A ceremony at Lučko Barracks on 23 September marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the 194th Multirole Helicopter Squadron, part of the Croatian Air Force’s 91st Wing. The event reflected on the unit’s origins and development, with awards presented to serving personnel and former commanders and staff.

The unit’s history is linked to the capture of a Mi-8 transport helicopter nicknamed “stara frajla”, or “old maid”. On 23 September 1991, the helicopter was hit by small-arms fire from Croatian National Guard troops near Petrinja. A crew from Lučko subsequently restored it to operational condition, after which it was transferred to Lučko airfield.

Colonel Davor Turković, Commander of the 91st Wing, recalled the event and highlighted the squadron’s role in Croatia’s Homeland War and its contribution to international military operations. He commended its personnel for their sense of responsibility and the quality and speed with which they carry out their tasks.

Major Zvonimir Dalić, Commander of the 194th Multirole Helicopter Squadron, stressed that its 35 years of service reflected the efforts of generations of personnel who had established the unit, developed its capabilities and built its reputation. He thanked them for completing their missions, maintaining mutual trust and passing on their knowledge to new generations.

Commendations and awards were presented to the squadron’s most deserving members, while former commanders of the unit and its predecessors received certificates of appreciation for their leadership and command. Special recognition was also given to former commanders and past and present personnel for their professional, skilled and dedicated work on the Mi-171Sh helicopter.

The ceremony was also attended by former Croatian Air Force commanders, retired Major Generals Vlado Bagarić and Michael Križanec, Air Surveillance and Control Battalion Commander Colonel Mladen Milardović, representatives of the Croatian Air Force Command, squadron commanders from the 91st and 93rd Wings, and former and serving personnel from units based at Lučko Barracks.