The darting mission of the F-16 Fighting Falcon

An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, performs aerial acrobatics for more than 285,000 aviation enthusiasts during the Farnborough International Air Show July 21. Most commonly known as the “Viper,” this compact multi-role fighter has proven itself by dominating in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The F-16C’s exceptional handling and maneuvering capabilities allow the aircraft to pull upwards of 9 G’s. Approximately 70 aircrew and support personnel from bases across Europe and the United States participated in the air show. This premier global aviation event allows exhibitors to showcase the newest aerospace equipment and technology. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman)

Here they come

The Italian aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, perform a practice run April 23 over Aviano Air Base. Traditionally, the aerobatic team concludes their training here at Aviano the Friday prior to the beginning of their performance season. For more information on the Frecce Tricolori, visit www.freccetricolori.org. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes)

Down they dive

The Italian aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, perform a practice run April 23 over Aviano Air Base. Traditionally, the aerobatic team concludes their training here at Aviano the Friday prior to the beginning of their performance season. For more information on the Frecce Tricolori, visit www.freccetricolori.org. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver)

Here they come

Jets from the Italian aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, fly over Aviano Air Base during a practice run April 23. For more information on the Frecce Tricolori, visit www.freccetricolori.org. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver)

Catch of the Day

Maj. Shawna Kimbrell and 1st Lt. Justin Cleveland, F-16 fighter pilots from Aviano Air Base, Italy talk with Sergio Maron, an Italian aviation enthusiast, about the World War II Army Air Force fighter wreckage found in the Adriatic Sea during a ceremony at the Chioggia Lagoon Nov. 14, 2009. The wreckage, believed to be a P-47 Thunderbolt that crashed into the Adriatic in the mid-1940’s, was recovered during a fishing expedition in May 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman LaVel D. Sterling)

Catch of the Day

Italian fisherman Filippo Salvagno conducts an interview with Senior Airman Jamie Ciciora, a broadcaster from Aviano Air Base, Italy following a ceremony Nov. 14, 2009 at the Chioggia Lagoon. Mr. Salvagno recovered a large section of an aircraft wreckage, believed to be a World War II Army Air Force P-47 Thunderbolt fighter, that crashed into the Adriatic Sea in the mid-1940’s during a fishing expedition in May 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman LaVel D. Sterling)