U.S. Ambassador to NATO Visits Aviano Air Base
U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, and the Honorable Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, take off for a familiarization flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 12, 2025. Familiarization flights demonstrate core procedures like pre-flight checks, basic aircraft controls, and radio communications, allowing participants to experience the cockpit environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brooke Rogers)