This is the final part of Episode 25 of Freedom Flights. This part concludes events in early July when various key incidents occurred in Europe and the USA. As foreshadowed in the last scene of Episode 24, the monthly movie night closes the episode.
Episode 26 will attempt to cover events from August up to early September without resorting to multiple parts. However, the Kursk incursion doesn’t directly involve the Night Witches… or something that happens here will.
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 5 – Versatile Deception
Saturday, July 13th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
It was dark when Captain Henrika Visser landed the Black Hawk at Chayka Field with the assistance of Lieutenant Beitris Berengar. On the trip from Lviv, they had all felt dejected having left Olha Tkachuk awaiting an arm amputation. Her flight leader, Adriana Pavlenko, had insisted on staying by her side as long as she was allowed.
However, the Night Owl medics Zyta Sadowska and Alicja Dubicka flew back in the helicopter, along with Estera Sówka. Sable Flight had escorted them back safely, landing between the farmers’ fields before being marshalled to their safe stands in the woodland. There they noticed some unexpected Sukhoi Su-24s, perhaps the unexpected visitors.
The darkness hid Estera’s fear from the other Owls. She had understood when Adriana wanted to be with Olha, but now she would be alone telling Anhelina Tkachuk about her cousin. Her heart thumped harder than ever. Hopefully, the right opportunity will arise.
Crew and medics led the way inside beyond the deceptively rusty doors, through which the ground crew moved the Black Hawk.
Kalyna and Vasy welcomed everyone and having left Henrika and her flight crew to discuss technical operations with their maintenance team, led the medics off for a debrief in the Command Centre.
“The incident at Myrhorod Air Base sounded medically traumatic,” said Kalyna. “It’s always tough when our own are killed or severely wounded. This was the second flight to be decimated like this. First Sable was wiped out leaving Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov to recover. Now Adriana Pavlenko sees Blue Flight almost destroyed and must be afraid Olha Tkachuk may never fly again.”
“Which is where I can help,” said Estera. “First, by telling Olha’s cousin Anhelina Tkachuk what’s happened. Then by persuading her to encourage Olha not to give up flying.”
“Talk to Polina Moroz,” said Vasy. “She’s flying a helicopter again despite having a prosthetic leg. Like Polina was, Olha should be sent to Superhumans for her prosthetic arm.”
Zyta whispered a reminder to her fellow medic, Alicja, who then said,
“After being at Myrhorod Air Base, we discussed how we needed similar if not better medical facilities here.”
“Over the last few days,” added Henrika at the door. “It’s felt like we’ve been operating a MEDEVAC service with the Black Hawk. Maybe we should offer that regularly as we have the trained medics.”
“One problem,” said Estera. “We were dependent on Polish doctors while at Dęblin. We need one of our own. I have an idea if I have permission.”
Everyone agreed and they all left the Command Centre.
“Time to eat as long as the canteen is still serving hot food at 2300,” said Henrika. “Aren’t we coming off overtime?”
The canteen was crowded and Estera said she’d better find Anhelina and maybe Polina.
A group of male pilots were holding court near the bar.
“It’s a shame you ladies didn’t qualify to fly F-16s,” said the black-haired pilot at the centre of the fuss. “Instead, my squadron will fly some of Ukraine’s first F-16s in a few weeks. First, we need our Sukhoi Su-24s”
He grinned and slicked back his oiled hair.
“It’s a shame you ignored the warnings about our short runway,” said Mariyka Shevchuk. “Now our main runway is blocked by two of your Sukhoi Su-24s… and you expect me and my engineers to deal with them. What do you think Commanders?”
Vasy approached the cocky pilot.
“Last time I met you, Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk, you and your 41st Tactical Aviation Brigade colleagues were seducing the F-16 trainers. A pity you didn’t learn any manners before you came here.”
“You might also have discovered what happened at your base today,” added Kalyna. “While you were obstructing our runway, the Russians sent some ORLAN 10 drones to recce Kalyniv—”
“So, they bombed it, and we’re stuck here?” guessed Andriy.
“Fortunately, no. Our spotters called in one of our Tigers which neutralized them. So, you can all leave in the morning.”
