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Rescue pilot’s visit to Aviano connects the past to the present

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. E. Thomas Kunkel, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force commander, prepares for takeoff at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 17, 2023. Kunkel’s visit was significant to Aviano because he was one of the rescue pilots that saved the life of retired Gen. David L. Goldfein, when he was a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 555th Fighter Squadron, after his F-16 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over Serbia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Synsere Howard)

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Rescue pilot’s visit to Aviano connects the past to the present

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot helps Maj. Gen Thomas E. Kunkel, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force commander, prepare for his flight in an F-16 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 17, 2023. One of the highlights of Kunkel’s visit was his flight on an F-16, along with the tour of the 56th Rescue Squadron which operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Synsere Howard)

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Next Stop Croatia

Three U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron sit on the flightline at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 19, 2020. The 56th RQS performed flight checks on the helicopters prior to flying to Croatia for a training exercise. During this training, the 56th RQS performed close air support and casualty evacuation scenarios with the Croatian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)

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Next Stop Croatia

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan D. Ballestero, 56th Rescue Squadron pilot, sits in a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter before a flight to Croatia at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 19, 2020. The 56th RQS flew to Croatia to train in a joint environment with the Croatian air force. The purpose of the training was to build proficiency in aerial gunnery for special mission aviators and joint integration for pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)

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Next Stop Croatia

An Airman with the 31st Fighter wing packs ammunition into a case at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 19, 2020. The ammunition was then loaded on an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter prior to leaving for Croatia for an exercise. During the exercise, the 56th RQS executed day and night terminal area procedures with live weapons at a range in Croatia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)

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Next Stop Croatia

Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Bloom, 56th Rescue Squadron chief enlisted manager, carries ammunition to U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 19, 2020. The exercise was a joint effort with the 56th RQS and Croatian Joint Terminal Attack teams. The 56th RQS integrates with the Guardian Angels weapon system and other special forces to support insertion, extraction and recovery of both U.S. and allied combatants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)

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31 CES firefighters participate in rescue training course

A firefighter from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron rappels down the side of a building during a Rescue Technician One course, Aug. 8, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Instructors from the 435th Construction and Training Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany are conducting a 15-day course that teaches firefighters unique rescue techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)

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31 CES firefighters participate in rescue training course

Airman Ryan Neuville, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection apprentice, climbs the side of a building during a Rescue Technician One course, Aug. 8, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Instructors from the 435th Construction and Training Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany are conducting a 15-day course that teaches firefighters unique rescue techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)

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31 CES firefighters participate in rescue training course

Firefighters from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron rappel down a building during a Rescue Technician One course, Aug. 8, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Fourteen Aviano firefighters are participating in the training to learn how to conduct low-angle, high-angle and confined-space rescues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)

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31 CES firefighters participate in rescue training course

Firefighters from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron rappel down the side of a building during a Rescue Technician One course, Aug. 8, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Fourteen Aviano firefighters are participating in the training to learn how to conduct low-angle, high-angle and confined-space rescues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)

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