Aviano F-16s depart for Immediate Response 16

A 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon departs for Exercise Immediate Response 16 from Aviano Air Base, Italy on Sept. 14, 2016. The exercise, which uses computer-assisted simulations and field training exercises to improve multinational interoperability, runs until Sept. 23, 2016. (Photos by Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush/Released)

Published Sept. 19, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Several F-16 Fighting Falcons departed for Exercise Immediate Response 16 from Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 14.

Immediate Response is a multinational exercise using computer-assisted simulations and field training exercises spanning Croatia and Slovenia.

The simulations are built to enhance regional stability, strengthen allied and partner nation capacity, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

The exercise will occur Sept. 9-23, and will include more than 1,900 Soldiers and security forces from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Immediate Response 16 supports the goal of a “Strong Europe” where militaries and security forces are trained and ready to combine forces ensuring unified security across allied and partner nations.

Immediate Response is a preplanned exercise that has occurred annually for the past five years.