In the News (101)
The Air Force has used the GBU-54 bomb for the first time in combat in Afghanistan, officials at Bagram Airfield announced, Oct. 4, 2010. An F-16 deployed to Bagram from the 510th Fighter Squadron at Aviano AB, Italy, recently dropped a GBU-54 during a combat sortie, they said. The GBU-54, known as the Laser JDAM, is a 500-pound joint direct attack munition with the addition of a laser-guidance kit. That addition allows the munition to strike moving targets precisely, just as it can accurately strike stationary objects via its GPS-aided guidance package. The GBU-54 made its combat debut in August 2008 in Iraq. Here, the weapon is shown resting on an Aviano F-16's wing at Bagram, Oct. 1, 2010.
Air Force photo by SSgt. Christopher Boitz
Ex-Buzzard Selected for Thunderbird Assignment
Written by Senior Airman C.J. HatchThe Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration team; from the pilots to the maintainers, they represent the best the Air Force has to offer. One Luke Airman was recently selected to join this elite team of professionals, Capt. Jason Curtis, 308th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot. "I felt super stoked," Curtis said. "It will be an amazing opportunity to represent something that is much larger than me -- the United States Air Force."
Thracian Star 2012 - Bulgaria
Written by Senior Airman Katherine Windish
U.S. and Bulgarian Airmen launched Thracian Star 2012, a joint training exercise focused on building partnerships and increasing interoperability, during a ceremony here April 18.
Col. Patrick J.S. Miller, 31st Operations Group commander, passes the 510th Fighter Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Michael E. Thompson, 510th Fighter Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony June 3 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Colonel Thompson took the reins of the 510th FS from Lt. Col. Gregory P. Sarakatsannis.
Buzzards are Currently Deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Squadron Commander, Lt Col Adrian "Kermit" Pone, sent along a few photos of the Squadron which can be seen by clicking the image to the right of this article. Photos include a Group Operations photo, Group MX (Maintenance) photo, and a few candid shots.
Airmen deployed from the 510th Fighter Squadron took part in the decisive Battle of An Najaf where more than 200 enemy insurgents were killed and 100 gunmen captured near An Najaf Jan. 28.
U.S. and Bulgarian Air Force Complete Joint Exercise
Written by Capt. Jennifer FerrauMembers of the 31st Fighter Wing wrapped up Rodopi Javelin 2007 Oct. 26, a three-week exercise, marking the second time the 510th Fighter Squadron participated in a joint exercise with the Bulgarian air force at Graf Ignatevio air force base, Bulgaria.
Members of the 31st Fighter Wing wrapped up Rodopi Javelin 2007 today, a three-week exercise, marking the second time the 510th Fighter Squadron participated in a joint exercise with the Bulgarian air force at Graf Ignatevio air force base, Bulgaria.
Buzzards Deliver Combat Airpower
Written by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer GregoireAirmen deployed from the 510th Fighter Squadron took part in the decisive Battle of An Najaf where more than 200 enemy insurgents were killed and 100 gunmen captured near An Najaf Jan. 28.
Buzzards Deploy, Land Safely
Written by Senior Airman Sarah Gregory More than 240 maintainers and pilots from the 510th Fighter Squadron and 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 10.
To prepare for a large-scale deployment such as this one, both units underwent extensive preparation and training.
More...
Father pins Distinguished Flying Cross on Son
Written by Tech. Sgt. Michael O'ConnorA pilot from the 510th Fighter Squadron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross here Oct. 29 for his aerial combat support of friendly forces in the vicinity of An Najaf, Iraq, while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Memorial Service held for Former Squadron Commander
Written by 1st Lt. Kim SchaerdelA memorial service was held Jan. 25 at the Church of Aviano for a fallen Airman. U.S. and Italian family and friends paid their respects and remembered the life of Col. Adrian "KERMIT" Poné. Colonel Poné was assigned to NATO Combined Air Operations Center Five, Poggio Renatico, Italy, and was killed in a traffic accident on his way to work Jan. 20.
Scholarship set-up for Fighter Pilot's Family
Written by Tech. Sgt. Michael O'ConnorA 43-year-old military aircrew association recently set-up a memorial college fund for the children of an active-duty Air Force fighter pilot who died Jan. 20 in Italy.
Following the death of Col. Adrian Poné, who was stationed at Poggio Renatico, Italy with the NATO Combined Air Operation Center Five, the Red River Fighter Pilots Association contacted the CAOC5 staff offering to host a memorial Individual Retirement Account 529 Scholarship Savings Account for the Poné Family's children.
Airmen Make Impact with First GBU-54 Combat Drop in Afghanistan
Written by Tech. Sgt. Drew Nystrom
Airmen from the 510th Fighter Squadron here employed a guided bomb unit-54 laser joint directed attack munition for the first time in the Afghan area of operations recently.
