A culture where respect, trust, accountability, and compassion guide our actions.. Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. 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.. All five 52d FW groups directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. Teixeira has not entered a plea, according to court records. Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. Kotnik, but shes surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way. 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. 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. You delivered on each and every priority at an astonishing pace, Epperson said. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. vehicle registration & drivers license testing, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. Read the full fact sheet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.
As good people, like Capt. IE 11 is not supported. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. 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 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 squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. Its clear that this whole entire wing is flying in formation, and its apparent from your three consecutive trips to the finals of the Air Forces Spark Tank innovation contest, and it is truly impressive what youve done there. DSN: 314-452-1110 In January 1973, a Wild Weasel defense suppression mission was added. 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. Pentagon leaders on July 29 sought to highlight the strategic goals of the moves, but Trump said the impetus is largely to punish Berlin. Other airmen shared negative experiences regarding Widman on social media. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. And the time when it was OK to pinch someones butt or rub up against someone or make a derogatory or misogynistic comment, I really want to see those days go away and be behind us.. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. 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. At the time, Lt. Col. Kennedy was director of staff for the 52nd Fighter Wing. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. 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]. Whether employing fighter and intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance aircraft or supporting strategic mobility operations, the wing continues to be a key asset to European security and NATO, providing domineering expeditionary air power. The White House approved the reorganization in June, and Pentagon officials began briefing Congress last week. When that trust is lost it affects good order and discipline, unit cohesion and ultimately risks mission accomplishment.. All Rights Reserved. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. 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. In January and December 1999, the wing supported Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force, and Decisive Forge with numerous deployments to Italy and Turkey. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. 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. Upon assuming command in July, Bilodeau shared his leadership style with the airmen who would serve under him. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. Medical evaluation boards help the Air Force determine if an airman is still physically able to continue serving in the branch. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. This was made years before she served in the same squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Additionally, they support 16 geographically separated units by providing administrative, personnel, contingency response, force sustainment and quality of life support. But administrative actions can include letters of reprimand, admonishment or counseling. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of how classified information is handled and secured. If completed, the plan would shrink the U.S. mission in Germany, which has been a key strategic location for American military operations since the end of World War II. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. 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. Additionally, they provide combat arms training for base personnel including surrounding GSUs, conduct criminal investigations as well as assisting host nation police when involving military personnel/dependents (or as requested), and processes vehicle registration & drivers license testing. The 52d Mission Support Group delivers world class mission support ensuring the wing is able to conduct wartime and contingency missions. The group consists of the 52d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the 52 Maintenance Squadron, which together provide safe, reliable maintenance for F-16 C/D Fighting Falcons, and a variety of other combat and support aircraft transiting the region. Group dental services include general dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, orthodontics and prosthodontics. The 52d Operations Group Detachment 2, located at Miroslawiec AB, Poland, operates MQ-9 aircraft and delivers persistent airborne ISR capabilities throughout the theater. Calling from Germany: 2022Recurrent Ventures. Others will find it unbecoming of the positions and responsibilities of some of the people most prominently featured in it. Myers said retiring was Retkas choice, and that he was not ordered or pressured to retire early. 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. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. 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. 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. The community pillar is also comprised of the surrounding European Allies. The 52nd was reactivated on 18 August 1955 and designated 52nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). Lt. Kaitlin Cashin, public affairs officer for the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess. 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. 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. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. His command team said they would not help him with transportation due to manning and operations issues, he said. 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. A second airman said he experienced similar treatment. Witnesses also revealed that in 2004, while he was a captain deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Retka engaged in a prank called steamrolling, barging naked into sleeping pilots dorm rooms and rolling over them in bed until they woke up. He has also deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. Comm: 06565-61-1110 January 2003 July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 7. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. DeliverAirpower options to deter and combat aggression
Immediately afterward, Kennedy told investigators and Air Force Times, she felt a man forcefully rub against her buttocks. Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, was arrested April 13 in connection with the investigation ofclassified documents that were leaked on the internet. Russian aircraft have flown near U.S. forces in Syria almost two dozen times over the past week, as Russian warplanes continue their aggressive maneuvers in the country,according to American officials. Further, he supervises the support of the 31,000 local military retirees and 29 geographically separated units across nine states.". 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. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. Spangdahlem AB and the 52nd Fighter Wing have a rich history. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Air Force is investing to improve other bases across the region, including facilities in Poland, Estonia, and Romania. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. 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. Kennedy said she is satisfied with how the investigation proceeded. Read the full fact sheet. During that assignment, he was chastised by his wing commander for making an inappropriate joke after a skit on sexual harassment. Since then, the video been referenced in multiple military and aviation forums around the net. It thrust me forward.. Calling from CONUS: We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. 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. 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. He said on Twitter that the Pentagons plan is consistent with his view that the Pentagon needs to maintain a strong forward presence, sustain force projection, and take care of our military families.. The five groups within the wing are responsible for operations, maintenance, mission support, medical operations, and munitions maintenance. 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. But I quickly learned that the folks at the top of my chain did not care. 