• Joint-service CSAR training proves essential for aircrew survival

    Joint-service combat search and rescue training missions were held for the first-time Jan. 28 to Feb. 11 at Cellina Meduna training grounds near Maniago, Italy. The 31st Fighter Wing teamed up with the U.S. Army 12th Combat Aviation Brigade for joint CSAR training. There were several aspects to the

  • U.S. pilots share skies with former Portuguese classmates

    Two air force captains sat in the 301st Fighter Squadron, one of two Portuguese F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, while reminiscing about their days at Undergraduate Pilot Training in Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.One an F-16 pilot, another a C-130 Hercules pilot,

  • Proactive forecasting prevents disaster

    While a commute to work in the rain could be unpleasant, a flight through severe weather in a multi-million-dollar aircraft at high speeds could be catastrophic without the proper information from forecasters on the ground. Weather plays an integral factor for the two F-16CM fighter squadrons here

  • 'Backbone' of REAL THAW 14 pushes through final week of exercise

    Whether loading training munitions by day or turning wrenches at night, maintainers from the 31st Fighter Wing are continuing to support the 555th Fighter Squadron during their inaugural participation in REAL THAW 14, an international exercise hosted by the Portuguese Air Force at Monte Real Air

  • Aviano tests emergency response

    Wing inspection MAROON BACKHOE was held during the week of Feb. 3-7. During the inspection, several scenarios tested the emergency responses of the base. Each scenario allowed inspection teams to accurately analyze each unit's skill sets needed to effectively complete the mission and showcase their

  • Stay vigilant for cyber threats

    In the modern world, threats to the United States and its defenses come from different angles. Today, the government may not be attacked by physical threats obvious to all, such as bombs; however they are often at risk from something just as damaging - cyber threats. Most people in the Air Force use

  • USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Airmen in Turkey

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander Gen. Frank Gorenc, visited the 39th Air Base Wing at Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station and Ankara support facility Feb. 4 through 6.He traveled to Incirlik and other U.S. military units across Turkey to visit service members and to see

  • 65 ABW events focus on spirituality, Comprehensive Airman Fitness

    Military life brings many challenges. Sometimes it gets really tough, and trials become overwhelming. How do you respond as an individual, a couple or a family when the wind knocks you off your feet, and life delivers an unseen blow?The Lajes Field Chapel presented two seminars and a luncheon Feb. 4

  • MC-130P Combat Shadow takes final flight in UK

    The last MC-130P Combat Shadow assigned to the 67th Special Operations Squadron here took its final flight while based in the U.K. Jan. 24, 2014, visiting several locations the 67th SOS has called home in the past. Its departure marks the final step of Special Operations Command Europe's transition