What
Romanian Air Force.

Where
Bacau, Boboc & Otopeni, Romania.

When
4-8 August 2008.

Objective
To create free publicity for the Romanian Air Force about military cooperation in various parts of the world, on the occasion of the country’s recent EU and NATO membership.


Photo opportunity
Dedicated photo flights with the C-130 Hercules, IAR-330 Puma and MiG-21 LanceR, all of which are or have been successfully used for EU/NATO operations abroad, as well as extensive photo opportunities on the ground during five days.


Gathering of information
Interviews with pilots flying the C-130, IAR-330 and MiG-21, as well as informal talks with other personnel.


Article quote
"Romania was the first country to enroll in the Partnership for Peace programme, joined NATO in 2004 and was integrated into the European Union in 2007. Its westernization was illustrated in April 2008 by the NATO Summit in Bucharest, when local MiGs -along with US Air Force F-15s and F-16s- guarded the airspace over Romania’s capital city. Twenty years previously such a scene would have been unimaginable."

Response
"I think you are very good photographers and it was a pleasure to work with you. I expect you back in Romania anytime!"
     Capt Cristian Andries, IAR-330 Puma pilot