The first international training for Air Force

: Published: Tuesday, 25 April 2017 11:32

A crew of a Cougar "Air Force" helicopter flew to Germany to take part in the "Saber Junction 17" multinational training, led by the United States.

Defence Minister, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Brigadier General Dedë Prenga, Commander of the Air Force Brigadier General Vladimir Avdiaj, Force Commanders, Military Attachés in our Country and ex-pilots were present to see the pilots and board technicians off to the first out of the country training, which coincides with the 66th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Air Force.

The Air Force Commander Brigadier General Vladimir Avdiaj praised the participation of the Albanian crew in this international training, which, as he said, "shows the professional growth and professional maturity of our crews and the acquisition on their side of the Alliance's most advanced standards."

On her behalf, Defence Minister Mrs, Mimi Kodheli expressed her pride for the Air Force from the day of establishment until today, the depart of “our 'Cougar' eagles” to participate for the first time in a training taking place abroad”.

Minister Kodheli congratulated all the pilots and ex - pilots for the 66th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Albania’s Air Force, and mentioned the missions where the Air Force will participate, thanking those who made possible the Albania's participation on such missions. "I want to express my highest appreciation and respect for the efforts, sacrifices, courage, sweat and blood poured for the success of the Air Force in fulfilling the mission and tasks laid down. That’s why, today, I express my gratitude to all generations of militaries, who have worked or continue to work with the same dedication, with the same sacrifice, with the same self - devotion. Pilots flying to Germany will rise to capture new altitudes of success and achievements by participating in two important trainings 'Saber Junction 17' and 'Combined Resolve VIII', joining our strategic allies, American forces, within the framework of bilateral military cooperation between our countries. I thank the US Office of Defense Cooperation and the US Defense Attaché in Tirana for the accomplishment of this participation", said Kodheli, who brought to attention that the Air Force's participation in these trainings abroad comes after the increase of presence and the contribution of the Army and Marine Force in international missions.

Participation in the "Saber Junction 17" serves directly to the accomplishment of the Albanian obligations towards Alliance, to make available in the future, in full readiness, two Cougar helicopters for the participation on NATO operations