Military Bases

Aviano Air Base

Location

Benvenuti (Welcome) to Aviano Air Base and the Fruili Venezia Guilia Region of northern Italy! Aviano is a vital link in the NATO defense chain and the premier air base south of the Alps. In fact, Aviano is nestled at the foot of the Pre-Alps or the Dolomities, and is located approximately 50 miles north of Venice, Italy and 9 miles from Pordenone, the largest nearby town. Italy, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes and abundant culture is one of the best assignments in the world. The base operator’s phone number is 011-39-0434-307111 or DSN 314-632-7111.


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History

There has been an American presence in Aviano since 1954, when the Italian and American governments signed a joint use agreement. By 1955, HQ United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) had moved its Italian operations from Udine to Aviano. Throughout the Cold War, the base went through a period of hosting rotational fighter squadrons, but with the end of that conflict, the rotational squadrons became obsolete. In 1992, HQ 16th Air Force and the 401st Fighter Wing moved from Torrejon Air Base, Spain to Aviano. In 1994, the 401 FW was inactivated and the 31 FW began its tenure as host unit at Aviano. The next year, an infrastructure program named Aviano 2000 began, which planned for the construction of approximately 300 projects valued at over $500 million. In 2006, HQ 16th Air Force was restructured and relocated. For more information on the history of Aviano AFB see Aviano’s homepage.

Mission

The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing is to deliver combat power and support across the globe to achieve U.S. and NATO objectives.

Population Served

This is an exciting time for Aviano; modern, state of the art structures designed to increase mission readiness and morale are taking shape. Aviano is unique because we are spread throughout the community in several areas, rather than centralized onto one installation. We live work and play side by side with the local Italians. It is common to be greeted at the front gate by an Italian Soldier, a National Guard member or an Active Duty AF member. You will be welcomed and immersed into the laid back local culture as soon as you arrive.

Base Transportation

Shuttle bus service is available between the various areas of Aviano AB. However, services are limited to daytime duty hours, Monday through Friday. Taxi services are very expensive and require advance reservations. Since taxis can not come on base, you must meet the taxi at the front gate.

Sponsorship

A sponsor at Aviano is vital! If you have not been contacted by a sponsor, call the Relocation Assistance office at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, DSN 314-632-5407. Be sure to stay in close contact with your sponsor, they will be your link to house hunting and basic transportation when you arrive. Your sponsor should meet you at the AMC Terminal or Marco Polo Airport when you arrive and help you get settled in. Your sponsor will also assist with setting up a P.O. Box, TLF reservations, in advance of your arrival, and getting you to and from Right Start your first week. If you arrive without a sponsor (not recommended), report to the MPS immediately, then to the Airman and Family Readiness Center Right Start program at 8:00 a.m. the first Monday you are in the country (Bldg. 1431 Flightline Area).

Temporary Quarters

Mountain View Lodge is the temporary living facility for Aviano Air Base. Among the 172 suites & TLFs, 25 are designed with families traveling with pets. This facility is conveniently located in Area F (Flight Line) next to the Commissary/BX complex and directly on the base shuttle and school bus routes. For information or reservations, call the Mountain View Lodge, 011-39-0434-30-4040 or DSN 314-632-4040. It is imperative to begin house hunting as soon as you arrive. If you will be assigned to a dorm room, your sponsor will notify the Dorm Manager to let them know when you will be arriving. Other guest services include:

  • Business Center
  • Free in-room WIFI
  • Mini Fitness Center
  • Laundry Rooms

Relocation Assistance

Your first week in the country will consist of in-processing and house hunting. “Right Start” is Aviano’s one stop in-processing center. In-processing is held the first duty day of the week starting at 8:00 a.m. and is two days long (typically Monday and Tuesday). Monday includes Spouse Hour, which is a forum for spouses to get critical information while meeting with other spouses who are established at the base. Please note that children are welcome during Spouse Hour. Tuesday includes the Benvenuti Cultural adaptation class. Spouses are welcome and highly encouraged to attend both Right Start and Benvenuti. Right Start is managed by the Relocation Assistance Program and held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Wednesday and Thursday are used for house hunting and settling in, while Friday offers the chance to discover the local area on the Benvenuti Tour. First duty station Airmen will attend two weeks of training at the First Term Airmen’s Center (FTAC) immediately following Right Start. We highly encourage newcomers to review the driver’s license testing material and take the test before arriving, go online to view materials. The following documents are required for Right Start:

  • Valid State Drivers License for self and spouse
  • “No Fee” Passport with VISA stamp for DoD Civilians, all spouses and family members
  • Medical/Shot records for self and family members
  • 11 Copies of Orders and Amendments*
  • 2 Copies of Vehicle Shipping Document*
  • 2 Copies of all receipts*
  • Any tickets used in route to Aviano
  • One copy of travel advances from last duty station
  • Copy of recruiter’s assistance program letter (if applicable)

*Copies should be made in advance, if possible

First Duty Station Airmen

First duty station airmen will attend two weeks of training at First Term Airmen’s Center (FTAC) after Right Start. You will register for FTAC during Right Start.

