Mykhailo Pinkevych – retired Captain 1st Rank on the formation of the Ukrainian Navy and the first NATO missions in Ukraine

Mykhailo Pinkevych is a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and a holder of the Order of Danylo Halytsko. Prior to the full-scale invasion, he was a military retiree, a captain of the 1st rank of the Ukrainian Navy in the reserve, and before retiring he was the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Navy Command. He returned to service in April 2022. For two years he commanded an infantry battalion. Upon completion of his service in 2024, he retired with the rank of colonel from his position at the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense. His professional path includes service in Soviet carrier aviation, the creation and development of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the first experience of cooperation with NATO, leadership in the airline "Konstanta," and participation in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The interview offers practical observations on combat aviation, the formation of the national fleet, challenges, adaptations, and the experience of transitioning from the Soviet training system to NATO standards, as well as the challenges and importance of supporting the aviation industry in modern conditions. This is a conversation about systemic transformation that is still ongoing.

FROM A DREAM TO A COMBAT AIRCRAFT

How did your story with aviation begin? Was it a dream or a twist of fate?

I didn't dream of becoming a military man, but since childhood, I was fascinated by aviation. I remember seeing a MiG-21, a real fighter jet, on a pedestal at a pioneer camp in Luzanivka. At that time, I didn't yet realize how aviation would affect my life, but I intuitively felt that the sky was mine.

Over the years, the dream grew stronger. Later, I decided to enter a flight school; at that time, the profession of a military pilot was prestigious, with high competition for admission. Also, mandatory conditions were passing a medical commission and the so-called professional selection – several stages of testing for suitability, which, as it turned out later, I passed successfully.

When the commission announced that I was admitted to the flight school, my joy knew no bounds. This moment became a turning point in my life. It was not just a new stage – it was a leap into the unknown, something exciting and immense. At that time, I didn't fully understand where I was going and what awaited me, but one thing I knew for sure: I wanted to study and take to the sky. And this desire overshadowed everything else. There was a feeling that finally, the dream was becoming a reality, and I had stepped onto a path from which I would never turn back.

What was the training like? Do you remember your first flights?

Training lasted almost five years. From the first year, we started flying. The program consisted of two stages: the first and second years involved mastering the L-29 training aircraft: circle flights, routes, aerobatics, pair flights, and combat application. The next stage, the third and fourth years, involved fully mastering the combat MiG-21, which was the basic aircraft in training institutions of those years.

The MiG-21 was a type of machine, and by mastering piloting skills on it, you could successfully transition to new types. After graduation, in combat units, they mastered more modern combat equipment, but training at the flight school laid the foundations, philosophy, and principles of flight work.

I remember after the second year, when we returned from the field airfields, we already felt like pilots, pride overwhelmed us, it was youthful maximalism, it added confidence, it was something we expected and dreamed of, but it was only the first step in achieving the goal.

My first solo flight was in April 1984 – the first step towards becoming a combat pilot. But aviation is not just a profession, but a way of life with its own rules, traditions, and complete dedication. It does not tolerate indifference or half-heartedness. Only those who truly "burn" for the sky remain here. Not only technical training or piloting skills are important, but also an inner calling – devotion to the sky, respect for the instructor, aviation laws, rules, and traditions.

Training on the MiG-21 required complete concentration, flight training, and self-improvement. About 320 cadets were admitted to the first year of flight school, but only 110 cadets graduated. Some were eliminated at the initial stage of training, others could not master the combat application stage. The final stage of training was the flight exam: combat application and aerobatics were mandatory.

I remember how the examiner, a gray-haired experienced colonel, told me before the flight – don't worry, son, do as you were taught, everything will be fine... The result of the flight exams was excellent. Our course was one of the first to complete a full cycle of flight training, four years, without any losses. When we left the airfield, we rejoiced, hugged, and this feeling, pride, and memories of training remained for life.

Did you, as a pilot, have any particular superstitions or rituals before a flight?

