President Milanović Attends 30th Anniversary Celebration of Establishment of Croatian Air Force
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended the 30th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force, where he told those present that this year marks a major milestone for the Croatian Air Force, whose beginnings were in unthinkable and dangerous conditions.
The ceremony kicked off with the film “30. godina HRZ-a” [30th year of the Croatian Air Force], which President Milanović described as a beautiful, emotional and touching film that features the path of development of the Croatian Air Force and foretells its bright future. “This is a major year and it just so happened that on the 30th anniversary Croatia is procuring something new, big and significant. It is not the time for any quarrels; what is happening is a good thing. Croatia should acquire (fighter jets). Croatia must and can pay for them. This is a matter of our security and this is also a matter of our prestige. Let others deal with the details. If you ask me, the matter is resolved,” said President Milanović.
The President concluded that the procurement of new military equipment has nothing to do with “the balance of power in the region, flexing muscles or showing who is stronger.” On the contrary, President Milanović explained that this is about providing soldiers with the best equipment and about putting their safety first.
At the 30th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Croatian Air Force, which was held in the “Pukovnik Marko Živković” Barracks, President Milanović presented decorations, certificates of promotion and commendations to members of the Croatian Air Force. The Aeronautical Technical Maintenance and Supply Centre was decorated with the Order of the Croatian Trefoil for extraordinary services to the Republic of Croatia in a state of war, in an immediate threat of war and under special circumstances in peace. Likewise, the Order of the Croatian Trefoil was presented to Colonel Slaven Pedić and Lieutenant Colonel Željko Maljak for extraordinary services to the Republic of Croatia in a state of war, in an immediate threat of war and under special circumstances in peace.
For extraordinary contributions to the development and the reputation of the Republic of Croatia, as well as to the welfare of its citizens, the Order of the Croatian Interlace was bestowed upon Colonel Saša Crnec, Colonel Ivica Mandušić, Colonel Rudolf Lovraković, Lieutenant Colonel Srećko Stipčić, Lieutenant Colonel Stjepan Stepić, Major Saša Turk and Master Sergeant Franko Peraga.
Furthermore, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces presented certificates of promotion to active duty officers of the Croatian Armed Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Dragan Andrijević was promoted to the rank of Colonel, Major Mario Brajković, Major Darko Kučej, Major Eduard Perković, Major Roland Rajić and Major Saša Turk were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Major Denis Gospić was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; Major Boris Buterin was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; Major Ana Topić was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; Captain Nino Gaković, Captain Miroslav Karaula and Captain Juraj Kovačević were promoted to the rank of Major. Captain Tomislav Ciglec and Captain Krunoslav Goričanac were promoted to the rank of Major. Captain Grozdana Mitrović was promoted to the rank of Major. Captain Ivan Damjanović and Captain Ivan Perković were promoted to the rank of Major.
Moreover, Captain Zoran Bogdanović and Captain Dražen Sremić were promoted to the rank of Major; Captain Marina Čurković and Captain Ivanka Milovac were promoted to the rank of Major; First Lieutenant Šime Alić, First Lieutenant Marko Božić and First Lieutenant Martin Debuš were promoted to the rank of Captain; First Lieutenant Mario Bosanac and First Lieutenant Deni Dugandžić were promoted to the rank of Captain; First Lieutenant Vedran Rozić was promoted to the rank of Captain; Second Lieutenant Robert Dovijanić was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Katarina Marić was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Saša Pelc was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Toni Zdrilić was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant.
On the occasion of the official ceremony marking Croatian Air Force Day, Major Krešimir Matan received a commendation for successfully completing a mission and for achieving above-average results in fulfilling his duties.
Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense and National Security Dragan Lozančić and Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković were alongside President Milanović at the ceremony marking Croatian Air Force Day.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek