Frag Out! Magazine

Between May – august 2014 Polish Mig 29 fighters, for the fifth tiMe, took Part in the nato Baltic air Policing Mission, which Pur- Pose was to Provide security in the airsPace of lithuania, latvia and estonia. in sePteM- Ber our rePresentative had a chance to sPe- ak with ltc krzystof stoBiecki, coMManding officer of the Polish Military contingent (PMc) orlik v, which was on duty during the ukrainian crisis. ŁP: Participation in the PMC Orlk V was not a first assignment of this type in your career, wasn't it? KS: No. The PMC Orlik V was a second assignment like this. Previously, two years ago, I participated in PMC Orlik IV as PMC deputy commander. ŁP: What are the differences between being a deputy and being in charge? KS: With one word – fundamental. It is being said that deputy has the smallest responsibility, on one side he is commander's "right hand", but on the other the latter is actually responsible for everything. Even though he cannot be everywhere. He is in charge of everything particularly when you are deployed. ŁP: How many soldiers you were in charge of? KS: According to the President's decision the PMC Orlik V con- sisted of 100 members. Most of them serve with the 22nd Air Force Base in Królewie Malborskie. Additionally, we were supported by various personnel which we do not have in-house like communications specialists, Military Police or the Task Force from 2nd Tactical Wing. ŁP: The Mission, you were in charge of, was the first truly multi- national in the history of the Baltic Air Policing. How did it feel like from the Szawle Air Base perspective? KS: You are right. It was first combined mission in the history of the Baltic Air Policing mission. Up to now it was a national con- tribution. During the mission NATO forces in the area included four contingents – Polish and British contingents located in the Szalwa Air Base, Danish contingent located in Amari, Estonia and French contingent supporting Air Policing from Królew Malbor- ski. What is the difference between national and international rotations? For the Szawle Air base it is a huge challenge. There is very limited number of personnel, talking from infrastructure standpoint, however, this is a giant airfield. It has been quite a logistics test for the Lithuanians, yet I think their job can be graded as outstanding. Ten years of conducting the Baltic Air Policing gave them enormous experience in air force logistics support operations. The PMC Orlik V force stationed in QRA location which was prepared for this kind of engagements long time ago whereas the British with the hosts' assistance, built completely new base at the apron area. www.fragoutmag.com

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