31st Fighter Wing
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| 31st Fighter Wing | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 31st Fighter Wing |
| Dates | 1948–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Fighter wing |
| Role | Air superiority, interdiction |
| Command structure | Pacific Air Forces |
| Garrison | Aviano Air Base |
31st Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force combat unit assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and Sixteenth Air Force (United States). The wing provides air superiority, close air support, and multinational interoperability using fourth- and fifth-generation fighters in support of NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and bilateral defense commitments with Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and other European partners. Activated in 1948, the wing has participated in Cold War deterrence, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, and recent operations in Iraq War and the Global War on Terrorism.
History
The wing traces lineage to post‑World War II reorganizations as the United States shifted forces into Europe during the Cold War. Early assignments tied it to United States Air Forces in Europe and engagements during crises such as the Berlin Airlift era and the Korean War mobilizations. During the late 20th century it transitioned through aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II and F-15 Eagle while participating in Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Desert Storm, and NATO operations over the Balkans including Operation Deny Flight and Operation Allied Force. Post‑2001, the wing supported Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and multinational exercises like Red Flag and NATO Operation Trident Juncture. Organizational changes reflected broader USAF initiatives including Objective Wing reorganization and integration with United States European Command and United States Africa Command tasking.
Organization and Structure
The wing comprises operational, maintenance, mission support, and medical groups consistent with USAF wing structure: an Operations Group hosting fighter squadrons, a Maintenance Group, a Mission Support Group, and a Medical Group. Operational squadrons have included legacy units such as the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd Fighter Squadrons, tied to higher echelons like Air Combat Command and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. The wing interoperates with NATO command nodes including Allied Air Command and collaborates with host nation military headquarters such as Italian Air Force command elements at Aviano Air Base and regional civil authorities in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Aircraft and Equipment
Over its history the wing operated a succession of fighters and support aircraft: early jets and interceptors, the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and later the F-15C/D Eagle. Recent modernization included upgrades to F-16 Block 50/52 configurations, integration of precision munitions like the Joint Direct Attack Munition and AIM-120 AMRAAM, and employment of targeting pods such as AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR. Sustainment involved USAF logistics systems including Air Force Materiel Command supply chains, depot maintenance at Ogden Air Logistics Complex, and participation in multilateral interoperability programs like NATO AWACS coordination.
Deployments and Operations
The wing supported forward operations across multiple theaters: NATO enforcement over the Adriatic Sea, expeditionary deployments to Turkey during regional crises, and rotations to Southwest Asia for Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It contributed to coalition air campaigns in Operation Desert Storm and provided air interdiction, close air support, and combat air patrols during Operation Enduring Freedom. Exercises and deterrence missions include Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, multinational training with Royal Air Force, French Air and Space Force, and Italian Air Force, and participation in NATO readiness drills such as Steadfast Defender.
Bases and Stations
The wing has been stationed at multiple bases in the United States and Europe: origins in New York and continental airbases before relocating to forward bases including Aviano Air Base in Italy, which serves as its long‑term garrison. Temporary deployments and detachments have operated from Al Udeid Air Base, Incirlik Air Base, Al Dhafra Air Base, and various NATO airfields across Germany, Spain, and Turkey for exercises and contingency operations.
Notable Commanders and Personnel
Commanders and personnel associated with the wing include USAF leaders and decorated aviators who advanced to higher commands within United States Air Force and joint staffs. Alumni have served in headquarters such as United States European Command, North Atlantic Treaty Organization posts, and staff positions at Pentagon offices including Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force staffs. Pilots and maintainers from the wing have been recognized with awards from Air Force Association events and collaborated with exchange officers from Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force, Hellenic Air Force, and Turkish Air Force.
Honors and Awards
The wing has earned unit decorations and campaign streamers for service during major operations including Southwest Asia campaigns and NATO operations in the Balkans. It has received citations from higher headquarters including Air Force Outstanding Unit Award recognitions and NATO commendations for multinational interoperability and operational effectiveness. Individual members have been decorated with awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and service medals awarded for participation in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.