In June 1942, the 31st Pursuit Group was transferred to England without planes and began training in British Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vbs at Achem and High Ercall air bases. It worked around the clock to launch 2,250 flying operations out of Aviano. Marcus Dunham, 31st Communications Squadron. The experiment proved successful and the Air Force adopted it on a permanent basis in the summer of 1948, making the wing its basic combat unit. 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. The KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for, U.S. Air Force Capt. 2:48. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Headquarters, 16 AF moved to Aviano AB in August 1992. Ray, the 3rd Air Force Commander based at Ramstein, Germany, praised Seguins accomplishments during his tenure. Up Next. Anna Jongsma, 31st Operations Support Squadron main shop aircrew flight equipment NCOIC, right, gives flight gloves to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, before he flies in an HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. llamas.norman@stripes.com Twitter: @normanllamas. 2022 Spark Tank. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. [17], The 31st received two new squadrons at that time, the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons, along with their Block-40F-16s. Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. From April to August 1972, the 308th deployed to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand to augment tactical air forces already deployed to that country, followed in July by the 307th TFS. (U.S. Air Force). (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. The 31st remained active through the end of the war, not only flying bomber escort, but also photo reconnaissance and troop carrier escort and took part in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France. An example of an internal plan is the 31 FW PLAN 1002- 15, Operations Security Plan. 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. They also relocated their entire operation from Baghdad International Airport to Balad Air Base. He took pride inhis reputation asan aggressive leader, crack F-15 pilot and innovative staff officer. The 31st FW also hosts the 56th Rescue Squadron providing a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response utilizing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. As the Numbered Air Forces Senior Enlisted Leader, Diaz advises the commander on issues affecting the readiness, organization, training, health, welfare, morale, development, and utilization of more than 30,000 Airmen. He served as F-22 project officer at Langley Air Force Base, Va., from 1993 to 1995. July 2018 June 2019, Student, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Tech. The 56th RQS integrates with the Guardian Angels weapon system and other special forces to support insertion, extraction and recovery of both U.S. and allied combatants. Today the wing remains a major participant in support of Balkan air operations. Based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, hes been TDY to countries such as Afghanistan Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia. The 31st Fighter Wing's embrace of dynamic force employmenta type of concept of operations that emphasizes quick deployments and multirole Airmenwill transform various aspects of how Airmen based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, do business, its commander said during a virtual all-call on Nov. 6. January 2005 November 2007, F-16 Flight Lead, Electronic Combat Pilot, Cannon AFB, N.M. . Its mission was to execute aerospace operations through expeditionary force command and control in support of the U.S. European Command and NATO. 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. From there the unit transferred without personnel of equipment to Langley Field, Virginia in June 1947 and then to Turner Field, Georgia, in September of that same year. 10-401 . Bailey returns to Aviano after previously serving as the commander of the 31st Operations Support Squadron, as well as an instructor pilot and chief of wing plans and programs from 2011 to 2013. 2:01. 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. 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. 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. This brought about an immediate mission change as the Mustangs enjoyed a much longer range and were tasked to escort heavy bombers on long range missions into Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, France and Northern Italy. “Certainly in the Air Force.” Yates, headed for a job as deputy U.S. representative to NATO in Belgium, spent much of his speech talking about the wing’s accomplishments during his two years in Aviano. Air Force), Brig. 