Legendary ace returns to Triple Nickel

Retired Brig. Gen. Steve Ritchie wears a bracelet in memory of a fallen Airman and an Air Force ring while visiting the 555th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy Aug. 28. Ritchie wears the items as a reminder of his fellow Airmen and the hard work everyone is respondsible for while accomplishing the mission. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz)

New USAFE vice commander visits Aviano

Maj. Gen. Noel T. Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander, is greeted by 31st Fighter Wing leaders July 12 upon arrival to Aviano Air Base, Italy. Jones was appointed to the position of vice commander on June 19 and this is his first visit to Aviano. During his visit, Jones met with base officials to discuss the wing’s mission, toured installation facilities and met with Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)

Suffocation by soap

Hangar 3 is filled with foam after officials tested a newly-completed fire suppressant system July 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The system uses a thick foam, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the flames and effectively suppressing them within minutes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)

Suffocation by soap

Master Sgt. Tommy Behrman, 31st Maintenance Group loading standardization crew chief, goes over the process of how to start the newly-completed fire suppressant system in Hangar 3 July 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. In case of a fire, heat sensors activate an alarm and flashing lights, giving personnel working in the hangar 20 seconds to evacuate before the foam is released. In case heat sensors are faulty, there are manual activation systems located throughout the hangar. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)

Vierra Talon strengthens Aviano readiness

Senior Airman Jared D. Swissler 31st Security Forces Squadron entry controller, assembles individual protective equipment in preparation for a simulated deployment as part of a local readiness exercise at Aviano Air Base June 18. During the LRE, members were evaluated on their ability to deploy in support of contingencies at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)

Vierra Talon strengthens Aviano readiness

Members of the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron prepare a pallet to load deployers’ mobility bags in support of a simulated contingency. The exercise helped provide on-the-job training for 31st LRS members as well as, helping them gauge their ability to process deploying members for short notice taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez)