Serbian delegation visits Aviano

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Baysmore
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  A delegation of Serbian military officers and the defense advisor to the Serbian president Boris Tadic visited the World's Finest Sunday and Monday.

The Serbians were here as allies observing the 31st Fighter Wing's organization and readiness while strengthening international relations for the first time since the two faced off in Operation Allied Force over Yugoslavia in 1999.

"This is a 'return' visit because some of your F-16 pilots visited Belgrade [Serbia,] in June," said Mr. Bojan Dimitrijevic, the Serbian president's defense advisor.

"We're building cooperation with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-seven years after the war. It's a huge step for both of us because former enemies are again friends."

Capt. Brian Perkins, 31st Operations Support Squadron scheduling officer, agreed. He piloted one of the first two F-16s to fly into Serbia on a visit.

"We flew to Serbia not knowing what to expect, but after we landed, we discovered the Serbians were open and genuine people - we wanted to stay longer," he said. "We also met some of their pilots and asked about their aircraft, but all it takes is one joke and we all realized that we're all about the same."

Captain Perkins said the trip was special because two Serbian air force MiG-21s flew to intercept them and then joined their formation.

Mr. Dimitrijevic said the Serbian air force, which 15 years ago was one of the leading air forces in the Balkans, is in transition now. The Serbian air force is recovering from the loss of 70 percent of its infrastructure and about 150 aircraft during Operation Allied Force.

The one-time military conscript who spent time 20 years ago as a soldier guarding the border added that the trip to Aviano will help boost their air force's morale.

"Our air force was up-to-date in '91, but after 15 years and wars, we're trying to catch up," he said. "Right now, we have three to five pilots per each airworthy plane, and we need to overhaul our infrastructure."

Captain Perkins added that even though the 510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards" were the designated hosts of the trip, his involvement was personal.

"We wanted to return the favor [after our visit to their Serbian base,]" he said.
During the visit, the older Serbian pilots logged flight time on the simulators while the younger Serbian air force pilots gained experience by riding in an Aviano Viper.

"It was amazing, and I'm still thinking of it," said Serbian air force Capt. Nenad Milojevic who flew Monday. "Watching the afterburner on takeoff was impressive."

Captain Milojevic added that he enjoyed the trip because it helps foster good relations.
"Pilots around the world are the same - we understand each other," he said. "It was good to put aside politics and aim for the future. It's the first step to improve on and continue our relationship."

Mr. Dimitrijevic said he hopes the cooperation between both countries increases.
"I hope our cooperation will continue through training and exchanging of troops," he said. "The whole world is ours - meaning yours and mine."