AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers assumed command of the 31st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Tad Clark during a change of command ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, Third Air Force commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 11, 2025.
The 31st FW is the only permanently assigned U.S. Air Force fighter wing south of the Alps. The wing conducts and supports air combat operations, provides combat–ready forces to NATO and U.S. European Command taskings and ensures strategic access and regional stability across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Prior to taking command of the 31st FW, Diers was the 31st FW deputy commander. Clark will be the final general officer to command the 31st FW, future commanders will hold the rank of Colonel.
“When the decision was made a little over a year ago by headquarters Air Force to transfer almost all of our Wings across USAFE-AFAFRICA and the force from Brig. Gen. billets to Col. billets… Gen. Hecker and I sat down to discuss the change,” said Moga. “Gen. Hecker said there was only one person he felt was best fit to lead this transition: Col Beau Diers.”
“You are about to inherit another gifted, highly talented leader and commander,” said Moga.
Moga officiated the ceremony by transferring command from Clark to Diers. This was symbolized by the passing of the ceremonial wing guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
The Wing Flagship was also renamed during the ceremony. As tradition goes, the commander’s name is painted on the side of the aircraft to represent his leadership of the wing. To symbolize the change of command, Staff Sgt. Bailey Hicks, 510th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, and Senior Airman Joshua Remy, 510th FGS assistant dedicated crew chief, removed Clark’s name to reveal the new commander, Diers.
Before relinquishing command, Clark spoke about his experiences with the 31st FW.
“It has been a total honor to be at this Wing not for one year, or two, but for three whole years,” said Clark. “What a privilege this has been, thank you Wyvern Nation for your enduring support.”
After Diers assumed command, he gave his first address to the 31st FW as commander.
“This Wing is busy, but I’ll tell you what. There’s no place I’d rather be because we’re busy with a purpose and what we do matters,” said Diers. “I guarantee you our Wing will continue to be called upon and I’m proud to be here and honored to serve with you all for the next two years.”
The ever changing environment and strategic location of Aviano Air Base demands that Wyvern Nation remain ready to secure the base, generate combat airpower and deploy and fight from home.
“What we have the opportunity to do as men and women in this uniform who serve our nation is an honor, a privilege,” said Clark. “And when you do it right, with the right team, empowering them correctly, you’re able to strike success repeatedly and that’s exactly what we’ve been able to do here at the 31st Fighter Wing.”