For nearly 50 years, the instructor cadre of Savasleyka Air Base, Russia, trained Soviet and then Russian Federation aircrews in the critical task of air defense, intercepting enemy aircraft and securing the home skies. Those skills were put to the test 29 June 1996 as Russian ground controllers vectored a flight of four Sukhoi, Su27s to intercept a rapidly closing formation of American F15 Eagles.

Exactly as planned, the Su-27s closed on the four F-15s. Despite the menacing presence of fighters just as deadly and capable as their own, the American pilots took no evasive action, continuing their straight and level flight. Fortunately for both groups in this encounter, the only thing engaged was diplomacy as the two groups smoothly joined up and turned for Savasleyka.

This improbable aerial meeting was yet another chapter in the growing scope of the United States/Russian Federation Military-to-Military Contact Program. Program goals include building cooperation and trust through mutual understanding-increasingly important now that the Cold War's thaw has increased the likelihood of both nations joining forces in peacekeeping or humanitarian missions. And if the peaceful joinup was not demonstrative enough, as the U.S. Air Force (USAF) F15s and a supporting C17 transport touched down at the field near Murom, Russia, the 40 Americans received yet another indication of just how much things have changed.

In honor of the first American military visit to their base and town, the base commander and Murom mayor declared a local holiday. The base populace and hundreds of local residents, many of them children, flocked to welcome their guests.

"The greeting was incredible. I expected the commander and some of his staff, but nothing like the welcome we received," said Lt Gen Lawrence E. Boese, then dual-hatted as Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force commander, and leader of the U.S. contingent from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. "Our young enlisted people and aircrews were overwhelmed by the community and base reception. They were swamped for autographs, memorabilia and simple handshakes, hugs and welcomes for several hours. The warmth and sincerity on the part of the Russians was clearly evident."

This particular trip was to reciprocate for a 1995 Russian Protivo-Vozdushnaya Oborona (PVO) (Russian Air Defense Forces) visit to Elmendorf. Like that visit, this one also included four fighters, a transport, aircrews, maintenance and support personnel. Unlike the Alaska visit, this visit to Russia included opportunities for pilots from both nations to fly in each other's jets. The remainder of the first day was spent renewing acquaintances from the 1995 exchange and planning those flights.

Four F15 and four Su27 orientation and basic handling flights launched the next day, with PVO pilots in the rear seat of F15 Eagles and Eagle drivers similarly seated in the Su-27s. Eight sorties were flown during the five-day visit. Capt. Chuck Corcoran, a 19th Fighter Squadron Eagle pilot, took one of the rides.

"I thought the Su27 was an outstanding airplane...plenty of power and maneuverability," he said. "It was a real thrill, something I certainly never thought I'd get to do in my lifetime."

In addition to the actual aircraft, the visiting Americans also flew both Su27 and MiG31 simulators. Although not afforded the same "hands-on" opportunities as the fliers, maintenance personnel also got a chance to see their Russian counterparts in action.

"One very distinct difference was their guys being 'Jacks-of-all trades,' whereas we tend to rely more on specialists," said TSgt Rob McIndoe. "Another is, for the most part, they're all majors and colonels and qualified to work on anything on five different types of aircraft. But we certainly had a lot in common as well, like keeping the jets flying day or night in any weather. I brought home some memories that I'll keep forever."

MSgt Mike Krysick, 54th Fighter Squadron first sergeant, found that some U.S. military specialties just don't translate. "They really didn't have an equivalent for me, so I spent most of my time explaining what my job is," he said. "They decided I was a maintenance chief since I didn't fit any of their squares."

For 30 years, Lt Gen Lawrence E. Boese had flown, trained, and developed plans to counter the threat from Soviet and Soviet trained fliers. In his last major undertaking, only days before his change of command and retirement, he led this flight into the heart of what was once his enemy's country. His observations summarized this visit's impact on all participants.

"We stared at each other with weapons ready for many years," he said. "With weapons down, cooler heads and a closer look you see many similarities. Both sides earned a new respect for each other's systems and professionalism. This was an outstanding visit...undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career in the United States Air Force."