9th Tactical Fighter Squadron "Strigon"

9TH TACTICAL FIGHTER SQUADRON "Strigon"
- 370th Aviation Regiment, Estovakian Central Military District Air Force

Toscha and Pasternak - Squadron Patch - Escorting P-models - Large Article Picture

Aircraft:
12 x Su-33 Flanker-D
1 x CFA-44 Nosferatu (flight leader)

Radio Transmissions:
"Calling all Strigon planes. Gracemeria shall be ours for the taking."
"This is Strigon 12. Target acquired. Moving to engage."
"Strigon Four is down."
"Target kill confirmed."
"That's it, Toscha, looking good."
"They're chasing Strigon 12."
"All Strigon Team members, assembled for takeoff. For the glory of our country."

Battle Information:
The Strigon Squadron works as a team during each engagement. Though they are all skilled, their flight leader, Col. Voychek does stand out from the rest when you are against them. The Strigon all seem to utilize 'High-G' maneuvers to evade and get behind their targets.

Background:
Their flight leader was Lieutenant Colonel Victor Voychek. The Strigon Squadron first appears on August 30th, 2015, during the Estovakian invasion of Gracemeria, the capital of Emmeria, on the opening day of the Estovakian-Emmerian War.

During that battle, the 'Strigon Team' first escorted Estovakia's "Aigaion" Heavy Command Cruiser, then attacked the city after a Nimbus Missile barrage. They are accredited for changing the tide of battle for the capital city by forcing all defending Emmerian Forces to retreat and gained a vital victory for Estovakia. Lieutenant Colonel Voychek was injured during the siege of Gracemeria and due to his injuries, he was barred from flying combat missions with the Strigon Team throughout the war. Instead he interrogated captured Emmerian Prisoners of War for information. Strigon Two regained his original command of the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and worked with the Aigaion to repel the four Emmerian “King” and “Balloon” operations to retake Gracemeria. As the Emmerian Military continued to fall back from the Estovakian Advance, the Strigon Team split into multiple flights in order to back up Estovakian Forces across the Anean Continent.

With the start of the Emmerian Counter Offensive, which started on Khesed Island, the Strigon Team was sent to defend Bartolomeo Fortress on Mount Marcello. The Estovakian Forces were being overrun by the combined effort of the Emmerian Military. Strigon Three and his wing man engaged two aircraft, later confirmed as the Emmerian 28th Tactical Fighter Squadron of Eastern Air Defense Command’s 8th Air Division, also known as the “Garuda Team”. The engagement ended with the two Strigon pilots being shot down, the re-capture of Bartolemeo Fortress, and the successful removal of Estovakian Forces from Khesed Island.

After the Emmerian Forces properly regrouped at Khesed Island, an amphibious invasion was launched. Emmerian Forces landed on the mainland and pushed towards Silvat in an attempt to link up with stranded forces located there. The Emmerian Air Force rushed into Silvat and provided close air support. Already at the battlefield, a three ship formation of the Strigon Team, lead by Strigon Four, engaged the incoming Emmerian Aircraft. The Strigon primarily engaged the Garuda Team but were unsuccessful in shooting down the Garuda Team. The Strigon Team continued escort operations for the Aigaion Heavy Command Cruiser and its large escorts, as the Estovakian Defense Strategy began to incorporate more Nimbus Missile operations from the Aigaion to stop the Emmerian Forces at Selumna Peak and at San Loma. Once the Emmerian Military retook the naval facilities, airfield and city of San Loma, the Estovakian Aerial Fleet was attacked by the Emmerian Air Force during their refueling operations after the Strigon Team landed on the Aigaion, after patrolling operations. The Strigon Team quickly launched from the Aigaion to intercept the Emmerians. By the end of the large aerial battle the Strigon Team was shot down, including their commanding officer. With the destruction of the Aigaion, Kottos and Gyges aircraft, the Strigon Team survivors returned to Gracemeria in hopes fortify defenses in and around the city. It was during this time that the Strigon Team and the Vampire Team were forced to be consolidated into one unit with an ace named Ilya Pasternak took command of the Squadron. Sent by “The Generals”, the sole purpose of Ilya Pasternak being sent to Emmeria was to combat the Garuda Team. Eventually the Strigon Team got a chance to engage the Garuda Team as a whole when a fierce battle broke out in the Moloch Desert near Gracemeria. A large percentage of the defending Estovakian Forces in Gracemeria were present on the battlefield, meaning that an Emmerian victory would ensure the recapture of Gracemeria. The battle in Moloch was intense and could have gone in either side’s favor, but the Garuda Team managed to tip the scale in mid-battle and ensured an Emmerian victory. However, the final Estovakian plan for defending Gracemeria was put into motion at that point. All Estovakian forces retreated to Gracemeria while the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron moved into the area in order to engage the Garuda Team. As the Strigon and Garuda Teams engaged one another, Emmerian Forces received an immediate order to retreat from the area with the Estovakian plan to “hold” Gracemeria. The Estovakian plan was to use weapons of mass destruction to destroy Gracemeria before it could be retaken by Emmerian Forces, and rather than advance and risk the Estovakians destroying Gracemeria, the Emmerian Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered a temporary halt.
The Strigon Team engaged the Garuda Team, outnumbering them, but, was shot down by the Garuda Team once again, as Garuda chose to defy the order and engage the Strigons successfully.

After a covert operation by the Emmerian Military saw the elimination of the weapons of mass destruction, the Strigon Team flew multiple patrols outside of Gracemeria. For one reason or another, the Strigon Team was out on patrol (most likely a long ranged patrol) when the Emmerian Military launched “Operation: Free Gracemeria”. The Emmerian Military successfully retook all parts of their capital city. The Strigon Team neared Gracemeria Airspace after the Emmerian Military’s operation was completed. Ilya Pasternak had ordered the Strigon Team to not engage the entirety of the Emmerian Military at Gracemeria, knowing that all pilots would be killed in battle and accomplish nothing. Instead, Ilya Pasternak ordered the Strigon Team to fly as far as they could, back to Estovakia, while he would engage the Emmerian Military and the Garuda Team. His final orders to his men were to return to Estovakia and ensure the future of their country.

Ilya Pasternak flew into Gracemeria in his CFA-44 Nosferatu and challenged the Garuda Team. The Estovakian ace launched an all out barrage with All-Directional Multi-Purpose Missile (ADMM) Munitions, ESM and unconfirmed amounts of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV).The Garuda Team eventually did mange to shoot down Ilya Pasternak however. Ilya Pasternak would be remembered as a naturally born ace who valiantly died in battle in order to ensure the survival of his twelve team mates.

The Strigon Team was called upon by one of “The Generals” of the Estovakian Military, who narrowly escaped capture in Gracemeria, Gustav Dvornik. The Strigon Team’s survivors were gathered to protect the Chandelier, the final hope for Estovakian victory. This gigantic rail gun, the Chandelier, commenced firing multiple cruise missiles at the newly recaptured Gracemeria and Emmerian Forces. The Emmerian Military managed to defeat the Chandelier's long ranged attacks and promptly launched a counterattack against the Chandelier. This counterattack was made possible by information given to the Emmerians by Colonel Voychek, not wanting to see all of the civilians in Gracemeria be slaughtered.

The Strigon Team launched from a runway near the Chandelier and engaged the Emmerian air forces, lead by the Garuda Team. Strigon Twelve, Toscha Mijasik, had left the Squadron and surrendered to the Emmerian Military with the death of Ilya Pasternak. The surviving pilots of the Strigon Team fought to the end, but, were also shot down and killed in battle. The Chandelier was destroyed by the Garuda Team and by the end of the war, the surviving Strigon Team members were both captured by the Emmerian Military and put into a military prison.

The Strigon Team and the Vampire Team, were completely destroyed by the end of the Emmerian-Estovakian war.

Pilot Information:
Squadron Assault Records:
Number: 01
Name: Victor Voychek
Rank: Lt. Colonel
Call Sign: Strigon Leader
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 41
Gender: Male
Blood Type: A
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakia Central Forces Precinct Air Force (EAF) Intelligence Bureau. Serving as the commander of the Eastern Faction's elite Strigon Team during the war, Victor Voychek's party gained control of the central government at the war's conclusion. The victory for him, however, was short lived, as he was critically wounded in the proceeding Emmeria-Estovakia War. No longer able to fly, he was reassigned the position of intelligence officer specializing in interrogating enemy POW pilots. Once a loyal soldier and countryman he was unable to come to terms with the Estovakian plan to destroy Gracemeria at the cost of countless civilian lives, and made it his personal endeavor to stop it.

Number: 02
Name: Karlo Bodganovic
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon 3
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 37
Gender: Male
Blood Type: B
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 37th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. A skilled pilot serving with the Strigon Team since its inception, his somewhat arrogant attitude led to countless conflicts with other squadron members. However, his decisive battle instincts often played a large part in leading the squadron to victory. Karlo Bogdanovic and his wing man were shot down by the Garuda Team in the battle for Bartolomeo Fortress. Failure to perform routine aircraft maintenance between patrols followed by emergency sortie immediately after, is believed to have been the cause.

Number: 03
Name: Cvitko Dudic
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon 4
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Blood Type: O
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. A hardened pilot of the Estovakian Civil War, Cvitko Dudic's four plane coordinated attack was said to have been so intense that during training even Strigon Team leader, Lt. Colonel Voychek, had to push his skills to the limit just to keep up. Dudic's aircraft along with three other squadron members, were shot down in the battle of Silvat, while engaging the Garuda Team and Emmerian reinforcements.

Number: 04
Name: Frederiko Jarni
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon 5
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Blood Type: O
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Frederiko Jarni's years of real battle experience, training and simulations certified his position as a mentor of rookie Strigon pilots. Both of his wing men were shot down by Emmerian forces while battling to defend the Aigaion. Although his team lost the battle, he continued an all out assault on the Garuda Team, recording the battle data until the moment of his defeat, it is said, for future generation of pilots to learn from.

