31st Fighter Wing

31st Fighter Wing
Unit name	31st Fighter Wing
Dates	1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Wing
Role	Fighter
Command structure	United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
Garrison	Aviano Air Base, Italy
Motto	"Return With Honor"
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Aircraft fighter	F-16 Fighting Falcon

31st Fighter Wing. The 31st Fighter Wing is a combat-ready United States Air Force unit permanently based in Europe, operating from Aviano Air Base in Italy. As the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Alps, it provides airpower for NATO and U.S. European Command. The wing's history spans multiple conflicts, from the Korean War to modern campaigns in the Middle East.

History

The wing was originally constituted as the 31st Fighter Wing in 1947, part of the post-World War II Strategic Air Command. It was later redesignated the 31st Fighter-Escort Wing and deployed to Japan during the Korean War, where its F-84 Thunderjet units flew numerous combat missions. Following the Armistice Agreement of 1953, the wing returned to the United States and transitioned through various roles and designations within Tactical Air Command. In 1994, the wing moved to its current home at Aviano Air Base, replacing the 401st Fighter Wing and becoming a cornerstone of U.S. airpower in the Mediterranean region. Its squadrons have since been continuously engaged in operations over the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

Organization

The wing is a major component of United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). Its primary operational groups are the 31st Operations Group and the 31st Maintenance Group. The flying squadrons include the 510th Fighter Squadron ("Buzzards") and the 555th Fighter Squadron ("Triple Nickel"), both equipped with the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. The wing also commands the 31st Mission Support Group and the 31st Medical Group, which provide essential base and personnel support functions. This structure ensures the wing's readiness for rapid deployment and sustained combat operations across the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

Aircraft

Since its arrival at Aviano Air Base, the primary aircraft has been the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, specifically the F-16C and F-16D variants. These multi-role fighters are equipped with advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-68 radar, and are capable of carrying a wide array of ordnance for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Prior aircraft flown by the wing's historical squadrons include the F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-15 Eagle. The wing's F-16 fleet is regularly upgraded to the latest operational standards to maintain interoperability with NATO allies like the Italian Air Force.

Operations

The wing has been a pivotal asset in every major U.S. air campaign since the 1990s. It conducted extensive combat operations during the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, including participation in Operation Deliberate Force and Operation Allied Force. Following the September 11 attacks, its squadrons deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011, it executed strike missions during Operation Odyssey Dawn over Libya. More recently, the wing has contributed to the coalition effort against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. It also regularly participates in multinational exercises such as Red Flag – Alaska and NATO's Air Policing missions.

Assignments

Throughout its history, the wing has been assigned to several major commands. After its initial assignment to Strategic Air Command, it served under Tactical Air Command for decades. Its current assignment is to United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, under the operational control of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. The wing is also aligned with the Third Air Force for administrative and support functions. This assignment places it directly within the chain of command supporting both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command theater objectives.

Bases

The wing's first permanent base was Turner Air Force Base in Georgia. It later operated from George Air Force Base in California and Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. Since October 1994, its primary installation has been Aviano Air Base in northeastern Italy, a facility originally built by the Italian Air Force and later used by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The wing also regularly deploys its personnel and aircraft to forward operating locations such as Incirlik Air Base in Turkey and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for combat and training operations.

Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force Category:United States Air Force wings