Critical Installation Information

It is absolutely essential that each Active Duty Military family member and DoD Civilians and their command sponsored family members obtain a no-fee passport and Italian “Missione” visa prior to leaving their current assignment. Please contact your losing Military Personnel Section, Customer Service or Installation Passport Agent immediately upon notification of assignment to begin the processing and receipt of the necessary travel documents for family members prior to arrival in Italy.

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

Pets

An anti-rabies vaccination may only be considered valid if it meets the following conditions:

  • (a) the vaccine was administered on a date indicated in either Section IV of the pet passport; or the appropriate section of the accompanying animal health certificate; and
  • (b) the date referred to in point (a) must not precede the date of microchipping indicated in Section III(2) of the pet passport; or the appropriate section of the accompanying animal health certificate; and
  • (c) at least 21 days must have elapsed since the completion of the vaccination protocol required by the manufacturer for the primary vaccination in accordance with the technical specification of the marketing authorization referred to in point 1(b) for the anti-rabies vaccine in the Member State or third country in which the vaccination is administered; and
  • (d) the period of validity of the vaccination, as prescribed in the technical specification of the marketing authorization for the anti-rabies vaccine in the Member State or third country where the vaccine is administered, must have been entered by the authorized veterinarian in either Section IV of the passport; or the appropriate section of the accompanying animal health certificate; and
  • (e) a revaccination (booster) must be considered a primary vaccination if it was not carried out within the period of validity referred to in point (d) of a previous vaccination.

Phone Information

  • Off base to the U.S.: 001 + area code + number
  • On Base to the U.S.: 99 001 + area code + number
  • U.S to Aviano: 011 39 0434 + number
  • Local area to Aviano: 0434 30 + XXXX (last 4 digits)
  • On base to other base locations: 632 XXXX (last 4 digits)
  • Aviano base to local area: 99 0434 + number

In order to obtain an AFI license you MUST have a current stateside license. It is a very good idea to renew your stateside license just prior to PCS’ing. Your AFI license will expire when your stateside license expires.

Ship your personally owned vehicle (POV) 6-8 weeks before your departure. Since Aviano Air Base facilities are located in several different areas, you will be required to do business in different locations and a POV will be very important to you. House hunting also requires transportation and it is expensive to rent cars in Italy. It is better to ship early and rent in the US as opposed to renting in Italy. If you decide to rent a vehicle at Aviano, a stateside AAA International license is required.

Per Italian law, those under 21 can only drive a motorcycle with 33HP (25KW).

It is advisable to maintain your US bank accounts until you become familiar with options available at Aviano. You may also want to bring along the web addresses and have your bank set you up with the ability to bank electronically. Aviano has three banks available on base. Currently, there is one Italian banking facility, Friuladria and two American banks, Global Credit Union and Community Bank. Aviano has several Automatic Teller Machines. It is recommended that you contact your current bank about the fees and accessibility prior to your departure.

Privately Owned Firearms (POF)

POF includes any weapons that is designed for or can be readily converted to be used for attack, defense, sports, games or hunting by driving a projectile through the barrel. This includes air pistols, air rifles and firing replicas of antique firearms. Additionally, it includes spring-opening knives, fixed bowie knives, straight-edge razors, brass knuckles, blackjack devices, cans with sharpened points, pipes, chains, slings, metal spheres, and any other like weapon which may be used for offending a person is forbidden. Italian law states that pocket knives may be carried, but the blade must not exceed two inches in length. Anybody looking for a gun can buy a 9mm Semi Automatic Rifle Online for hunting or even self defense.

Services Organized by Geographic Area

Aviano AB is unique as it is divided into many different areas. If you are arriving through Venice Marco Polo and will be staying in the TLF or dormitories, then you want to come to Area F (the flightline). See below for the listing of how the support areas are divided up.

Area 1:

ATM Shoppette
Bowling Center
Chapel
Child Development Center
Community Bank
Community Center
Cyber Café
DoDDS School
Education Center
Furniture Store
Garden Store
Hospital and Dental Clinic
ITT (tours/travel) & Group Study
Laundromat
Library
Mental Health/Family Advocacy
Military Clothing Sales
Mini Mall
Pool
Project Care Co-op
Universities and Colleges
Youth Center/Teen Center

Area 2:

Airmen’s Attic
Airmen Leadership School (ALS)
American Red Cross
Buon Appetitio Dining Facility
DAPS
Dormitories
First Term Airmen’s Center
Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Bldg
Thrift Store

Area C:

Civil Engineering Complex
Self Help Store

Area F:

Airman & Family Readiness Center
ATM (near bank/BX area)
AMC Terminal
Arts and Crafts Skills Center
Auto Skills Center
Base Exchange
Chapel Offices
Child Development Center
Commissary
Eurocar (Rental Car)
Global Credit Union
Home Fuels
Italian Bank (Banco Popolare)
LaBella Vista Collocated Club
Legal Office
Lodging Office
MPF (Military Personnel Flight)
Pass and Registration
Post Office
Shoppette
SATO Flight Reservations
Theater
TMO
Vehicle Inspections
Vet Clinic
WICO (Women Infants & Children Overseas)
Wing Headquarters

Area D:

Picnic Area

Area E:

Contracting Squadron
AFN (American Forces Radio Network)
Carabinieri (Italian Police)
CPO
OSI

Industrial Area (Off Base-in Aviano):

Transcar (Vehicle Pick-up)