Unit #03 - 31st Fighter Wing

			Mission Marks
Serial	Type	Sqn	Bosnia(B)	Kosovo	Iraq(I)	Notes
87-0355	F-16CG-40A	510th FS	?	?	?
88-0413	F-16CG-40B	510th FS	3	40	5	marked 510th FS
88-0443	F-16CG-40C	510th FS	0	22	0
88-0444	F-16CG-40C	510th FS	?	?	?
88-0446	F-16CG-40C	510th FS	3	36	0
88-0491	F-16CG-40C	510th FS	3	30
88-0525	F-16CG-40D	510th FS	8	33	1
88-0529	F-16CG-40D	510th FS	?	?	?
88-0541	F-16CG-40D	510th FS	?	?	?
89-2001	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	4	35	0	marked 31st FW - Also carrying nose art.
89-2009	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	?	?	?	1 x G-4 Galeb kill 18/02/94 (not marked on a/c)
89-2011	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	10	48	4
89-2029	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	0	7	0
89-2030	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	0	17	3
89-2036	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	?	?	?	w/o 26/01/95 Adriatic Sea
89-2046	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	?	?	?
89-2047	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	?	?	?
89-2049	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	5	35	1
89-2050	F-16CG-40E	510th FS	?	?	?
89-2137	F-16CG-40G	510th FS	0	46	0	marked 31st OG (new scheme) 3x G-4 Galeb Kills 18/02/94 (not marked on a/c)
89-2178	F-16DG-40G	510th FS	0	4	0
90-0709	F-16CG-40H	510th FS	0	0	0
90-0796	F-16DG-40J	510th FS	?	?	?
87-0350	F-16CG-40	555th FS	?	?	?	First Block 40 F-16C
87-0351	F-16CG-40	555th FS	0	0	0	marked 31 OSS
87-0359	F-16CG-40A	555th FS	?	?	?
88-0425	F-16CG-40B	555th FS	?	?	?
88-0435	F-16CG-40B	555th FS	?	?	?
88-0526	F-16CG-40D	555th FS	?	?	?
88-0532	F-16CG-40D	555th FS	0	16	0	marked 31st OG (old scheme)
88-0535	F-16CG-40D	555th FS	0	23	0
88-0550	F-16CG-40D	555th FS	?	?	?	w/o (shot Down SAM?) 02/05/99 Kosovo
89-2016	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	0	0	marked 16th AF
89-2018	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	12	1
89-2023	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	20	3
89-2024	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	29	1
89-2026	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	?	?	?
89-2032	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	?	?	?	Shot down SA-6 02/06/95 Bosnia
89-2035	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	?	?	?	marked 555th FS
89-2038	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	0	3
89-2039	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	?	?	?
89-2044	F-16CG-40E	555th FS	0	5	0
89-2057	F-16CG-40F	555th FS	?	?	?
90-0795	F-16DG-40J	555th FS	0	0	0
90-0800	F-16DG-40K	555th FS	0	0	0

AIRCRAFT & MARKINGS
The 31st Fighter Wing is equipped with 38 F-16CG's and 4 two seater F-16DG's, evenly split between the two squadrons. The wing is equipped with the Block 40 version of the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D (The 31st actually operate the very first Block 40 'Falcon' 87-0350). This version is powered by a 27,600Ib General Electric F110-GE-100 engine and is optimized for the all weather and night precision attack role. To this end the Block 40's (as well as the Block 42 F-16's) are equipped with the Martin-Marietta Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) system. This consists of two pods, a AAQ-13 navigation pod carried on the left-hand chin pylon and an AAQ-14 targeting pod on the right-hand chin pylon. To differentiate this version the USAF has applied the designation F-16CG/DG.

Markings and paint scheme carried by 31st FW 'Vipers' are standard for the F-16 (But at least one F-16, 89-2016 has a modified? camouflage scheme, see photo here )
The Wing tailcode is 'AV' for AViano and each F-16 has a tailband in the squadron colours - Green with the words 'Triple Nickel' in white for the 555th FS and Purple with white edges for the 510th FS. Also carried by a lot of the wing's aircraft are mission marks. These are vinyl stickers in the shape of a bomb in green or purple depending on which squadron the F-16 is assigned to. Some of these mission marks also have, either a white letter B (for Bosnia) or an I (for Iraq - Northern or Southern Watch) plain bomb marks are assumed to be for missions over Kosovo.

