Gen. Jason Bailey, incoming commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Military Personnel Flight - 31st Force Support Squadron AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Brig. This marked the first aerial victory for the wing in Vietnam and the first for the wing since the end of World War II. Based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, hes been TDY to countries such as Afghanistan Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia. 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. 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. 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. 10. An HH-53 of the United States Marine Corps picked him up after he evaded capture for six days. Major November 1, 2011 Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, receive a mission brief at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. When the shooting stopped, the 31st Fighter Group sat as the undisputed top scoring allied fighter group in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the fifth highest overall for the Army Air Forces with 570 confirmed aerial victories. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, poses for a photo with individuals assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing who were recognized for exceptional performance at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. 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 vision is to be ready and adaptive warriors, committed to Allies and Partners, who are devoted to our community and one another. (Chad Trujillo/U.S. 2023 Stars and Stripes. The wing assisted in the evacuation of nearly 6,500 pro-U.S . This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. 9 to say goodbye on Friday. Franklin takes over command at Aviano from Brig. Born in California, hes a 1988 graduate of Humboldt State University and has been a journalist for 40 years. In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness. 31st Fighter Wing | Military Wiki | Fandom France and other Third Air Force leadership toured the 56th RQS and learned about the squadrons mission sets and capabilities. 31st FW Commander Aviano - Facebook None of the first 11 commanders of the 31st Fighter Wing since it activated in Aviano in 1994 had ever served a full tour on base before assuming command of the only fighter wing in Europe south of the Alps. Gen. Lance K. Landrum took command from Maj. Gen. Barre R. Seguin. 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. Best nuclear assurance inspection grade in years, Ray said. In the fall of 1995, 16 AF supported Operation Deliberate Force, the U.N.-sanctioned/NATO executed attacks on Bosnian-Serb forces. Official site for the 31st Force Support Squadron, Aviano Air Base. (Chad Trujillo/U.S. 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. 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. 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. They also relocated their entire operation from Baghdad International Airport to Balad Air Base. Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, The 1948 discontinuance and activation reflect a replacement of a Table of Distribution headquarters by a Table of Organization headquarters for the wing and do not change the wing lineage, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ V Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, "555th Fighter Squadron "Triple Nickel" Factsheet", "510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards" Factsheet", "Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy L. Unterseher", "This Week in 31st Fighter Wing History: 308th Fighter Squadron deploys to Morocco", "This Week in 31st Fighter Wing History: F-100s serve in Vietnam", "Military Times Hall of Valor John P. Cerak", "Hurricane Andrew's Legacy: 'Like A Bomb' In Florida", "Operation Deliberate Force: Ten years on", "Honor the Fallen" Airman 1st Class Antoine Holt", UNSR 1973 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 (2011), "US, Turkey finalizing details of anti-ISIL airstrikes", USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers1908 to Present, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=31st_Fighter_Wing&oldid=1105983707, 31st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 40th Air Division, 14 March 1951 (attached to, Ninth Air Force, 1 June 1962 (attached to: Air Force Atlantic Command, 24 October 9 November 1962 and 1 Air Division Provisional, 10 November-c. 30 November 1962), 836th Air Division, 1 August 1966 (attached to, Turner Field (later Turner Air Force Base), Georgia, 20 November 1947, George Air Force Base, California, 15 March 1959, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, 31 May 1962 6 December 1966, Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, 16 December 1966 15 October 1970, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, 15 October 1970 1 April 1994, Aviano Air Base, Italy, 1 April 1994present, This page was last edited on 22 August 2022, at 17:42. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he . 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. 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. Gen. Jason E. Bailey is scheduled to take command of Avianos 31st Fighter Wing during a virtual ceremony Friday, wing officials said. All Rights Reserved. Unless specifically directed, 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. Sgt. The wing celebrates the heritage of its predecessor by flying its honors on the wing flag. Col. Kevin Crofton is the the Commander, 31st Operations Group, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Air Force Achievement Medal, EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION 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 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. Aviano Air Base Home Page 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 wide-ranging operational capabilities are brought by COLONEL JEFFREY S. FEWELL 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. Unterseher.[6]. 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. A F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 31st Fighter Wing landing upon returning from an air-strike against the Bosnian Serbs during Operation . Commander: Lt Gen Kevin B. Kennedy Jr. Vice Commander: Maj Gen David M. Gaedecke: Deputy Commander: . 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. The following units are subordinate to the Sixteenth Air Force.[1][2]. Existing Spanish Air Force bases near Madrid, Sevilla, and Zaragoza were expanded to accommodate the 16 AF. [19], As the Allied forces looked to Europe, the 31st once again rose to the challenge as they were the first US Army Air Forces unit in combat in Malta and Sicily and the first to land in Italy. 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. and the 510th Fighter Squadron,[3] allowing the wing to conduct offense and defensive combat air operations. 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. 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. After the U.S. force reduction in Vietnam, the wing switched to F-4s. This weeks Wyvern Warrior of the Week is U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. [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. 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. 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 skies above Aviano Air Base hosted the 313th Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico (Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team) April 26, 2023. different sources and are all signed by the Wing Commander for authority. Nov. 8, 2020 | By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory. [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. (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. 