The Estonian Minister of Defence Sven Mikser handed over to the Estonian Air Force the keys of four Robinson 44 type helicopters donated by the government of USA. The festive ceremony took place in Ämari Air Force Base today.
At the ceremony the representative of the US Embassy in Tallinn Mark A. Pekala stressed that USA has continuously been supporting the development of the Estonian armed forces, extending from the noncommissioned personnel training to various material donations.
“The strength of the Estonian defence capability depends on the quality of its armed forces and personnel,” Pekala said. “I hope that the new aircraft will play key role in the training of the Estonian Air Force personnel and will create new opportunities in the development of the whole Air Force system.”
The Estonian Minister of Defence Sven Mikser thanked in his speech the US government and the US Embassy in Estonia for the substantial input into the development of the
Estonian armed forces which includes training of personnel as well as material donations. He stressed the importance of moral support USA has given during the period prior to the NATO summit meeting in Prague.
“Today is an important day for the Estonian defence forces, but a real day of glory for the Air Force,” the Minister of Defence said when handing over the keys of the aircraft to the Chief of the Air Force colonel Teo Krüüner. “New aircraft will add professionalism to work and new capabilities to the Air Force in general,” he added.
Special thanks went to the owner of the Robinson factory who had arrived to Estonia specially for the festive occasion.
Shortened version of the Estonian Press release no 80.