	The 31st TFW flew the F-100 from 1957 to 1970, when they converted to F-4E's. The 'SS' tailcode was carried by F-100D/F's assigned to the 309th TFS during their stay at Tuy Hoa AB, RSVN. Photographed here is Aviano's gate guard, actually ex-Danish AF F-100D G-290 (54-2290 not as marked 55-290!) EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8		307th TFTS F-4D 65-0596 in the SEA scheme. The 307th started to receive their 'Delta' Phantoms in 1981 replacing the F-4E's which were bound for Egypt. Unknown/Peter Greengrass Collection
	Photographed at Tyndall AFB in October 1984 is F-4D 66-0273 marked as the 31st Tactical Training Wing's flagship. The wing carried the 'ZF' tailcode from 1972 to November 1986, when they recoded to 'HS' Alec Molton/Mil-Slides		Homestead AFB 31st FW F-16C 89-2137/HS from the 309th FS 'Wild Ducks' (the squadron is now part of the 56th FW at Luke) 89-2137 went to the 86th FW at Ramstein AB before returning to the 31st FW in 1994. Slide date is 2nd November 1991. Doug Slowiak
	F-16CG 89-2039 on final approach after a 'Decisive Edge' mission, 18th December 1996 The aircraft is armed with AIM-120, AIM9M, GBU-12 LGB and a centreline mounted ALQ-131 ECM pod. Of note is the old 555th FS tailband. Unknown/Peter Greengrass Collection		F-16CG 88-0550, then the 'Triple Nickels' Flagship, photographed in August 1996. This viper was lost (shot down?) during Operation Noble Anvil on May 2nd 1999. Alec Fushi
	1997 was not only the USAF's 50th anniversary but also the 31st Fighter Wing's. Here leaving after attending RIAT 97 at RAF Fairford is F-16CG 89-2050 wearing subdued but netherless welcome special marks. EOS-1 70-200mm K64 400/f5.6		Photographed at Aviano in late 1998 is the 31st Fighter Wing's Flagship, 89-2001. In the background are the TAB-V Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) of the 510th FS, Both squadrons at Aviano have their own ramp/shelter space - The 'Triple Nickel' on the east side of the runway and the 'Buzzards' on the west side. Unknown/Peter Greengrass Collection
	Returning to Aviano after a mission is 89-2016 in the old 16th Air Force scheme (the latest one can be seen to the right) The date is 27th December 1996. Unknown/Peter Greengrass Collection		Aviano is also home to the Headquarters of the 16th Air Force, one of two numbered air forces that comprise the USAFE command. It is also the southern air component of the U.S. European Command. Presently F-16CG 89-2016 has the honour of being the 16th AF flagship. Paul Perron
	Aviano's two squadrons are equipped with the General Electric F100 powered F-16CG/DG Block-40's. This version is geared for the all weather and night precision attack role and are equipped with the LANTIRN twin podded system. F-16CG 88-0709 photographed in September 2000. EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8		Aviano's F-16 wing/squadron badges, tailbands and mission marks are vinyl stickers and are prone to wear and tear, as evidenced by the Green tailband of this 555th FS F-16CG (89-2018). EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8
	Wearing the latest in USAF headgear, a HGU-55CE (Combat Edge) bonedome, this 'Buzzard' displays his claws before commencing a training mission in September 2000. Of note is the absence of a helmet visor plus 31st AEW patch on his shoulder. EOS-1N 70-200mm K64 200/f8		Before any flight can take place,a visit to the EOR or 'Last Chance' area is required. Here 88-0443 is being marshalled to it's spot, before having it's 'pins pulled' and being given the all clear to depart on another training mission. EOS-1N 70-200mm K64 320/f5.6
	F-16DG 90-0800 is one of four two seater Falcons operated by the 31st FW. This one, along with 90-0795 belongs to the 555th FS. EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8		Undergoing maintenance outside a 555th squadron HAS is 89-2024, a veteran of at least 30 combat missions. EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8
	As of September 2000, when this shot was taken, 88-0532 still wears the markings for the 31st Operations Group even though the new 31 OG marks have already been applied to 89-2137 (see below) EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8		Photographed here, ready to roll out from the Aviano EOR (End of Runway) area is the 510th FS 'Buzzards' flagship, 88-0413. Aviano AB is still a very busy field, in residence during our visit were Canadian and Spanish F/A-18's along with Turkish AF Vipers. EOS-1N 70-200mm K64 320/F5.6
	The 31st Operation Group's flagship is F-16CG 89-2137. On February 18th 1994 (two months before the 31st FW arrived at Aviano) during a Deny Flight mission Capt. Robert Wright (526th FS/86th FW) flying '137' shot down 3 x Serbian G4 Super Galebs. Two interesting side notes to this event, this was the first ever offensive action by NATO warplanes and secondly , wingman to Capt. Wright on this day was Capt. Scott O'Grady, who would later come to fame(?) evading capture from Serbian troops for six days in 1995. EOS-1N 28-70mm K64 200/f8		The 31st FW are still flying (along with TDY aircraft from NATO nations)armed CAP missions over Kosovo. Photographed here, in September 2000, is F-16CG 89-2009/AV from the 555th FS returning from one such mission. This aircraft is the second 'Galeb' Killer operated by the 31st FW, which it shot down in the same action as F-16CG 89-2137 (see previous photo/caption) unfortunately neither of the Vipers carry the kill marks. EOS-1N 70-200mm K64 320/f5.6

