ANG, USAFE leaders visit Safe Skies 2011

  • Published
  • By Maj. Matthew T. Mutti
  • Safe Skies 2011 Public Affairs
MIRGOROD AIR BASE, Ukraine --  Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, opened its doors to the media and a few key military leaders July 22 to highlight the achievements and historic significance of Safe Skies 2011.

The event is tied to the U.S. National Guard's State Partnership Program which partners U.S. states and territories with foreign nations, enhancing collaboration and communication, helping to achieve shared objectives. Its goal is to improve and increase the Ukrainian and Polish air forces' ability to provide airspace defense during significant sporting events and foster an environment of collaboration.

Safe Skies 2011 is a 14-day multinational aerial event including fighter aircraft from Ukraine, Poland, and the U.S. This event provides the joint-nation team the opportunity to conduct air sovereignty operations training in preparation for the EURO Cup 2012. This event is the first of its kind in this region and the first time Air Guard fighters have flown out of Ukraine.

The military officials that attended included the Lt. Gen. Serhiy Onyschenko, Ukrainian air force commander; Maj. Gen. Paul Brown, Ala. Air National Guard commander; Maj. Gen. Don Ralph, Mobilization Assistant to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov, Ukrainian air force deputy commander.

During the opening remarks, Brown said, "This historic event is truly the collaborative model that the United States of America will look to duplicate throughout Europe and perhaps the world.

"I've been so impressed by how easily the Air Guard team has integrated with the Ukrainian air force," Brown said. "This team of Air Guard members has been able to both work together amongst the five states represented, but also excel within this joint-country event ... this event truly highlights the relevance and strength of the Air Guard."

The planning for Safe Skies began nearly two years ago, through collaboration with the California National Guard and the U.S. European Command. The State Partnership Program was the foundation on which this event was built.

"This program is all about building relationships," Ralph said. "We are learning how to build a team, a team that can better protect the airspace in Eastern Europe, and also collaborate on future endeavors. "

The four Generals were able to meet and discuss the importance of this collaboration as it pertains to the future and how significant it is considering the countries' past relationships.

During his visit, Ralph was given the opportunity to fly in an SU-27 and Onyschenko was granted the opportunity to fly in an F-16D Fighting Falcon. These rides demonstrated that this collaboration is not just shared at the junior officer and enlisted level, but senior commanders are also sharing experiences and developing a friendship over the common language of air defense.

Safe Skies concludes at the end of July, with more than 50 scheduled air intercepts to occur throughout Ukrainian and Polish airspace. These events have already provided a tremendous opportunity for learning and collaboration, and with an additional week of flying-missions scheduled, has already proven a great success.