Freedom Flights: Episode 25 – Irreversible Path – Part 1
This is part 1 of the August episode of Freedom Flights. The next part will continue to cover events in early July when various key events occurred in Europe and the USA. As foreshadowed in the last episode, the monthly movie night will happen.
Until a just peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons like F-16s continue to reach the frontlines and in time to change their fortunes.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 25 – Irreversible Path
2024
Part 1 – Training Complex
Thursday, July 4th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
https://wikimapia.org/6214889/Lutsk-Airport#/photo/1381939Jane Wetherby thought the canteen would be empty later in the evening, but she found some helicopter crews deep in discussion.
“We have to find a way to deal with kamikaze drones,” said Bravo Tiger pilot Polina Moroz. “They’re a growing nightmare for any rotary wing aircraft. We’re trying to evade them and MANPADS while surveilling our targets.”
“At least our Tigers have been fitted with jammers,” said Nadia Lysenko. “But we need to do more to make our Brigade viable when UAVs can do our role more effectively and cheaply than us.”
“That’s why Chayka Air is trying to source new tech,” said Black Hawk pilot Henrika Visser. “Like the prototype ‘launched effect’ UAV dispenser currently undergoing trials in the US.”
“Isn’t that mounted on the UH-60 Blackhawk like ours?” asked her co-pilot Beitris Berengar.
Jane was tempted to interject… as a journalist.
“I believe one of my colleagues wrote, ‘Helicopters can also act as airborne controllers and relay stations for UAVs, extending and supplementing ‘their operating range.’ That gives this Brigade a crucial role.”
“Time then,” said Mariyka Shevchuk, smiling at their Senior Chief Mechanic, “That our engineering talent explored UAVs and how best to deploy them… from rotary wing aircraft. We better start tomorrow.”
Jane glanced at the canteen’s digital clock, noting it was almost midnight.
“Does anyone mind if I switch the TV on for the early results from the UK Elections?”
“Go ahead,” said Nadia. “I’m sure nobody minds as long as the new government continues supporting Ukraine. But how did you vote if you were here?”
“I had a postal vote,” she replied switching the TV on and seeing the exit poll predicting a Labour Party victory.
“Is that a good result?” asked Nadia sitting down to watch. “I get the feeling it could be worse in France on Sunday. Especially for Ukraine.”
“Most people in the UK support Ukraine… and after 14 years of Conservative rule, we needed a change,” said Jane. “Tonight’s results will show that.”
“If we’re done for tonight,” said her co-pilot Aleks. “I’ll do one last check with the mechanics for the three flights of MiG-29s moving in tomorrow.”
The others all left, leaving Jane to discuss the vagaries of the UK electoral system with Nadia.
**
Friday, July 5th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
https://israelnoticias.com/militar/el-mig-29mu2-el-mejor-caza-de-ucrania/#google_vignetteAs instructed Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk led Gold Flight down to the runway of Chayka Field. She felt nothing had changed. Same weeds and derelict buildings. Yet as she taxied towards the marshal, she glimpsed security features not visible from the air. Camouflaged scrapes and trenches for Night Owls. Mobile ground-to-air missile launchers in hidden shelters. Dog patrols moving in the shadows.
Larisa Kovalyov waved and blew her a sneaky kiss before leading her onto the taxiway through the trees at the back of the base. They eventually reached a hard standing built into the woodland. With Larisa and one other mechanic, they reversed the MiG into its bay in the trees.
Once Larisa helped her down from the plane, Anzhela noticed she was alone with her. The other mechanic had left to assist another jet.
“This is amazing. There’s enough space for the small fuel tanker and the armaments truck. Plus, the tree canopy hides us from the air.”
“And in winter we can use camouflage netting, although there are a few conifers here to help hide the jets all year. Plus, for fast scrambles, there’s space for the whole flight and groundcrew to camp among the trees.’”
“Let’s compare thoughts with the other two flights when we debrief inside.”
As they explored the tracks back towards the main buildings, they met the others and found where Nadia & Aleks had hidden their Alfa Tiger.
“Are the craft too close now? Should we build earthwork barriers like revetments?” asked Anzhela.
“Yes, to be safe in case of a major fire,” said Larisa. “So, we’ll work on earthworks, maybe even stonewalls.”
*
The first three MiG-29 flights based at Chayka Field joined Nadia in the Squadron Command Centre.
“I feel we need to congratulate those who prepared this base,” said Anzhela on behalf of her colleagues. “The dispersed standings will keep our presence here secret… for a while.”