OSW/ONW No Fly zones 510th FS Southern Watch Patch Operation Southern Watch (0SW)
Since the end of the Gulf War, Iraq has aggressively tried to suppress the Kurds in northern Iraq and Marsh Arabs in the south. In response to these developments, the United Nations Security Council in 1992 passed Resolution 688 condemning Iraq's repression of its civilian population. To allow monitoring of compliance with Resolution 688, an Iraqi no-fly zone south of the 32nd parallel was established. The coalition effort to enforce the no-fly zone, Operation Southern Watch, has been in operation since August 1992.

The 31st FW commenced it's most recent deployment in support of OSW in March 2000, when the 510th FS deployed with 10 F-16CG's (510th as well as 555th assigned aircraft, 88-0413/525/532, 89-2011/018/023/024/030/038/049) to Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait. In June 2000 the 555th FS deployed for their 90 day TDY (without aircraft) replacing the 510th personnel. The squadron returned home in early September 2000.

510th FS Northern Watch Patch Operation Northern Watch (ONW)
is a Combined Task Force (CTF) charged with enforcing the no-fly zone north of the 36th parallel in Iraq and monitoring Iraqi compliance with UN Security Council resolutions 678, 687, and 688. ONW is headquartered at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.

The 31st FW's last reported deployment in support of Northern Watch was in July 1998, when 8 F-16CG's (87-0350, 88-0532/0550, 89-2016/023/024/035/044) from the 'Triple Nickel' departed for Incirlik. Returning home on October 30th 1998 (with a/c) they were replaced by 510th FS F-16CG's (88-0443/0444/0446/0529/0541, 89-2009/011/046).

December 1950 saw the 31st FEW deploy to RAF Manston, England for a 6 month TDY. During their time in England the 31st swapped their F-84C's for G-models. The wing returned to Turner Field in July of 1951. June 16th 1952 saw the 31st Fighter Group inactivated and its 3 squadrons assigned directly to the wing. One month later the entire wing (62 F-84's) deployed to Japan under Operation Fox Peter One. This was the first and longest non-stop air to air refuelling jet flight, as well as the first massed Transpacific flight by jet fighters.

January 1953 and the wing was redesignated the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing. In May 1956 the 508th Air Refuelling Squadron flying the KB-29 was assigned to the wing. 9 Months later on April 1st 1957 the wing again had a name change, this time back to Fighter Bomber Wing and at the same time swapped it's Thunderjet's for F-100C Super Sabre's. At this time the wing also returned to Tactical Air Command. September 1957 and the 31st FBW gained an additional squadron when the 306th FBS was activated.

The unit became a Tactical Fighter Wing on July 1st 1958 when the 31st once again changed names, then in March 1959 the unit went non-operational and relocated to George AFB, California. June 1962 saw the wing moving again this time to Homestead AFB, Florida. During October and November 1962 the 31st TFW stood alert duty during the Cuban missile crisis.

