Aviano Air Base hosts Vienna Document 1999 visit

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brian Wagner
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen of the 31st Fighter Wing hosted 44 delegates from 32 countries during a Combat Air Base visit here June 11 under the Vienna Document of 1999.

The purpose of VDOC99 is to build mutual trust and understanding among the participating states through data exchanges and on-site inspections and is designed to increase transparency, thereby promoting cooperation, reducing misunderstandings and restoring/reinforcing stability during times of international conflict.

The four-day visit to northeastern Italy began in Padova June 8 and included visits to Aviano AB, U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza and a trip to Venice for cultural immersion.

During the visit to Aviano, the delegation was escorted to various locations around the base. Some of the stops included the fitness center, dormitories, radar room, tower, Airman Leadership School, and an F-16 aircraft display.

A dinner was held June 11 in Padova to officially end the visit. The delegates thanked the Italian and U.S. hosts for their openness and for the accommodations throughout the visit.

The delegation was comprised of mostly European countries, but also included delegates from some Asian and African countries including Egypt, Israel, Russia and Turkmenistan.

The last visit was held at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in 2002.