He glanced at his flight who nodded.
“Tomas will lead our survivors back to Kalyniv. But Fedir and I must stay until your engineers have repaired—”
“No, you will be flown back in the helicopter collecting our spotters.”
Polina Moroz winked and stepped forward. “Permission to fly to Kalyniv, commanders.”
She made a point of revealing her prosthetic leg as she moved, shocking Andriy.
“I won’t fly with her. Isn’t there another?”
“Possibly. But Polina not only flew the Tiger that saved Kalyniv, but she’s an ace goal scorer.”
**
Saab 340 AEWC, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Marusya Dudziarz and Tayanita Brave Beaver thanked the crew of the Saab 340 AEWC for an instructive flight before disembarking.
Colonel Alfhild Falkborg followed them outside and upstairs to the old Night Witches office. Inside at a paper-strewn table, Maksym Bondarenko and Aenoheso Little Hawk were still working with another Ukrainian officer.
“Your code is brilliant, Aenoheso,” said the officer. “Using every known means including computers we can’t break it. Maybe the odd word, but the Russians will be stumped.”
Seeing Tayanita, Aenoheso embraced her friend.
“The secret starting point was taking six native languages from both Americas. You were correct earlier in presuming our inspiration was the Code Talkers of the World Wars.”
“We were right, Maksym, to see the Night Witches as a treasure to be nurtured,” said Alfhild. “Their drone interceptors worked perfectly and have recovered a dozen ORLANs to analyze and replicate with improvements. No doubt portable ground-launched interceptors will be next.”
“As some were launched hundreds of kilometres from their targets, I’m hoping our engineers can identify their origin,” said Marusya. “Once more crucial questions are answered.”
Alfhild studied a map on which Maksym had marked all the airfields suitable for F-16s and those the Russians had recently targeted.
“Your squadrons have got to outwit them by continuously moving between bases. After today it seems imperative you stop them taking runways out using ORLAN type drones or persistent cluster bombing.”
Maksym nodded. “Two incidents alone worried me. The first was when a squadron blocked Chayka Field’s main runway through the lead pilot’s error. The second was at Myrhorod Air Base when the Russians succeeded in destroying three of our MiG-29s and making that runway unusable for days… tragically with four casualties—”
“Three Night Witches, two dead and one who may never fly. I want to use my position within the Swedish Airforce to persuade Saab they need someone who knows Gripens and the Night Witches in Ukraine.”
“Do you mean yourself, Alfhild, or the trainers Major Ottillia Elmersson and Kapten Pernilla Eklund who were here in Dęblin? But even Swedish advisors must be a political decision.”
“I may be out of order,” said Marusya. “We have foreign nationals in the Witches, all of whom became Ukrainians. Isn’t that another solution?
“Nothing can be decided immediately. We need to talk to your squadron leaders, Marusya. It would be good if you were there too, Maksym. Then I must talk to people in Sweden, including my father. My dream is Night Witches flying Gripens, preferably at least one flight of Es.”
“I’m sure I can persuade Air Command West that Gripens can replace the Night Witches’ after F-16s arrive in early August.”
**
Sunday, July 14th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Estera and Polina found Anhelina Tkachuk exercising Quetzal, her Siberian Husky, around the agility course. They persuaded her to sit in a shady and secluded spot to talk.
“I’ve expected this,” said Anhelina. “It’s impossible to ignore the rumours about Blue Flight being wiped out. My cousin, Olha Tkachuk never returned from the exercise… nor did Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, the Flight Leader. I’m right and just when we met again.”
Estera shook her head.
“I was with both Olha and Adriana last night and both were alive and wanting to see you. However, Olha was injured so needs to recover first.”
“Stop avoiding telling me how badly, I need to know, please.”
Polina reached out and took her hand.
“No worse than mine.” She placed Anhelina’s hand on her covered knee, gradually revealing her leg as she talked. “Her arm must be amputated, but the same doctors at Superhumans who gave me this amazing prosthetic leg will give Olha an equally incredible prosthetic arm. I will come with you when she is ready to receive visitors.”
“Thank you, Polina. I hope together we can persuade Olha to keep flying somehow. Will you come as well, Estera?”