There are a few unwritten rules – no photos before takeoff and never say "last flight," only "extreme." There's a special procedure for inspecting the aircraft before takeoff, and always communicating with it as if it were a living person; you say a few words, and when you sit in the cockpit and buckle up, you feel that you are one whole and ready to perform the task. Respect for traditions and the personnel who prepare and maintain the aircraft is one of the rules that has been passed down through generations. In aviation, there are no trifles; adherence to rules and procedures, flight safety, is the foundation that has been laid down through generations. Another unbreakable tradition of all pilots is that the third toast is always for those who are no longer with us. This is not a formality, but a memory of those who did not return from a flight. Aviation traditions are what unite and sustain aviation.

How did your story with carrier aviation begin?

At the time I entered flight school, carrier aviation began to develop actively; it was a new and promising direction. New aircraft-carrying cruisers were being built, the creation of heavy aircraft-carrying cruisers (a hybrid of an aircraft carrier and a cruiser with missile armament) had begun, and carrier aviation, namely the Yak-38 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, received new development.

At that time, it was decided to create a separate group of pilots at the Borisoglebsk Flight School, who were trained according to a separate naval program with the prospect of retraining for Yak-38, Yak-38M vertical takeoff aircraft, and in the future, the Yak-141, which was only being tested. I wrote a report, passed an interview and testing, and joined the general group of "sailors."

The training process of the department was carried out according to a separate plan, and flight training was also conducted according to a separately approved program. Time flew by quickly, graduation, black uniform, dirk, and assignment to the 311th Separate Assault Ship Regiment of the Pacific Fleet Navy – the distant garrison of Romanivka. The stage of becoming a carrier pilot began.

The Yak-38 was considered one of the most difficult aircraft to pilot – it required discipline, training, and phased preparation: from mastering vertical modes to deck flights and combat application. It was the first serial carrier-based vertical takeoff and landing attack aircraft. Many procedures were formed during operation, so knowledge was passed on from experienced instructors, with unconditional respect for them. A training methodology was developed, and all actions were practiced to automatism on simulators – this helped to master the program and preserve the equipment.

Given the peculiarity of the aircraft, not everyone could master the Yak-38, so we proudly bore the title of vertical take-off pilot, were proud of it, and had respect in the naval aviation community. According to statistics, there were fewer vertical take-off pilots than cosmonauts. Every year, regiments lost an average of two crews; we knew this, but we were passionate about our work, loved the Yak-38, and prepared for future campaigns. This was one of the best periods in my aviation life, which I will always cherish and remember.

Which episode from those times do you recall most often?

There were many such stories – most special cases in flight concerned the mastering of vertical modes on the Yak-38. One such incident occurred in the Pacific Fleet – during a vertical landing approach, the stabilization system failed. A warning light came on, indicating a critical situation: low altitude, and in case of pitching, it was necessary to immediately abandon the aircraft. In such moments, you don't think; decisions are made immediately. I reported to flight control, performed the necessary actions, and prepared for ejection. However, assessing the situation and feeling that the aircraft was controllable, I reported the decision to land. Outwardly, it looked routine, but inside, every second was on the edge, almost automatically all acquired skills were worked out... Having correctly assessed the situation, I performed the landing, managed to save the aircraft, for which I received gratitude from the regimental commander.

Later, the regiment's engineers, after analyzing the systems' operation, deemed this incident unique. Flights are not only about preparation and training, but also the romance of youth intertwined with flight work, which over time gives way to a deep understanding of the essence of the matter and a professional approach to performing assigned tasks.

How do you assess the level of aviation during that period?

The use of the aviation component has always been a complex system, including not only equipment preparation but also the quality of flight personnel training. In those days, it maintained a fundamentally high level, especially in theory and flight organization, and was primarily focused on combat operations in conditions of a large-scale war, with the massive use of aviation. Combat skill was high, but often stereotypical, with less emphasis on pilot initiative, unlike the principles operating in NATO countries.

Overall, the training system had great potential but could not withstand the pressure of systemic collapse. The economic crisis led to a shortage of fuel and spare parts; due to lack of funding, flight hours sharply decreased, in some units, it was less than 20-30 hours per year; due to lack of resources, aircraft stood idle, which directly affected the level of flight personnel training.

Formally, training was conducted, but the actual level of flight personnel training was falling, not due to the level of combat training, but due to real conditions. This was the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet system, a transitional period that dragged on, with a large number of human resource movements and systemic losses that affected the further development of Ukrainian aviation.

