Pilot who trained in Fresno died fighting for Ukraine: ‘Hero’

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Ukrainian Air Force Pilot Oleksii Mes, who died defending his country earlier this week, had received training in Fresno with the 144th Fighter Wing before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022.

The Ukrainian Air Force announced the passing of pilot Oleksii Mes on Thursday . Officials say he was killed on Monday during what the Ukrainian military described as a “massive Russian missile and air strike.”

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Mes shot down three cruise missiles and one strike UAV, which saved countless Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. However, Mes’ actions came at the cost of his own life.

Mes had ties with the Central Valley, receiving training in Fresno. In 2019, he became the first Ukrainian Air Force pilot to observe air-to-air refueling in the back seat of an F-15D Eagle with the 144th Fighter Wing, according to the 144th Fighter Wing.

Mes’ training in 2019 was part of the “State Partnership Program.”

“He was a true patriot and hero to his country and a talented pilot,” wrote the 144th Fighter Wing on social media .

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