The Air Force WING marked 10 June – Day of the Unit with a formal military ceremony held at barracks “Strasho Pindzur” in Petrovec. The date symbolically commemorates the first military flight in the history of the Army in 1992 and today it represents the institutional hallmark of the Army’s military aviation.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Admir Shabani, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Major General Azim Nuredin, the Commander of the Operations Command, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff of the Army and the Operations Command, former commanders of the Air Force WING, representatives of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps, representatives of the local government, as well as numerous guests and associates of the unit.
The Commander of the Operations Command, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski, congratulated the members of the Air Force WING on the occasion of the unit’s day, emphasizing that “thanks to your dedication, the WING today represents a key asset and an exceptionally important factor within the national and collective security system.” He further stated that the WING will undergo modernization and equipping with the most sophisticated combat systems and equipment, which will significantly enhance the unit’s operational capabilities, mobility, and combat readiness.
In his remarks, the Commander of the Air Force WING, Colonel Dragan Pavlovski, reflected on the unit’s achievements and development over the past period, highlighting that the WING remains firmly committed to advancing its capabilities, fulfilling national and allied obligations, and developing its personnel as the unit’s most valuable resource. He emphasized that the successful implementation of current and future projects and initiatives will require the support of every officer, non-commissioned officer, soldier, and civilian employee in meeting assigned responsibilities and achieving further progress in the development of the Army’s Air Force.
As part of the ceremony, awards and incentive measures were presented to personnel who distinguished themselves through their work, achievements, and professionalism in the execution of assigned tasks thus making a significant contribution to the functioning and development of the unit.
The programme included a flyover by aircraft from the Air Force WING, as well as flyovers by F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the Italian Air Force, conducted as part of regular regional air policing activities.
During the ceremony, the first combat flag of the Air Surveillance and Reporting Battalion was ceremonially presented. On this occasion, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, formally handed over the military flag to the battalion commander. This act symbolizes trust, responsibility, and dedication in the execution of the unit’s mission and confirms the battalion’s importance within the system of command, control, and aviation support.
Additionally, the Defense Attaché of the United States of America, Colonel Daniel Squires, presented a recognition awarded by the United States Air Force to the Commander of the Air Force WING, Colonel Dragan Pavlovski. The recognition was awarded in acknowledgement of attaining the highest military leadership position within military aviation.
In the days leading up to the marking of Day of the Unit, a number of sporting, humanitarian, and commemorative activities were conducted. Members of the Air Force WING organized a blood donation and humanitarian campaign, sports competitions, and laid fresh flowers in honor of the unit’s members who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying tribute to their service, sacrifice, and contribution to the development of military aviation.