AT THE START OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

What were the first steps in Ukraine and how did your path turn to the Marine Corps?

After returning home, I joined the Ukrainian Navy. These were difficult times for aviation – a reform stage was underway, flights were practically not carried out, and other areas of service were offered. And it was then that fate threw me a new challenge – I found myself in the Marine Corps.

For some time, we were in the officer battalion awaiting assignments. Subsequently, the personnel department appointed me as Deputy for Aviation in the Marine Corps brigade. At that time, I met Colonel Volodymyr Voloshyn, who in 1993 began forming the 1st Separate Marine Corps Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy in the village of Krasnokamyanka (Kyzyltash). Upon arrival at the brigade's location, I was appointed acting chief of staff. I immediately got to work – everything was built from scratch. For the first two years, we worked practically without days off.

Subsequently, I was appointed Deputy Commander for Naval Amphibious Training. I was responsible for planning and conducting training and exercises for boarding and disembarking personnel from landing ships.

At that time, for marine infantry training, the Project 12322 "Zubr" air-cushioned landing craft and the Project 775 "Kostiantyn Olshanskyi" large landing ship of the Ukrainian Navy were actively used. The intensity of training and exercises in naval amphibious training was quite high; we arrived at the vessels as if we were coming home.

The Marine Corps back then was truly authentic: mandatory training on landing ships was conducted twice a year, and regular exercises continued throughout the year. Despite limited funding and a lack of resources, there was a prevailing belief within the unit that we were truly building an army – professional, combat-ready, capable of defending its country. At that time, there was a genuine surge of enthusiasm and conviction that we were doing something important. We lived for the future and with faith in Ukraine.

COOPERATION WITH NATO

Tell us more about international cooperation during that period…

Cooperation with NATO is a special stage in my life; it began with the Marine Corps and continued throughout my subsequent activities.

After Ukraine joined the "Partnership for Peace" program in 1994, the Marine Corps actively began participating in international exercises with partners in arms. Already in 1995, I directly participated in the preparation and conduct of the first exercise with the US Marine Corps at the Shyroky Lan training ground and the "Autumn Allies-95" exercise at the US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This was the beginning of the development of the Ukrainian Navy and the glorious combat path of the 1st Separate Marine Corps Brigade.

The first face-to-face meeting with the US Marine Corps in 1995 impressed us with the level of provision and training of American Marines. We were interested in everything, from uniforms, traditions, equipment, and provision to conducting joint training. Often, by agreement, additional training was conducted at night. Communication took place at training sites and during classes. Sports events were regularly organized – arm wrestling and hand-to-hand combat were especially popular, which sometimes went beyond what was allowed, so it was later decided not to hold them anymore. At each training point, there were always some kind of competitions to see who was better, and our guys proved that they were stronger in spirit; that's when the motto of the Ukrainian Marine Corps "Always Faithful" was born, which still demonstrates the strength and resilience of our Marines.

After graduating from the operational-tactical faculty of the academy, considering my experience, I received an appointment to the combat training department of the Ukrainian Navy, where I continued to plan and conduct international exercises. I worked as part of a professional team, which at that time was headed by an experienced officer and initiator of all reforms and structural changes, Captain 1st Rank Andriy Ryzhenko.

The Ukrainian Navy was a leading outpost in implementing NATO standards in the Armed Forces of Ukraine; everything new was tested and then implemented in the Armed Forces. We were responsible for preparing and conducting international exercises – three to five such events were held annually at the Navy level.

International exercises played a decisive role in the formation and transformation of the Ukrainian Navy into a modern, effective, and combat-ready structure. They ensured the practical implementation of NATO standards (STANAG), which significantly changed approaches to personnel training, combat training in general, and created an effective management system. Thanks to this, it was possible to move away from the outdated Soviet model and switch to a Western-type system at the tactical level – with an emphasis on initiative, flexibility, and efficiency. This became an important stage in forming the international image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In which exercises did you participate? Was it really such a special experience?

The Ukrainian Navy constantly participated in international cooperation activities, including PASSEX (Passing Exercise) – short-term joint training between the naval forces of two or more countries. Their purpose is to practice interoperability, communication, navigation, tactical maneuvering, as well as demonstrate presence and partnership. In addition, the Ukrainian Navy was regularly involved in series of multinational and bilateral exercises with partner countries.

