Albanian Air force trains with the U.S. Air Force, focusing on rapid crisis response

Albanian Air force trains with the U.S. Air Force, focusing on rapid crisis response

At Tirana International Airport, the Albanian Air Force conducted joint training with the United States Air Force, further strengthening the capabilities of the two NATO allied forces and enhancing readiness for the execution of any mission.

The joint exercise focused on strengthening interoperability, increasing operational readiness, ensuring rapid response in times of crisis, and adopting contemporary operational procedures in line with NATO standards.

The exercise was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force's 102nd Rescue Squadron and aimed to provide hands-on training for Albanian Air Force personnel in Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) procedures.

On the runway of Tirana International Airport, a forward area refueling operation was carried out, during which the U.S. military aircraft HC-130J Combat King refueled an Albanian Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on the ground while its engines remained running.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots once again demonstrated their professionalism, interoperability, and operational skills during the exercise with the U.S. crew, emphasizing that the training significantly enhanced their operational capabilities.

"Our American partners were highly cooperative throughout the entire exercise. This training helped improve our piloting skills and ensured we are prepared to respond as quickly as possible to combat operations that may arise on the battlefield." - said Lieutenant Fabio Bardho, crew commander of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

Providing further details on the training, Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi, Commander of Farka Air Base, described the exercise as a new and important development for Albania and a valuable opportunity to enhance the capabilities of Albanian aircrews.

"This exercise represents a novelty for our country, as the Black Hawk helicopters allow us to operate under new military capability modalities. It provides an opportunity to enhance the skills of our crews to conduct operations and refuel without shutting down the helicopter. In practice, we land, refuel, and immediately continue the mission. When time does not allow for delays, this capability enables us to refuel without engine shutdown and return swiftly to the area of operations.

This ensures greater operational continuity in support of our troops and represents a significant step forward in cooperation with our allies, particularly with our American ally in this case. Not only are we enhancing this capability, but should we operate within the same theater of operations, we are fully capable of executing this mission together.

Communication is critically important for aircrews. Our flight operations rely on specific terminology, including procedures related to refueling without engine shutdown. This type of operation involves dedicated communication protocols, approach procedures, and emergency responses, such as fuel leaks, potential fires, or hostile threats that may affect the operational environment, as well as disengagement procedures." - said Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bloom, commander of the U.S. HC-130J Combat King aircraft crew, highlighted the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the Albanian Air Force personnel during the exercise.

"First of all, we would like to thank Albania for hosting our HC-130J Combat King aircraft. The importance of this exercise lies in building strong relationships with the Albanian Air Force. Above all, this was the first time we conducted a Forward Area Refueling Point operation, which is a highly specialized refueling capability.

Once mastered, this capability allows combat power to be projected closer to the area of operations, enabling missions to be executed and personnel to be deployed far more rapidly.

This was their first time conducting forward area refueling operations, and I can honestly say that I have worked with many armed forces, including our own, and the Albanian Armed Forces demonstrated an exceptionally high level of professionalism. We were truly fortunate to work alongside them." - said Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bloom.

The exercise represents a significant step toward the modernization of Albania's air capabilities and the strengthening of international cooperation, particularly with NATO strategic allies and Aviano Air Base in Italy.

The cooperation between the Albanian Air Force and the United States Air Force is a clear testament to the excellent relations and close partnership between Albania and the United States in the field of defense.