The exercises began in 1993, formerly called Peace Shield, in order to assist the very young former Soviet state of Ukraine to join the United Nations. This year the Rapid Trident exercise involves 1,650 service members from 15 allied and partner nations across several locations in Ukraine. For the Airmen here in Starokonstantinov, training on the airbase begins with a week of situational training, classroom preparation, and hands-on aircraft familiarization, focusing on logistics planning and preparation. The training will then progress next week to real-time aeromedical evacuation flights, a tactical airdrop over a drop zone with actual supplies being delivered, and the dropping of 125 Ukrainian, Lithuanian and Polish paratroopers from the 146th Airlift Wing’s C-130J.
The small town of Starokonstantinov is home to the Ukrainian armed forces airfield where the California troops landed, and where the training will be taking place. The airmen arrived in town and were greeted with a warm reception hosted by the mayor and senior military members from the airfield. Several of the town’s best local performers were there to sing and dance to traditional Ukrainian songs.
"The opening ceremony was an amazing experience,” said Maj. Todd Morgan, Project Officer for the USAFE portion of Rapid Trident 17. “The singing was absolutely phenomenal. You could feel the pride that everyone had for their city and their country, and we were all cheering along with them.
“We look forward to accomplishing several very valuable airlift training events alongside our Ukrainian partners in these next two weeks, and to deepen the working relationship shared with the California National Guard and Ukraine.”