It was attached to the Joint U.S. Military Group, which oversaw implementation of the 1953 Spanish-American Defense Cooperation Agreement. Gen. Mike Worden, the outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, says farewell to a long line of well-wishers after Worden gave up command of the wing Friday. The skies above Aviano Air Base hosted the 313th Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico (Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team) April 26, 2023. The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, is to deter through safe, secure, and effective operations. Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take . (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, 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. Landrum becomes the 15th commander of the wing at Aviano and 44th since U.S. forces first came to the base in 1955. While at Al Jaber, the squadrons flew more than 400 combat sorties. 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 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. 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. (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. Marcus Dunham, 31st Communications Squadron. They found themselves as close as 15miles from the front lines, and this led to near disaster on at least one occasion. An example of an internal plan is the 31 FW PLAN 1002- 15, Operations Security Plan. from around the world. Wyvern Warrior of the Week: Victor Villareal 03.20.2023. It trains, equips, plans, and provides weather, intelligence, standardization/evaluation, and command and control sustaining global flying operations. “It’s about looking forward.” Franklin will be the one leading the Air Force’s only permanent fighter wing south of the Alps. 2:48. WING PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT . [15] It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. This event highlighted the various opportunities and careers strengthened by women in the military. The 31st Fighter Wing is the only United States fighter wing south of the Alps. [7], The 31st Maintenance Group provides peacetime and combat maintenance and munitions control, and executive support for the 31st Fighter Wing, geographically separated units under the command and control of the wing, and units gained during advanced stages of readiness. 2002 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. 606 likes, 5 comments - Aviano Air Base (@avianoairbase) on Instagram: "FAMILY | Aviano Air Base hosted a tour for the local Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JRO . [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. 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. Aviano served as the launch point for insertion of airborne forces opening a second front in northern Iraq. 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. The 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, with three squadrons of F-100D Super Sabres, moved from the United States to Torrejon Air Base, Spain. 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. Bronze Star AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Brig. 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. From August to December 2002, the 510th Fighter Squadron and 603rd Air Control Squadron returned to Southwest Asia. The 31st wing arrived at Tuy Hoa, and was assigned to the 7th Air Force, on Christmas Day 1966. In 1961, General David Wade was dispatched to Torrejn, where he took command of SAC's 16th Air Expeditionary Task Force. [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]. 17 JUNE 2021 . Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take command of Avianos 31st Fighter Wing during a virtual ceremony Friday, wing officials said. Norman covers the U.S. military in Northern Italy and sometimes elsewhere for Stars and Stripes. 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. February 2004 January 2005, student, F-16 pilot training, Springfield-Beckly Air National Guard Base, Ohio It passed three major inspections with high marks and was heavily involved in four Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotations to Iraq. He has more than 10 years of experience as an Army photojournalist and has served as a photojournalism instructor at the Defense Information School. [17], On 8 February 1964, the 308th Fighter Squadron flew a non-stop mission from Homestead to Cigli Air Base, Turkey. Gen. Craig Franklin, right, takes the 31st Fighter Wing from Lt. Gen. Robert Bishop, the 3rd Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony Friday at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He was born in Guatemala and raised in Rhode Island. Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters 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. During his visit France flew in an HH-60G and toured different facilities across Aviano AB, learning about each mission set. 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. 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. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. Since then, the wing has been stationed at George Air Force Base, California and Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, until finally coming to Aviano Air Base, Italy in April 1994. The 16th AETF was inactivated in April 2008. Existing Spanish Air Force bases near Madrid, Sevilla, and Zaragoza were expanded to accommodate the 16 AF. from around the world. Assigned under a joint task force, the 31st AEW, flew from Aviano and joined NATO allies in a 78-day air campaign against Serbia. In June 1965, the wing deployed the 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron to Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. 2019 Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes). 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. Franklin takes over command at Aviano from Brig. 