2024-09-14 04:57:28
“I’m optimistic about the preparation for the F-16. The base here is remarkable (Third Air Force Base),” said Brigadier General Tad Clark, commander of Aviano Air Force Base in Italy. He previously piloted the F-16 together with President Rumen Radev in “Graf Ignatievo”.
Gen. Clark spoke to Panorama the day before the tragic accident at the air basein which 51-year-old Major Petko Dimitrov and 28-year-old Senior Lieutenant Vencislav Dunkin lost their lives.
“Our special support teams are coming here, we are rolling up our sleeves and working hard, maintaining good practices. In early 2025, the first F-16s will arrive, we are continuing the preparations,” the general explained.
“I often hear concerns about delays – with any program for millions there are challenges. The pandemic, for example, has slowed down the logistics processes, now we are waiting for the arrival and hope that everything will be on schedule”, commented Clark.
The general said he had no information about the F-16 fighter jets, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kiev already uses, but said he was “admired by the courage of the Ukrainians who are fighting against Russian aggression.”
“It’s important to strive to be not only good individually, but also in a team. I saw what a NATO community is, one of my first deployments was in Spangdahlem, now I’m in Aviano, it’s an honor for me to serve there – in NATO, everyone is developing their skills, Bulgaria is also looking to the future and will do well,” the general commented.
Clark points out that two things are key to being a pilot – the first is persistence and mental toughness, and the second is “looking for solutions, understanding tactics, being confident in your skills”. He clarified that this applies to all military personnel in NATO, not just pilots.
“Technology is key and we need to invest in it, but in the military it all boils down to what you carry in your heart, NATO is the best example of that,” he added.