VIETNAM AND AFTER
Three years later in 1965 the wing's 307th TFS deployed to Vietnam for a 6 Month tour replaced by the 308th in December of that year. A year later and the entire wing moved to Tuy Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam. The 31st conducted combat operations with their 'Huns' until October 1970 when the wing returned to Homestead to convert to the F-4E and a new role conducting F4 Phantom replacement training. 1972 saw the 31st back at war, when the wing's 308th TFS deployed to Udorn RTAFB, Thailand in support of Operation Constant Guard II. The squadron was replaced by the 307th in July 1972 (During this deployment the squadron recorded it's first kill of the war, when an F-4E crewed by Gary Rubus/James Hendrickson made a successful gun attack on a MiG-21, October 15th 1972). A final deployment by the 308th was made between December 1972 and June 1973. During these deployments the 307/308th TFS were temporary assigned to the 432nd TRW.

With their commitment to Vietnam over the 31st TFW returned to it's training role. Between 1976 and 1983 the unit assumed the responsibility for the air defence of Southern Florida. In July became a four squadron wing when the 306th TFTS was activated. Starting in September 1979 the wing begun transferring their Echo-Model Phantoms to Egypt, Project Peace Pharaoh.To replace their F-4E's the unit begun re-equipping with F-4D's and in March 1981 the wing was redesignated 31st Tactical Training Wing (TTW).

555th FS 'Triple Nickel' Formed in November 1942 as the 555th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) with B-26 Marauder medium bombers. The squadron re-equipped with the A-26 Invader in June 1945 and became the 555th Bombardment Squadron (Light).		510th FS 'Buzzards' The squadron originally activated as the 625th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) February 24th 1943 at Drew Field, Florida. Operating the Douglas A-24. The squadron was assigned to the 405th Bombardment Group (later designated a fighter-bomber and fighter group).
As part of the 386th Bombardment Group, the squadron saw combat in Europe from bases in England, France and Belgium. Deactivated in November 1945, the squadron reformed on January 8th 1964, as the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill AFB, Florida. It was the first operational squadron in the Air Force to fly the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II. The 555th transferred PACAF in 1965 and was based at Okinawa, Japan.		The unit was redesignated the 510th Fighter Bomber Squadron in August 1943, and moved to Waterloo Army Air Field,South Carolina September 13th 1943. During this time the squadron transitioned to the P-39 Aircobra and later to the P-47 Thunderbolt. Moving to Europe in early 1944, the squadron began combat operations from England, then from forward bases in France, Belgium and finally Germany. The squadron deactivated after the war at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey in October 1945.
In June 1966, the 555th TFS moved to Ubon RTAFB (after a brief deployment at Udorn RTAFB) joining the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1968 after converting to F-4D's the 555th were reassigned to the 432nd TRW at Udorn RTAFB. The squadron went on to become the top USAF 'Mig Killers' with a total of 40 kills. In addition to its achievements in destroying air targets, the 555th became the first unit to fire AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles in combat. Following the cessation of US combat activities in 1973, the squadron reverted to a training role.		The squadron was reactivated as the 510th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (flying Republic F-84 Thunderjets) in December 1952, at Goodman AFB, Kentucky. They moved to Langley AFB, Virginia on April 17th 1953, where the unit re-equipped with F-100's. The squadron transferred to England AFB in March 1964, and was assigned to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing. On November 10th 1965, the squadron moved to Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, where it flew more than 27.000 combat missions.
As the leading air-to-air squadron, the 555th was chosen to be the first F-15 Eagle squadron in the USAF. Returning to the United States, the 555th moved to Luke AFB, Arizona in 1974 and was redesignated the 555th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (under the 58th TFTW later redesignated the 405th TTW) operating F-15A/B Eagles. The squadron received it's first F-15D models in late 1982 and would eventually operate the F-15E 'Strike Eagle'		The squadron deactivated in 1969, and reactivated at RAF Bentwaters, England in October 1978 with the A-10A. While assigned to the 81st TFW, the squadron deployed in support of United Nations coalition forces in Operation Desert Storm, as well as Operation Provide Comfort, at Incirlik AB, Turkey. On January 14th 1993, the 510th was reassigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdalhem AB, Germany (becoming the only A-10 squadron in USAFE).
On April 1, 1994, the 555th Fighter Squadron transferred to the 31st FW and re-equipped with the F-16CG/DG Block 40.		The squadron deactivated February 25th 1994, to be reactivated on July 1st 1994, equipped with 22 F-16CG/DG Fighting Falcons as part of the 31st FW.

COMBAT OPERATIONS 1994-PRESENT
Since arriving at Aviano the 31st Fighter Wing have been heavily involved in Allied air operations over Iraq - Operation Southern Watch (OSW) and Operation Northern Watch (ONW) - and the Balkan Peninsula - Deny Flight (5/94-12/95), Deliberate Force (8/95-9/95), Decisive Edge (12/95-12/96), Deliberate Guard (12/96-6/98), Deliberate Forge (6/98-present?), Allied Force (3/99-6/99) and Operation Joint Guardian (6/99-Present).

510th FS Bosnia Patch

Balkan Operations
In May 1994 (just one month after arriving in Italy) the 555th FS begun operations in support of Operation Deny Flight followed in September by the 510th FS. The wing would eventually fly 1,947 sorties during Deny Flight (1,644 between 5/94-8/95 and a further 303 between 9/95-12/95). Unfortunately Deny Flight also cost the wing their first Combat loss, when a 555th FS F-16CG (89-2032) was shot down on June 2nd 1995 (The pilot Capt. Scott O'Grady successfully ejected, evaded capture and was rescued six days later). Deny Flight was 510th FS Bosnia Patch interrupted in August 1995 when NATO initiated Operation Deliberate Force in response to Bosnian aggression. By the end of this operation in September 1995 the 31st FW had flown 418 combat sorties.

With Deliberate Force complete the 31st FW resumed their Deny Flight missions until December 1995 when NATO replaced Deny Flight with Operation Joint Endeavor (The air section of this was Operation Decisive Edge). The wings two squadrons flew daily sorties enforcing the 'No Fly Zone' over Bosnia, finally totalling 1,088 by the end of the operation on December 20th 1996.

Between December 1996 and June 1998 the wing (operating under the NATO air operation Deliberate Guard) flew a further 1,632 missions in support of NATO Peacekeeping forces. In June 1998 the operation name changed again, this time to Deliberate Forge. This ongoing (as of January 2001) operation was interrupted by Serbian Aggression in Kosovo, which resulted in Aviano (and the 31st FW) playing host to the largest Fighter wing in USAF history.

510th FS Allied Force Patch

Allied Force - Operation Noble Anvil
February 1999 saw the 31st FW activate as the 31st Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW). The wing would eventually comprise approximately 175 aircraft, including 48 F-16CJ's from the 20th and 52nd Fighter Wing's operating in the SEAD role (supplemented by 25 EA-6B's from various USMC units), A-10A's provided Close Air Support (CAS) plus Combat Search & Rescue (C-SAR), F-15E's from Lakenheath's 48th FW (Precision strike) and various 31st AEW Patch support aircraft.

The 'Triple Nickel' and 'Buzzards' were busy from the first days of the air campaign, missions included Battlefield Air Interdiction (BAI), CAS, Combat Air Patrols (CAP) and Airborne Forward Air Control (AFAC). AFAC played a important part in the 31st FW's mission during the 78 day conflict (the wing was the first USAF F-16 unit to perform this role). A normal loadout for AFAC roled F-16CG's was 2 x 2.75" rocket launchers (for marking targets), 2 x GBU-12's plus AMRAAM's/AIM-9M's for self defence.

Between March 24 and June 10th 1999 the 555th and 510th flew 2,403 combat sorties (The 555th reached the 1,000 mark on May 27th followed two days later by the 'Buzzards'). Unfortunately the wing lost a 'Viper' when 555th FS F-16CG 88-0550 using callsign 'Hammer 34' was lost (possibly downed by a SAM) on May 2nd 1999. Again the pilot ejected and was recovered by C-SAR team within two hours.

SOURCES AND THANKS I'd like to thank a certain person, who at this time will remain anonymous, without whom this feature would not have been possible. Thanks also to Steve Huckvale/Kevin Jackson for most of the info in our Aircraft table. Also thanks go to Doug Slowiak, Alec Molton, Alec Fushi and Paul Perron for allowing us to use their photos (or at least not complaining!)
	Official 31st FW History (PDF Document/31 FW Website)	World Air Power Journal (Volume 38/39)
	USAF & Navy '2000 (Mach III plus publication)	USAF 'The New Century' Bob Archer/Midland Publishing
	F-16 Net website	Various web sources
	J.Baugher's Serial website (F-16 Production lists)	MIL-SPOTTERS Forum