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. He was born in Guatemala and raised in Rhode Island. Tech. General Michael E. Ryan is Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. As Chief, he serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. Dec. 14, 2022 | 0:59. Lieutenant Colonel January 1, 2016 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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. Brig. Brig. During operational F-16 tours both stateside and overseas, Col. OConnor has served as a Squadron Commander, Director of Operations, Chief of Wing Standardization and Evaluation, Flight Commander, F-16 Flight Examiner, and F-16 Instructor Pilot. AMC Aviano Passenger Terminal. In 1950 the wing transferred from Tactical Air Command to Strategic Air Command and was redesignated as the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing. 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. Its headquarters is at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. [17], One of the highlights of the group's time in North Africa was the selection of the 308th Fighter Squadron to provide combat air patrols for the arrival of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the Casablanca conference in Morocco. (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. [10], Unless otherwise indicated, units are based at Aviano Air Base, Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. This detachment collected NATO data from AIRSOUTH/DEPCINCUSAFE-SOUTHERN AREA, a dual-hatted position, and provided the information to 16 AF. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) provides support to the 31st Fighter Wing Aviano Air Base Mission, Airmen and their families. 7217th Air Base Group, at Ankara Air Station, 6917th Electronic Security Squadron, operating an, 6931st Electronic Security Squadron (SIGINT unit), 7116th Tactical Control Flight, at Torrejn Air Base, 39th Wing (later 39th Air Base Wing) (see 39th Tactical Group), 1989th Communications Wing, 1 October 1990 10 August 1992, 7602d Support Wing (later 3977th Support Wing, 3977th Support Group), 1 January 1 July 1960, 406th Tactical Fighter Training Group, 1 July 1970 15 July 1972, 3977th Support Group (see 7602d Support Wing, after 1960), Integrated Air Defense Systems Analysis Squadron, Geospatial Intelligence and Measurements and Signatures Intelligence Analysis Squadron, C4 Information Operations Analysis Squadron, This page was last edited on 21 March 2023, at 00:03. Wyvern Warrior of the Week: Victor Villareal 03.20.2023. The 31st Maintenance Group maintains combat capability for 56 combat-coded F-16 C/D and HH-60 aircraft valued at $2.4B, and provides force infrastructure support for 1,600 military and civilian personnel, Col. Kevin Crofton is the the Commander, 31st Operations Group, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Col. Timothy P. Maxwell is the Commander of the 31st Mission Support Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Two of the wing's fighter squadrons, the 307th and 309th, were designated to perform pilot replacement training. 2023 Stars and Stripes. (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Air Force Achievement Medal, EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION On 15 October 1972, Captains James L. Hendrickson and Gary M. Rubus[27] of the 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron[28] shot down a MiG-21 northeast of Hanoi. France is a command pilot with more than 2,900 hours in the F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Bronze Star The wing celebrates the heritage of its predecessor by flying its honors on the wing flag. Captain October 3, 2005 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. It was the first Air Force organization to fully employ the Expeditionary Wing concept. On 1 December 2006, the Sixteenth Air Force was inactivated at Ramstein AB and simultaneously reconstituted as the Sixteenth Air Expeditionary Task Force at Izmir Air Base, Turkey. Website: . The wing also supports numerous other geographically separated units. “It’s been a quick and fast ride and there was never a dull moment,” Yates said. [4], In August 1951 the 31st Wing became the first unit to receive the upgraded F-84G model of the Thunderjet. The 57th Rescue Squadron performed High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump training over Aviano. He has had two previous overseas tours: as a pilot at Hahn Air Base in Germany from 1983 to 1986 and as deputy operations group commander at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea from 1999 to 2000. ASSIGNMENTS U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Faraone, 606th Air Control Squadron commander, middle-right, briefs U.S. Air Force Brig. 8. 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. Unit 6165 Box 215 . Katelyn Ramsey, 57th Rescue Squadron aviation resource management NCOIC, middle, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Francis Hallada, 57th Rescue Squadron commander, right, brief Third Air Force leadership at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 22, 2022. 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. (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. In 1966, after SAC withdrew its forces from Europe, 16 AF became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe, providing command and control of USAFE forces initially in Spain and North Africa, and later in Italy and Turkey until 2006. Official site for the 31st Force Support Squadron, Aviano Air Base. As part of the most extensive restructuring since the Air Force became a separate service, Tactical Air Command was inactivated and Air Combat Command was activated and the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated to its current name, the 31st Fighter Wing.