U.S. Air Force 31st Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainers conduct K-9 demonstration for Chief Master Sgt., Tiffany Griego, 31st Fighter Wing command chief, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 20, 2026. Military working dogs play a vital role in safeguarding Airmen by using their specialized training to detect narcotics, identify explosive threats, and discourage potential hostile activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Stephan Bang)
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Air Force Master Sgt.Gerald Creech, 31st Wing Staff Agency first sergeant, and Tech. Sgt. Jacob Mason, 31st Fighter Wing Inspector General Inspections Self-Assessment Program manager, recently embarked on an innovative digital automation project to transform how dormitory inspections are conducted. They sought a way to improve efficiency, accountability and real-time visibility for leadership across the base.
Airmen from Aviano Air Base’s 56th Rescue and Rescue Generation Squadrons and the 57th Rescue Squadron participated in Exercise Cold Response 26, a Norwegian-led training exercise designed to prepare NATO forces to operate effectively together in extreme cold-weather environments.
U.S. Air Force Major Melaine “HALO” Valentin was named the Air Force 2024 Fighter Flight Lead of the Year for her impact as an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and leader while assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
