31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Turcios, 31st Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory logistics noncommissioned officer-in-charge, reviews technical maintenance data with Bulgarian air force Maj. Nikolay Mateev, Bulgarian Air Force maintenance flight commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training enhances allied maintenance management knowledge and reinforces NATO interoperability between partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 31st Maintenance Squadron performs maintenance familiarization training on F-16 Fighting Falcon weapons systems with Bulgarian air force maintainers at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This engagement supports Bulgaria’s transition into operating and sustaining its F-16 fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron works with a Bulgarian air force maintainer during over-the-shoulder maintenance training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training provided practical experience to enhance technical proficiency and operational readiness for the Bulgarian maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jean Gonzalez-Correa, 31st Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory technician, demonstrates fluid analysis maintenance procedures with Bulgarian air force Maj. Nikolay Mateev, Bulgarian air force maintenance flight commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This over-the-shoulder training builds on prior collaboration efforts aimed at strengthening Bulgaria’s F-16 Fighting Falcons maintenance capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

Bulgarian Air Force 1st Class Atanasov Kostadin, and A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron, inspects parachute components during a training session at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training builds on previous U.S. Air Force support provided through 31st MXG Country Team program’s engagements in Bulgaria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Atanasov Kostadin, (squadron and duty title), and (x) inspects parachute components during a training session at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training builds on previous U.S. Air Force support provided through 31st MXG Country Team program’s engagements in Bulgaria. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron and a Bulgarian air force maintainer conduct equipment inspections during over-the-shoulder training at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training emphasizes safety, precision and adherence to established F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance standards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, talks with Maj. Nikolay Mateev, Bulgarian air force maintenance flight commander, during a training event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training focused on developing maintenance processes and improving mission readiness for the Bulgarian air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

U.S. Air Force Col. Beau Diers, 31st Fighter Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Lopez, 31st Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, discuss training equipment and objectives with a Bulgarian air force maintainer during a training event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. Aviano’s 31st MXG Bulgaria Country Team previously supported Bulgaria’s F-16 program through in-country training and continues to build on that foundation through hands-on instruction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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31st MXG partners with Bulgarian air force for readiness training

Published April 20, 2026
By Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Turcios, 31st Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory logistics noncommissioned officer-in-charge, reviews technical maintenance data with Bulgarian air force Maj. Nikolay Mateev, Bulgarian Air Force maintenance flight commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 1, 2026. This training enhances allied maintenance management knowledge and reinforces NATO interoperability between partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)