A military ceremony was held at the “NH Strasho Pindjur” barracks in Petrovec to mark the change of command of the Air Force VING (AF VING).
Colonel Dragan Pavlovski took over the position of Commander of the AF VING from the outgoing commander, Colonel Igorcho Stoimenovski. The handover ceremony took place in front of the unit’s assembled personnel and attending guests. Speeches were given by the Commander of the Operations Command (OC), Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski, the outgoing commander Colonel Igorcho Stoimenovski, and the incoming commander, Colonel Dragan Pavlovski.
Brigadier General Gjorgoski emphasized that the ceremony on the occasion of the duty handover remains engraved in the memory and the history of the AF Ving and the Army. He pointed out that leading this unit is a great honor, but an even greater responsibility, as its members are a true guarantee for the sovereignty of our skies. Brigadier General Gjorgoski expressed his appreciation to Colonel Stoimenovski for the demonstrated leadership and significant contribution to the development of the AF Ving, wishing him much success in his new duty. He wished Colonel Pavlovski, as a proven professional, to continue on the path of the unit’s success and further strengthening its combat readiness. He encouraged him to be an example with personal commitment and impeccable performance of tasks, emphasizing that he has the full support of his superior command.
In his address, Colonel Stoimenovski highlighted that thanks to all the dedicated professionals who recognized the vision for the unit’s development, he could proudly stand before the formation and affirm that the unit is successfully preparing for the current modernization processes. He used this opportunity to personally thank all superiors for their selfless support, as well as all subordinates for their dedication. He congratulated Colonel Pavlovski on his new position and wished him great success in his work.
Colonel Pavlovski thanked everyone who enriched today’s ceremony with their presence. He emphasized that the role of commander of the AF VING is a great honor, but also a continuing challenge. He confirmed that he will strive to improve the living and working conditions in the unit, expressing confidence that there will be fruitful cooperation with everyone and that with maximum engagement, the set goals will be achieved. At the same time, he thanked Colonel Stoimenovski for the cooperation so far, as well as his superiors for the trust and support shown.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski; Commander of the Operations Command, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski; Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Brigadier General Lulzim Nuredini; Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Dejan Chiplakovski; the Operations Command senior personnel; former AF VING commanders; commanders of units within the Operations Command; and other guests.
