Photo By Maj. Matthew Mutti | Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov and Lt. Gen. Don Ralph Nikiforov sit in a Ukrainian SU-27...... read more read more
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MIRGOROD AIR BASE, Ukraine – Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine opened its doors to the media and a few key military leaders July 22, highlighting the achievements and historic significance of SAFE SKIES 2011.
The military officials that attended included the Commander of the Ukrainian air force, Lt. Gen. Serhiy Onyschenko, the Commander of the Alabama Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Paul Brown, the Mobilization Assistant to the United States Air Forces in Europe, Maj. General Don Ralph, and the Deputy Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov.
SAFE SKIES 2011 is a 14-day multinational aerial event including fighter aircraft from Ukraine, Poland, and the United States. This event provides the joint-nation team the opportunity to conduct air sovereignty operations training in preparation for the EUROCup 2012. This event is the first of its kind in this region and the first time Air National Guard fighters have flown out of Ukraine.
During the opening remarks, Gen. Brown shared “… This historic event is truly the collaborative model that the United States of America will look to duplicate throughout Europe and perhaps the world.” This event is tied to the U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program; the U.S. states and territories have partnered with foreign nations, enhancing collaboration and communication, helping to achieve shared objectives. This event’s goal is to improve and increase the Ukrainian and Polish Air Forces’ ability to provide airspace defense during significant sporting events and foster an environment of collaboration.
“I’ve been so impressed by how easily the Air Guard team has integrated with the Ukrainian air force,” said Gen. Brown. “This team of Air Guard members has been able to both work together amongst the 5 states represented, but also excel within this joint-country event … this event truly highlights the relevance and strength of the Air Guard.”
The planning for SAFE SKIES began nearly 2 years ago, through collaboration with the California National Guard and the United States European Command. The State Partnership program was the foundation on which this event was built.
“This program is all about building relationships,” said Maj. Gen Ralph. “We are learning how to build a team … a team that can better protect the airspace in Eastern Europe, and also collaborate on future endeavors. “
The four generals were able to meet and discuss the importance of this collaboration as it pertains to the future and how significant it is considering the countries’ past relationships.
During his visit, Gen. Ralph was given an opportunity to fly in an SU-27 and Gen. Onyschenko was granted an opportunity to fly in an F-16D. These rides demonstrated that this collaboration is not just shared at the junior officer and enlisted level, but senior commanders are sharing experiences and developing a friendship over the common language of air defense.
SAFE SKIES concludes at the end of the month, with more than 50 scheduled air intercepts to occur throughout Ukrainian and Polish airspace. These events have already provided a tremendous opportunity for learning and collaboration, and with an additional week of flying-missions scheduled, has already proven a great success.
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2011 07:43 |
| Story ID: | 74203 |
| Location: | MIRGOROD AIR BASE, UA |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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