| 31st Fighter Wing | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1947–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | Fighter |
| Part of | United States Air Forces Europe |
| Garrison/HQ | Aviano Air Base |
| Motto(s) | Return With Honor |
| Engagements |
|
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/ V Device Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier General Tad D. Clark |
| Notable commanders | Abner M. Aust Charles F. Wald Lance K. Landrum Charles Q. Brown Jr. |
The 31st Fighter Wing (31 FW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe major command and the Third Air Force. It is stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) base run by the Italian Air Force.
The 31st Fighter Wing is the only United States fighter wing south of the Alps. This strategic location makes the wing important for operations in NATO's southern region.[1] The 31st FW maintains two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 555th Fighter Squadron[2] and the 510th Fighter Squadron,[3] allowing the wing to conduct offense and defensive combat air operations.
The 31st Fighter Wing first activated in 1947, but it traces its heritage to its World War II predecessor unit, the 31st Pursuit Group. The group's lineage began with its activation at Selfridge Field Michigan, on 1 February 1940.[4] Redesignated as the 31 Fighter Group shortly before entering the war, it amassed an impressive record. Number one in the Mediterranean theater of operations in terms of aerial victories, the group was involved in 15 WWII campaigns and earned two Distinguished Unit Citations. The wing celebrates the heritage of its predecessor by flying its honors on the wing flag.
The wing traces its lineage to its activation on 20 November 1947, first designated as the 31st Fighter Wing, and stationed at Turner Airfield, Georgia. Since then, the wing has been stationed at George Air Force Base, California and Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, until finally coming to Aviano Air Base, Italy in April 1994.[4] The 31st Fighter Wing has acted as a key player in several significant engagements and operations during its long history, including several operations in Vietnam, the Balkans and Operation Odyssey Dawn.
In peacetime, the 31st FW prepares for its combat role by maintaining aircraft and personnel in a high state of readiness.[1]
The commander of the 31st Fighter Wing is Brigadier General Tad D. Clark.[5] The Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy L. Unterseher.[6]
- ^ a b "31st Fighter Wing Fact Sheet". 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. 23 September 2013. Archived from the original on 31 October 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ "555th Fighter Squadron "Triple Nickel" Factsheet". 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. 15 April 2009. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ "510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards" Factsheet". 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ a b Robertson, Patsy (22 September 2008). "Factsheet 31 Fighter Wing (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ "Tad D. Clark".
- ^ "Chief Master Sergeant Jeremy L. Unterseher".