The Italian Aerospace Information Web
by Aeromedia - corso Giambone 46/18 - 10135 Torino (Italy)
OPERATION ALLIED FORCE
31st Operations Support Squadron
Originally established as the 401st Operations Support Squadron (401 OSS) May 4, 1992, with the implementation of the objective wing structure, it was the focal point for all flying operations located at Aviano Air Base to include NATO and United States exercises and contingency activities.
At its inception, the organization consisted of six flights: Current Operations, Weather, Airfield Operations, Air Traffic Control, Operations Plans, and Intelligence.
With the advent of Operation Deny Flight, a provisional operations group was established at Aviano. Under the direction of the group commander, the 401st OSS acted as the primary support arm for operational issues for all deployed flying squadrons and a deployed air control squadron, as well as for issues related to the beddown of permanent aircraft and related wing expansion activities .
On April 11,1994, the unit was redesignated the 31st OSS under the newly formed 31st Operations Group.
The 31st OSS was joined by two fighter squadrons and one air control squadron. With the redesignation, the unit received an additional flight, Weapons and Tactics.
In the picture: fin of a 510th Fighter Squadron F-16C with the 31st OSS emblem and initials
