56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

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56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

56th RQS enhances skills during SERE training

Published April 21, 2026
By Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudnaki, 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, is hoisted to safety by a HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 9, 2026. The scenario replicated real-world personnel recovery conditions, requiring precise communication and timing between ground and air assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyrique Barquet)