“However,” continued Blue leader, Adriana Pavlenko. “Flying twelve or more jets in & out of here regularly is going to be a challenge. It will take practice, especially if we don’t want the enemy targeting us as an active base.”
“Especially when the last two flights arrive tomorrow,” added Maryna Sobol, Sable leader.
“True,” said Nadia. “When Kalyna and Vasy are with us tomorrow, I believe they are planning to run a full squadron exercise to address the obvious problem.”
Maryna’s number 2, Katia Antonov went to the detailed wall map of the base and pointed to the outlying roads.
“Are we allowed to use these roads across neighbouring farms as landing strips?”
“A solution once our squadron leaders get permission,” said Nadia. “And if our cover as an animal training centre isn’t compromised.”
*
Once the jets had disappeared behind the buildings and their engines were silent, Chayka Field was transformed into a training base.
From a green truck, four K9 units alighted by the arena. Before doing the same for their dogs, the handlers put on Kevlar vests. Then Daniela Stasiuk and Rihi her Dutch Shepherd walked out to the agility course followed by Aldona Jagoda with Taika her Belgian Malinois and two K9 recruits.
150617-N-NT265-182 YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 17, 2015) – Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kelsey Carlton, from Clearwater, Fla., assigned to Military Working Dog unit at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, conducts obstacle course training with military working dog Donci. The canines with the unit are used to apprehend suspects, detect explosives and narcotics while searching buildings, ships and submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christian Senyk/Released)Daniela sent Rihi around the course first, as Aldona played distracting sound effects of gunfire and aircraft engines from a portable audio system. Rihi was oblivious to the noises as he sped through the obstacles.
“Can Taika beat the time?” asked Daniela, challenging her friend.
The Malinois cut seconds off the Shepherd’s time.
Aldona turned to the recruits.
“Ready to tackle the course. You can start by running the course with your dogs and without the noise. Alyona and Zeb you’re up first. But Kseniya, watch as you’ll follow with Nyx.”
“And then we’ll reintroduce the sounds and voice commands. Tonight, we’ll be out here by moon and starlight… as we’re Night Owls.”
With the guidance of their handlers, Nyx and Zeb proved to be quick learners, although the reintroduction of gunfire and jet engines slowed their responses to their handler’s voices. But eventually, the trainers were satisfied.
“That will do for now,” said Daniela. “Let’s hope Zeb and Nyx still remember the lessons tonight.”
*
On the far side of the runway, Conchita Gutiérrez and Adelita Palomo were exercising two horses, watched by concerned journalist Aaron Garcia.
“Don’t these horses get unsettled by the noises?” asked Aaron. “They would bother me if I didn’t know the sounds.”
“After two years of war I’m not surprised,” said Conchita. “They must have heard too much gunfire and low-flying aircraft… even drones.”
“I’m sure there are more stressed animals out there,” added Adelita. “We could offer to console them as part of our service.”
“First though,” said Conchita, “We need to get Aaron on a horse—”
“When my back is better.”
“Now. Your back seemed okay in bed last night.”
Adelita giggled as a red-faced journalist was eased onto one of the horses.
**
Saturday, July 6th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Kalyna and Vasy Chayka welcomed their guests from the School of Eagles at the restaurant which had become their squadron’s home from home in Dęblin. Agnieszka and her family had made them and all their friends more than valued customers.
This lunchtime special was a chance to thank those who had made the Academy more than a haven from the Russian invasion.
“We wish there were more of the squadron here to express our gratitude for all the School of Eagles has done for us,“ said Kalyna. “You have lent us your training facilities and allowed the two-seater trainers to be based here. Your Engineering Department has assisted us in rebuilding damaged MiG-29s, and your helicopter instructors gave us invaluable modifications. Plus, we left taking some of the talent you nurtured.”
“I see your respected Senior Ukraine Air Force Officer, Colonel Maksym Bondarenko is here,” said the Academy’s Deputy Commandant. “Also, Colonel Alfhild Falkborg of the Swedish Airforce, whom we presume is here with the Saab 340 AEW&C. We are honoured to host your command plane while it assists our allies.”
Saab 340 AEWCS/S 100 B Argus in flight at the Swedish Armed Forces Airshow 2010. [Photo by Gnolam – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0] https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33469The Deputy Commandant diplomatically ignored that the Swedish craft had visited other bases, possibly to keep the Russians confused in their threats against such NATO interference.
