20th anniversary of the Air Force and Air Defence
The celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence took place in the 91st Air Force Base on Pleso, December 12.
Besides the members of the Air Force and Air Defence, the central ceremony was attended by many guests, including Croatian President and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipovic, Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic, Representative of the Chief of General Staff Rear Admiral Zdenko Simicic and other officials of the MOD and CAF, representatives of local authorities, veterans’ associations from the Homeland War, former Air Force and Air Defence members, and family members of fallen soldiers.
The ceremony began by shortly presenting the history of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence followed by addresses of officials to aligned service members.
Croatian President Ivo Josipovic highlighted an immeasurable contribution of the Air Force and Air Defence in defending the Homeland. Then the Air Force and Air Defence protected our skies and stood up against aggression. The President further expressed the belief that the Air Force and Air Defence would contribute to goals and interests of Croatia in the future as well.
Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic said that aviators greatly contributed with their work to Croatia’s accession to Euro-Atlantic family. Besides the fact that it is technically very demanding service, its main strengths are its employees, Bozinovic concluded.
Envoy of the Chief of General Staff Rear Admiral Zdenko Simicic besides the fundamental tasks of the Air Force and Air Defence spoke about their participation in international missions such as KFOR and ISAF. Admiral Simicic also noted the supported to the civil community, organizations and institutions, which today would be unthinkable without the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence.
The Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence, Brigadier General Drazen Scuri said that the Air Force and Air Defence was only one of the civilization legacies of a free and independent Croatia. “We have the enthusiasm, we believe in our capabilities. In addition, we have a debt to the fallen soldiers and those who created the Air Force. That is preservation, strengthening and further developing of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence”.
The central part of marking the 20th anniversary of the Air Force and Air Defence completed by awarding medals, commendations and awards to deserving units and service staff, and by musical program performed by Sveti Juraj Navy Band.
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