The 435th CTS strengthens partnership with Croatia

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristof J. Rixmann
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 435th Construction and Training Squadron attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for a range observation tower in Slunj Training Area, Croatia, Oct. 4.

To recognize the partnership, several Croatian military members attended as well as Croatia’s minister of defense, army commander, and chief of general staff.

Robert Kohorst, U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, also attended to show support for the joint construction project, while showing the strength of the partnership between the two countries.

The tower will allow direct training for fighter aircraft from Aviano Air Base, Italy, among other things.

“The 435th CTS designed, ordered and transported the materials to Croatia and ultimately constructed the project,” said Lt. Col. Justin Morrison, 435th CTS commander. “The construction was completed by a team comprised of 435th CTS local nationals and Air Force military members. Croatian forces supported the effort by exploding charges in the bedrock that enabled the foundation to be constructed.”

Morrison said the construction of the project was implemented in two phases and was completed in June 2019.

During the first phase the team constructed the foundation, which took four weeks and was completed in early Dec. 2018. The second phase took 90 days to complete and included structure, pavement, and utility work.

“The tower in front of us is a proud landmark, symbolizing the continuous U.S. support to Croatia in modernizing their armed forces,” said Kohorst. “This investment will be a valuable asset to the modern and growing Croatian armed forces, contributing to the increased quality of future bilateral and multilateral exercises and training events. The U.S. is honored to have Croatia as an ally.”

After the official ceremony concluded, U.S. and Croatian joint terminal attack controllers, F-16’s from Aviano AB and Croatian OH-58 helicopters participated in a joint demonstration, firing training ordinances, while distinguished visitors and media viewed the exercise from the newly built range control tower.

“The observation tower will increase the capability and interoperability of the Croatian armed forces with allies and partners,” said Gen. Mirko Sundov, Croatian chief of general staff. “We are grateful to our American friends for this valuable donation.”

Now that the observation tower is operational, Croatia can effectively train with their current and future combat aircraft.

“The construction of the JTAC range control tower represents a step forward in training and infrastructural dimensions of this military range, as well as the Croatian army as a whole,” said Damir Krsticevic, Croatian minister of defense. “It is also a new step forward in training and modernization. This cooperation allows us to respond to all secure challenges of today’s world.”

The 435th CTS worked four Fiscal Year 2019 projects for partner nations, either through completion or laying the groundwork for FY/20 project execution. Within the U.S. European and Africa command theater in FY19, the 435th CTS completed 45 projects, valued at $11.1 million.

“The strategic advantage of this observation tower is in developing an integrated JTAC and close air support capability for our partner nations and allies,” said Lt. Col. Val Maldonado III, 435th Contingency Response Group deputy commander. “Specifically, the 435th CRG enables our nation’s strategic efforts toward a proactive deterrence of our enemy’s initiatives, as we continue to assist in shaping the battle space.”

Through cooperatives-efforts, the U.S. and Croatia have built a range control tower that will be used to train current and future war-fighters, while cementing the bond between the two countries.

“The Slunj Range Control Tower project was truly a total force team win for our 435 CTS military and local national engineers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Schuyler, 435th CTS squadron superintendent. “With Air Force squadrons being the foundation for mission success, it’s absolutely awesome for our folks to see their efforts getting high-level attention and recognition, while reinforcing enduring partnerships within this theater of operations.”