02.08.2016.

Aviation Day marked in Air Force Brigades of the Serbian Armed Forces

Members of the 204th and 98th Aviation Brigades have solemnly celebrated the Aviation Day and patron-saint day of airmen by military ceremonies at Batajnica and Ladjevci airports today.

The ceremony at the Batajnica airport was attended by Major General Ranko Zivak, Air Force and Air Defence Commander, with his associates, commanders of AF and AD units, retired commanders and former members of the 204th Aviation Brigade, representatives of local government, the Serbian Orthodox Church and other numerous guests and friends of the unit.

Major General Zivak pointed out that the development of our aviation has always been

conditioned by a series of social, historical, and scientific-technological factors that periodically and strongly supported the development directing it to new higher levels but, in the most difficult periods of our history, called into question its survival.

- As an extremely technical branch, aviation is synonymous with high serviceability, high level of technical and professional knowledge of its members, discipline in execution of flight assignments and dedication to profession. This requires continuous work, learning, training and sacrifice, both on simulators and in ranges on the ground and in the air, in airplanes and helicopters. After many years and decades of waiting for better times and continuous efforts to prevent the decline in the acquired skills, we are in the initial phase of an upward trend. In the year between two holidays, our air force got two new Mi17 transport helicopters, which have significantly increased our transport capacity and mobility of the forces. A number of our aircraft is under repair, and we expect 14 Lasta aircraft to be procured, which will significantly change the image of our air force. This shows that the state leadership has recognized the necessity of equipping our Air Force, but also that there is confidence in our professional expertise and knowledge – Major General Ranko Zivak said.

On the occasion of the 2nd August, the Aviation Day and St. Elias, the patron-saint day of the 204th Aviation Brigade, the ceremony of consecration of two new helicopters was held at Batajnica airport.

The ceremony at the Ladjevci airport was attended by Brigadier General Dusko Zarkovic, Deputy AF&AD Commander, heads of Raska and Morava administrative districts, Nebojsa Simovic and Slobodan Jolovic, respectively, Predrag Terzic, Mayor of Kraljevo, representatives of the units and institutions of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, local governments, Ministry of Interior, Serbian Ortodox Church and other institutions and organizations.

Brigadier General Dusko Zarkovic, Deputy AF&AD Commander, in his address, spoke

about the history of aviation in Serbia stressing that the heroic acts of pilots, patriotism and courage are inspiration for current and future generations of airmen to preserve and build the honour of the profession and love and defend the fatherland.

General Zarkovic commended the members of the aviation branch for the invested efforts and achievements in training, maintenance of the techniques and carrying out everyday tasks, while the most distinguished individuals were presented awards and prizes.

Members of the 98th Aviation Brigade conveniently marked the patron-saint day of aviators, and for the guests and citizens of Kraljevo static display of the materiel of the brigade was prepared.