I personally participated in the planning and conduct of the "Sea Breeze exercise," Black Sea Partnership, Cooperative Partner, as well as NATO exercises open to partners "Northern Light-2003" and "Sorbet Royal-2005."

The most memorable were the NATO exercises "Northern Light – 2003," held in Scotland. These were the first NATO exercises open to partners – three partner countries participated: Sweden, Lithuania, and Ukraine. For me, it was an important professional experience: the exercises took place on the ground in real-time conditions, with a high level of planning, provision, and personal responsibility for the unit.

From the Ukrainian Navy, an reinforced Marine Corps unit and planning section officers participated in the exercises. I was the senior contingent of the Navy and directly managed the unit's actions – from the stage of force deployment to practical actions. The scenario was as realistic as possible: NATO units practiced the concept of forming and operationally deploying the NATO Response Force, including elements of designated forces, counteraction, information warfare, media engagement, and the deployment of forward first-echelon headquarters.

A unique aspect of the exercises was that no one knew the full scenario – all events were simulated in real-time, as during a real deployment of NATO response forces. Situations changed hourly, so it was necessary to act clearly and promptly, as in combat conditions. Counteraction was carried out by trained designated units. There was unloading in an unknown area using landing craft and helicopters, taking control of an airfield for the deployment of a forward contingent, and performing tasks in populated areas. Journalists interviewed us, recorded our reactions, and we responded as in real press briefings. It was a colossal experience that made us stronger. It was at such exercises that the future outlines of the Ukrainian Navy developed and formed.

Comparing Ukraine's participation in joint exercises with NATO partners – did you feel that something was missing, or on the contrary – that we were already at the same level?

In the early 2000s, the Ukrainian Navy became a key element of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the path to rapprochement with NATO. The Navy Command, ship groups, and Marine Corps were the first to use procedures and integrate into the NATO planning system through international exercises, experience exchange, and joint training.

Special attention was paid to language training. At that time, English began to be studied at the tactical unit level – using DLI equipment and language labs provided by the USA, as well as with the support of British Council instructors. This significantly improved English proficiency, effectively implemented STANAG procedures, practiced elements of operational planning according to NATO procedures, introduced a modern system for managing ship combat groups, developed communication systems according to Alliance standards, conducted joint exercises with partners, and participated in international operations as full-fledged participants.

Already in the early 2000s, the Ukrainian Navy units reached an appropriate level of interoperability and operational capabilities: trained personnel, partner support, coordinated interaction, and the implementation of relevant procedures. Yes, we lagged technically, but we had a clear understanding of what to do and where to move; a professional approach, the implementation of adopted decisions, and responsibility dominated, which was repeatedly confirmed during joint activities with NATO countries.

Was further participation in international missions planned?

We always moved forward, set ambitious goals, and broke through despite the resistance of our own system. Bureaucracy, sabotage of reforms, lack of political will, jealousy of "outdated" structures – all this accompanied the path to Euro-Atlantic integration. However, the Ukrainian Navy was always one step ahead and actively initiated changes.

The result of painstaking work and the appropriate level of training was the participation of the Ukrainian Navy in NATO's "Active Endeavour" operation. I participated in the preparation and organization of support for Navy ships during their transit and in the patrol area within the NATO operation, and also directly participated on board the corvette "Ternopil" in the operation in 2006 and 2009. This was the first and only case of NATO applying Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty in practice, i.e., providing collective assistance to one of the NATO countries that was attacked.

To organize interaction with the NATO Naval Command in Naples and coordinate the participation of Navy ships in the counter-terrorism operation in the Mediterranean Sea, the Ukrainian Contact Point for NATO's "Active Endeavour" operation was established, and I was the first commander of the Contact Point.

After NATO's "Active Endeavour" operation, the Ukrainian Navy also began preparing for anti-piracy missions: NATO's "Ocean Shield" and EU NAVFOR "Atalanta" operations, in which the Ukrainian Navy successfully participated in the future. The active participation of the Navy in NATO operations made a significant contribution to maintaining international security, and this was indeed a historic step.