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. Maj. Charles Schulz temporarily assumed command of the squadron the following day.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. His retirement leaves the operations group without a permanent commander until June, when his official replacement will assume command. Two commanders in the military unit in which leak suspect Jack Teixeira worked have been suspended, the Air Force said Wednesday. He survived and was checked into a mental health clinic in San Antonio, about a four-hour drive south of Dyess. 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. 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 provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. No matter what becomes of the investigation into Widman, wing leadership emphasized the value it places on leadership accountability. The 52nd FW maintains, deploys and employs F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and the national defense directives. 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. Bear in mind this is one of my first interactions with her. 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. Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, Victims of Army helicopter collision in Alaska include 2 chief warrant officers, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The remainder would be relocated elsewhere in Europe. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. 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. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Specifically, the wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. The 52nd Fighter Wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and $6 billion of United States Protection Level one assets in support of NATO and national defense directives. 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. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. 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. It's stupid and maybe funny in an immature way, and I mean real immature. 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. The wing provides United States Air Forces in . The Wisconsin Air National Guards 115th Fighter Wing has been working toward the F-35 for years nowTruax Field was selected as one of two preferred locations for, Eighteen KC-135s, spread over more than half a mile, lined up on the runwayat MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., on April 26the sixthelephant walk the Air Force has put on across the country in the past six weeks. 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. I would have wanted to stay in the Air Force, if not for Widmans treatment of him, the airman said. She spoke with Air Force Times Jan. 9 and agreed to be identified by name. July 2001 January 2003, F-16 Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, 22d FS Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Both spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional retaliation. 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. DSN: 314-452-1110, An official website of the United States government. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 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. 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. The 52nd Fighter Wing, which has one squadron plus a medical group, mission support group, munitions maintenance group, operations group, and other agencies, totals about 5,000 personnel. 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. -Integrated Base Defense. The highly classified documents are alleged to have been leaked by Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman. 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. 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. The unit is based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. We see it in the aircrew community and in several high-demand career fields like maintenance. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that an Air Force spouse was not fired but instead stepped down from a Key Spouse organization. The 52nd Fighter Wing includes more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel who help maintain and deploy the units F-16 fighters and other military hardware. (SrA Marcus Morris/Air Force). In Colonel O'Malley's case, this little sojourn into blue humor movie making didn't seem to hold him back much. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron who was suspended was not identified in Wednesdays Air Force statement. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team. The wing maintains and employs F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in support of NATO and national defense directives. 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. The squadron oversees $60 million in annual obligations, co-leads with CPTS the wings end of fiscal year operations, manages the FWs $25 million Government Purchase card program and Quality Assurance Program (as it relates to contracts), and provides all contracting authority for Theater Security Package operations. Mission: Deliver Airpower options to deter and combat aggression. The spouse then stepped down from the Key Spouse organization, but Widman continued to target her husband, CL said. This support ensures ready medics and a medically-ready force capable of providing full spectrum airpower to joint and allied commanders. 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. They were suspended pending further investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, the Air Force said. The problems are compounded by a lack of effective prevention and intervention from mental health, he added. 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. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody W. Howley. Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News. 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. 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). The 52d Operations Group consists of a fighter squadron, an operations support squadron and two geographically separated aviation detachments, both located in Poland. The 52d Force Support Squadron (52 FSS) supports the wing with Airman & Family Services, Community services, Force Development, Manpower & Personnel and Sustainment services. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Here is the Colonel's letter announcing her dismissal: I removed Capt. They provide quality service and support to military, civilian personnel and their families in addition to continuing professional and personal military education and family life skills training. Near the end of 1992, it began receiving A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. The airman said he was completely open with his leadership about mental health issues he was going through in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. 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. 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 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. 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 January, the top enlisted leader in the branch, Chief Master Sgt. The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron and a . 8. Personnel assigned to the 52nd FW continued to deploy for Operation Enduring Freedom circa 2020. The wing enables U.S. power projection sustaining AMC's air mobility operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. If searching for a phone number on base, call the base operator. The 52nd has always been prepared to SEEK ATTACK DESTROY. 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. 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. 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. 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. The inactivation marked the end of A-10 operations in Europe at that time. USAFE would not say which administrative action was taken against Retka, citing the Privacy Act. Widman was mad the unit was already trending at this time due to those logistics issues, CL said. 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. 52nd Fighter Wing Mission 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. This made life more difficult for CL because he was already unable to drive due to his medical issues. 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. 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 Tuesday, Dec. 30, Bilodeau was relieved of command and Hubert, the wing vice commander, was again named interim commander. Why would you put your privates beside my body?, She told investigators that Retka came up to her a few minutes later, apologized, and asked if they were OK, to which she responded Yeah, Tony, were good. The report quoted Kennedy as saying Retka then replied, Okay, good, because you were [indistinguishable] target. Kennedy told Air Force Times that Retka said she was the non-intentional target.. 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?
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