Aviano Air Base Firsts

1. First Military Airfield in Italy

Aviano Air Base, originally established in 1911, is recognized as one of the first military airfields in Italy. It played a role in the early development of military aviation during the Italo-Turkish War, which marked the first use of aircraft in combat.

2. First Use of Aircraft for Reconnaissance and Bombing

During the Italo-Turkish War (1911–1912), Aviano was involved in some of the first-ever aerial reconnaissance and bombing missions in history. Italian pilots used rudimentary planes to drop grenades and perform reconnaissance.

3. First Deployment of U.S. Tactical Nuclear Forces in Italy

In the 1950s, Aviano AB became a critical hub for NATO operations and was the first base in Italy to host U.S. tactical nuclear forces during the Cold War. This was part of the broader NATO deterrence strategy.

4. First NATO Base to Upgrade for Modern Jets

Aviano AB was one of the first NATO bases in Southern Europe to undergo significant upgrades in the 1980s, enabling it to accommodate modern jet aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and later the F-15 and F-35.

5. First American Fighter Wing in Italy

The 31st Fighter Wing (FW), relocated from Homestead Air Force Base in Florida after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, became the first permanently stationed American fighter wing in Italy. Aviano became its home in 1994.

6. First Operational Role in the Kosovo Conflict

Aviano AB played a pivotal role in Operation Allied Force (1999), making it the first base to launch airstrikes during the Kosovo Conflict. It served as a primary hub for NATO air operations.

7. First NATO Joint Forces Air Component Headquarters

Aviano housed one of the first-ever NATO Joint Forces Air Component Headquarters (JFAC HQ), responsible for coordinating air operations across the Southern European theater.

8. First U.S. Base to Incorporate Italian and NATO Partnerships

Aviano AB became a model for U.S.-Italian-NATO partnerships, with Italian Air Force personnel co-managing base operations alongside U.S. forces, a first for bases of this size in Italy.

9. First European Base for F-16CG Fighters in Combat

Aviano AB was the first European base to host F-16CG Fighting Falcons for combat operations, which were deployed extensively in the Balkans and the Middle East in the 1990s and 2000s.

10. First Base to Integrate Cultural Preservation into Expansion Projects

During modernization efforts in the late 20th century, Aviano AB became one of the first bases to integrate archaeological and cultural preservation. Numerous Roman artifacts and medieval structures were discovered and preserved during construction.