Photo By Airman 1st Class Stephan Bang | U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron pose for a group...... read more read more
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AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — The 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron received multiple awards for their achievements and contributions throughout 2025, exemplifying that mission success starts with the Airmen behind the scenes.
“Nothing moves on Aviano, or really South of the Alps or on the Eastern Flank, without the 31 LRS.” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Teresa Crampton, 31 LRS outgoing commander.
Most recently, the 31 LRS earned the 2025 Daedalian Maj. Gen. Warren R. Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award, recognizing excellent logistics performance and the ability to support mission aircraft, weapons and operations in a demanding environment.
The award acknowledges the collective efforts of Airmen across the squadron’s flights, including cargo movement, materiel management, fuels and ground transportation.
“Our Airmen’s ability to innovate under operational tempo is what makes the 31 LRS stand out,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brendan Victory, 31 LRS senior enlisted leader. “Across every flight, our team streamlined processes, supported NATO Allies and delivered results while competing against units across the Air Force.”
Throughout the year, the 31 LRS not only maintained daily mission requirements but went above and beyond, delivering increased support to NATO Allies and operations across USAFE-AFAFRICA.
“Our synchronized response during peak NATO support operations, which consisted of managing surge cargo across Europe while overhauling customs protocols and securing 14 new innovation-driven contracts, proved our team's resilience under real-world pressure,” said Victory.
Logistics operations often go unnoticed outside the career field, yet they are imperative to every successful mission. Before aircraft can launch, equipment must be delivered, fuel must be stored, vehicles must be available, and cargo must reach its destination.
“People see aircraft generate and take off, but they don't always see the logistics chain that enables every sortie,” Victory explained. “Every pallet built, customs clearance expedited, fuel transfer completed, and vehicle dispatched represents an LRS Airman's direct fingerprint on mission execution across Europe.”
The 31 LRS culture of teamwork and excellence were also highlighted by U.S. Air Force Maj. Chase Barnes, 31 LRS director of operations, who was named ‘2025 Outstanding Logistic Readiness Field Grade Officer of the Year’.
“My win at the USAFE level is built solely on the incredible work of this squadron,” said Barnes. “None of this is possible without the squadron’s dedication and tireless efforts around the clock to our mission South of the Alps.”
Additionally, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Derek Wilson from Fuels and Staff Sgt. Matthew Martinez from Ground Transportation were both named ‘2025 noncommissioned Officer of the Year’.
“Wilson and Martinez demonstrated proactive mentorship, mission ownership, and the ability to turn complex logistics requirements into seamless operational results,” said Victory. “Their recognition demonstrates that the 31 LRS develops technically proficient NCOs who lead from the front.”
The combination of the squadron’s inner workings and individual recognition attest to the strong foundation and culture within the 31 LRS, where mission success is built through the collective efforts of the squadron.
“Winning at the MAJCOM and Air Force levels validates that the extra hours and procedural innovations our Airmen implemented truly moved the needle. It demonstrates that base-level execution at Aviano sets the standard for logistics operational readiness across the entire enterprise,” said Victory.
The 31 LRS’s diverse responsibilities establish the logistical backbone that keeps the wing and its partners ready across Europe and NATO. Though much of their work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt across the flightline and throughout the region, proving that logistics is not simply about moving resources, but keeping the mission moving forward.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2026 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 574392 |
| Location: | AVIANO AIR BASE, IT |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 31st LRS wins 2025 Daedalian Logistics Effectiveness Award, by A1C Stephan Bang, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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