63rd anniversary of the Air Force

: Published: Thursday, 24 April 2014 15:40

At the Farka Air Base, it was held today a festive ceremony, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Albanian Combat Aviation establishment (Air Force today). In the event attended Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Dritan Hila, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, Forces’ commanders, defence attachés accredited to our country, directors of departments in the Ministry of Defence and General Staff, veterans, families of martyrs of Aviation, Air Force militaries, as well as other guests.

The opening speech was held by Air Force Commander, Brigadier General Frederik Beltoja.

The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, in his speech said that, in the path the Albanian Armed Forces creation, an important place is occupied by the Albanian Aviation. The efforts and sacrifices of hundreds of militaries of this force to accomplish the performed duties, have laid solid foundation for further advancement, to preserve the best traditions, to carry forward the achievements of the ancestors, and achieve the transformation and modernization of this force according to the parameters required by membership in NATO. The Air Force modernization with Western technology, training of technicians and pilots in these schools had further continued changing the image and vision of this force. The purchase of “Cougar” helicopters, three of whom are now part of the force, makes the Air Force’s flying personnel able to operate with the same standards and manuals as other NATO Air Forces. Major General Bazo praised the valuable contribution of the veterans to the Aviation, who with their precious work have laid solid foundation for the consolidation and modernization of the Albanian Air Force. “Special respect and gratitude to the Martyrs of the Aviation, who with their dedication and sacrifice, are a source of inspiration how we should serve Homeland”, stated the Chief of General Staff, Major General Bazo.

At the conclusion of this activity, Deputy Defence Minister Hila, Major General Bazo and the other participants attended an aerial demonstration prepared by the pilots of Farka Air Base, with the participation of EC-145, Cougar, AB-205 and BO-105 helicopters.

The Albanian Combat Aviation was established on April 24, 1951 and has grown and empowered over the years in accordance with the mission and duties. In these 63 years of Aviation, tens of hundreds of pilots, skilled technicians and talented militaries have served, making this force well-known and the pride of the whole country, while 36 of them have fallen in the line of duty. They are today Martyrs of Homeland, resting at the Cemetery of Martyrs. With the changes occurring with in the Armed Forces, it was admitted as necessity the modernization and replacement of eastern technology with western one. The Air Force currently focuses more on helicopters, mainly for search and rescue (SAR) operation, transportation of wounded and troops. The Air Force contributes to humanitarian operations to help people in need, transportation of sick people, helping the community during floods, snow, etc.

The Air Force aims the increasing of operational capabilities in order to develop combat and non-combat operations and be interoperable with NATO allied armies. In 2001, the first helicopters AB-206, and later AB-205, BO-105, EC-145 and recently, three multifunctional Cougar helicopters have become part of the Air Force, while the personnel is certified in Western academies.