510th Fighter Squadron - Aviano Augments Search for Missing Pilot

Wednesday, 30 January 2013 00:00

Aviano Augments Search for Missing Pilot

Written by David Sarvai

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The 31st Fighter Wing launched several of its F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft Jan. 29 to join the ongoing search effort for a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who was declared missing during a nighttime training mission Jan. 28.

The fighter jets will provide further assistance to the robust rescue operation already underway, joining U.S. and Italian aircraft and ships. Capt. Lucas Gruenther, 31st Fighter Wing chief of flight safety, was conducting an F-16 training sortie over the Adriatic Sea when contact was lost with his aircraft.

"While not specifically designed for reconnaissance like the other aircraft already involved in the search, our F-16s have targeting pods which can be used to augment the search," said Brig. Gen Scott J. Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "The weather and size of the search area have limited our ability to provide assistance with F-16s up to this point; however, now that the ships and reconnaissance aircraft have refined the search area, we hope to help by putting more sensors and eyes out there.

"The search operation in the Adriatic is truly expansive," Zobrist added. "I'm grateful to the many Italian and U.S. professionals who are executing this mission, and I am hopeful that we will bring Captain Gruenther home safely."

More information will be released as it becomes available. A board of officers will investigate the incident.

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS)

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Several F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 510th Fighter Squadron take-off, March 7, 2017, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 510th and 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcons rely on a secure flightline to perform three to four flights daily. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cory W. Bush)
A pilot from the 510th Fighter Squadron takes notes while maintenance Airmen explain the upkeep process of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 13, 2020. The 510th FS and 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit joined together for a Buzzard Unity event to bolster their working relationship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb House)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Soldati, 510th Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, paints a buzzard on a wall at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 13, 2020. The wall was painted as a morale booster during a Buzzard Unity event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb House)
Airmen from the 510th Fighter Squadron and the 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit paint a wall at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 13, 2020. Repainting the wall was part of the Buzzard Unity event which aimed to boost morale and camaraderie. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb House)
Airmen participate in an inflatable boxing match during a Buzzard Unity event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 14, 2020. Airmen from the 510th Fighter Squadron and 510th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron came together for a two-day event to build morale and improve their working relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb House)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Elbo, 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, demonstrates F-16 Fighting Falcon maintenance steps to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Nathan Meyer, 510th Fighter Squadron pilot, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 13, 2020. The 510th FS and 510th Aircraft Maintenance Unit joined together for a Buzzard Unity event to bolster their working relationship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb House)
Italian air force Col. Vincenzo Tozzi, Aviano base commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lindsey, commander of the 510th Fighter Squadron, pose for a photo at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 17, 2019. Col. Tozzi was Lt. Col. Lindsey’s instructor pilot while they were at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, 16 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)
From first to final flight
Italian air force Col. Vincenzo Tozzi, Aviano base commander, greets friends and family after exiting an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 17, 2019. Col. Tozzi was given a flight in an F-16 as a show of gratitude from the 31st Fighter Wing for his time as base commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)
From first to final flight
Italian air force Col. Vincenzo Tozzi, Aviano base commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lindsey, commander of the 510th Fighter Squadron, take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 17, 2019. Col. Tozzi was given a flight in an F-16 as a show of gratitude from the 31st Fighter Wing for his time as base commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)
From first to final flight
Italian air force Col. Vincenzo Tozzi, Aviano base commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lindsey, commander of the 510th Fighter Squadron, taxi to the runway in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 17, 2019. Col. Tozzi was given a flight in an F-16 as a show of gratitude from the 31st Fighter Wing for his time as base commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)
From first to final flight
Italian air force Col. Vincenzo Tozzi, Aviano base commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lindsey, commander of the 510th Fighter Squadron, share a toast at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 17, 2019. Col. Tozzi was Lt. Col. Lindsey’s instructor pilot while they were at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, 16 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Tucker)
From first to final flight
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron taxis on the a flightline at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 11, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable, compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks. The 510th FS is assigned to the 31st Operations Group which prepares fighter pilots, controllers, and support personnel to execute U.S. and NATO war plans and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by SrA Kevin Sommer)
F-16s Soar Above Aviano
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron taxis on the a flightline at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 11, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable, compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks. The 510th FS is assigned to the 31st Operations Group which prepares fighter pilots, controllers, and support personnel to execute U.S. and NATO war plans and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by SrA Kevin Sommer)
• F-16s Soar Above Aviano
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Operations Group takes flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2020. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius exceeds that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)
Fighting Falcons Take Off From Aviano
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron flies at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2020. The unit performs air and space control and force application roles of counter-air, strategic attack and counter-land, including interdiction and close-air support, with F-16CMs employing state of the art munitions in support of the joint, NATO, and combined operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)
Fighting Falcons Take Off From Aviano
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron ascends at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2020. The F-16 is able to fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)
Fighting Falcons Take Off From Aviano
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron soars at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Thomas S. Keisler IV)
Fighting Falcons Take Off From Aviano
U.S. Air Force Airman Jaquinton Stewart, crew chief for the 510th Fighter Squadron, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to take off at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Apr. 7, 2020. The 510th FS provides combat airpower on demand to U.S. and NATO Combatant Commanders as well as the National Command Authority in order to meet National Security objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV)
510th FS Stays Mission Ready
U.S. Air Force Airman Jaquinton Stewart, crew chief for the 510th Fighter Squadron, performs preflight procedures at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Apr. 7, 2020. In alignment with the new decrees put in place by the Italian government, crew chiefs at Aviano continue to ensure that the aircraft in their care is ready to fly at a moment’s notice so that pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission. (U.S Air Force photo by Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV)
510th FS Stays Mission Ready
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron takes off at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Apr. 6, 2020. The 31st Fighter Wing is dedicated to continuing the mission by remaining lethal and rapidly ready while operating within the parameters of Italian decrees instituted to slow the spread of COVID-19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Thomas S. Keisler)
510th FS Stays Mission Ready
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing refuel a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Jan. 8, 2020. The F-16 is able to fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV)
F-16 Fighting Falcon