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The unit employs medical resources and preventive initiatives to ensure airmen remain mission ready to support the Expeditionary Air Force, US and NATO objectives worldwide. In that capacity, he commands all mission support and logistics functions for a base community of nearly 10,000. The wing's support of Operation Iraqi Freedom began in late 2003. He got a short round of applause for it and a bit of envy from Seguin, whos leaving for a post with U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany, after two years in Italy on his second tour at Aviano. Heriberto Diaz, Third Air Force command chief, shoots a weapon during an immersion at the 31st Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 22, 2022. Peacekeeping operations continued in the Balkans through the end of 2004, when the European Union assumed responsibility for the region. In 1970 and 1980, the wing upgraded all F-4Es to F-4Ds and began training all F-4 aircrews. An example of an internal plan is the 31 FW PLAN 1002- 15, Operations Security Plan. The wing assisted in the evacuation of nearly 6,500 pro-U.S. Kurds from northern Iraq. Franklin is a command pilot with more than 3,100 hours, including time on four F-16 models and the B-1 and B-52 bombers. In June 1965, the wing deployed the 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron to Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. . The unit inactivated on 7 November 1945.[17]. Wyvern Warrior of the Week: Victor Villareal 03.20.2023. Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Trailblazer: First Marine general to lead Defense Intelligence Agency dies at 64, China denounces US Navy reconnaissance planes trip through Taiwan Strait, 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 Detachment also provided a U.S. liaison for wartime exercises, at PROTO. PDF By Order of The Commander Aviano Air Base Instruction Aviano Air - Af During its time at Aviano AB, Sixteenth Air Force was the operational air force for USAF combat operations in the Balkans, supporting Operation Deny Flight, enforcing the U.N. ordered no-fly zone over Bosnia. Air Force), Brig. The unit then island-hopped across the rest of the Pacific with stops at Midway and Wake Islands, Eniwetok Atoll, Guam, Iwo Jima and Yokota Air Base, Japan.[22]. In 2000, the wing began deployments in support of the Expeditionary Air Force. (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. [11][12][13][14], The 31st Fighter Wing currently has two operational squadrons, the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons flying the F-16CG/DG. Each F-16 has a tail markings in the squadron colors Green with the words "Triple Nickel" in white for the 555th FS and Purple with the words "Buzzards" in white for the 510th FS. 2023 Stars and Stripes. He took pride inhis reputation asan aggressive leader, crack F-15 pilot and innovative staff officer. 2008 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. On 1 June 2006, the squadron relocated to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, from where it would have executed Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions in support of USAFE. Based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, hes been TDY to countries such as Afghanistan Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia. In 1968 they helped defend installations against enemy forces during the Tet Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh and were later singled out for their outstanding contribution during the extraction of friendly forces from Kham Duc. [9], The 31st Medical Group supports the readiness of 31st Fighter Wing and associated units throughout the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) southern region, ensuring the health of its community by providing patient-focused medical care from internal, Department of Defense and host nation resources. Marcus Dunham, Aviano AB MXG and 510th FGS leadership immerse themselves with 56th RGS, Fuels management flight introduces new, innovative refueling capability to wing, The 31st FW celebrates Womens History Month, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Heriberto Diaz, Third Air Force command chief, waves from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 22, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Tech. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), An HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron flies over Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. Best nuclear assurance inspection grade in years, Ray said. Air Combat Command consolidated into and inactivated Twenty-Fourth Air Force and Twenty-Fifth Air Force capabilities into a new organization under a single commander, who will be responsible for providing information warfare capabilities to combatant commanders with the speed to match today's technological environment. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, right, and Third Air Force leadership, left, on 606th ACS equipment and capabilities at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 22, 2022. 31st FW Commander Aviano - Facebook . Bailey is a 1995 Air Force Academy graduate who has also served overseas as the flight lead and flight commander of the 80th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; commander of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan; and commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. [1] The 31st FW maintains two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 555th Fighter Squadron[2] AMC Aviano Passenger Terminal. It is stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) base run by the Italian Air Force . 2002 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The 31st Operations Group ensures the combat readiness of two F-16CG squadrons, one HH-60G rescue squadron, one air control squadron, and one operational support squadron conducting and supporting worldwide air operations. In March 2011, the 31st played a major role in the United Nations' response to the crisis in Libya, known as Operation Odyssey Dawn, in enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya. Aviano served as the launch point for insertion of airborne forces opening a second front in northern Iraq. The 31st Force Support Squadron provides morale, welfare, and recreations support for Aviano Air Base members as well as other support structures such as Family support, Military Personnel, passport assistance, and education services. In recognition of these achievements, the wing was awarded its second Outstanding Unit Award. A year later, a massive search and rescue operation took place to extract USAF captain Scott O'Grady[30] of the 555th FS from behind enemy lines. January 1944 brought the Allied landing at Anzio with the 31st the sole provider of air cover for the invasion and beachhead.