The Tennessee National Guard and the Bulgarian Armed Forces yesterday completed a planned three-day joint training aimed at increasing Bulgaria's ability to use military helicopters for civilian missions, including firefighting and medical evacuation.
This was announced by the US Embassy in Sofia.
The training was held on the territory of Krumovo air base and included theoretical and practical classes on the runway, dedicated to the latest techniques for using military helicopters in firefighting and evacuation of the wounded. Participants were also trained in the use of night vision goggles, in order to expand the time range in which Bulgaria's helicopter aviation can be used. The joint initiative is another example of the deepening cooperation between Bulgaria and Tennessee, which have been cooperating since 1993 under the Partnership Program.
“Bulgaria and Tennessee have expanded their partnership to benefit the people of both countries. The territories of both countries are characterized by vast forested mountains, and the Tennessee National Guard has valuable experience in using helicopters to fight fires in such terrain. I am glad that this experience is being shared here to protect human lives and property from the damage of forest fires“, said H. Martin McDowell, Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Sofia.
Lieutenant Colonel David Swan, commander of the 1st Battalion, 230th Attack Helicopter Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard, added: “These interactions are always beneficial to both countries. Each joint initiative between Bulgaria and the Tennessee National Guard builds on previous exercises, allowing us to make an adequate contribution and at the same time learn more about the operational environment, equipment and procedures of our partners. We look forward to our next return to Bulgaria and will also be happy to welcome Bulgarian colleagues to Tennessee to share their experience in areas important to our combat readiness.“
The head of the Bulgarian side in the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Plamen Donchev, pointed out: “Our joint work over the past 18 months has led to a significant improvement in the capabilities of Krumovo Air Base for medical evacuation and firefighting - missions that provide invaluable assistance to the Bulgarian population. I hope that these activities have been equally useful for our partners - whom I prefer to call our friends. I am convinced that this partnership will bring many positives for all of us.
Over the past 32 years, the Tennessee National Guard and Bulgaria have implemented over 420 joint initiatives within the framework of the State-Country Partnership Program. In addition to security and defense – including Tennessee's support for the integration of new F-16 fighter jets into the Bulgarian Air Force – the partnership also includes planned joint activities in education, peaceful nuclear energy, and economic development.