Alexander Zelin

Alexander Nikolayevich Zelin

Alexander Zelin
Native name Александр Николаевич Зелин
Born May 6, 1953
Perevalsk, Ukrainian SSR
Allegiance  Soviet Union
 Russia
Years of service 1976 — 2012
Rank Colonel General
Commands held Russian Air Force
Awards Order of St. George , Order of Merit

Alexander Nikolayevich Zelin (Russian: Александр Николаевич Зелин; born 6 May 1953) served as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force[1] from 9 May 2007 until 27 April 2012. Zelin holds the Air Force rank of colonel-general. Since May 2012 Zelin has been an adviser to the Russian Defence Minister.[2]

Biography

Alexander Zelin was born on 6 May 1953, in Perevalsk, Voroshilovgrad region (now Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine). He graduated from Kharkov Higher Aviation School of Pilots in 1976, Gagarin Air Force Academy in 1988, and General Staff Academy in 1997.

From August 2002 to May 2007 he served as Chief of aviation – Air Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief for aviation.

On May 9, 2007, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, replacing Army General Vladimir Mikhaylov.

On April 27, 2012, he was dismissed from his post and military service. No reason was given.[3] He was succeeded by Viktor Bondarev.

Honours and awards

Russian Federation

Soviet Union

References

  1. Usa, Ibp; Publications, USA International Business (2007-02-07). Russia Air Force Handbook. Int'l Business Publications. pp. 229–. ISBN 9781433041150. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  2. Ex-Air Force Commander to Become Adviser to Defense Minister
  3. http://www.armstass.su/?page=article&aid=106155&cid=25 (Russian)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alexander Zelin.
Military offices
Preceded by
Vladimir Mikhaylov
Commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force
9 May 2007 - 27 April 2012
Succeeded by
Viktor Bondarev