[17]. DVIDS - 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs [17], During the Berlin Crisis in October and November 1961, the wing deployed its 309th Fighter Squadron to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany to bolster the U.S. military forces in Europe. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 31st Pursuit Group, the predecessor unit of the wing's 31st Operations Group, was activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan, on 1 February 1940. The Wing's focus areas are to defend and improve base infrastructure, further Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities and invest in Wyvern Nation Airmen and families. Gen. Craig Franklin is a newcomer to northern Italy, but he was a member of the 31st Fighter Wing long before the hundreds of airmen who stood in formation Friday to welcome their new commander. More. On 10 April 2004, insurgents launched a mortar attack on Balad, killing Airman First Class Antoine Holt[33] and injuring two other 603rd members. The 31st Fighter Wing (31 FW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe major command and the Third Air Force. [20] Originally assigned F-51 Mustangs, the wing began converting to Republic F-84 Thunderjets in August 1948. The 31st Fighter Wing is made up of four groups, each consisting of several squadrons. Defense Superior Service Medal BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER 31ST FIGHTER WING (USAFE) AVIANO AIR BASE INSTRUCTION . Bailey to take command of Aviano's 31st Fighter Wing With approximately 4,200 active duty military members, nearly 300 U.S. civilians and 700 Italian civilian employees, the wing conducts and supports air combat operations, and maintains munitions for NATO. The wing assumed a dual-role function with the primary mission of air defense of southern Florida and the secondary as a replacement training unit. 2001 Bachelor of Arts, History and English, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. United States Naval War College, 1993 L101RB: ADP 6-22, Army Leadership, US Department of the Army. Two months later in November, the 31st Fighter Wing was organized as part of the test by the Air Force of the wing base organization system, which unified combat groups and their support organizations under a single wing, carrying the same number as the combat group. The Sixteenth Air Force provides global intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber and electronic warfare, and information operations, and serves as the Service Cryptologic Component responsible to the National Security Agency/Central Security Service and the Service Cyber Component to US Cyber Command. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Following the war, the 31st Fighter Group, as it was now called, activated at Giebelstadt Army Airfield, Germany as part of the US occupation forces, on 20 August 1946, where they flew Lockheed P-80 Shooting Stars, the first operational American jet fighter aircraft. This strategic location makes the wing critical to operations in NATO's southern region. Brig. The wing celebrates the heritage of its predecessor by flying its honors on the wing flag. In one of them, pilots and aircraft from the wing set a record at Balad Air Base by flying 667 sorties in less than a month. Walking With Wyverns. The wing traces its lineage to its activation on 20 November 1947, first designated as the 31st Fighter Wing, and stationed at Turner Airfield, Georgia. They were the first complete American combat group in the European Theater of Operations and the first to engage in combat. He has more than 10 years of experience as an Army photojournalist and has served as a photojournalism instructor at the Defense Information School. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, who will assume command of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan, as well as concurrent leadership roles with NATO and Air Forces Central Command. They included Nouasseur Air Base, Ben Guerir Air Base, and Rabat-Sale. Lt. Col Sullivan was classified as missing in action and following the war, was reclassified as killed in action. Gen. Tad D. Clark is the Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. 17 JUNE 2021 . The 31st FW has the 57th Rescue Squadron thatleads, organizes, trains and equips Guardian Angel forces and combat support teams to conduct day and night personnel recovery operations in combat, as well as to provide combatant commanders with options to report, locate, recover and reintegrate isolated personnel. It is stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, a NATO base run by the Italian air force. Today marks the 78th Anniversary of the Liberation of Italy. Kent has filled numerous roles at Stars and Stripes including: copy editor, news editor, desk editor, reporter/photographer, web editor and overseas sports editor. On 30 March 1981, the wing assumed a larger responsibility for training all F-4 aircrews. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, right, and his spouse Mrs. Amanda France, are briefed on the float pod inside of the 31st Medical Group Comprehensive Operational Medicine for Battle Ready Airmen clinic at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 22, 2022. From March to September 2000, the 510th and 555th Fighter Squadrons conducted back-to-back deployments to Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation Southern Watch. The 31st wing arrived at Tuy Hoa, and was assigned to the 7th Air Force, on Christmas Day 1966. It was attached to the Joint U.S. Military Group, which oversaw implementation of the 1953 Spanish-American Defense Cooperation Agreement. The Operations Group consists of seven squadrons that continually support operations and exercises across three Combatant Commands. Up Next. Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. In 1950 the wing transferred from Tactical Air Command to Strategic Air Command and was redesignated as the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), Mrs. Amanda France, Third Air Force commanders spouse, left, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, 3rd AF commander, prepares to fly in an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes), Rows of American airmen view a 31st Fighter Wing change-of-command ceremony Friday, June 10, 2016 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 31st Maintenance Group leadership immersed themselves with each 31st MXG unit to, The 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight conducted a new jet fueling capability demonstration to base leadership, 17 March.The demonstration was intended to prove contingency operations capabilities of the new Fluid Powered Additive Injector Carts concept to Mission Support, Women of the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron put on a firefighting demonstration during Women of Aviano Event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 22, 2023. Win the current fight and be ready to win the next fight. The wing accomplished much during Operation Allied Force as the two permanently assigned flying squadrons, the 510th and 555th, flew more than 2,400 combined sorties and more than 10,000 combat hours.