19th anniversary of Croatian Air Force and Air Defence

The ceremony was attended by senior government and military officials, led by Defence Minister Branko Vukelic, envoy of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zlatko Gareljic and Deputy Chief of General Staff Admiral Zdenko Simicic. Among the guests were former commanders and other employees of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence, representatives of the Military Ordinary, military-diplomatic corps, local government, veterans’ associations and members of the family of the Air Force and Air Defence members killed in the Homeland war.
During the central part of the ceremony the report to the defence minister was given by the Air Force and Air Defence Commander, Major General Vlado Bagaric, who then delivered a speech on the history of the service. Speaking about the current time, the general recalled that the fundamental task of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence was safeguarding sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia, its airspace, but also to use its resources to benefit the civilian community.
Congratulating on behalf of the Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Simicic expressed satisfaction with the results of the Air Force and Air Defence achieved in carrying out their tasks, and in creating a modern air force that can meet the current demands.
Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia Zlatko Gareljic in his address pointed out that the safety of citizens, society and the state was a requirement of the Croatian development. In achieving this security, a very important role has the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence, therefore, maintenance of a modern air force is an imperative.
Defence Minister Vukelic reminded on the fact that this anniversary coincides with the centennial anniversary of aviation in Croatia. As the most important period during those years, the Minister marked the Homeland War. “We will always be grateful to Croatian heroes of the sky”, Minister said and particularly mentioned the contribution that the Air Force and Air Defence gives to NATO in international peacekeeping operations, and in assisting the civilian population through fire-fighting and medical flights. Speaking about the future and modernization projects and equipment, the minister stressed that “the Croatian sky and Croatian air space will never stay without quality control and protection”.
After the central ceremony, a delivery of promotions, awards and praise followed to the most deserving members of the Air Force and Air Defence. Chief of Staff of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence Ivan Konc was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Also, 5 majors to colonels, 6 captains to majors and 10 second lieutenants to the rank of first lieutenant were promoted.