AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Aviano Air Base’s 31st Force Support Squadron has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award for the best large installation FSS in the U.S. Air Force.
Named after U.S. Air Force Gen. Curtis LeMay, fifth Chief of Staff of the Air Force, this distinguished award recognizes force support squadrons who demonstrate sustained excellence in mission support by delivering high-quality programs that enhance readiness and improve the quality of life for Airmen and their families.
“Our selection as a finalist is a direct reflection of the outstanding work of our military, civilian and local national personnel supporting the 31st Fighter Wing mission” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Houser, 31st FSS commander. “I could not be more proud of our team, and all they have accomplished.”
As a finalist, the 31st FSS hosted an evaluation team for a virtual tour of the squadron.
“The evaluators inspected four major areas,” said Houser. “How we support our installation’s mission, how we support our service members and their families, how we ensure the readiness of our FSS airmen, and what sets us apart from every other force support squadron in the Air Force.”
During the evaluation, each of the 10 flights in the squadron spoke about their mission and highlights from last year. In 2025, the 31st FSS Installation Personnel Readiness office readied 2,700 Aviano Airmen for U.S. European and Central Commands deployment taskings, and the Postal Operations Flight expedited the delivery of vital cryptographic equipment for a $396M project. Also, despite a hiring freeze and a government shutdown, both the Aviano Youth Program and Child Development Center sustained 100% continuity of care for enrolled families.
The 31st FSS is one of only two U.S. Air Force level finalists and will be notified in the next couple months if selected to receive the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award.
“I know for a fact that we are the best force support squadron in the Air Force,” said Houser. “The accomplishments from 2025 are earth-shattering. I am confident that our team will go on and do even better things. No matter what the results of the evaluation are, I am extremely proud of our team.”