Croatian Air Force visits 603rd Air Control Squadron

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mercedeskimble L. Crossland
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Four members of the Croatian air forces became familiarized with the mission of Aviano's 603rd Air Control Squadron.

During their visit, they were trained on how the 603rd ACS operates and supports the NATO mission. This allowed both sides to gain more insight as to how each other operates. Due to their close proximity, this training could become a routine event. This visit helped to set up long-term goals.

The United States and Croatian air forces' duties are the same-- controlling aircraft with similar equipment, just in different areas of responsibility. This event showed what both units have in common as battle managers, and command and control professionals.

"The goal was to share and execute the mission of the 31st Fighter Wing with the Croatian air force," said Tech. Sgt. Rueben Duvall, 603rd ACS/DOR. "The visit is to increase job knowledge in the NATO mission for the Croatians. They are new members to the NATO mission and wished to see how the 603rd ACS performed air policing and general control."

"I hope the Croatians take away a feeling of family and the knowledge they need to bring them closer to the end goal, becoming a premier air control squadron like the 603rd and all the other countries that have a stake in the NATO mission," Sergeant Duvall said. "I hope that this increases our cooperation and we can do more cross training trips to better understand the capabilities of one another."

"Just as any country that joins NATO, the Croatians bring the sense of peace and stability in the region and an extended coverage of the mission," said Capt. Michael Lake, 603rd ACS/DO, "They also bring a fresh set of eyes to procedures that can see a better way most times. This will assist in bringing the region the best possible control and cooperation between civil ATC's across the European theatre. Hopefully, we will see a joint exercise capability that will bring the units closer and the exchange of information will make us a close-knit family."