Aviano News

  • Senior Airman Tyler J. Vance, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) structural journeyman, poses for a photo at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 17, 2021. Vance’s quick response saved building 925’s roof from possibly collapsing after a hail storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)

    31st CES Airmen save Hangar

    “It was 3 p.m. and I was finishing a job in building 925 when the facility manager came up to me and he seemed flustered,” said Senior Airman Tyler J. Vance, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron structural journeyman. “I could tell something was wrong.”
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    31st MXS and 31st CE conduct Hydrazine emergency response training

    AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy-- The 31st Maintenance Squadron (MXS) aircraft fuel systems section and the
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Montez, 555th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, inspects a U.S. Air Force F-16 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, June 4, 2021. Approximately 600 personnel from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Italian air force, Israeli air force and the United Kingdom Royal air force are participating in Falcon Strike 21.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    FS21 strengthens aircraft integration and alliances

    One of the only noises to be heard at Amendola Air Base, Italy, is the thundering sound of three different nations’ fourth-and-fifth-generation fighter aircraft starting up and taking off to participate in Falcon Strike 2021 (FS21), June 7-15.
  • FS21 is an exercise that optimizes the integration between fourth-generation and fifth-generation aircraft.

    31 FW participation in FS21 increases lethality through joint operations

    U.S. Air Force Capt. Connor Yancy, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, right, poses
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    510th FS Change of Command

  • A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron participating in Falcon Strike 21 (FS21) lands at Amendola Air Base, Italy, June 4, 2021. Six F-16C aircraft are participating in FS21, an exercise involving service members from the U.S., Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom to integrate fourth and fifth generation fighter capabilities in a large force employment event. FS21 builds upon nations’ joint capabilities, ensuring a stronger partnership and enhanced interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    31 FW F-16s participate in Falcon Strike 21

    A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron participating in
  • Local Legend: Alessandro Nichilo

    Local Legend: Alessandro Nichilo

    June’s Local Legend, Alessandro Nichilo, is a 57th Rescue Squadron operations liaison and scheduler, and has been part of team Aviano since Aug. 1st, 2019.
  • Airmen assigned to the 724th Air Mobility Squadron stand in formation before a ‘Port Dawg’ memorial run at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 27, 2021. The memorial run is held annually throughout the career field as a way to honor members who have fallen while serving as a Port Dawg. Port Dawgs are transportation specialists serving at aerial ports around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    31st FW hosts Port Dawg memorial run

    Airmen assigned to the 724th Air Mobility Squadron stand in formation before a ‘Port Dawg’ memorial
  • For the first time ever, two F-35s landed at Aviano in support of AK21 May 20, 2021.

    Italian F-35s train at Aviano, strengthening partnerships

    For the first time ever, two Italian air force F-35 Lightning IIs, assigned to the 32nd Wing, Amendola Air Base, Italy, landed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 20-21, in support of Astral Knight 2021.
  • U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Richter, 31st Medical Support Squadron commander, poses for a photo at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 19, 2021. Each year the American Hospital Association Special Achievement Award recognizes a federal health care leader who distinguished themselves through significant or innovative achievements and leadership that has contributed substantially to the mission of the federal health systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)

    AHA Honors Col. Jason Richter, Federal Health Care Leader

    U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Richter, 31st Medical Support Squadron commander, recently won the American Hospital Association (AHA) 2020 Special Achievement Award.
  • U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Kelly, 724th Air Mobility Squadron (AMS) aircraft services technician, left, buddy checks Airman Jaden Boswell, 724th AMS freight service technician during exercise Nodal Lightning, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 19, 2021. Nodal Lightning is an exercise conducted by the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing, which tests readiness in air mobility units around U.S. Air Forces in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)

    Sunny with a chance of lightning

    The 724th Air Mobility Squadron, an Air Mobility Command tenant unit at Aviano Air Base, participated in exercise Nodal Lightning May 17-21, 2021. Nodal Lightning is a readiness exercise conducted by the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
  • Senior Airman Neil Farbotnik, 555th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, inspects an F-16 that flew in Astral Knight 2021 (AK21) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 18, 2021. Eight F-16s assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron are participating in AK21, which is a joint, multinational exercise designed to test integrated air and missile defense capabilities. The participating aircraft include the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, HH-60 Pave Hawk and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Italian air force F-35 Lightning II aircraft, Hellenic air force F-16 and Emb-145 Erieye aircraft, and Croatian air force MiG-21 BisD/UMD aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    31 FW, multinational allies conclude Astral Knight 21

