Since Vietnam
helicopters have proven how invaluable they are in day-to-day
operations in a combat zone because of their flexibility. Today's
helicopter crews must be "jacks of all trades" ready to fly
whatever mission they're assigned to.
One airman assigned to the German contingent in support of
Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo continues to master these
skills.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Phillip Petro works as an exchange pilot at
Toplicane German Army Feldlager, in the Multi-National Brigade
Southwest, in Kosovo. He is permanently assigned as an exchange
pilot to the German Luftwaffe, 2nd Squadron, 61st Air Transport
Wing Landsberg Air Base, Germany, where he flies the German UH-1D
helicopter.
"Here [in Kosovo] we are part of the combined air component of
the German Army, German Luftwaffe, Austrian Air Force and Swiss Air
Force known as Task Force Mercury based in Toplicane," he
explained. "We provide airlift, medevac, search and rescue,
security and reconnaissance, fire fighting, and all of the other
capabilities helicopter platforms can provide."
Petro, who has been in
the Air Force for eight years, said he and his colleagues are ready
at all times to support the Kosovo Forces mission.
"Recently, we were called upon to battle a fire that was
threatening nearby troops and inhabitants. We rapidly responded as
a multinational team of German, Austrian, and Swiss assets and
brought the fire under control," he said. "We are rapidly
employable, ready to bring troops to the fight, wounded to the
hospital, and support continued combat operations through the
flexibility and responsiveness we provide combatant
commanders."
Petro has been in his current position as an exchange officer
for nearly two years and feels his job to KFOR is unique.
"The opportunity to work as an exchange officer gives an
unparalleled insight into how our friends and allies operate. You
cannot get a more 'joint/multinational' assignment than this," he
added. "Being a part of a foreign military requires personal
adjustment and flexibility, but broadens personal experience not
only as a U.S. Air Force officer but also as an American citizen.
The opportunity to command an aircraft with another nation's flag
painted on the tail is pretty exclusive."
According to the
captain, Toplicane is small in comparison to U.S. Air Force
operations. "I like to say it is a lot like the TV Show 'MASH,'
tents and all. Everyone here likes to refer to the Camp as
'aircraft carrier Toplicane' because the camp is roughly the size
of an aircraft carrier," Petro explained. "We have everything one
expects at aviation units, but on a much smaller scale, including
base operations, weather, a fire department, civil engineer,
communications, medical staff, maintenance and security
forces."
The lone, American exchange officer will take away much from his
Kosovo experience.
"First, I take away a greater appreciation of what the American
people provide U.S. servicemembers. American facilities and support
of our troops are first-class, and we should not take that for
granted," he said. "Secondly, I take away a well-rounded
perspective. I have really learned what interoperability requires
and what it takes to successfully build and maintain a
multinational force, and just because it is not the American way
doesn't mean it will not work."
Lastly, Petro hopes to take the many lessons learned in Kosovo
and make use of them in his Air Force career.
"I am glad to have the opportunity to deploy with German forces
and the Luftwaffe and feel this is really the final step in
becoming integrated as an exchange officer - It is one thing as an
exchange officer to be part of a squadron and never leave home
station/country and a completely different thing to observe first
hand how foreign units conduct their deployment operations," he
said.
"Through this experience deploying as part of the German
Luftwaffe, I have been afforded a rare glimpse of our NATO partners
here in Kosovo, as well as getting to see U.S. Forces and
operations from the rarely viewed exterior vantage point. My KFOR
deployment is truly a once in a lifetime experience." [ANN Salutes
Staff Sgt. Carla Williams, USAF, American Forces Press Service]