An exercise was planned the following Saturday, involving Chayka Field, the Saab 340 AEW&C and other squadron flights. Maksym and Alfhild were also at Dęblin to finalize arrangements for the exercise.
“Will any of your engineers be returning,” asked Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth. ”The MiG-29 rebuild programme has become an integral part of my courses, Majors.”
“We’ve no doubt Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk and other officers have reasons to visit regularly,” answered Vasy glancing from Sergei to the helicopter instructors. “Serious friendships were made with Dęblin during our time here.”
“Just let us know if you plan to visit if you plan to visit,” said Kalyna. “Our base is somewhat unusual with animals using the runway and an unkempt appearance everywhere.”
“However, rest assured that the monthly film nights will continue here,” said Agnieszka.
“And at the new Zvenigora Restaurant in Chayka Field,” added Sergei.
*
Maksym, Alfhild, and Carita watched Red and Green Flights take off for the new base.
“I hope Kalyna was joking about the appearance of the new base,” said Carita. “I was planning a photo spread on it for Swedish Aero-News.”
“No joke,” said Maksym. “It’s designed to look as though it’s a security dog training complex. The aircraft are all hidden.”
“How did they disguise the heat signatures?” asked Alfhild. “I arranged for some Swedish tech to be sent but maybe they need more. Saab has been researching the problem with mixed results. The sooner the squadron is flying Gripen Es the better as they are harder to detect than most NATO planes.”
“What’s the likelihood of getting them,” asked Maksym. “Our trials with stealth paint, and with the mixing of hot exhaust with cool ambient air on MiG29s are experimental at best.”
“Next Saturday’s exercise will show how invisible the base and the squadron are. Plus, it’s a chance to show Saab a squadron ready to demonstrate their Gripen E can hold its own in a European war right now.”
“Something our trained Swedish squadrons can’t do,” said Carita. “When the Russians invade a NATO country, our politicians will have left it too late.”
“Are we suggesting my Night Witches have to become the first active Gripen E combat squadron?” asked Maksym
“If we can manoeuvre our way through a political minefield,” said Alfhild. “The decision to send F-16s has put pressure on those of us in Sweden who believe the Gripen suits Ukraine better. The debate will intensify if Russia destroys the longer, cleaner runways needed by F-16s.”
https://gagadget.com/en/war/150552-ukraine-may-receive-f-16-fighting-falcon-fighters-after-modernization-of-airfields/*
Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Red & Green Flights landed smoothly at their new base and the marshals directed them to their hard standings in the woodland.
Kalyna peered through the trees as the other jets disappeared into the evening gloom.
“It’s hard to believe there are twenty jets hidden in this woodland,” she said to her Chief Mechanic. “I hope we get them all airborne smoothly during Saturday’s exercise.”
“Our combined monkey troop will coordinate the five flights’ takeoffs using three taxiways. That will work.”
She met up with Vasy and the six junior pilots heading to the canteen. Most of the squadron was there, but the cousins went to the Squadron Command Centre to discover how far base security had progressed.
Fortunately, all the key people were standing in front of the airfield map.
“Estera and I managed to disperse the new equipment to cover the areas marked,” said Andżelika Sówka. “Plus, ensure nothing was visible except close up.”
Geralt standing to one side with Jeong Chae-Yeong, noticed the cousins arrive and greeted them.
“How were your flights from Dęblin with your junior pilots?”
“Uneventful,” replied Vasy. “No surprise animals on the runway. And every jet hidden in the trees… well done. Are we ready for next Saturday’s exercise… or a surprise scramble?”
There was a nervous pause as everyone wondered who should answer.
Chayka Field’s temporary commander? Or the Design Engineer?
“We’re still preparing for the unexpected,” said Nadia. “Like another attack and a chance to try Saab’s Mobile Short-Range Air Defence… which looks so new it’s good they sent a technician.”
Saab’s Mobile Short-Range Air Defence https://militaryleak.com/2022/09/05/saabs-mshorad-mobile-short-range-air-defence-successfully-demonstrated-with-live-firing/“And when my engineering team stops devising new gadgets,” said Mariyka, “I’m worrying about the Monday, July 15th opening of the new Zvenigora Restaurant.”
“Sounds like we’ve missed so much sitting in Dęblin,” said Kalyna. “Therefore, tomorrow we’ll need an inspection tour of Chayka Field and all its upgrades and secrets.”
**
FCA 2,170 WORDS
Slava Ukrayini
