606th ACS convoys to Poland

Vehicles assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron remain parked at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sep. 1, 2015, before convoying 683 miles to Poland. The convoy was the largest to date, consisting of 121 Airmen, 40 vehicles and two TPS-75 radars. The 606th ACS will set up two operating bases in Poland working to jointly control airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman/Released)

Pave Hawk lands at Edwards Jan. 5, 2016

A Pave Hawk is a variant of the UH-60 Blackhawk used by the U.S. Army. Its primary objective is Combat Search and Rescue. The combat crew of four includes the pilot, copilot and two special mission aviators as well as three Air Force pararescue men for rescue operations.(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

Aviano still growth market

Published Jan. 14, 2016
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY -- The 31st Fighter Wing welcomed teams from Ramstein Air Base, Spangdahlem Air Base, and Royal Air Force Lakenheath this week to continue planning for previously announced relocations of the 606th Air Control Squadron and 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons, here.

"The addition of the 606th Air Control Squadron and 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons' missions and Airmen south of the Alps will significantly contribute to the 31st Fighter Wing's mission to 'Deter Aggression, Defend U.S. and NATO Interests, and Develop Aviano'," said Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "We welcome these Airmen and their families to our Wyvern Warrior Team!"

The moves will improve training opportunities and bring the squadrons closer to regional hot spots.

"We are thrilled with this decision and believe our location is ideal for our control and rescue Airmen to provide world-class combat support for our Combatant Commands," said Col. Craig Hollis, 31st Operations Group commander. "This relocation to Aviano will enhance training opportunities for our controllers, aircrews and pararescuemen and enable them to respond more quickly to emerging operational requirements."

The moves, which are projected to be complete by the end of fiscal year 2019, fit into U.S. Air Forces in Europe's overall "consolidate, divest and shift" basing strategy. Positioning forces further east and south enables the command to more quickly and effectively respond to contingencies in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southwest Asia.

During the European Infrastructure Consolidation review, programmers found excess capacity at Aviano. Part of this capacity was previously designated for the 606th Air Control Squadron during the initial EIC announcement. After further review, the remaining capacity was allocated for the 606th ACS and 56th and 57th RQSs, who deploy around the world to recover personnel from the most difficult and hostile conditions imaginable.

The squadron relocations will add several hundred Airmen and family members to the Wyvern family.

Construction decisions and transition milestones for the squadron relocations will take place over the next several years.