Air force celebrates anniversary

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The Georgian Air Forces celebrated their seventeenth anniversary in a solemn ceremony at the Alekseevka Military Airbase Sept. 19.

Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia and Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Air Forces Maj. Gen. Devi Chankotadze congratulated military personnel. Military attaches accredited to Georgia, military servicemen family members and other guests were present at the ceremony.

Akhalaia and Chankotadze decorated the memorial to the Georgian military with wreaths. Up to 26 servants were awarded with the medals of General Kvinitadze, General Mazniashvili and Devoted to the Homeland award. Roughly 75 servicemen were granted honorary diplomas and 74 notes of appreciation from their commanders.

Akhalaia delivered a speech at the event, stating that “aviation represents one of the important components of the armed forces. If we look back to the past years, we see that our aviation units were persistently improving and increasing their professionalism. Though Georgian aviation might not be perfect at the present moment and needs further development, we can say for sure that aviation is a valuable component for the army. This is why I am here to congratulate the entire army on this significant occasion.”

Following the official segment of the ceremony, armed forces personnel organized an exhibition for the guests and military attaches, displaying flight vehicles and aviation weaponry. Toward the end of the event, guests were　given the chance to watch simulated flight exercises.

The Georgian Air Force and Air Defense Division was established Jan. 1, 1992. On Aug. 10, 1993, it was transformed into a primary division. The two divisions were united on Aug. 18, 1998 and the joint structure was called the Georgian Air Forces.

The first combat flight was conducted by Izani Tsertsvadze and Valeri Nakofia on Sept. 19, 1992, which was later named Georgian Air Forces Day.

The Georgian Air Forces includes 2,971 military and civilian personnel; controls and defends air space over Georgia; conducts air intelligence and surveillance; conducts air evacuations and search and rescue operations; and executes the air movement of personnel and military cargo.

2.10.2009