Gen Michael L. Downs

MISSION | The 57th Rescue Squadron performed High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump training over Aviano. The training is just one of the many requirements needed to ensure they are fit to fight to accomplish the mission at a moments notice.
United States Air Force | Third Air Force | U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

April 25, 1945, represents a fundamental date in the history of the Italian Republic. Today marks the 78th Anniversary of the Liberation of Italy. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at monuments dedicated to the fallen across the country. The 31st Fighter Wing leadership participated in the ceremony held in the main city of Pordenone, whose province was awarded the gold medal for military valor for the resistance actions which occurred between Sept. 8, 1943, and May 1, 1945

FAMILY | This morning, the Italian aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori performed a practice flight over the skies of Aviano Air Base. This was the last practice before the kickoff of their aerobatic season, that officially starts May 1st.
Col. Vincent O’Connor, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, and Col. Marco Schiattoni, ‘Pagliano e Gori’ Airport commander, hosted the base community along with students and teachers from the base and local schools, and civil and military local authorities.
Visitors had the chance to enjoy static displays from across the base including an HH-60, an F-16, and vehicles from the 31st Fighter Wing Fire Department. Guests were also able to learn more about the history of the Aviano airport through a photographic exhibition specifically created for the 100th Anniversary of the Italian Air Force.
Wyvern Nation is proud to celebrate these special moments with our Italian allies and friends.

The 56th Rescue Squadron is in Sweden participating in Aurora 23. This unique opportunity allows the 31st Fighter Wing Airmen to train alongside Partners and NATO Allies. The squadron had the opportunity today to showcase their mission to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Sweden is a valued defense partner of the U.S. and of the NATO Alliance.

MISSION | The 724th Air Mobility Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was recently awarded the 2022 Outstanding Logistics Readiness Unit Small Air Terminal of the Year.
The AMS supports the 31st Fighter Wing and all its movements, transporting everything from aircraft parts and personnel to vehicles and helicopters.

FAMILY | Join us in celebration of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May was designated AAPIHM in 1992. The month of May was selected in recognition of the first Japanese immigrants’ arrival to the United States. This year’s
theme for AAPIHM is, “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.”
Be sure to check out the many different events being held throughout the month!

The (Dirt) Boyz are back in town
Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing installed a new Scorpion tower at Cargo City, Kuwait. The tower will provide mission critical capabilities and ensure the continued flow of personnel and cargo throughout the area of responsibility.
📸 Staff Sgt. Miranda Mahoney
U.S. Air Forces Central |

Today marks the first day of Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month offers an opportunity to pay homage to the contributions and dedicated service of members, past and present.

GERONIMO! ✈️
Pararescuemen from the 57th Rescue Squadron conducted High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump training at Aviano Air Base. The technique is used to airdrop supplies, equipment, or personnel at high altitudes, where aircraft can fly above surface-to-air missile (SAM) engagement levels.
📸 by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa | Third Air Force

Always ✈️
Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base trained with Romanian Air Force MiG-21s in northwest Romanian air space. The training was a unique opportunity that strengthened NATO partners' deterrence efforts and interoperability.

Flying into the future🛫
Four Air Force pilots were recently the first to assume remote pilot-in-command responsibilities of a Joby electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft marks a new phase in DAF's efforts to bring zero-emissions aviation into the military and ensure a robust domestic market for eVTOL aircraft.
https://www.afmc.af.mil/.../air-force-pilots-reach-new.../
Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL | AFWERX

SecAF Kendall testified to Congress, May 2, during a SASC hearing on the FY 2024 Budget Request for the United States Air Force & Space Force. He continued to emphasize that on-time funding is critical to the support and development of DAF capabilities.

💪A Mobility Airman from relearned how to speak and move as well as accomplish his job following a life-threatening medical challenge . Overcoming it all, he continues to serve. Read More Here 👇
https://www.af.mil/.../stories-of-service-605th-amxs-crew...

Delivering real combat capability and force extending — What our tankers do best!
A KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker refueled Finnish fighter jets during exercise Copper Arrow. The readiness training enhanced relationships with NATO allies & partners while demonstrating our ability to rapidly deploy .
U.S. European Command (EUCOM) | U.S. Pacific Air Forces

New kid on the block 🚐
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle has begun rolling out and is set to replace the Humvee, modernizing and enhancing security forces' capabilities to better protect the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
“It is built like a tank,” Senior Airman Zion Hill, 90 MSFS maintenance support team, said. “When you climb into the Humvee, you are stepping back in time 20 years. The JLTV is like driving the Batmobile into the future to better defend our nation."
Read more here 👇
https://www.warren.af.mil/.../air-force-modernizes.../...
Air Force Global Strike Command