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. Airman Holt's death constituted the 31st wing's first combat fatality since the Vietnam War. Prior to this assignment, Col. OConnor was the Chief, Force Application Division, Joint Staff, J8, Pentagon, Arlington, Va. Col. OConnor is a command pilot with more than 2,700 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, AT-38 and F-16C/D. 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. All Rights Reserved. In 1961, General David Wade was dispatched to Torrejn, where he took command of SAC's 16th Air Expeditionary Task Force. 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. He has flown over 750 combat hours in support of Operation FREEDOMS SENTINEL and NATOs RESOLUTE SUPPORT mission. June 2019 May 2021, Chief, Force Application Division, Joint Staff, J8, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a colonel, FLIGHT INFORMATION This detachment collected NATO data from AIRSOUTH/DEPCINCUSAFE-SOUTHERN AREA, a dual-hatted position, and provided the information to 16 AF. Michael Wayne Morris, a maintainer at Aviano Air Base, Italy, died Jan. 12, 2021 from the coronavirus, his friends and family said in Facebook posts. Lt. Gen. Robert Bishop, commander of the 3rd Air Force, pointed out in his remarks how much the base had changed during Yates’ two years. 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. During his visit, France toured the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, the 31st Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility, 606th Air Control Squadron, Comprehensive Operational Medicine for Battle Ready Airmen clinic and more. 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. 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. 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. 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. (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. 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. In 2005, Sixteenth Air Force moved to Ramstein AB, Germany to become USAFE's new Warfighting Headquarters. The 31st Pursuit Group, the predecessor unit of the wing's 31st Operations Group, was activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan, on 1 February 1940. 2022 Spark Tank. 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 21, 2022. Norman covers the U.S. military in Northern Italy and sometimes elsewhere for Stars and Stripes. 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. The official website for the Aviano Air Base. aviano.pdf - CGSC Copyright Registration # 10-1196 E THE At the same time, the wing switched from flying North American F-100 Super Sabres to McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom IIs.[24]. 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 (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes), Lt. Gen. Timothy R. Ray offers the symbol of leadership for the 31st Fighter wing to Brig. In 2000, the wing began deployments in support of the Expeditionary Air Force. In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness. 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. 7. The wide-ranging operational capabilities are brought by, Col Jeffrey S. Fewell is the Commander, 31st Medical Group, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The group sailed to home on 13 August 1945, one of the last units to depart Europe. Sixteenth Air Force - Wikipedia (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooke Moeder), U.S. Air Force Tech. 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. BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER 31ST FIGHTER WING (USAFE) AVIANO AIR BASE INSTRUCTION . The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. The 31st FW also includes the 606th Air Control Squadron, capable of providing air surveillance, control and communications. [10], Unless otherwise indicated, units are based at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He has more than 10 years of experience as an Army photojournalist and has served as a photojournalism instructor at the Defense Information School. [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. During a major German counteroffensive in February 1943, the group was forced to evacuate their position at Thelepte, Tunisia, only a few miles from the advancing German Army, leaving most of their supplies behind. Now, three of the last four have. The 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, with three squadrons of F-100D Super Sabres, moved from the United States to Torrejon Air Base, Spain. Under combat conditions, the squadron transferred $73 million in equipment and more than 100 personnel with 20 convoys. Aviano AB Passenger Terminal - Air Mobility Command AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Brig. November 2007 July 2011, F-16 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, Flight Commander, Luke AFB, Ariz. This movement included the longest over-water flight attempted to that date and was the first trans-Pacific mass flight of jet aircraft. Tech. The organization was the first newly established Numbered Air Force (NAF) by the USAF after World War II. The squadrons were assigned to other wings and the 31st began inactivation proceedings. 2. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) provides support to the 31st Fighter Wing Aviano Air Base Mission, Airmen and their families. OPERATIONS . 2023 Stars and Stripes. Dec. 14, 2022 | 0:59. United States Naval War College, 1993 L101RB: ADP 6-22, Army Leadership, US Department of the Army. 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. All Rights Reserved. Aviano welcomes new wing command | Stars and Stripes On 15 July 1956, Sixteenth Air Force was created when the Air Administration (Spain) was re-designated as Headquarters, 16 AF, and aligned directly under Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. “It’s been a quick and fast ride and there was never a dull moment,” Yates said. 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. Gen. Robert Yates, was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., from 1986 to 1989 while it was home to the 31st. His last assignment was executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The unit inactivated on 7 November 1945.[17]. In 1950 the wing transferred from Tactical Air Command to Strategic Air Command and was redesignated as the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing. Air Force), Brig. 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. [4], At the end of the Cold War Sixteenth Air Force consisted of the following units:[3][5][6]. The 56th RQS provides a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response utilizing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. 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. 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. 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. Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, AT-38, and F-16C/D, MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS 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. 2008 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. This strategic location makes the wing important for operations in NATO's southern region. AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Brig. As a result of this agreement, the United States Central Command announced in August that six Fighting Falcons of the 31st had deployed to Incirlik Air Base to begin operations against the Islamic State.[35].