Commander addresses Team Aviano

  • Published
  • By 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Hundreds of Airmen gathered to hear the 31st Fighter Wing commander's top priorities, news and information May 10 during three commander's calls held at the 31st Medical Group and Personnel Alert Holding Area.

During the events, Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist discussed important topics within the base community including the upcoming exercise schedule, summer vacations and the 500 Airmen and F-16s returning from Bulgaria.

The general also recognized some of the wing's accomplishments over the last year through individual and unit Department of Defense and Air Force-level award winners and the many base success stories that have improved the quality of life.

After Zobrist and Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Craver, 31st FW command chief, finished addressing the crowd, they opened the events to questions.

Questions and answers from the events included:

Q: With the Army increasing its presence and some Air Force units potentially leaving will that be a net gain or loss for the base? How will it impact services?

A: The recommendation has been made to close the 603rd Air Control Squadron in fiscal 2013. The unit includes about 300 Airmen who would be reassigned elsewhere. Meanwhile, the base's Army presence is expected to increase by about 100 soldiers. Overall, the base may have a net loss of about 200 military members and the families of those with dependents. With a reduction to the base populace, that could impact the authorized manning numbers of support personnel. But, it is important to note that nothing has been determined. Base personnel will be informed once a decision has been made and the impact that decision will have on Aviano and its manning.

Q: Will Area 2 be closing and if so, when?

A: We are exploring realigning base facilities and functions, and we are building a dorm and offices in Area F to house some of the activities in Area 2. No decision has been made on Area 2 closure, and it is a long process, so we can't speculate on the outcome of those discussions.

Q: The Falcon Fitness Center in Area 2 provides a child-friendly fitness area. Will a child-friendly workout area be offered at the Dragon Fitness Center in area F?

A: There are plans for a future expansion of the Area F fitness facilities, which should help meet Aviano's various fitness needs. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to continue to take advantage of the child-friendly Falcon Fitness Center facility as well as the current family fitness activities offered in Area F such as family fun runs, strollercise, and child-friendly sessions of Zumba and Total Body Conditioning. For the most up to date information on Fitness Center activities, visit www.31fss.com and the Aviano Fitness Facebook page.

Q: Is it true that U.S. Air Forces in Europe tours of duty will be extended by 12 months, some voluntary, some involuntary?

A: That is an initiative being discussed by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, but whether or not that will be implemented has yet to be determined. USAFE did; however, recently implement a new policy that delegates authority to the wing commander to work directly with the Air Force Personnel Center to approve extended tours requests. As far as applying for an extended tour, Airmen always have the ability to apply.

Q: When is construction on gate 7 going to be complete?

A: Gate 7, also known as the North Gate, including the visitor control center will be closed for construction for at least two more months. To alleviate traffic at the main gate, Gate 10 is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Friday until construction is completed. The visitor control center is now located at Gate 10 and will operate from a temporary building 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Large Vehicle Inspection Gate will be open to privately owned vehicles entering and exiting the base for a 30-day test period beginning May 14. It will be open to inbound vehicles from 6-8 a.m. and outbound vehicles from 4-6 p.m. weekdays. Drivers are warned that left turns into the LVIS Gate are prohibited. Southeast bound traffic must go to the traffic circle and come back to make a right turn to enter the gate.

Q: Can a net be installed to stop golf balls from reaching vehicles parked near the golf course?

A: The golf course understands it is a liability issue, but the logistics of installing a large net is going to be difficult. We will look into the issue and send an update as soon as we get more information.

Q: The light across from Ovvio has not worked for the past year and a half. Will that light ever work again?

A: Yes. The Ovvio light is currently being worked on by the Roverado municipality, but they had some technical issues with several electrical lines that were cut. It should be operational by the end of May.