    U.S. Airmen, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and HH-60 Pave Hawks assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing participated in exercise Astral Knight 21 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and several locations throughout Europe from May 13-21, 2021.
  • The 31st LRS consists of four flights covering Fuels Management, Materiel Management, Vehicle Management, and Deployment and Distribution, and exercises like Astral Knight 2021 provides Wyvern Nation with the opportunity to strengthen the communication and capabilities between the U.S., host nations and NATO Allies.

    31 LRS meets AK21 supply, demand

    Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing are conducting this exercise across multiple locations throughout Europe with U.S. partners, and among them are the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, executing the mission while maintaining the capability to deploy personnel and cargo in support of air and space expeditionary forces.
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Russell Main, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, sits in an F-16 after flying in Astral Knight 2021 (AK21) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 18, 2021. AK21 involves approximately 1900 combined joint force members from the Albanian, Croatian, Hellenic, Italian and Slovenian militaries. The participating aircraft include the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, HH-60 Pave Hawk and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Italian air force F-35 Lightning II aircraft, Hellenic air force F-16 and Emb-145 Erieye aircraft, and Croatian air force MiG-21 BisD/UMD aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    555th FS Airmen perform operations on AK21 F-16s

    U.S. Air Force Capt. Russell Main, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, sits in an
  • U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. European Command senior enlisted leader, speaks to Airmen from the 31st Maintenance Squadron to talk about the “Airmen 4 Life” program at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 13, 2021. During his visit to the base Easton spoke with Airmen about the “Airmen 4 Life” program and how beneficial it is for their daily lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Blair)

    EUCOM leadership visits Aviano

    AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy –Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. European Command senior enlisted
  • Senior Airman Timothy Carrier, left, Airman 1st Class Ashley Pilkerton, middle, 606th Air Control Squadron (ACS) surveillance technicians, and Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Tatum, right, 606th ACS operations section chief, set up satellite communication antennas in support of Astral Knight 2021 in Mali Losinj, Croatia, May 18, 2021. The antennas allow the 606th ACS to communicate and transmit data with the 603rd Air Operations Center, the operational command and control center. (Courtesy Photo)

    606th ACS strengthens communication during AK21

    In support of Astral Knight 2021 (AK21), a joint multinational exercise involving six different countries and approximately 1,900 combined joint forces, two 606th Air Control Squadron (ACS) teams are operating out of forward-deployed locations in Slovenia and Croatia. At Aviano, the 606th ACS is on active standby to provide backup air control for the forward-deployed locations.
  • Astral Knight 2021 is a joint, multinational exercise involving Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors from the United States working with service members from Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia.

    31st FW kicks-off Astral Knight 2021

    Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing kicked-off Astral Knight 2021, a joint, multinational exercise
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Murray, 31st Security Forces Squadron (SFS) area supervisor, carries two jerry cans at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 11, 2021. Airmen from the 31st SFS and 31st Civil Engineer Squadron competed in an obstacle course during Police Week. Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement members, paying special tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)

    31st FW Airmen participate in 2021 Police Week

    Airman Jamal R. Carter, 31st Security Forces Squadron (SFS) member, drags a fire hose during Police Week at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 11, 2021. Airmen from the 31st SFS and 31st Civil Engineer Squadron competed in an obstacle course. The course consisted of a hose drag, litter carry, body drag, tire flips, Keiser FORCE Machine, sprints, M4 carbine assembly and disassembly, and a Humvee team push. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Cabezas, 31st Operations Support Squadron (OSS) air traffic controller, scans the horizon for landing lights and obstructions on the flight line at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 7, 2021. The ATCs observe aircraft in their airspace and monitor different variables such as wind speed and altitude. The 31st OSS provides current operations planning, air traffic control, airfield management and weather and intelligence support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

