NIRFC

Search our content

Home  /  Newsroom  /  News 2026  /  NISRF marks Aviation Safety Day 2026 at Sigonella

 Mar 20 2026

NISRF marks Aviation Safety Day 2026 at Sigonella

SIGONELLA, Italy - The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) held its Aviation Safety Day 2026 at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, bringing together personnel from across the Force to reinforce one of the most critical pillars of operations: safety.

The event provided an opportunity to pause, reflect and refocus on the practices and mindset that ensure NISRF remains mission-ready every day. Through briefings, discussions and exchanges with subject matter experts, participants strengthened their understanding of aviation safety and risk management in a dynamic operational environment. 

Safety is not a checklist. It’s a mindset. It’s something we build together, every day, in every hangar, on every shift, on every mission.

Aviation safety at NISRF is not confined to a single office or function. It is a shared responsibility across all roles and specialties - from flight operations and maintenance to intelligence and support functions. Events like Aviation Safety Day serve as a reminder that a strong safety culture is built collectively and sustained through daily actions. 

In his opening remarks, Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander NISRF, highlighted the importance of maintaining this mindset across all activities:

“Safety is not a checklist. It’s a mindset. It’s something we build together, every day, in every hangar, on every shift, on every mission.”. 

He emphasized that safety underpins every aspect of the Force’s work and is essential to maintaining operational effectiveness as NISRF continues to progress toward its future goals. 

The event also benefited from the support of the Italian Air Force firefighters at Sigonella, whose expertise and presence contributed to the overall success of the day and underlined the importance of strong cooperation with host nation partners.

As NISRF looks ahead to a demanding year, Aviation Safety Day reaffirmed a clear message: maintaining a strong safety culture is fundamental to protecting personnel, safeguarding assets and ensuring the continued delivery of ISR capabilities for the Alliance.

Story by NISRF Public Affairs Office

NISRF personnel listen to Aviation Safety Day briefings in Hangar 201, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety.
An RQ-4D Phoenix on the NISRF flightline during an Aviation Safety Day exercise, supported by Italian Air Force firefighters.
An Italian Air Force firefighting vehicle on the NISRF flightline during Aviation Safety Day, supporting safety training activities.

Search our content:

Address

NATO ISR Force
at Base Aeronautica Militare Sigonella
Strada Provinciale 69ii, snc
96016, Lentini (SR), Italy

Postal Address

NISRF Public Affairs Office
at Base Aeronautica Militare Sigonella
Strada Provinciale 69ii, snc
95121, Piano D'Arci (CT), Italy

Animation Text
Ok