By Maj. Matthew T. Mutti
SAFE SKIES 2011
MIRGOROD AIR BASE, Ukraine - SAFE SKIES 2011 came to a close today, at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, after twelve days of successful flying.
Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov, deputy commander of the Ukrainian air force, addressed 130 Air National guardsmen as they proudly stood in formation on the ramp at Mirgorod Air Base. Across from the U.S. airmen, stood nearly 200 Ukrainian Airmen who participated in SAFE SKIES 2011.
SAFE SKIES was a multinational aerial event designed to provide a unique opportunity for Ukrainian, Polish and American Air Forces to fly together to help prepare the Polish and Ukrainians for enhanced air supremacy and air sovereignty operations. Through the State Partnership Program, the California Air National Guard began planning this event in 2009.
Air National Guard F-16C/D aircraft flew intercept missions with Ukrainian MIG-29 and SU-27 aircraft as well as Polish F-16s. The goal was to collaborate and share experiences on providing air sovereignty as Ukraine prepares to host the EUROCup in 2012. In the U.S., defending the country from any air borne threats is one of the nation’s highest priorities. Likewise, airspace defense is a common goal throughout Europe. This event was designed to foster improved communication and collaboration for this common goal.
Nikiforov opened the event by thanking all the participants for all their hard work, ensuring a successful engagement. “We have been completely successful in our mission, said Nikiforov through a translator. “We have accomplished this historic event, and developed lasting friendships.”
The men and women of the Air National Guard provided invaluable training opportunities for the Polish and Ukrainian air forces by completing nearly 122 intercept missions. The U.S. pilots would participate in scenarios to exercise the Ukrainian and Polish command and control structure. Within the scenarios the U.S. aircraft would operate as if they were distressed, hijacked, lost or flying in a simulated restricted airspace. The Ukrainian and Polish forces would respond accordingly and mitigate the potential airborne threat.
These types of exercises are completed regularly within the U.S. airspace. Controlled by First Air Force and NORAD, U.S. fighters aircraft sit on alter around the clock, a key component of the Air Guard’s homeland defense mission. During SAFE SKIES the Air National Guard team was able to share from their experienced and provide keen insight to our European Partners.
“Through the hard work of these Air National Guard members, we were able to fly 61 sorties during this event,” said. Col. Scott Patten, 187th Fighter Wing Commander. “We were able to provide critical insight into air sovereignty operations; promoting safe skies for the 2012 EUROCup.”
airmen from throughout the U.S. participated in this event, representing the Guard in Alabama, California, Massachusetts, Washington and Wisconsin. These airmen worked within their 30 different specialties to collaborate on the shared goal of airspace defense.
“We have all gained from this experience,” said Master Sgt. David Betts, first sergeant from Alabama Air National Guard and SAFE SKIES first sergeant. “The success of this event can be seen in the friendships we have forged and the lines of communication we have opened.”