You have been involved in Euro-Atlantic integration issues for a long time. When did you personally feel that development had stopped?

The deterioration of the situation began to be felt from the mid-2000s, and after Yanukovych came to power in 2006, the course towards NATO practically stopped. Instead of real combat training, formalism and "show-off" events for the top leadership appeared. Unfortunately, due to deteriorating funding, full-fledged combat training was not conducted.

Officers who completed training courses and military educational institutions in the USA and other NATO countries were only limitedly appointed to leadership positions. Unable to realize their knowledge and experience, many of them were forced to resign and move into business, where they were eagerly accepted due to their colossal theoretical and practical baggage.

Overall, the process of international cooperation and reform implementation slowed down. Everything that had been built and developed over the years dissolved into formalism.

At the same time, I am convinced that the experience of the Ukrainian Navy is clear evidence that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are capable of operating effectively according to NATO standards. This requires a systemic approach, high-quality personnel training, painstaking work at all levels, a strong-willed decision by the command, and political determination.

UKRAINE, WAR, AND NATO TODAY: HOW TO TRANSFORM COMBAT EXPERIENCE INTO SYSTEMIC STRENGTH

Why does Ukraine need to transition to NATO standards, and how is this related to the reality of war?

In my opinion, and based on the experience gained, Ukraine needs to transition to NATO standards not only due to the desire for Alliance membership, but primarily due to practical needs that arose during the full-scale war with Russia. This is a matter of survival, effectiveness, and Victory. Ukraine receives weapons, ammunition, equipment, and control systems from NATO countries; without transitioning to NATO standards, it is difficult to fully integrate Western weapon systems into the control system and use them effectively.

We are waging war against an enemy that has a numerical and resource advantage, and this will not change in the coming years. War is a competition; victory by "quantity" is impossible for us, so the only way is to change the philosophy of decision-making, anticipate the enemy, create and use opportunities, impose our own courses of action, decentralize decision-making and execution, and engage in asymmetric actions. Decentralization of decision-making and execution, initiative at a lower level, flexible planning when the situation on the battlefield is constantly changing – this is the key to success. This is not just a change of procedures, it is a change of philosophy. It will help organize the combat experience already gained, give it structure and long-term meaning. We can no longer fight "the old way"; qualitative changes are needed.

The transition to NATO standards is not just about politics; it's more about efficiency, adapting to the conditions and technologies of modern warfare, and truly saving the lives of our military on the battlefield. Ukraine is already on this path, and the combat experience of the past years of war has only confirmed the correctness of this vector.

How does the implementation of NATO standards look in practice, and what are the main challenges?

The transition to NATO standards is being carried out while the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting combat operations, which requires time and resources. Sometimes commanders do not have these opportunities, but they increasingly understand the need for qualitative changes. Everything depends on the level of training of the command staff, management bodies, and higher-level headquarters.

Main challenges: outdated management and decision-making system; insufficient number of trained officers and sergeants, misunderstanding of the role and importance of the sergeant corps; lack of technical conditions for servicing NATO equipment; language training, low percentage of English proficiency, NATO terminology and procedures; presence of old Soviet-era weapons incompatible with Western standards.

Thus, the implementation of NATO standards is a long process of deep transformation, which is strategically crucial for the future national security of Ukraine.

Do you believe in Ukraine's accession to NATO, and how will it change our army?

I have always been and remain a supporter of NATO. It's not just a matter of security – it's about planning, clear procedures, and partner support. However, without technical and conceptual compatibility, Alliance membership will be impossible. NATO, for its part, expects the Armed Forces of Ukraine to operate according to its standards and rules.

Although today even the structure of the Alliance itself is changing, and the positions of individual countries raise questions, there is no alternative for Ukraine. Being alone in this geopolitical storm is not an option, which is why I believe in NATO as Ukraine's strategic choice – not with naivety, but with a sober understanding of reality.

We have already proven that we defend common values on the battlefield. And if we combine this combat experience with NATO's philosophy, procedures, and methodology, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will become even more effective. This is the path to full integration and a strong, modern army, the reform of which is impossible without the implementation of modern principles, standards, and technologies.

To be continued in the second part of the interview.