AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- DISCLAIMER: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 510th Fighter Squadron was unable to participate in COMAO 20-10.
Airmen and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, are participating in the Composite Air Operations 20-10 exercise Oct. 28-29, 2020, alongside Italian air force partners.
This COMAO exercise is designed to enhance partner interoperability and maintain joint readiness during combined air operations. These exercises enable U.S. Forces and NATO partners to operate more effectively throughout the European region.
During the exercise the 510th Fighter Squadron will execute functions including directive targeting and close air support. These large force exercises provide aircrew and support personnel the experience needed to maintain a ready force.
By integrating multiple aircraft, aircrew are able to train for different objectives, which is critical to ensuring the collective defense of the NATO alliance.
“The opportunity to participate and train in the COMAO 20-10 Exercise increases our lethality, enhances interoperability with our Italian partners, and develops our readiness and proficiency toward Agile Combat Employment,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Chebino, 31st Operations Support Squadron director of operations. “The 31st FW, with the support of [the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander], and the entire team, is ready to integrate and leverage the expertise of our NATO partners to further advance security and stability in the region.”
The COMAO 20-10 exercise also incorporates Agile Combat Employment aspects with the F-16 pilots loading Link 16 keys, a tactical data link network, on to the aircraft and performing tasks normally accomplished by maintenance personnel, such as aircraft refueling.
Exercises and deployments that utilize ACE concepts ensure forces in Europe are ready to protect and defend partners, allies and U.S. interests at a moment’s notice and generate lethal combat power.