National Military Aviation Marks 20th Anniversary

CHISINAU, May 27, 2012 — The President of the Republic of Moldova, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Nicolae Timofti, attended Sunday, May 27, the 20^th anniversary ceremony of Decebal Air Base.

The Supreme Commander congratulated all the military aviation personnel and wished them to have always a clear sky during their activity. The President made a tour of the army aircrafts, including MIG-29 fighter aircrafts.

During the event dedicated to Decebal Air Base anniversary, flights were demonstrated by An-2, IAK-18T, Festival R — 40F and Sting aicrafts. The air show also included some techniques demonstrated by Fulger Special Operations Battalion. They boarded an aircraft and parachuted from an altitude of over 1500 meters.

The guests of the event had the possibility to appreciate the static presentation of the aviation technical equipment such as: MiG-29, An-2, IAK-18T, An-26, An-30, Festival R-40F, Sting, Becas and Mi-2, Mi-8 and R-44 helicopters. The audience also familiarized with the conscripts’ living conditions, the unit chapel. At the end, the participants tasted some soldier’s porridge.

Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta stated the human resources are the most valuable thing of the Air Base and the experience of the flight personnel is highly appreciated within missions of high responsibility at the international level.

“The Air Base is an important component of the national defense system and marks a significant page in the history of aeronautics in the Republic of Moldova. I would like to point out that four National Army helicopters are engaged in UN-led missions in Afghanistan, where different non-combatant transportation missions, human assistance, evacuation and logistics supply missions are carried out”, the Defense Minister stated.

Decebal Air Base was established May 29, 1992, based on Air Regiment 86 of the Soviet Union through the Republic of Moldova President decree.