“Of course.”
*
Two nervous passengers waited by the Puszczyk wondering who their pilot would be.
Kalyna and Vasy appeared escorting Polina in her helicopter flight suit and clutching her helmet. Andriy whispered to Fedir before addressing the commanders.
“Rather than inconvenience your busy helicopter pilots, we can take the bus from Lutsk.”
“Pity as we arranged a fighter escort… to ensure our precious pilot was safe,” said Vasy.
A flight of MiG-29s took off behind the base and circled low over the field.
“You value your pilots it seems,” said Fedir.
“All pilots even slow-learners,” said Kalyna. “Some might say the cost in UAF lives seems minimal compared to the heavy casualties among front-line infantry. But every pilot takes years to train and each aircraft costs millions, so we all hurt with every loss.”
“A valuable lesson I won’t ever forget. Thank you,” said Andriy, climbing into the Puszczyk.
Another pilot, Odrija Kalniņa, also fully kitted took the controls.
“I’ll be close behind in Bravo Tiger,” said Polina, crossing to where Marusya was waiting in the larger helicopter.
As the aerial squad took off and headed south, Kalyna turned to Vasy.
“I hope those guys have learnt the real value of lives, and won’t think our escort is just for them when it’s mutual protection.”
**
Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
Despite the crippling heat, First Lieutenant Andżelika Sówka and explosives expert Zofia Bukowska finished helping the Myrhorod ground crews remove the wreckage of Blue Flight MiG-29s from the main runway.
At the same time, any fragments that were possibly the mortal remains of the dead pilots were placed in two body bags, labelled either Sergeant Taisia Kovalchuk or Private Halyna Boyka. These were loaded onto two Golf Griffon’s stretchers for the flight back to Chayka Field.
Meanwhile, the K9 units, Alyona Jabłońska with Zeb her Bloodhound, and Kseniya Łaska with Nyx her Doberman found the missing mechanics had been injured. Fortunately, Doctor Yevhen Baran treated them and said they’d be on duty the next morning.
When he received the two reports, Major Illya Medved began to relax, relieved that Myrhorod Air Base was operational again.
“There’s only the wrecked MiG-29 blocking access to the furthest dispersal hardstands,” reported his Senior Chief Mechanic, Stepan Marchenko. “But we can do that ourselves, Major if these ladies wish to leave.”
“We are grateful for everyone’s assistance but need to get home,” said Kapitan Nadia Lysenko. “However, next week we will send a salvage vehicle to remove any parts that can be used for repairs by our amazing engineers. Please keep what you can.”
“I would love to come with you if you have room. Until those bodies are home, I don’t feel I’ve fulfilled my promise to Kapitan Pavlenko. Plus, I must see my daughter, Lieutenant Tamila Medved.” He paused and choked back on some words. “…never see again.”
“You’re welcome if you’re sure and someone can take over,” said Nadia. “We’ll leave when you’ve let your Number Two and flight leaders know. We’ll ensure you get back safely.”
Illya left and Nadia went to talk to Aleks Górski about ensuring that no drones were about.
Inside Alfa Tiger, they monitored the area.
“I noticed this base has a Yak-52B Trainer that can be a great Drone hunter,” said Nadia. “Their 52B has UB-32 pods for unguided rockets but can be easily adapted for our interceptors by their mechanics.”
Aleks checked various screens. “We have enough interceptors for one more swarm of ORLAN drones, but the Griffon has a spare stash of a dozen. Those could be adapted for the Yak if Xenia agrees.”
On the Griffon, Captain Xenia Ahlberg agreed to release the stash after discussing the plan with her co-pilot Lieutenant Acacia Berntsen and Flight Engineer Iryna Forsberg. Senior Chief Mechanic Stepan Marchenko understood how the interceptors would work with the Yak-52B.
When the Major returned he told Stepan to proceed.
Xenia welcomed Illya on board.
“We’re pleased you’re flying with our mixed crew including our two K9s.”
He sat in the seat next to Alyona and Zeb her Bloodhound rested his head on Illya’s knee.
“I presume the K9s are the honour guard for these late brave pilots we’re escorting home.”
