Officials at Aviano AB, Italy, inactivated the base’s 603rd Air Control Squadron as part of Air Force-wide cost-saving measures. The inactivation took place during an Aug. 29 ceremony, according to Aviano’s Sept. 4 release. “It is truly an honor to have commanded this fine group of airmen from this legendary unit,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Carocci, the squadron’s commander, at the event. He thanked the unit’s airmen for their accomplishments. The unit, which traces its history back to December 1945, provided one of two Air Force theater air control systems in Europe in support of NATO ground forces. In mid-January, the unit returned from its final deployment, having spent time in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. (Aviano report by SrA. Michael Battles)
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.