Tactical Air Force (GAF) Wing 31

• Foundation and Naming: Tactical Air Force Wing 31 (Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 „Boelcke“) was founded in 1958, making it one of the oldest operational jet wings of the modern German Air Force (Luftwaffe). • Named After a WWI Ace: The wing is named "Boelcke" in honor of Oswald Boelcke, a pioneering German World War I fighter ace and tactician, often regarded as the father of air combat tactics. • First Jet Fighter Unit: It was the first Luftwaffe unit to be equipped with the F-104 Starfighter, introducing supersonic jet capability to the postwar German Air Force. • International Deployments: Wing 31 has participated in numerous NATO exercises and deployments, including Baltic Air Policing missions and operations in Afghanistan (ISAF). • Transition to Eurofighter: In 2009, the wing became the first operational unit in Germany to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon, marking a significant leap in capability. • Base Location: The wing is based at Nörvenich Air Base, near Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia, strategically important for the defense of Western Germany. • Cold War Duties: During the Cold War, Wing 31 was a frontline defense unit, tasked with the rapid interception of Warsaw Pact aircraft and nuclear strike missions. • Historic Aircraft Operated: Over its history, the wing has flown several iconic aircraft, including the F-84F Thunderstreak, F-104G Starfighter, Panavia Tornado, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. • Safety and Tragedy: Like many Starfighter units, Wing 31 experienced several accidents during the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting the high-risk nature of early supersonic jet operations. • Modern Multi-role Capabilities: Today, as part of Germany's NATO commitments, Wing 31 operates with a focus on both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, upholding its long tradition of tactical excellence.