A Iowa Air National Guard F-16 Fighter Aircarft take-off from Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine as Safe Skies 2011 comes to an end. Safe Skies is a military to military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to protect and manage regional air space and promote air security and stability as Ukraine and Poland prepare for EUROCup 2012. In the foreground an Air National Guard member watches the take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj, Matthew T. Mutti/released)
On July 30, 2011, an F-16 Fighter Aircraft from the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard,prepares for it's last take-off from Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine as Safe Skies 2011 comes to an end. Safe Skies is a military to military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to protect and manage regional air space and promote air security and stability as Ukraine and Poland prepare for EUROCup 2012. In the foreground an Air National Guard member watches the take-off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech.Sgt. Charles Vaughn/released)
On July 30, 2011, an F-16 Fighter Aircraft from the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard,takes-off for the final time at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine as Safe Skies 2011 comes to an end. Safe Skies is a military to military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to protect and manage regional air space and promote air security and stability as Ukraine and Poland prepare for EUROCup 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj, Matthew T. Mutti/released)
On July 30, 2011, an F-16 Fighter Aircraft from the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, taxis by a Ukrainian Mig-29 for the final time at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine as Safe Skies 2011 comes to an end. Safe Skies is a military to military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to protect and manage regional air space and promote air security and stability as Ukraine and Poland prepare for EUROCup 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by SMSgt Chris Drudge)
An Ukrainian SU-27 returns to Mirgorod Air Base from the final air intercept mission during SAFE SKIES 2011. SAFE SKIES is a multinational aerial event designed to provide a unique opportunity for Ukrainian, Polish and American Air Forces to fly together to help prepare the Polish and Ukrainians for enhanced air supremacy and air sovereignty operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn 144FW/PA)
An Ukrainian SU-27 departs Mirgorod Air Base for the final air intercept mission during SAFE SKIES 2011. SAFE SKIES is a multinational aerial event designed to provide a unique opportunity for Ukrainian, Polish and American Air Forces to fly together to help prepare the Polish and Ukrainians for enhanced air supremacy and air sovereignty operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn 144FW/PA)
Capt Richard Peace from the Alabama Air National Guard sits in the backseat of an SU-27 for an orientation ride during SAFE SKIES 2011. SAFE SKIES is a multinational aerial event designed to provide a unique opportunity for Ukrainian, Polish and American Air Forces to fly together to help prepare the Polish and Ukrainians for enhanced air supremacy and air sovereignty operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn 144FW/PA)
Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov, Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force stands with Col Scott Patten, 187th Fighter Wing Commander poses with the joint Ukraine-U.S. Air National Guard team at the conclusion of SAFE SKIES 2011 at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. SAFE SKIES is a multinational aerial event designed to provide a unique opportunity for Ukrainian, Polish and American Air Forces to fly together to help prepare the Polish and Ukrainians for enhanced air supremacy and air sovereignty operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti 104FW/CCE)
The National Guard State Partnership Program paired 144th Fighter Wing from Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, with Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. Through the program, and SAFE SKIES 2011, the 144th Fighter Wing has developed a strong bond with the former soviet bloc-country.
A massive yellow bus delivered us to the place we would call home for the next 17 days. ‘Resort’ was used to describe the hotel, but it more closely resembled a modest college dorm: two twin beds and a small refrigerator in the corner. Later the outlet that powered the refrigerator would be capitalized to run a small oscillating fan to generate a modest breeze of relief as Mirgorod reached 97 degrees.
Lt. Col. Kirk Toomey of the California Air National Guard sits in a planning meeting before the launch of an intercept mission during SAFE SKIES 2011. Safe Skies 2011 is a military-to-military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for Eurocup 2012. (U. S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Ukraine SU-27s fly with Air National Guard F-16s over the sunflower fields of Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011. Safe Skies 2011 is a military-to-military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for Eurocup 2012. (U. S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Members of the California and Alabama Air National Guards arrive at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine July 16 2011 to take part in Safe Skies 2011. Safe Skies 2011 is a military-to-military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for Eurocup 2012. (U. S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Master Sgt Lance Smith, a propulsion supervisor from the Alabama Air National Guard, carries a test set to work on an F-16 while assisting in SAFE SKIES 2011 at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Senior Master Sgt. Art Cano and Tech. Sgt. Miguel Hernandez from the California Air National Guard unload a Mississippi Air National Guard C-17 at Mirgorord Air Base during SAFE SKIES 2011. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
An Air National Guard F-16C performs a barrier test at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE / Released)
Maintenance crews from the California and Alabama Air National Guard replace an Air Data Controller on an F-16 during SAFE SKIES 2011. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Air National Guard F-16C/D fighters from Alabama and Iowa, and 130 personnel from California, Alabama, Washington, Wisconsin and Massachusetts relocated here to support SAFE SKIES 2011, a multinational event, where the Air National Guard flies with the Ukrainian and Polish Air Forces to help provide better airspace defense for the upcoming 2012 EUROCup.
