New Mi-17 Training Squadron Formed in Shindand

Szöveg: HDF AAT-7 | 2013. december 21. 6:00

On the first day of December Colonel Daniel T. Lasica, Commander of the 838 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group (838 AEAG), stationed in Shindand Air Base, made an official announcement about the establishment of the Mi-17 Training Squadron of the 801 Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron (801 AEAS) consisting of American and Hungarian advisors.

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The recently formed squadron operated earlier as part of the training squadron of the 803 Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron (803 AEAS). But as the training tasks of the subunit – the squadron is tasked with the preparation of the Mi-17 helicopter pilots for special, operational tasks – go beyond the Afghan helicopter pilots’ basic instruction, they will continue their activity as a separate squadron as from December first.

Colonel Daniel T. Lasica

The event was attended in addition to the entire personnel of the newly formed Mi-17 squadron, by the members of the “sister" training squadrons and several invited guests; among others the Commander of the local Afghan Air Battalion. The Hungarian group performing service in the personnel of the new squadron had the honour that the Hungarian Contingent Commander was invited to act as the commanding officer of the ceremony.

In his speech, Colonel Lasica highlighted the historic role of the 801 Squadron. As he said, the subunit had carried out secret deployments during WW2, in the course of which by their B-24 Liberator Bombers they transported secret agents and their equipments, and from time to time propaganda materials to the designated destinations. Although the newly established squadron has a different scope of tasks and technical equipment than the original unit, which was disbanded in 1974, they can rely on the Hungarians soldiers, in their task-execution, i.e. developing the Afghan Air Force, the same way as they could upon their Allies during the war.

Hungarian and American soldiers during the ceremony

The Commander expressed his thanks personally to the soldiers of the Hungarian Contingent for their vital role in the task, and stressed, that without the presence of the Hungarian group the new squadron could not have been formed.

In the arrangement, Colonel Lasica appointed Major Henry R. Luke as the Commander of the Squadron and handed over the unit colours to him. Major Luke pointed out that he considers this position a great privilege. He also thanked the Hungarian soldiers of the Squadron for the cooperation by using some Hungarian words. He emphasised that the harmonious family background is of key importance for the quality work in the territory of mission, and expressed his appreciation to both the American and the Hungarian families for the support they provide to the soldiers serving at the Shindand Air Base.