**
Monday, July 15th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Lieutenant Tamila Medved followed Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk through the trees after Green Flight’s night patrol. Even a slight breeze rustling through the leaves couldn’t banish the night heat.
Inside they were told Vasy would debrief them later, so they headed for the canteen hoping it was open for pre-dawn breakfast.
“I expect you’re looking forward to your grand opening of the first Zvenigora Restaurant on a Ukrainian airbase this evening.”
“Excited and apprehensive. I’m glad Sergei has been here to help over the last few weeks. We were ready when I left, but I’ll check before I rest… after eating.”
The four Green Flight pilots were served breakfast and were enjoying it when Vasy approached unseen.
“Don’t 2022 Night Witches Squadron salute senior officers?” asked a gruff male voice.
They stopped eating and sprung to attention, saluting Major Vasy Chayka and a male UAF major.
Tamila stared at her father, unsure how to react other than a speechless surprise. Instead, Vasy made formal introductions.
“Major Illya Medved, may I introduce Green Flight? Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk, our test pilot and senior engineer, Private Inna Gavrilyuk, Private Svitlana Kravchenko, and Lieutenant Tamila Medved, one of our ace pilots… and of course, most importantly your daughter.” She paused and then added, “Tamila you may greet your father. Everyone else, if there’s nothing to report, you are debriefed and dismissed.”
Tamila kissed her father on the cheeks and then they embraced.
“What brings the Commander of Myrhorod Air Base here? Not to discipline your daughter for leaving an elite squadron to join a minor all-female squadron.”
“It was a risky decision. But it’s not why I’m here, although it was a chance to see one of my exceptional children. It was my duty to see the remains of two heroes brought here.”
“Our sisters Sergeant Taisia Kovalchuk and Private Halyna Boyka of Blue Flight. The tragic events were at Myrhorod. I should have remembered it was your squadron’s base.”
“Not when we get moved around. Last I heard you Night Witches were in Poland training on F-16s. Yet here you are flying MiG-29s from an unusual base. Your commanders have promised me a tour today with some interesting revelations.”
When Vasy reappeared with Kalyna and two familiar visitors, Tamila asked if she could join them.
“Green Flight has light duties today,” said Vasy. “So, sleep and meet us in the Command Centre at 0730 ready to drive us.”
Tamila saluted the five superior officers.
*
When she joined the same officers at 0900, Colonel Maksym Bondarenko was talking to her father.
“Illya, this is the only Ukrainian squadron to have flown Saab Gripens in combat. That was in the early months of the war before the Russians registered we had two flights.”
“Including Tamila?”
“I only flew a CF-18A Hornet in combat back then. But then trained on a Gripen C briefly in Poland.”
“So, given a choice of any jet,” asked her father, a Sukhoi Su-27 enthusiast. “Although, you may not have many hours in every one, what do you prefer?”
“Even though other squadrons want F-16s, I’d choose the Gripen E like most of my sisters,”
Colonel Alfhild Falkborg laughed.
“Good response, especially as I’m working hard to ensure this will be the first elite Ukrainian squadron flying Gripen Es in combat… unless the threat brings peace.”
Everyone applauded, although Tamila wondered if it was for Witches in Gripens, peace, but her gut said both.
“On that note, we should start on the tour,” said Kalyna. “If this heatwave continues, we can’t delay. We’ll take the Toyota if you follow me, please.”
*
Illya was amazed at the base in daylight. Weeds had grown through taxiways. The paint on the facades of the old terminal buildings was peeling. Signs of rust were everywhere.
Except on the well-kept aircraft, he’d occasionally seen.
The main runway needed repairs, although MiG-29s were designed to cope with Soviet-era strips. But wasn’t it distracting having a lively dog-agility arena on one side, and a showjumping training arena on the other?
“This doesn’t look like an elite airbase just a training area for K9s and police horses.”
“Are you sure that’s what enemy drones will see,” asked Maksym. “Ignore the smoke and mirrors.”