Pilots experience intense forces during every flight. It is up to the Life Support team and medical staff assigned to it to ensure that physiological effects don’t negatively affect the mission.
Tech. Sgt. Glenn Marte a bioenvironmental technician from the 144th Fighter Wing completes a wet-bulb-globe reading to determine the heat index while supporting SAFE SKIES 2011 at Mirgord Air Base Ukraine. SAFE SKIES 2011 is a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Master Sgt. Darin Laity gets his blood pressure taken by Tech. Sgt. Eliza Villa, both members of the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard. The California Air National Guard medical staff is taking care of the 130 Guard members supporting SAFE SKIES 2011. SAFE SKIES 2011 is a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Tech. Sgt. Kamee Wilson, a life support technician from the Alabama Air National Guard alters a flight suit for a Ukrainian pilot, who is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
An Ukrainian SU-27 takes off from Mirgorod Air Base Ukraine; two Air National Guard F-16Cs are in the foreground. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Two Air National Guard F-16C fighter aircraft taxi down the flightline at Mirgorod Air Base Ukraine, preparing to take off for an air sovereignty mission on July 19, 2011, in the background is a Ukraine AN-26 . The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Lined-up and ready to go, seven Air National Guard F-16C/Ds sit on the ramp at Mirgorod Air Base Ukraine. . The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Two Air National Guard F-16s fly in formation with 2 Ukraine SU-27s over Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine while a chase plane sits in the background. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. James D. Berg, 144 FW/CF / Released)
A Ukrainian SU-27 fighter aircraft taxies by an Alabama Air National Guard at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. The Air National Guard is in Ukraine supporting SAFE SKIES 2011, a 2-week multinational flying event preparing Ukraine and Poland to better protect their airspace during the 2012 EUROPCUP. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA / Released)
Mirgorod Air Base opened its doors to the media and a few key military leaders on July 22, highlighting the historic significance and achievements of SAFE SKIES 2011.
Capt. Steve Strandburg, from the Alabama Air National Guard prepares to fly Lt. Gen. Serhiy Onyschenko in an Air National Guard F-16D for an orientation flight at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti , 104FW/CCE)
Maj. Gen. Don Ralph and Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov stand in front of an Ukrainian SU-27 discussing their upcoming flight at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE)
Maj. Gen. Don Ralph and Col. Scott Patten stand at a press conference at Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE)
Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov , Lt. Gen. Serhiy Onyschenko, Maj. Gen. Don Ralph, and Col. Scott Patten stand with Maj. Gen. Paul Brown as he conducts a press conference at Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE)
Maj. Gen. Paul Brown, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Cone, and Maj. Gen. Don Ralph converse before a press conference at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE)
Amidst all the fast paced operations at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, the quiet defenders work to ensure all United States assets are protected from any threat. Both personnel and aircraft are under a watchful eye, being kept ready for any potential danger or threat.
Lt. Gen. Vasyl Nikiforov and Maj. Gen. Don Ralph Nikiforov sit in an Ukrainian SU-27 preparing for their upcoming flight at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Matthew T. Mutti, 104FW/CCE)
Air National Guard F-16Cs fly in formation with a Ukrainian SU-27 over Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine during SAFE SKIES 2011 on July 22, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn, 144 FW/PA)
A team of four controllers from the Western Air Defense Sector is participating in SAFE SKIES 2011 a joint US, Ukraine and Polish event in which American Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian Su-27s, MiG-29s and Polish F-16s to develop the Ukraine and Polish air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, 2012 EUROCup and 2014 Winter Games in Europe. The involvement truly demonstrates the true strength of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.
During SAFE SKIES 2011, a joint US, Ukraine and Polish event where Air National Guard pilots fly engagements with Ukrainian SU-27, Mig-29s and Polish F-16s on air sovereignty operations in preparation for the 2012 Olympics and 2012 EUROCup and 2014 Winter Games in Europe.
SAFE SKIES 2011 officially started today as Airmen of the Alabama, California, Massachusetts and Washington Air National Guard participated in opening ceremonies here at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine.
More than 140 members of the Air National Guard landed aircraft in Ukraine, preparing for a US European Command sponsored aerial military-to-military exchange event titled SAFE SKIES 2011.