inter-theater airlift, and building partnership capacity. A total 24,000 U.S. military personnel will remain in Germany. 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. 6. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was more supportive. It cost him a star. As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. 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. You can and should read that entire special feature linked here. This is an official snapshot of his career: 1996 Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications, Brigham Young University, Utah. He was now working directly for Retka. For example, he kept his supervisors aware that he was taking medication to treat his depression. Saber Nation, I know we are going to face trials and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission-ready, whether that be to execute the dynamic force employment on the fly or lead the Air Force in Agile Combat Employment with multi-functional Airmen advancement, Hauck said. Theyre way off, and theyve been off for years and they have no intention of paying it. People do not want to work for assholes who play favorites.. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. 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. Calling from CONUS: The service began investigating Widman on Sept. 29 to ensure Air Force standards for professionalism and culture are upheld by leadership while affording all members due process, Cashin told Task & Purpose. The Public Affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. CL felt that unfair treatment personally when he was recovering from injuries suffered while deployed. | Maybe some will think the video is humorous and just a product of servicemen and women blowing off steam while stationed half a world away from home. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. U.S. Africa Command will also move out of Stuttgart, though its ultimate destination is yet to be determined, Wolters said. By the time Retka returned to Spangdahlem as a group commander, he was viewed by some as a bully who had a tendency to mock, disparage or undermine his subordinates. 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 January and December 1999, the wing supported Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force, and Decisive Forge with numerous deployments to Italy and Turkey. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. Meanwhile, two wings that had planned to move to Spangdahlem will now stay put. All Rights Reserved. I talked to my supervisor and he said that was pretty extreme, the airman said of the demotion. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. Many of the more than 50 leaked documentsNBC News obtainedwere labeled Top Secret, the highest level of classification. And the United States has been taken advantage of on trade, and on military, and on everything else for many years, the president said. Its a commander-run program that fell under the oversight of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, CL explained. No matter what becomes of the investigation into Widman, wing leadership emphasized the value it places on leadership accountability. CL also recalled an incident when Widman retaliated against another airmans wife for trying to help the spouses of other airmen. 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. 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. A culture where respect, trust, accountability, and compassion guide our actions.. 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. Unfortunately, this airman may not the first to be served paperwork after a suicide attempt. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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 . Editors Note: This story was updated July 29 at 6:17 p.m EDT with additional details. 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. His command team said they would not help him with transportation due to manning and operations issues, he said. 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. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. Other airmen shared negative experiences regarding Widman on social media. This new way of operating is still developing, but with the innovation and flexibility in your blood, Saber Nation leads the way in this new way of fighting, and the rest of us are following you.. I was done, no more dreams of commissioning and doing 20 years in the service. 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. 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. Brown Jr. told Congress on April 27. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war as required. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. 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 wing enables U.S. power projection sustaining AMC's air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. Dynamic operations and force employment deliver joint force commanders the critical capability to move forces fluidly into and across the . He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. Both the 100th Air Refueling Wing and the 352nd Special Operations Wing will remain at Mildenhall in the United Kingdom. The remainder would be relocated elsewhere in Europe. 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. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. I would have wanted to stay in the Air Force, if not for Widmans treatment of him, the airman said. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. He was also told to make up for time absent from work as a result of the Air Force directed-med board appointments. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. 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. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. 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. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. The wing is organized with five groups responsible for operations, maintenance, mission support and medical operations, and has headquarters staff. Rating: command pilot Flight hours: more than 2,100, including 146 combat hours Aircraft flown: T-3, T-37, T-38, F-15E, F/A-18F, F-35A, and F-16, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
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