TIRANA, January 17 /ATA/ “Teamwork in action at Tirana International Airport. 106th Rescue Wing trained with Albanian Air Force helicopters during an expeditionary refueling exercise, strengthening the skills that keep NATO forces ready for any mission. This practical training strengthens interoperability, improves rapid response in times of crisis, and demonstrates the close partnership between the United States and Albania. Together, we are building a more combat-ready NATO”, wrote the US embassy in its Facebook page.
Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu shared moments from this exercise, assessed that, “The close partnership with the United States opens new opportunities for the operational training of our troops, immediate response in times of crisis and coordinated interaction with the allies on the ground”.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bloom, commander of the HC-130J Combat King helicopter, said that for the American forces this was the first time they carried out a refueling operation in a forward area.
Albanian Armed Forces were absolutely professional and we were really lucky to work with them, said Bloom.
Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi, commander of the Farka Air Force, said that if the mission does not allow much time for waiting, the Air Force lands and supplies without stop and goes back to the area of operations.
“This supports the operations of our troops and is an important step in cooperation with our allies, especially the American ally. If one day, we find ourselves in the same combat zone, we can absolutely carry out this mission”, Buzi affirmed.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Fabio Bardho, crew commander of the UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter, underlined that the American partners have always been very cooperative with the Albanian Air Force.
“This exercise has served to increase our piloting skills and to be ready as soon as possible for combat operations that may occur on the battlefield”, he said. /e.i/j.p/p.s./