As he looked harder, Illya saw the shiny hinges on the rusty doors, behind which must be helicopter hangers. Hidden in the undergrowth were guards armed probably with MANPADS and rifles. Then he noted an unobtrusive radar on a high roof, and as they approached a hidden corner of a side building, an armoured truck with a missile array on its roof.
“That’s Saab’s MSHORAD,” said Alfhild. “A mobile shield that will transform ground-based air defence. Inside is an operator scanning the area with that mobile radar on the roof for threats. If she spots an intruder of any kind the base is alerted. If ordered MSHORAD launches its missiles.”
Suddenly a flight of MiG-29s took off from beyond the trees, flying low towards the north-east.
Kalyna jumped out of the truck and ran inside MSHORAD, followed by Illya. Inside she spoke to the operator.
“Did MSHORAD just spot an intruder, Aslög? Is that why the flight went to investigate?”
Aslög pointed at a slow-moving object on the screen.
“It’s now moving more like a ground vehicle. I’ll alert Estera and the Owls to intercept them.”
“Tell your partner to keep me informed, please.”
Outside, Kalyna had Tamila drive them back.
As they parked, Estera rang to say the guys in the truck had come from Dęblin, so she’d take them to the Command Centre.
“Impressive tour,” said Illya. “Your base would be hard to find and I guess your jets are dispersed among the trees, using local roads as runways… something we should do.”
“A tactic learnt from our Swedish friends.”
“Whose MSHORAD was impressive too… especially if they didn’t say they were coming.”
“Unless the Zvenigora Restaurant invited them for tonight’s opening.”
Estera showed a group of familiar and unfamiliar figures into the room.
Illya hesitated but Tamila rushed up to a stocky young man neither had seen since February 2022, his son, her brother.
“Ruslan, I never dreamt we’d meet here… and with tato. What brings you here?”
“It’s wonderful to see you. I knew you were a Night Witch. But tato here too?”
Illya hugged his two oldest children and then looked at Ruslan’s companions.
Vasy greeted three of them
“Brajan, Igor and Anatol, we know why you’re here. Unless I’m wrong Nadia, Aleks, and Mariyka will want to see you. Can you please find them, Estera?”
Maksym was talking with another man and Kalyna suddenly remembered him.
“Perun from the Sikorsky Brigade.”
“It was hard finding the Night Witches, but your Polish friends helped us, We hope you can help. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces need your best helicopter pilot. Someone to fly a crack unit behind enemy lines on a secret mission.”
Maksym chuckled.
“They asked the Sikorsky Brigade and you remembered a flight in a Tiger. You’re after Nadia—”
“Unless you’ve someone better at sneaking in low and fast?”
At that moment Nadia, Aleks, and Mariyka entered the Command Centre and registered the gathering. Nadia’s eyes flicked from Brajan to Perun.
“This has to be about a helicopter.” She glanced at the Special Forces badges and Anatol before adding, “That needs modifying for a mission… plus a crazy crew.”
Perun nodded but Kalyna looked at the time.
“However, we must talk later when we have more time for what sounds crucial. We have a restaurant opening and movie screening to attend now and you’re all invited.”
**
Zvenigora Restaurant, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
All the staff from Dęblin were there to ensure the launch went smoothly. Agnieszka had closed the Polish branch and brought Sabina and Tomas to assist her, although Sergei was now the Chayka Field manager, assisted by Mariyka when she could escape her Night Witch duties.
Every table was booked in advance, but Sergei and Agnieszka had catered for extra guests. Mariyka and her sister, Sabina showed the customers to their seats with the evening’s menu and reminded them that the monthly movie ‘Megan Leavey’ would be screened with dessert and coffee.
In front of the movie poster, the K9 handlers and their dogs were honoured with a special area, and their guests included friends made during the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital rescue. Their fellow Night Owls were supporting them from the next table and Estera had invited her partner Aslög, while Geralt was with Chae-Yeong, and her Korean crew.
Mariyka and Sergei were pleased to see so many relationships had blossomed since their tentative first steps.
“It’s amazing how Tamila and her father met here and now her brother has arrived,” said Mariyka. “But I couldn’t work out what those Special Forces guys wanted, although Nadia suggested something to do with modifying a helicopter. “
“Is that why Anatol is here?” asked Sergei. “I thought you invited him to discuss the drone interceptor.”
