One Aviano Airman received some exciting and surprising news recently when he was told of his selection as the 2008 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Fighter Aviator of the Year.

Col. David W. "Crusty" Walker, 31st Operations Group commander, passes the 510th Fighter Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Christopher E. "D-bal" Austin, 510th Fighter Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony May 10th at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Colonel Austin took the reins of the 510th FS from Lt. Col. Michael E. "Moses" Thompson.

Col. Patrick McKenzie's Final Flight with the 510th Fighter Squadron ends in a traditional wet-down (water salute) by friends and family members.  This "Fini Flight" marks the end of McKenzie's time with the Buzzards.  Rule!

The exercise brings airmen from both countries together to train on air interdiction, air superiority, air refueling and reconnaissance with the intent of enhancing their interoperability through tactical training.

Exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS (BALTOPS) is underway in the Baltic Sea region until 16 June. Air, maritime, and ground assets from several NATO Allies and Partner Nations are involved in the live training event that started from Szczecin, Poland and finishes in Kiel, Germany.

Over the years, the U.S. Air Force has employed some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, its pilots utilizing extraordinary skill and precision to command the skies. While mission success is paramount, a pilot’s role as an officer and leader is just as important, and often overlooked.

The 510th Fighter Squadron “Buzzards,” completed a two-week flying training deployment to the United Kingdom August 6, 2018 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

Multiple squadrons from the 31st Fighter Wing worked closely during Exercise Operation Porcupine, June 30, 2020, at Aviano Air Base.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing executed a rapid deployment to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria to conduct “hot pit” refueling and participate in the bilateral training exercise, Rapid Buzzard, with the Bulgarian Air Force, Sept 24 to 27, 2019.

Four U.S. Air Force crew chiefs had the opportunity to participate in a two-day exchange with German air force counterparts while at Blue Flag 2017.