    31 OSS ATCs keep their eyes on the sky

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Cabezas, 31st Operations Support Squadron (OSS) air traffic
  • Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Weaver, 606th Air Control Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of medical readiness, checks for a vein before inserting a needle at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 4, 2021. Independent Duty Medical Technicians are the only enlisted health care provider who can give care in the absence of a licensed, privileged or credentialed health care provider. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka A. Woolever)

    IMDT, the art of medicine

    Hippocrates said, "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”
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Around the Air Force

  • Air Force releases Bridge Tanker Sources Sought Announcement

    The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued a Sources Sought Announcement for the Bridge Tanker Program to determine the number of qualified, interested companies capable of providing solutions for the planned, non-developmental tanker recapitalization program.

  • Under Secretary of the Air Force nominee testifies during Senate Armed Services Committee hearing

    Nominated by President Biden in April, if confirmed, she will assume the position of Under Secretary and Chief Management Officer of the Department of the Air Force.
  • Air Education and Training Command’s “myLearning” system is entering phase two of its rollout, adding new features scheduled to be available to Airmen and Guardians early this summer. The Air Force’s 21st Century learning system is part of the service’s focus on deliberate development of the Total Force.

    myLearning digital platform expands courseware; announces new features

    Air Education and Training Command’s “myLearning” system is entering phase two of its rollout, adding new features scheduled to be available to Airmen and Guardians early this summer.
  • Shown is an artist rendering of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Tactical High-power Operational Responder, or THOR. THOR is a portable counter-UAS system, capable of destroying swarms of drones at speed-of-light, at long range, in its base defense mission.

    AFRL’s THOR hammers drones in new video animation

    The Air Force Research Laboratory has created a new video animation that realistically depicts a Tactical High-power Operational Responder, or THOR, destroying swarms of enemy drones in a base defense scenario.

  • Air Force update for COVID-19

    Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel:
  • Royal Danish Air Force Lt. Col. John Roland Pedersen briefs rules and safety guidelines to members from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and Royal Danish Air Force as they prepare to begin the inaugural Danish Contingency, or DANCON, ruck march at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 5, 2021. RDAF members recently deployed to Shaw Air Force Base to work side by side with Airmen from the 727 Expeditionary Air Control Squadron. This event marks the first DANCON march held on U.S. soil. Traditionally, RDAF members host 25 km (15.5 miles) DANCON ruck marches at the conclusion of team deployments in the Middle East and other locations around the globe.

    Royal Danish Air Force brings deployment tradition to Shaw AFB

    With 49 years of tradition in the making, the Royal Danish Air Force hosted their first Danish Contingent, or DANCON, march on U.S. soil at Shaw Air Force Base, June 5.

  • Current PCS, household goods affected by supply shortages

    According to a newly released communiqué from the Air Force’s Personal Property Activity Headquarters, “Department of Defense demand this peak (PCS) season has greatly exceeded commercial industry capabilities, largely due to resource constraints associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Per industry, this resulted in a 25% decrease in their labor pool, resulting in (decreased) personal property movement capacity necessary to support private sector and government demand.”
  • Join the Tech Warrior Enterprise team for the virtual Tech Warrior Medical OPS event scheduled for July 19-23, 2021. Government tech scouts, industry subject matter experts, and many small businesses will be in attendance.

    AFWERX SBIR/STTR event to help limit barriers of entry for small businesses working with Air Force

    Tech Warrior Enterprise – an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program – will host its free virtual Tech Warrior Medical OPS event for all qualified small businesses July 19-23.

  • Air Force coins official Maintenance Duty Uniform, adds immediate wear of tactical OCP caps

    Air Force commanders of units with aircraft maintenance, industrial and other labor intensive Air Force Specialty Codes will have the option to authorize wear of a standardized, maintenance duty uniform, also referred to as coveralls, which may be worn on a day-to-day basis upon publication of the updated AFI 36-2903 anticipated for August 2021.
  • CMSAF

    CMSAF visits Wright-Patterson AFB

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass often gets things started by 4:30 a.m. before embarking on workdays jam-packed full of office tours, command briefs and meeting with Airmen across various installations, which she calls the “best part of my job ... hands down.”
  • First Lt. Caleena Longworth, a 152nd Medical Group medical service corps officer assigned to Joint Task Force 17, prepares a syringe with the coronavirus vaccine at the Las Vegas Readiness Center, Jan. 27, 2021, in Las Vegas. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Greiner)

