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Ukrainian Officers Learn About Operations at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110927-05
9/27/2011

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, FL (NNS) -- Four Ukrainian naval officers and their civilian interpreter visited Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sept. 18-23 to gain insight into aviation survival and safety, search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, and squadron operations.

The group began day one with a visit to the NAS Jax Air Traffic Control Tower where they witnessed air traffic controllers directing pilots using the airfield and learned about daily operations in the tower and radar rooms. The also visited Hangar 1000 to learn about fleet logistics squadron missions and responsibilities at Fleet Logistics Squadrons 62 and 58.

"We were very surprised to learn that all operations at the tower are managed by junior personnel. Much of the equipment is the similar to what we use in our country but in the Ukraine, our air operations are handled by more senior pilots," said Capt. Yurii Zabolotskyi, deputy navigator, Ukraine Aviation Squadron, Naval Aviation Brigade.

The next day, the group spent the morning at Surface Rescue Swimmer School (SRSS) Detachment Jacksonville learning about how surface rescue swimmers are trained through classroom and pool instruction. Ukrainian officers also received hands-on training in the pool with instructors who demonstrated survival techniques and safety procedures.

"This is a great opportunity for us to share ideas on search and rescue operations and procedures. Every once in awhile, we will have a Ukrainian student go through our course here so it's good for their leadership to see what their candidates are going through. It's a good opportunity for them to see how they do business," said SRSS instructor, Chief Naval Aircrewman Billy Davis.

The group also visited Patrol Squadron 30 to learn how patrol squadron pilots are trained for the fleet; Aviation Survival Training Center to observe instructors demonstrating various rescue operations in the pool and learn about ejection seats and the decompression chamber; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 to talk with pilots about the capabilities and mission of the SH-60B Seahawk and the new MH-60R Romeo helicopters.

On the final day of the visit, the Ukrainian officers spent several hours "flying" the Romeo helicopter in the simulator.

The visit was sponsored through the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commander 6th Fleet, Maritime Partnership Program (CNE-C6F MPP) and coordinated by Naval Reserve officers from CNE-C6F MPP Detachment 513 based at Navy Operations Support Center (NOSC) Great Lakes, Ill. This program provides cooperative relationships with maritime nations and is key to regional stability and security.

MPP Detachment 513 works directly with Commander, 6th Fleet Headquarters in Naples, Italy coordinating, engaging and executing military to military events with Eastern European countries. These countries include: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Poland and the Ukraine.

"The purpose of this visit is to familiarize the Ukrainian delegation with Navy aviation survival training curriculums, hands-on demonstrations of basic survival skills and equipment and an overview of training facilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Vincent Aquino, who escorted the group. "Our hope and goal is that by taking part in activities with us they can take some of that information and experience back with them to establish and strengthen their own programs."

"The Ukrainian and U.S. navies jointly participate in exercises and operations so this trip will help enhance our capabilities during these international evolutions. By learning about search and rescue procedures, it will allow our military to better assist during emergency situations for our aviators and those participating in joint operations," said Zabolotskyi.

"By learning U.S. Navy aviation systems, we believe we can easily improve our systems and apply the knowledge to our operations. We really appreciate the invitation to come here and have had a great time. We hope to continue the exchange of information to the benefits of both our navies," he continued.

CNE-C6F MPP Detachment 513 is comprised of approximately 60 Reservists with a variety of skillsets. Some of the unit's personnel live and work in Europe and speak foreign languages which benefits the CNE allowing U.S. and foreign military members better interaction and success in their missions.