Someone has got some explaining to do at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
And when the 31st Security Forces Squadron and the Italian national military police, get a hold of them, they might be in a lot of trouble.
Pilots at the base have reported that small lasers have been directed into aircraft on approach and take off from the base on several occasions, according to a press release from the base. The lasers are not only a visual distraction for pilots, but apparently can cause irreparable harm to a pilot’s vision, according to 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron physiologist Capt. Chris Reichlen.
The 31st Security Forces Squadron and the Italian Carabinieri are investigating who the culprits might be.
“While our security forces airmen have limited jurisdiction off base, we have a very close working relationship with the Italian Carabinieri who are investigating these situations,” 31st SFS operations officer Capt. Gregory DeGruchy said in a press release. “Both our organizations are staying vigilant to ensure this sort of action is swiftly countered by increased host nation efforts.”
The offenders could face prosecution under U.S. federal or military law, or under Italian law, according to the press release.