[4]. The squadrons were assigned to other wings and the 31st began inactivation proceedings. During 1962, the wing moved from George to Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, while simultaneously deploying a squadron to Kadena Air Base, Japan for four months without losing any operational capability. “Welcome to the best job, I believe, in the world,” Yates told Franklin during a ceremony attended by Italian and American dignitaries. In addition to engine, armament and avionics updates, the F-84G was the first fighter designed for air refueling and the first single seat fighter-bomber with a designed nuclear delivery capability. In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness. The 6,600-mile trip required eight in-flight refuelings and set a new record for the longest mass flight of jet aircraft to cross the Atlantic. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. 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. This movement included the longest over-water flight attempted to that date and was the first trans-Pacific mass flight of jet aircraft. The counteroffensive, however, was short-lived and by May 1943, the Germans surrendered in North Africa. 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. It has two squadrons of F-16Cs. Commander: Lt Gen Kevin B. Kennedy Jr. Vice Commander: Maj Gen David M. Gaedecke: Deputy Commander: . Italian Air Force Col. Marco Schiattoni, 'Pagliano e Gori' Airport Commander, and Col. Vincent O'Connor, 31st FW Vice Commander, shares their thoughts on the importance of celebrating and . Franklin has experience with one of the Air Force’s newest fighters: the F/A-22. The wide-ranging operational capabilities are brought by, Col Jeffrey S. Fewell is the Commander, 31st Medical Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Headquarters 16 AF formed the joint force air component command for Operation Silver Wake, the evacuation of Americans and allied noncombatants from Albania. Born in California, hes a 1988 graduate of Humboldt State University and has been a journalist for 40 years. 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. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he . (U.S. Air Force). Landrum becomes the 15th commander of the wing at Aviano and 44th since U.S. forces first came to the base in 1955. [25][26] On 27 June 1972, Lt Col Farrell J. Sullivan and Captain Richard L. Francis of the 523d Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 405th Fighter Wing were shot down over Hanoi while flying an F-4E assigned to the 308th squadron while the 308th was on temporary duty at Udorn. Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take command of Avianos 31st Fighter Wing during a virtual ceremony Friday, wing officials said. Third Air Force commander, command chief visit Aviano. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. They were the first complete American combat group in the European Theater of Operations and the first to engage in combat. This strategic location makes the wing critical to operations in NATO's southern region. 1.1.1. It is stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, a NATO base run by the Italian air force. The skies above Aviano Air Base hosted the 313th Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico (Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team) April 26, 2023. He is responsible for four squadrons, providing a full spectrum of healthcare operations, supporting a population of approximately 8,400 beneficiaries, including 1,300 Personal Reliability Program, Arming Use of, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. In 2005, Sixteenth Air Force moved to Ramstein AB, Germany to become USAFE's new Warfighting Headquarters. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Brig. 2011 Master of Arts, American History, American Military University, Charles Town, W. Va. from around the world. . Today marks the 78th Anniversary of the Liberation of Italy. Aviano is seeing a reduction from its force of about 4,500 active-duty personnel as the Air Force looks to trim its ranks around the globe to free up money for new aircraft. Rating: Command Pilot [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. 55 talking about this. He has more than 10 years of experience as an Army photojournalist and has served as a photojournalism instructor at the Defense Information School. June 2019 May 2021, Chief, Force Application Division, Joint Staff, J8, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a colonel, FLIGHT INFORMATION The following units are subordinate to the Sixteenth Air Force.