Pilot who trained in Fresno died fighting for Ukraine: 'Hero'

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Ukrainian Air Force Pilot Oleksii Mes, who died defending his state earlier this week, had received grooming successful Fresno with the 144th Fighter Wing earlier the struggle betwixt Russia and Ukraine began successful 2022.

The Ukrainian Air Force announced the passing of aviator Oleksii Mes connected Thursday. Officials accidental helium was killed connected Monday during what the Ukrainian subject described arsenic a "massive Russian rocket and aerial strike."

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Mes changeable down 3 cruise missiles and 1 onslaught UAV, which saved countless Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. However, Mes' actions came astatine the outgo of his ain life.

Mes had ties with the Central Valley, receiving grooming successful Fresno. In 2019, helium became the archetypal Ukrainian Air Force aviator to observe air-to-air refueling successful the backmost spot of an F-15D Eagle with the 144th Fighter Wing, according to the 144th Fighter Wing.

Mes' grooming successful 2019 was portion of the "State Partnership Program."

"He was a existent patriot and leader to his state and a talented pilot," wrote the 144th Fighter Wing on societal media.