Minister Nufi to the Air Force: “You are the backbone of the Armed Forces”

Published: Monday, 14 September 2026 13:04

 Lieutenant Colonel Bedri Kaloshi assumed command of Farkë Air Base today, succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi.

The change-of-command ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Ermal Nufi; Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji; Commander of the Air Force, Brigadier General Edmond Voci; and military and civilian personnel of the Air Base.

Minister Nufi praised the commitment demonstrated by Air Force personnel in responding to wildfires and civil emergencies:

“Behind these operations are people who serve their homeland, their communities and the Albanian people, protecting them from natural disasters. This is what fulfilling the mission truly means,” the Minister said.

“These are the people whom communities were desperately waiting for at four or five in the morning—in Krujë, in Himara and in Levan—saying: ‘God, when will morning come so that the helicopter can arrive?’ My deepest gratitude goes to all of you, to the entire Air Force and to every member of its personnel,” Minister Nufi told those present.

Minister Nufi thanked Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi for his 20 years of service, particularly for his leadership of Farkë Air Base. He congratulated the incoming commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bedri Kaloshi, on his new appointment and called on him to continue the excellent work carried out thus far by the entire personnel of Farkë Air Base.