[32]. [30], In August and September, Operation Deliberate Force began and the 31st conducted air strikes against Bosnian Serbs conducting ethnic purges among the Muslim population of the country. Aviano AB Passenger Terminal - Air Mobility Command While leaving Aviano is certainly bittersweet, the sweet part is having the Landrums join the team, Seguin said. On 14 October 1942, the group was declared non-operational on prior to boarding ships bound for its next assignment. Brig. The operation, the largest airborne operation since 1989, constituted 62 missions, transporting 2,146 passengers and 2,433.7 tons of cargo. France and other Third Air Force leadership toured the 56th RQS and learned about the squadrons mission sets and capabilities. Air Force), Brig. Orientation flight coordinators will track and manage the orientation flight program for their areas of responsibility. The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, is to deter through safe, secure, and effective operations. It trains, equips, plans, and provides weather, intelligence, standardization/evaluation, and command and control sustaining global flying operations. During 1953, the wing, then known as the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing, deployed to Japan and Alaska to provide air defense in the northern Pacific. 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 2019 Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. It passed three major inspections with high marks and was heavily involved in four Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotations to Iraq. Today the wing remains a major participant in support of Balkan air operations. This weeks Wyvern Warrior Team of the Week is the 31st Munitions Gun Combat Armament Support Team.This team is responsible for 54 M61A1 gun systems and 11 Universal Ammunition Loading Systems that are valued at $67M. (Kent Harris / S&S), Senior Airman Benson Cogbill from the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron takes down the name plate of the former commander of the 31st Fighter Wing from an F-16 parked in Hangar 1 to reveal the name of the new U.S. commander at Aviano Air Base: Brig. The official website for the Aviano Air Base. Sixteenth Air Force (16 AF)'s original ancestor was the Joint United States Military Group, Air Administration (Spain), which was established on 20 May 1954. At the same time, the wing switched from flying North American F-100 Super Sabres to McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom IIs.[24]. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Franklin has experience with one of the Air Force’s newest fighters: the F/A-22. Third Air Force commander, command chief visit Aviano. Headquarters, 16 AF moved to Aviano AB in August 1992. Gen. Craig Franklin. “It’s about looking forward.” Franklin will be the one leading the Air Force’s only permanent fighter wing south of the Alps. [17] From August through mid-October 1942 the group flew patrols and participated in operations over German controlled France including the Dieppe Raid on 19 Aug.. That day, 2nd Lt. Samuel Junkins became the first American operating in an American combat unit to shoot down a German aircraft operating over the British Isles.[18]. Every building at Homestead AFB received some damage, many buildings were destroyed. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Like driving the Batmobile into the future: Air Force uses JLTV in mission for 1st time, Trailblazer: First Marine general to lead Defense Intelligence Agency dies at 64, China denounces US Navy reconnaissance planes trip through Taiwan Strait, 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. (Chad Trujillo/U.S. Now hell be leading that team, and itll be a tough act to follow, according to Ray. Gen. Robert Yates. Since arriving at Aviano, the wing has also participated in numerous training exercises with international partners, including training deployments to Latvia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Slovenia and Poland. Air Force), Brig. The information in this guide was obtained directly from Aviano Military Community agencies, organizations and dependent community members, to give you the most relevant, expert and up-to-date PCS guidance. The wing later converted to F-4 Phantom IIs, and in 1983, to F-16 Fighting Falcons. During his visit, Diaz toured the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, the 31st Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility, 606th Air Control Squadron, the Comprehensive Operational Medicine for Battle Ready Airmen clinic and more. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He said he’s also proud of the wing’s battle against drinking and driving, citing a decline in incidents of driving under the influence from 22 at the same point last year to eight this year. They received their second Distinguished Unit Citation in July 1944 following a mission to escort P-38s on a raid from Ukraine into Romania and Poland. Aviano Air Base Home Page Born in California, hes a 1988 graduate of Humboldt State University and has been a journalist for 40 years. [8], The 31st Mission Support Group's goal is to provide infrastructure and service to support a premiere combat capability and quality of life to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano community and multiple geographically separated units. 2010 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. From August to December 2002, the 510th Fighter Squadron and 603rd Air Control Squadron returned to Southwest Asia. Captain October 3, 2005 Bailey will command the only permanently assigned Air Force fighter aircraft wing in NATOs southern region. 31st Fighter Wing VCC Office at 0434-30-4114 or 0434-30-6173 during the office hours M-F from 7 am - 5 pm. [21], The wing pioneered the development of in flight refueling tactics. L101 Homework Read: L101RA: "Aviano." Furmen, John and Stephen Sheehy. From there they moved quickly from base to base throughout Algeria and Tunisia, engaging in ground attack missions and later escorting P-39s and A-20s on missions to attack German troop positions and convoys. In March 1944 the group exchanged their Spitfires for the new North American P-51 Mustangs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, right, greets U.S. Air Force Brig. [5] The Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy L. The following April, the 307th squadron moved to Torrejon Air Base, Spain and in November 1966, the wing received orders to deploy to Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam.

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