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From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Trinity Custenborder, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron inbound specialist, and Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Griego, 31st FW command chief, pose for a photo during the Air Force birthday celebration at Aviano Air Base, Sept. 18, 2025. On Sept. 18, 1947, the United States Air Force became the newest Armed Service, marking the start of unrivaled dominance in air and space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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250918-F-DA787-9248

From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, traditionally cuts a birthday cake with the youngest Airman at Aviano Air Base, U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Trinity Custenborder, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron inbound specialist, at Aviano AB, Sep. 18, 2025. On Sept. 18, 1947, the United States Air Force became the newest Armed Service, marking the start of unrivaled dominance in air and space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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250918-F-DA787-7741

Balloons celebrating the U.S. Air Force’s birthday are arranged at La Dolce Vita Dining Facility at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 18, 2025. For 78 years, American Airmen have excelled as they execute the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win — delivering airpower anytime, anywhere in defense of our nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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250918-F-DA787-6157

From left, U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Aziz Ochoa and Airman First Class Briataylor Anderson, 31st Force Support Squadron food service apprentices, serve slices of birthday cake at La Dolce Vita Dining Facility at Aviano Air Base, Sep 18, 2025. For 77 years, American Airmen have excelled as they execute the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win — delivering airpower anytime, anywhere in defense of our nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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250918-F-DA787-5153

A cake celebrating the U.S. Air Force’s birthday is sitting on a table at La Dolce Vita Dining Facility at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 18, 2025. For 78 years, American Airmen have excelled as they execute the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win — delivering airpower anytime, anywhere in defense of our nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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Aviano AB celebrates 78th U.S. Air Force birthday

Published Sept. 30, 2025
By Bailee Russell
31st FW PA

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Trinity Custenborder, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron inbound specialist, and Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Griego, 31st FW command chief, pose for a photo during the Air Force birthday celebration at Aviano Air Base, Sept. 18, 2025. On Sept. 18, 1947, the United States Air Force became the newest Armed Service, marking the start of unrivaled dominance in air and space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Bailee Russell)

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