US Command in Europe for the Voice of America: Continuous cooperation with Serbia

The US Military Command in Europe (USEUCOM) is conducting training focused on search and rescue using helicopters with the Serbian Armed Forces, Voice of America was told at its headquarters in Stuttgart.

The training in Serbia lasts from August 7 to 11, the American military command specified.

"The engagement is a part of the continuous cooperation between Serbia and the US forces - which is particularly focused on gaining professional experience in handling and planning helicopter search and rescue operations. It involves the use of modern equipment, finding and evacuating people from inaccessible terrain in all weather conditions," it was stated in the written answer.

Members of the US Air Force in Europe, members of the 31st Fighter Wing of the 56th Rescue Squadron based at the Aviano air base in Italy, and the 119th Mixed Helicopter Squadron of the 98th Air Force Brigade of the Serbian Army are taking part in the training.

Colonel Corey Shay, a senior official and defense attaché in Serbia, was the highest representative of the US military in training, the US Command stated for Voice of America.

"That event is a part of an ongoing series of training, but it is not a part of a larger exercise. The US Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter is being used, which will fly from Belgrade to Nis, as well as one aircraft of the Serbian Air Force," the answer specified.

The US Command emphasizes that during training, important capabilities and skills are developed - especially during times of natural disasters.

"Through this type of cooperation, the United States and its partners have the opportunity for a unique and rapid reaction," it was stated.

The Ministry of Defense of Serbia previously announced that a delegation from the European Command of the Armed Forces of the United States of America was on an official visit to the Air Force and Air Defense of the Serbian Armed Forces.

It was indicated that the aim of the visit was to exchange experiences in the field of search and rescue.

A delegation of the European Command of the US Armed Forces visited Serbia on a similar occasion in 2022.