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. In June 1972, Captains John Cerak and David B. Dingee of the 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron were shot down and captured by North Vietnamese forces and were confirmed as prisoners of war. Air Force), Brig. (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. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Official websites use .mil . Landrum, who served with Seguin in a fighter squadron in Korea early in their careers, has already been an Aviano team member in different roles over the years. He has more than 10 years of experience as an Army photojournalist and has served as a photojournalism instructor at the Defense Information School. 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. This is the official Facebook page of the 31st Fighter Wing commander at Aviano Air Base,. All Rights Reserved. Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. A F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 31st Fighter Wing landing upon returning from an air-strike against the Bosnian Serbs during Operation . In 1950 the wing transferred from Tactical Air Command to Strategic Air Command and was redesignated as the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing. Tech. [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. Now Playing. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets [16], Throughout the wing's history, the 31st Fighter Wing and its predecessor group have flown several aircraft, including P-35, P-39, P-40 and P-51 aircraft in World War II, F-80 aircraft for a short period from 1946 to 1947, and then P-80s, F-51s and F-84s after World War II. Since the beginning of combat operations in Iraq, forces from the wing have been on regular combat rotations into the region. Simultaneously, the 555th deployed personnel and aircraft to Decimomannu Air Base, Sardinia while the runway at Aviano closed for repairs. Bailey takes over command from Brig. Additionally, the 57th RQS provides personnel recovery, combat search and rescue, civil search and rescue and casualty evacuation subject matter experts. 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. 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. From June through December 2001, the fighter squadrons deployed combat search and rescue capabilities three times and helped enforce the no fly zone over Iraq. Gen. Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, hosted an induction ceremony for 12 Italian community leaders into the Honorary Squadron Commander Program at the La Bella Vista Club here May 8. 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]. 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. (Chad Trujillo/U.S. It worked around the clock to launch 2,250 flying operations out of Aviano. He served in both the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons during previous stints. 2008 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. Headquarters 16 AF formed the joint force air component command for Operation Silver Wake, the evacuation of Americans and allied noncombatants from Albania. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, receive a mission brief at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. 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. 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. The Defense Department has a policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons at specific locations, though Aviano is widely believed to be one of the few bases in Europe that has them. 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. 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 ( Chad Trujillo/U.S. He had held all the "right" jobs and knew success in his upcoming touras Aviano's 31st Fighter Wing (31 FW) Commander would provide a great shot for promotionto Brigadier General. (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. The wing later converted to F-4 Phantom IIs, and in 1983, to F-16 Fighting Falcons. Gen. Lance K. Landrum took command from Maj. Gen. Barre R. Seguin. (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. 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. At the same time, the wing switched from flying North American F-100 Super Sabres to McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom IIs.[24]. [3] Its main operating bases in Spain were used for SAC B-47 Stratojet rotational alert aircraft until April 1965. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 401st FW moved from Spain to Aviano AB, Italy, in May 1992 and was re-designated as the 31st FW in April 1994. Kent has filled numerous roles at Stars and Stripes including: copy editor, news editor, desk editor, reporter/photographer, web editor and overseas sports editor. U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron conduct preflight checks during a total force training event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 2, 2023. 2:29. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. Wing scheduling (31 OSS/OSOS) is designated as the orientation flight The 39th Air & Space Expeditionary Wing activated in support of Operation Northern Watch, engaging air power to enforce the no-fly zone over northern Iraq. The vision is to be ready and adaptive warriors, committed to Allies and Partners, who are devoted to our community and one another. This strategic location makes the wing important for operations in NATO's southern region. It has two squadrons of F-16Cs. Major November 1, 2011 Beginning in March 1999, the 16th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force grew to 10 air expeditionary wings and 480 Air Force aircraft in 10 countries supporting Operation Allied Force, NATO's air campaign in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. Franklin, who took command from Brig. Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, AT-38, and F-16C/D, MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. The 31st Fighter Wing leadership participated in the ceremony, AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy The 510th Fighter Squadron Buzzards trained alongside the Romanian air forces MiG-21s at Campia Turzii, Romania, March 28-31.This was the last opportunity for the 510th FS to fly with the MiG-21s before they are retired in mid-May.The squadron and Romanian air force flew. He was born in Guatemala and raised in Rhode Island. . 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. This successful flight culminated in the 40th Air Division of the Strategic Air Command receiving the Mackay Trophy[23] in 1953. Captain Francis was captured and remained a POW until his release at the end of hostilities on 28 March 1973. 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. Landrum becomes the 15th commander of the wing at Aviano and 44th since U.S. forces first came to the base in 1955. He took pride inhis reputation asan aggressive leader, crack F-15 pilot and innovative staff officer. “It’s been a quick and fast ride and there was never a dull moment,” Yates said. 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. Detachment 1, AFSOUTH, Naples, Italy. (Kent Harris / S&S). Col. Vincent J. O'Connor, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. A new commander is taking charge of the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Monday as the organization shuffles leadership for the second time in less than a year. 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. Gen. Tad D. Clark is the Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. and the OSS Commander normally signs for unaffiliated aircrew. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Win the current fight and be ready to win the next fight. First Lieutenant October 3, 2003 The 31st Fighter Wing is made up of four groups, each consisting of several squadrons. They reached the 100,000 combat sortie milestone in September 1969. They also relocated their entire operation from Baghdad International Airport to Balad Air Base. Bailey takes over command from Brig. 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. The unit inactivated on 7 November 1945.[17]. Lasica, who arrived at Aviano in June 2018, will now be responsible for the integration of air and space power in support of NATOs Resolute Support mission. Sgt. 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. 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. 10. 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 . [31], In 1999, USAFE activated the 31st Air Expeditionary Wing-NOBLE ANVIL (31st AEW) at Aviano for Operation Allied Force, the NATO operation to stop Serbian atrocities in the Province of Kosovo. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. Air Force), Brig. conducted in 31 FW aircraft, while the 31st Operations Group Commander (31 OG/CC) has the primary responsibility for oversight of the program. Franklin has experience with one of the Air Force’s newest fighters: the F/A-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), An official website of the United States government, U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, By Senior Airman Jessica Blair, Senior Airman Brooke Moeder, Airman 1st Class Thomas Calopedis. The Agents An interesting twist to the Aviano program is that there can be four agents who actually contract the work to be done in the program. 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. Unit 6165 Box 215 . In June 2018, the unit moved to Aviano AB, Italy, to join the 31st Operation Group / 31st Fighter Wing. 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. In 1985, the wing received its next aircraft, the F-16 and resumed an air defense mission.[17]. 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. (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. Norman covers the U.S. military in Northern Italy and sometimes elsewhere for Stars and Stripes. The wing assisted in the evacuation of nearly 6,500 pro-U.S . After the U.S. force reduction in Vietnam, the wing switched to F-4s. Gen. Robert Yates, was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., from 1986 to 1989 while it was home to the 31st. Both use the tail code "AV" for AViano. 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. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Captain October 3, 2005 Today the wing remains a major participant in support of Balkan air operations. In advance to the relocation, the 56th RQS first deployed to Aviano AB . May 2021 present, Vice Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB, Italy, SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS The wide-ranging operational capabilities are brought by COLONEL JEFFREY S. FEWELL Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take . different sources and are all signed by the Wing Commander for authority. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. 8. (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 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. EDUCATION [34] The wing hosted four flying units and more than 1,350 personnel during the 15-day operation, 1731 March. Col. Timothy P. Maxwell is the Commander of the 31st Mission Support Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 16 AF also operated SAC bases in Morocco from 1958 through 1963. Gen. Lance K. Landrum during a change of command ceremony Friday, June 10, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. 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 around the world. Their missions consisted mainly of sweeps over allied positions and escorting bombers attacking German positions. 55 talking about this. 2023 Stars and Stripes. [29] The fighter squadrons evacuated most of the planes before the storm but were unable to return. Peacekeeping operations continued in the Balkans through the end of 2004, when the European Union assumed responsibility for the region. 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.