    Air Guard’s ‘Baby Doc’ overcomes early health condition to become leader in pandemic battle

    Undeterred by a rare health condition early in life, Nevada Air Guard 1st Lt. Caleena Longworth is now on the front line of health care in southern Nevada during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Few in the state have vaccinated more people than Longworth, who has personally administered the vaccine to more than 4,000 people while acquiring the nickname “Baby Doc” from her health care coworkers given her youthful appearance. And she did that all while finishing her medical doctorate at University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine this spring.
  • Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speak during an all call at MacDill Air Force Base, June 11, 2021.

    CSAF, CMSAF visit MacDill AFB

    During the visit, both leaders addressed future policy changes for enlisted and commissioned officer talent management and force structure in addition to answering a variety of questions from basic allowance for housing to how the Civil Air Patrol contributes to the Total Force mission.
  • 315th Airlift Wing Flare Drop

    AF Week in Photos

    This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
  • The Air Force revises Air Force Instruction 36-2903 to address differences in hair density and texture June 25, 2021. When hair is secured behind the head, the hair may extend six inches to the left and to the right and six inches protruding from the point where the hair is gathered. The 12-inch total width must allow for proper wear of headgear. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

    Air Force readdresses women’s hair standard after feedback

    The change addresses feedback received since the previous guidance was originally published. Specifically, women voiced concerns over difficulty related to securing hair in a manner that does not extend beyond the head.

  • Around the Air Force: Cargo Rockets, Arctic Challenge, Combat Weather Squadrons

    Today’s look Around the Air Force highlights how the service is studying the use of cargo rockets to speed up logistics needs around the world, the Arctic Challenge Exercise 2021 is underway in northern Europe, and there are two new Combat Weather Squadrons in the Indo-Pacific region. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Shandresha Mitchell)
  • Airman 1st Class, Keith Johnson, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, performs a vehicle inspection at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., May 21, 2021. Johnson was one of the firefighters who responded to the beach April 17 to aid the pilot of a TBM Avenger that crashed in the ocean. (U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman)

    Crash in the ocean: Air Force aids TBM Avenger pilot

    On a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon, a pilot mans the controls of a TBM Avenger, a U.S. Navy warplane, as he soars over Cocoa Beach, Florida.
  • Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Civil Engineer Squadron stand alongside Brig. Gen. Anthony Stratton, 176th Wing commander, as they near the end of their participation in the Cherokee Veterans Housing Initiative in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, May 27, 2021. The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training program and the Cherokee Nation to build new single-family homes and supporting infrastructure for eligible Cherokee Nation veterans and their families.

    Alaska Air Guardsmen build homes for Cherokee veterans

    Thirty-eight Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing helped build homes for Cherokee veterans in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, May 15-29, as part of the Defense Department’s Innovative Readiness Training program.
  • The official flag of the U.S. Air Force's Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Center is ceremoniously folded during the AFNC3 Center's deactivation ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 4, 2021. After making significant strides to normalize the way in which the Air Force handles nuclear command, control and communications systems, the AFNC3 Center was formally deactivated June 4.

    Air Force NC3 Center deactivates as missions realign under AFGSC

    In 2017, Air Force Global Strike Command stood up a new organization here to oversee the Air Force’s nuclear command, control and communications systems - the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Center.
  • Lieutenant Col. Justin Settles, deputy director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, presents a lecture at the China ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ training event June 8, 2021, at the Air University Teaching and Learning Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

    AFCLC, CASI and DLIFLC host China ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ training event

    AFCLC partnered with Air University, China Aerospace Studies Institute, Air War College, Army War College and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to host the event at the Air University Teaching and Learning Center.
  • digital airman graphic

    New AFMC office to drive digital transformation across Air, Space enterprise

    The 12-member Digital Transformation Office, or DTO, will fall under the AFMC Engineering and Technical Management Directorate. It will focus on creating a digital governance structure and facilitate on-going and new digital acquisition transformation activities across the enterprise.
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