[1][2]. Supporting this mission, 16 AF planned and executed combat air operations in southern Europe and portions of the Middle East and northern Africa as an air component or joint task force headquarters. Hurricane Andrew severely damaged the base in 1992, leading to its closure and the transfer of the wing to Aviano in 1994. Franklin, who took command from Brig. Gen. Robert Yates, was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., from 1986 to 1989 while it was home to the 31st. The Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) (16 AF) is a United States Air Force (USAF) organization responsible for information warfare, which encompasses intelligence gathering and analysis, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber warfare and electronic warfare operations. November 2007 July 2011, F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Flight Commander, Luke AFB, Ariz. This includes the operation of six Aviano-based squadrons: the Civil Engineer Squadron, Colonel Jason M. Mitchell is the Commander, 31st Maintenance Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The wing assisted in the evacuation of nearly 6,500 pro-U.S. Kurds from northern Iraq. In late 2003, the wing's 603rd Air Control Squadron became the first unit from the wing to deploy to Iraq. In recognition of these achievements, the wing was awarded its second Outstanding Unit Award. According to Dunham, they can be doing anything from fixing email issues to things as complex as. 5. January 1944 brought the Allied landing at Anzio with the 31st the sole provider of air cover for the invasion and beachhead.[17]. The 31st wing arrived at Tuy Hoa, and was assigned to the 7th Air Force, on Christmas Day 1966. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. In 1966, a year after SAC withdrew its B-47 alert force from Spain, the 16 AF was reassigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe. A F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 31st Fighter Wing landing upon returning from an air-strike against the Bosnian Serbs during Operation . July 2011 July 2014, F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Executive Officer to the Seventh Air Force Commander, Chief of Wing Standardization and Evaluation, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at monuments dedicated to the fallen across the country. In 1979 and 1980, the wing transferred its F-4Es to Air National Guard units and the Egyptian Air Force, and began operating F-4Ds.[17]. In 1995, 1h AF supported Operation Joint Endeavor, the NATO peacekeeping mission to the former Yugoslavia, through operations in Croatia, Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina. 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. [17], On 8 February 1964, the 308th Fighter Squadron flew a non-stop mission from Homestead to Cigli Air Base, Turkey. 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. 2. In that capacity, he commands all mission support and logistics functions for a base community of nearly 10,000. The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, is to deter through safe, secure, effective operations. February 2002 August 2002, student, Introduction to Flight Training, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The 31st Tactical Fighter Training Wing won the 1982 Daedalian Maintenance Trophy Award for the best maintenance complex in the United States Air Force. The Detachment also provided a U.S. liaison for wartime exercises, at PROTO. He has flown over 750 combat hours in support of Operation FREEDOMS SENTINEL and NATOs RESOLUTE SUPPORT mission. 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. 9. June 2019 May 2021, Chief, Force Application Division, Joint Staff, J8, Pentagon, 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. On 10 April 2004, insurgents launched a mortar attack on Balad, killing Airman First Class Antoine Holt[33] and injuring two other 603rd members. Then, during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, the 31st planned operational missions and participated in events that ultimately led to the removal of missiles from Cuba. On 15 March 1959, the wing moved without people or equipment to George Air Force Base, California During the wing's time in California, it deployed units for four-month alert rotations to Moron Air Base, Spain and Aviano Air Base, Italy. Second Lieutenant October 3, 2001 and the 510th Fighter Squadron,[3] allowing the wing to conduct offense and defensive combat air operations. Now, three of the last four have. The 31st Fighter Wing first activated in 1947, but it traces its heritage to its World War II predecessor unit, the 31st Pursuit Group. From 24 March to 10 June 1999, the 31st AEW, the largest expeditionary wing in Air Force history flew nearly 9,000 combat sorties and accumulated almost 40,000hours of combat service over the skies of Kosovo, Serbia and the rest of the Balkans in support of NATO operations. Brig. [29] The fighter squadrons evacuated most of the planes before the storm but were unable to return. On 24 August 1992 Hurricane Andrew swept across southern Florida, leaving extensive damage in its wake. [15] It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. The wing has had 10 commanders in Aviano since then, and it was time for No. Unless specifically directed, Gen. Lance Landrum, whose next assignment. from around the world. 