Saber One celebrates time at Spangdahlem and in the Eifel region

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kevin Coffman
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Col. Darryl Roberson and his family departed Spangdahlem Air Base for the second time in his Air Force career Thursday following a 20-month tour and a Celebration of Command Ceremony here March 5, 2008. Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, 3rd Air Force Commander, was the presiding officer.

"The accomplishments of the wing under Colonel Roberson's watchful eye were nothing short of amazing," said General Bishop. "I know it is the wonderful support of the surrounding community that makes Spangdahlem such a special base," the general said to key leaders of the German community.

Colonel Roberson will become the wing commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., in a change of command ceremony March 7, 2008.

Assuming command here is Col. Tom Feldhausen, the former 52nd FW vice commander. Colonel Feldhausen will be the wing commander until Col. Lee Wight, Director of Staff and United States Senior National Representative, Allied Air Component Command Headquarters, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, assumes command of the 52nd FW later this year.

Colonel Roberson was stationed at Spangdahlem from May 1986 to July 1989 as an F-4G Wild Weasel Instructor Pilot with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Following his time as an F-4 pilot, he moved on to the F-15E.

Then Major Roberson became Thunderbird Six for the U.S Air Force Air Demonstration Team flying the F-16 Falcon.

After various other wing level and staff jobs, Colonel Roberson became the wing commander here in June 2006.

"When we arrived, the 81st and 23rd Fighter squadrons were deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and, as I leave, we have come full circle with both of them doing great things to fight the Global War on Terrorism," said Colonel Roberson. "This was, without a doubt, my best assignment ever."