Number: 05
Name: Darijo Kovac
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon 2
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Blood Type: A
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Midway through the Estovakian Civil War the Eastern Faction formed the Vampire team through forceful integration of insurgent ace pilots. Strigon Team's second in command, Ilya Pasternak, was assigned with leading the Vampire Team, while Darijo Kovac took his place as Strigon's number two. Kovac's stern attitude is said to have played a key role in holding the team together. Strigon Team leader Lt. Commander Voychek's injuries sustained during the attack on Gracemeria, saw Kovac promoted again, to team leader. While defending the Aigaion he, and two wing men, were shot down by the Garuda Team.

Number: 06
Name: Franz Leko
Rank: Captain
Call Sign: Strigon 4
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Blood Type: A
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Initially a member of the Vampire Team, Franz Leko was transferred as additional support for the struggling Strigon Team. Forsaking danger, he was known to have gone to any means necessary to complete the mission. His ultra-low spearhead infiltration of the enemy territory successfully resulted in the destruction of all enemy aircraft guns was the deciding factor in the battle between the Eastern Faction and the Island Coalition, and remains the crowning moment of the Estovakian Civil War. Leko and both his wing men were killed when shot down by the Garuda Team while in pursuit over the Moloch Desert.

Number: 07
Name: Nino Ljubek
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon 5
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Blood Type: B
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. During the Estovakian Civil War Nino Ljubek was transferred to the Vampire Team just before the decisive confrontation between the Eastern Faction and the Lyes United Front. Affectionately known as easy going and father like squad leader, the loss of several comrades during the war transformed him to such an extent that while in the Vampire Team, he was feared as the Cold-Blooded Assassin, not so much as flinching at the death of a comrade. His three plane formation was shot down by the Garuda Team while giving pursuit over the Moloch Desert. He is currently listed as M.I.A.

Number: 08
Name: Ilya Pasternak
Rank: Major
Call Sign: Strigon Leader
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Blood Type: B
Aircraft: CFA-44

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Holding the prominent positions of both Strigon Team's second in command and Vampire Team leader during the Estovakian Civil War, Ilya Pasternak also served as Leader of the reorganized Strigon Team during the Emmeria-Estovakia War after severe casualties compelled the consolidation of Vampire and Strigon teams. His illustrious battle record was marked by many medals befitting an ace, including the Golden Medal of Marksmanship. Owning the trust of his first commanding officer Victor Voychek, his unfaltering confidence and cool-headedness in the face of danger also garnered him the undying admiration of his subordinates. A born ace, with an untarnished record, he died a valiant death while engaging the Garuda Team over Gracemeria, so that his twelve team members could escape.

Number: 09
Name: Aleksei Cheshenko
Rank: Captain
Call Sign: Strigon 2
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Blood Type: A
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Carrying out combat research as a member of an Estovakian aggressor squadron before the civil war, Aleksei Cheshenko is said to have mastered the failings of every major air force. Originally a member of the Northern Highlands Faction, he was defeated by the Strigon Team, and re-assigned as an initial member of the Vampire Team during the civil war. Despite a continued rivalry with Ilya Pasternak, he respected his skills as a pilot, and flew as his right-hand man. As squad commander of the final Chandelier Defense Team, his four plane formation endeavored unsuccessfully to hold back the enemy, and were defeated in battle.

Number: 010
Name: Yaroslav Deryagin
Rank: Captain
Call Sign: Strigon 3
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Blood Type: O
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Squad commander of the Island Coalition during the civil war, Yaroslav Deryagin was shot down by the Strigon Team, and subsequently reassigned to the Vampire Team prior to their decisive battle with the Lyes United Front. A rather calm mannered and good natured man, he found a likewise mind in Ilya Pasternak amongst the otherwise fiery personalities of the Vampire team. Both Deryagin and his two wing men perished in the Chandelier Defensive Operation.

Number: 11
Name: Stepan Feigin
Rank: Captain
Call Sign: Strigon 10
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Blood Type: AB
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Stepan Feigin was enrolled in former Estovakia's military flight school when the civil war broke out. He became entangled in an aerial battle during his first sortie, and managed to down two enemy pilots despite having no practical battle experience. This display of raw talent quickly earned him a position in Strigon Team. Along with Toscha Mijasik, he was one of the few original Strigon Team pilots to survive until the end of the war, but was eventually shot down during the Chandelier Defensive Operation. He is currently listed as M.I.A.

Number: 12
Name: Toscha Mijasik
Rank: Captain
Call Sign: Strigon 12
Nationality: Estovakian
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Blood Type: A
Aircraft: Su-33 Flanker-D

Estovakian Central Forces Precinct Air Force 370th Aviation Regiment 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron. A high school student at the outbreak of the Estovakian Civil War, Toscha Mijasik quickly registered for service in the Eastern Faction. Quick an decisive, he was soon assigned to the Strigon Team. Superstitious in nature, he continued to use the same flight number twelve throughout his career. Following the death of Ilya Pasternak, he broke away from his fellow team members and surrendered to Emmeria. He has since become the surviving voice of the Strigon legacy.

SOURCES
Ace Combat 06: Fires of Liberation
Official Ace Combat 06 Website

ACCREDITATION:
Thanks to Dan (the man