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. Defense Superior Service Medal 2022 Spark Tank. . The Operations Group consists of seven squadrons that continually support operations and exercises across three Combatant Commands. When contacting the MPF's main line at DSN: 632-5404/Comm: 0434-30-5404 please choose from the following options: Commander's Support Staff = Option 2 For Customer Support = Option 3 For the Passport Office = Option 3 Best nuclear assurance inspection grade in years, Ray said. 2002 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Gen. Lance K. Landrum. The 16 AF also operated SAC bases in Morocco from 1958 through 1963. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. His last assignment was executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Since the beginning of combat operations in Iraq, forces from the wing have been on regular combat rotations into the region. 7. [1], The commander of the 31st Fighter Wing is Brigadier General Tad D. Brig. The 401st FW moved from Spain to Aviano AB, Italy, in May 1992 and was re-designated as the 31st FW in April 1994. [17], In July 2015, the United States and Turkey reached agreement on Turkish support for actions against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. On 6 July 1952 the wing executed Operation Fox Peter One, the mass movement of the entire wing from Turner Field to Misawa Air Base, Japan using aerial refueling to fly non-stop from Turner to Travis Air Force Base, California, and from Travis to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes), Lt. Gen. Timothy R. Ray offers the symbol of leadership for the 31st Fighter wing to Brig. The 39th Wing at Incirlik AB, Turkey, deployed a flying ambulance surgical team to Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia in response to the Khobar Towers bombing. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets In 1970 and 1980, the wing upgraded all F-4Es to F-4Ds and began training all F-4 aircrews. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes), Airmen offer their salutes to 31st Fighter Wing leadership during a change of command ceremony on Friday, June 10, 2016. [17] They flew from Gibraltar to Tafaraoui Airfield, Algeria, where they scored their first victories in the campaign shooting down three French fighters that were strafing the airfield just as the 31st arrived. During one of their first missions over Ploesti, Romania on 21 April 1944, the group earned their first Distinguished Unit Citation for covering the raids despite severe weather and as many as 50 enemy fighters defending the area. 2023 Stars and Stripes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Faraone, 606th Air Control Squadron commander, middle-right, briefs U.S. Air Force Brig. Peacekeeping operations continued in the Balkans through the end of 2004, when the European Union assumed responsibility for the region. The wing immediately become involved with events in Bosnia, part of the former communist country of Yugoslavia, in May 1994 as part of Operation Deny Flight. 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. ( Chad Trujillo/U.S. 2022 Spark Tank. Nov. 8, 2020 | By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory. Gen. Lance K. Landrum, the new commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, surveys his airmen after taking command on Friday, June 10, 2016. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, and other 3rd AF leadership had the opportunity to fly in an HH-60G and became familiar with the 56th RQS mission. In 1957, 16 AF was realigned under Strategic Air Command (SAC) to provide command and control of SAC bases and B-47 Stratojet rotational units assigned and deployed to Spain and Morocco. The flight also led to the wing receiving the Tactical Air Command Outstanding Fighter Wing Award for 1964 for the second consecutive year.[17]. The two squadrons supported Operation Enduring Freedom. The 16th AETF was inactivated in April 2008. Gen. Lance K. Landrum took command from Maj. Gen. Barre R. Seguin. The 16th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force, consisting of the 16th and 31st Air Expeditionary Wings, activated in support of Operation Joint Guardian, and its air component, Operation Deliberate Guard, engaging air power for peace enforcement operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He served in both the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons during previous stints. In 1985, the wing received its next aircraft, the F-16 and resumed an air defense mission.[17]. As the operation came to an end on 31 March, so began Operation Unified Protector, with NATO taking the lead until the operation's conclusion 31 Oct of that year. The vision is to be ready and adaptive warriors, committed to Allies and Partners, who are devoted to our community and one another. [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. Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take . Approximately 13,200 airmen, in addition to 32,000 airmen through Europe, deployed in support of the 78-day air campaign that led to Serbian withdrawal of forces from the province of Kosovo. 3. By the time they had returned to Italy, they had destroyed 37 enemy aircraft, including 21 enemy fighter bombers on their way to attack Russian ground forces with no losses of their own.
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aviano wing commander