“I did. But I fear something else is more important. He’s sitting with Janina Patriksson and some of the helicopter pilots including Nadia and Aleks.”
*
“Shouldn’t we be talking with those helicopter guys, Lieutenant?” asked Danylo, one of Ruslan’s comrades.
“We’ll get our chance later as Major Chayka promised. I want to know how this war is affecting our flyers. Is it always like this?”
Illya wasn’t sure if the Special Ops officer was suggesting flyers had it easy. Tamila wasn’t amused.
“Well, two of my sister pilots were blown up on Saturday and another will lose her arm but choose to fly with a prosthetic limb. One of my father’s mechanics got third-degree burns saving the third pilot’s life. I accept that fighting in the conditions you face your casualties are worse, but like you, we risk our lives every day we fly.”
Ruslan leapt to her defense.
“You don’t realise how many years my sister studied to be a pilot… the same as we did to qualify for special ops. Nor how many flight hours she notched up to just get her wings. I know how many drones and rockets she’s stopped from destroying innocent people’s homes. She’s been shot down yet ensured her jet missed houses… and got injured.”
“If anyone wants to point a finger,” said Illya. “Choose the politician who got a bloody ear from an assassin’s bullet and objects to every dollar of help we receive.”
The Lieutenant stood and went round the table, saluted Tamila and shook her hand.
“I’m sorry if I showed any disrespect to the brave Night Witches or any squadron, Major Medved.” Then he saluted Illya.
“We better eat after that discussion,” said Danylo. “I never thought I’d eat a traditional meal like this in such an unusual venue. I felt we were walking underground, yet it’s light.”
Tamila laughed.
“This was the original airport’s deepest level, but with mirrored sun shafts, the design brings daylight, even moonlight, down here. We’re deep enough for this to be our air-raid shelter.”
“Although from outside appearances,” said Illya. “Nobody would think this was a functioning airbase, especially with the short runway and overgrown taxiways.”
“Where are the aircraft? You must have fifty pilots here, Tamila,” said her brother.
“When we’re at full strength. The jets are hidden in the woodland and the helicopter hangars are where the departures were and further around the ground floor.”
“Whoever created Chayka Field thought of everything,” said Illya.
*
As dessert was being served, Mariyka moved to the end of the restaurant, where a movie screen was visible from every table. She switched on the wireless microphone linked to the restaurant’s sound system.
“We are pleased to see so many friends here to celebrate the opening of this special Zvenigora Restaurant at Chayka Field. And new faces, you are welcome too. This is also the celebration of the completion of this unusual airbase, which is intentionally deceptive on the outside… much like us Night Witches.”
Loud cheers echoed around the restaurant.
“Before I proceed to the highlight of the evening, I must thank my aunt, Agnieszka Shevchuk who with my late mother, Danuta Shevchuk created the first two Zvenigora Restaurants in Dęblin and Lviv. For tonight’s delicious meal, my aunt and her team came from Dęblin to cater for us all.”
Agnieszka, Sabrina, Tomas and Sergei came forward to applause and cheers.
“Now, when anyone arrives by road here, the first thing they notice is our dog agility arena and our K9 teams seated here—”
“And our Spanish horses and riders,” said Aaron loudly enough to raise a fair bit of laughter.
“I forgot the press was here… just the tame ones like Aaron Garcia, Carita Forsström, and Jane Wetherby. Only favourable reports as always, please. Remember our K9s are not just cute but detect explosives. And as with the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital tragedy, they are among the brave rescuers. Some they found are with us tonight.”
More cheering and clapping.
“Appropriately our movie tonight is ‘Megan Leavey’ the 2017 film about a real US Marine K9 handler and her military working dog, Rex. I hope you enjoy this month’s film.”
Sergei dimmed the lights and rolled the movie.
*
The dogs barked their approval as ‘Megan Leavey’ ended.
“We’re grateful your dogs are so versatile,” said Doctor Avenlosky. “They gave us life and now hope.”
**
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Leavey_%28film%29#
FCA 4,365 Words
Slava Ukrayini
Writing Wings 