US Air Force - USAFE F-16s

USAF F-16C #89030 flies towards Rimini, Italy to join with the Italian Air Force in a training mission. USAF forces from the 510th FS, Aviano AB, Italy and AMI Forces from the 83rd CSRS, Rimini, Italy, participated in a 4-day training mission from February 5th to February 8th, 2001. The mission involved US F-16 aircrews locating and authenticating survivors and coordinate pickup with Italian rescue crews. F-16s were also tasked with escorting helicopters to protect them from air and ground threats. This is the first ever tasking of a full-time combat search and rescue mission for F-16s from the 510th FS. [USAF photo by TSgt. Dave Ahlschwede]