Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command

from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
Public Affairs

12/30/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Dec. 30 due to a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership.

Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. Bilodeau assumed command in July 2014.

Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing. Roberson announced that Col. Lars R. Hubert, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, has been appointed as interim wing commander until a replacement can assume the full-time duties of commander. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013.

"This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is in the best interest of the men and women of the 52nd Fighter Wing," Roberson said. "My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate."

As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within U.S. Air Forces in Europe Command, to include the 52 FW.

The 52 FW is comprised of more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel who maintain, deploy, and employ the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, TPS-75 radar systems and $2.5 billion of United States Protection Level 1 assets in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organizations and United States missions as directed by the President and Secretary of Defense. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power for suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support, counter-air, strategic attack, combat search and rescue, non-traditional intelligence, and theater space control.