MISSION
The 31st Operations Support Squadron supports the wing's combat-ready air control squadron and two combat-ready F-16CG fighter squadrons. The unit develops wing war plans, administers weapons and tactics programs and provides current operations planning, air traffic control, airfield management, weather and intelligence support. It is the focal point for all flying operations and contingency activities and maximizes readiness for taskings as directed by NATO and the U.S. European Command.
MISSION STATEMENT Deliver combat ready operations support today, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork, while providing a safe and efficient environment to be ready for tomorrow’s fight.
MOTTO “Lions! Pride!”
HISTORY
The 31st Operations Squadron was first activated at Turner Field, Ga., on June 16, 1952, and then inactivated on July 1, 1952. The unit was redesignated the 31st Operations Support Squadron on Oct. 28, 1991, and activated on Nov. 1, 1991 at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla. The unit was inactivated at Homestead on April 1, 1994 and was immediately activated at Aviano, Air Base, Italy. In 2025 the 31st OSS was awarded the Association of Old Crows Electronic Warfare Unit Excellence Award of the Year.
The 31st OSS has five decorations:
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, April 1, 1994 - April 1,1996
AFOUA, April 2, 1996 - April 1, 1998
AFOUA, April 2, 1998 - April 1, 2000
AFOUA, March 24, 1999 - June 10, 1999
AFOUA, Oct. 1, 2000 - Oct. 1, 2002
ORGANIZATION The OSS is comprised of around 200 members spread across 6 different sections.
- Airfield Operations (OSA) includes air traffic controllers, RAWS (radio airfield & weather systems maintainers), and airfield management.
- Weather flight (airfield and mission).
- Flight Operations includes HARM (Host aviation resource management), wing scheduling, aircrew training, and contracted sim IP/maintenance.
- Aircrew Flight Equipment. We have an AFE flight for each squadron (555 FS, 510 FS, 56 RQS, and a Main Shop which also has aerospace physiology)
- Intelligence flight
- Weapons & Tactics Flight covers pilot training for survival such as SERE, mission planning, combat, exercise integration, and fighter / CSAR tactics.
We have 23 AFSCs that make up the OSS and are here to support flight operations. The 31st Operations Support Squadron falls under the 31st Operations Group, 31st Fighter Wing, and is located at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
UNIT EMBLEM
The squadron emblem is symbolic of the support given to all NATO organizations as stated by the squadron motto: "Support and Sustain." The yellow represents the excellence required in Air Force personnel. The blue alludes to the sky, its primary theater of operations. The lion grasping a sword reflects the dedication, abilities, and courage of the unit's personnel who are employed to defend with peace. The flight signifies the squadron's commitment to support the flying mission. The emblem design was originally approved on April 14, 1995.