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. 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. “But today’s not about looking back,” he said. 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. Col. Vincent J. OConnor is the Vice Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Additionally, the 57th RQS provides personnel recovery, combat search and rescue, civil search and rescue and casualty evacuation subject matter experts. In the aftermath, the Secretary of Defense recommended complete closure of the base, but in June 1993, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended realigning the base under the Air Force Reserve Command and inactivating the 31st Fighter Wing. [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. Airman Holt's death constituted the 31st wing's first combat fatality since the Vietnam War. 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. Col. Vincent J. O'Connor, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. November 2007 July 2011, F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Flight Commander, Luke AFB, Ariz. According to Dunham, they can be doing anything from fixing email issues to things as complex as. ASSIGNMENTS During his visit France flew in an HH-60G and toured different facilities across Aviano AB, learning about each mission set. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He received his promotion to lieutenant general on 1 August 1963 and left Torrejn to assume command of SAC's Second Air Force with headquarters then at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. 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 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. (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. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. This successful flight culminated in the 40th Air Division of the Strategic Air Command receiving the Mackay Trophy[23] in 1953. Franklin, who took command from Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take command of Avianos 31st Fighter Wing during a virtual ceremony Friday, wing officials said. During his visit, France toured the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, the 31st SFS CATM facility, 606th Air Control Squadron, the Comprehensive Operational Medicine for Battle Ready Airmen clinic, and more. In recognition of these achievements, the wing was awarded its second Outstanding Unit Award. 16 AF moved to Aviano AB in August 1992. 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 wing assumed a dual-role function with the primary mission of air defense of southern Florida and the secondary as a replacement training unit. 2022 Spark Tank. The group also responds to humanitarian and contingency logistics support requirements as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff through Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE) to locations in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. 9. 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. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at monuments dedicated to the fallen across the country. 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. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. Unterseher.[6]. [5] The Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy L. Hurricane Andrew severely damaged the base in 1992, leading to its closure and the transfer of the wing to Aviano in 1994. Flight hours: more than 2,700 [1] The 31st FW maintains two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 555th Fighter Squadron[2] 24 Hour Flight Recording . Your connection to everything Aviano. Brig. (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. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Major November 1, 2011 . 10. different sources and are all signed by the Wing Commander for authority. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, receive a mission brief at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, outgoing commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. More. from around the world. 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. Tech. He will command about 3,800 airmen and a force that's expected to grow. 4. Colonel June 1, 2019, An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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]. 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 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. 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 . The 57th RQS provides personnel recovery, combat search and rescue, civil search and rescue and casualty evacuation subject matter experts to fulfill USEUCOM, USAFRICOM and NATO security cooperation requirements. BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER 31ST FIGHTER WING (USAFE) AVIANO AIR BASE INSTRUCTION . (U.S. Air Force). AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. Lasica assumed command from Brig. It passed three major inspections with high marks and was heavily involved in four Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotations to Iraq. A F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 31st Fighter Wing landing upon returning from an air-strike against the Bosnian Serbs during Operation . He will command about 3,800 airmen and a force thats expected to grow slightly in the next few years with the addition of an air control squadron and search-and-rescue personnel. 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. Unit 6165 Box 215 . 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. 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. [21], The wing pioneered the development of in flight refueling tactics. Captain Francis was captured and remained a POW until his release at the end of hostilities on 28 March 1973. On 15 October 1970, the wing returned to Homestead without people or equipment as part of the United States force reduction in Vietnam. 2023 Stars and Stripes. 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 February 2002 August 2002, student, Introduction to Flight Training, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Brig. (Chad Trujillo/U.S. 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 mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, is to deter through safe, secure, and effective operations. They were the first complete American combat group in the European Theater of Operations and the first to engage in combat. [4], At the end of the Cold War Sixteenth Air Force consisted of the following units:[3][5][6]. 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. from around the world. (U.S. Air Force). The official website for the Aviano Air Base. The 31st Fighter Wing is made up of four groups, each consisting of several squadrons. After the U.S. force reduction in Vietnam, the wing switched to F-4s. The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, is to deter through safe, secure, effective operations. . Air Force), Brig. The wing assisted in the evacuation of nearly 6,500 pro-U.S. Kurds from northern Iraq. (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. Two of the wing's fighter squadrons, the 307th and 309th, were designated to perform pilot replacement training. [1], The commander of the 31st Fighter Wing is Brigadier General Tad D. He served as F-22 project officer at Langley Air Force Base, Va., from 1993 to 1995. “Welcome to the best job, I believe, in the world,” Yates told Franklin during a ceremony attended by Italian and American dignitaries. Marcus Dunham, 31st Communications Squadron. 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. The 57th Rescue Squadron performed High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump training over Aviano. 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 June 1965, the wing deployed the 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron to Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. The clinic houses rehabilitation equipment, such as gait retraining software, anti-gravity treadmills for rehab, recovery modalities and a float pod for sensory deprivation. In 1970 and 1980, the wing upgraded all F-4Es to F-4Ds and began training all F-4 aircrews. 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Clark. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. 55 talking about this. July 2014 July 2018, F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Director of Operations, 31st Operations Support Squadron; Director of Operations, 555th Fighter Squadron; and Commander, 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy August 2002 September 2003, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Sheppard AFB, Texas Bailey takes over command from Brig. Brig. Captain October 3, 2005 Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. They distinguished the unit by destroying seven enemy fighters attacking allied shipping during the invasion of Sicily and six more attacking the invasion force on the beaches of Salerno. It was attached to the Joint U.S. Military Group, which oversaw implementation of the 1953 Spanish-American Defense Cooperation Agreement. 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. Kent has filled numerous roles at Stars and Stripes including: copy editor, news editor, desk editor, reporter/photographer, web editor and overseas sports editor. The wing earned two Outstanding Unit Awards, one with a combat "V" device, a Presidential Unit Citation, two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm and ten campaign streamers for action in Vietnam. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. 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. 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. The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic boasts 10 aircraft marking it as the largest aerobatic team in the world and are based out of Rivolto air force base, April 25, 1945, represents a fundamental date in the history of the Italian Republic. He served in both the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons during previous stints. 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. The group's lineage began with its activation at Selfridge Field Michigan, on 1 February 1940. EDUCATION The wing has had 10 commanders in Aviano since then, and it was time for No. Their missions consisted mainly of sweeps over allied positions and escorting bombers attacking German positions. The wing celebrates the heritage of its predecessor by flying its honors on the wing flag. 4. Ray, the 3rd Air Force Commander based at Ramstein, Germany, praised Seguins accomplishments during his tenure. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets 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. (U.S. Air Force) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - This week's Wyvern Warrior of the Week is U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. 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. 5. This is the official Facebook page of the 31st Fighter Wing commander at Aviano Air Base,. 2019 Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. Under combat conditions, the squadron transferred $73 million in equipment and more than 100 personnel with 20 convoys. The 56th RQS provides a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response utilizing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. Accomplishments included getting six F-16s and 211 personnel to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey for action against targets in Syria and Iraq on less than a weeks notice. At the same time, the wing switched from flying North American F-100 Super Sabres to McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom IIs.[24]. Justin Berte, 56th Rescue Generation Squadron director of operations, washes the belly of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter as part of an immersion tour at Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 14, 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. 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. “It’s been a quick and fast ride and there was never a dull moment,” Yates said. Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, AT-38, and F-16C/D, MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS [34] The wing hosted four flying units and more than 1,350 personnel during the 15-day operation, 1731 March. France and other Third Air Force leadership toured the 56th RQS and learned about the squadrons mission sets and capabilities. 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. 2:29. Col. Timothy P. Maxwell is the Commander of the 31st Mission Support Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. France is a command pilot with more than 2,900 hours in the F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon. 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. On 14 October 1942, the group was declared non-operational on prior to boarding ships bound for its next assignment. 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]. 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. 7. . US Air Force information warfare organization, Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, 363d Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, "Air Force Information Warfare's new warfighting unit activates", "Factsheet Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) ACC", "Fifty Years On Nato's Southern Flank A History Of Sixteenth Air Force 1954 2004", US Air Force news story on 3AF and 16AF changes, Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Geospatial and Signatures Intelligence Group, Space, Missiles and Forces Intelligence Group, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, Strategic Air Command in the United Kingdom, Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, DEA Office of National Security Intelligence, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System, National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sixteenth_Air_Force&oldid=1145785646, Numbered air forces of the United States Air Force, Military units and formations established in 1956, Intelligence units of the United States Air Force, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Air Force Historical Research Agency, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. [15] It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. 6. 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. from around the world. Air Force), Brig. 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. 1. from around the world. He was born in Guatemala and raised in Rhode Island. Gen. Lance K. Landrum took command from Maj. Gen. Barre R. Seguin. 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. WING PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT . The 31st Fighter Wing is the only United States fighter wing south of the Alps. 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. 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. The 31st FW is the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Alps. The Wings diverse mission sets are executed by Airmen that fly, maintain, and support two F-16CM Fighter Squadrons, two Combat Search and Rescue Squadrons with Pararescue Airmen and HH-60 Pave Hawks, USAFEs only Air Control Squadron, Agile Combat Support Squadrons, Medical Squadrons and numerous Wing Staff Agencies. Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Gen. Robert Yates, was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., from 1986 to 1989 while it was home to the 31st. 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. 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. It trains, equips, plans, and provides weather, intelligence, standardization/evaluation, and command and control sustaining global flying operations.
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