U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadrons participate in a 31st Operations Group War Day 26.1 near Aviano Air Base, Italy, Feb. 5, 2026. The large-force exercise demonstrated the 31 OG’s ability to conduct simultaneous operations in response to combat search and rescue scenarios and contested airspace. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Antone Williams)
The 31st Maintenance Group Country Teams received the 2025 Secretary of War Sustainment, Train, Advise, and Assist Award for strengthening partner-nation maintenance capabilities and enhancing NATO readiness across Europe throughout 2025.
The Country Teams, a section of the 31st MXG, is composed of 20 Airmen that specialize in providing support to seven specific partner nations.
Teenagers at Aviano Air Base, Italy, are learning leadership, aerospace fundamentals and military discipline through the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. CAP is a federally chartered, non-profit corporation serving as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
The 57th Rescue Squadron participated in exercise Saber Junction 25 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany Aug. 14 - 21, 2025.