The pilot who gave Ukraine new wings: Tribute to Colonel Oleksii ‘Moonfish’ Mes

Colonel Oleksii “Moonfish” Mes, a Ukrainian pilot who played a crucial role in securing F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine, has died.

Oleksii was an exemplary pilot—always excelling, always first, always the best. He avoided publicity and media attention, but as a true officer, he carried out his duties without hesitation, even when it meant hours-long interviews in English for foreign media. If his homeland required him to travel to Washington to meet with American officials, politicians, and journalists, he did so without question.

He was the first Ukrainian pilot to take the controls of an F-16 and the first to begin carrying out combat missions. The only regret he had was not having enough time to see his daughter grow up. However, he said he would do everything in his power to ensure a peaceful Ukrainian sky above her and his beloved wife.

(Andrii “Juice” Pilshchykov and Oleksii “Moonfish” Mes will forever be remembered in the history of Ukrainian aviation as those who gave it new wings.)

Eternal memory and eternal glory to the Heroes 🕯️

Anatolii Shtefan

Tags: armed forces Russia russia ukraine war Ukraine