U.S. Ambassador to Italy visits Aviano

Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin and Col. Brent Vosseller, 31st Fighter Wing commander and vice commander, speak with John Phillips, U.S. Ambassador to Italy, during a visit, June 17, 2014, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Aviano is the Ambassador's first stop on his journey through Italy to visit every U.S. instillation in his jurisdiction. Phillips was nominated by President Barack H. Obama on June 14, 2013, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew Lotz)

US Ambassador visits Team Aviano

Published June 19, 2014
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The U.S. Ambassador to Italy, John R. Phillips, visited Aviano Air Base, Tuesday, familiarizing himself with the mission and the leadership of the 31st Fighter Wing.

On his first trip to Aviano, Ambassador Phillips met with Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, and Col. Valentino Savoldi, Pagliano e Gori Airport commander, after meeting with the local mayors from surrounding communities.

"The partnership that the American Airmen on Aviano Air Base share with their Italian neighbors is one of the best I've seen," said Phillips. "Italy remains one of our closest allies, united in our shared history and belief in freedom for all."

While this was the Ambassador's first trip to Aviano, since his appointment in 2013, it also marked the first visit of any U.S. Ambassador to the base since 2010.

"This base is essential for the defense of Italy and Europe, in addition to securing U.S. national interests," said Phillips.

Upon receiving the wing mission brief, Phillips and the official party, including Consulate General Kyle Scott, received a tour of the flight line and control tower.