Cervia Air Base

Cervia Air Base is an Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) facility located in northern Italy, six kilometers southwest of Cervia in the province of Ravenna. During World War II, the airfield supported Allied operations, hosting the United States Army Air Force 79th Fighter Group from March to July 1945. This unit operated P-47 Thunderbolts from the site. Additionally, the Royal Air Force 112 Squadron utilized the base between February and May 1945, and the South African Air Force 15 Squadron operated there from December 1944 to May 1945.

In the post-war era, the base served as the station for the 5th Fighter Wing, which operated leased Lockheed Martin F-16 Falcons. Following the return of these aircraft to the United States and the disbandment of the 5th Fighter Wing, the 1st Special Air Brigade relocated to the installation. The base currently houses the 15th CSAR Wing, the Italian Air Force’s combat search and rescue unit.

As a NATO air base, the facility hosts aircraft from other NATO member nations on a routine basis. The infrastructure includes an asphalt runway and facilities supporting the 1st Special Air Brigade and the 15th CSAR Wing.