Friday, November 4
FRENCHIES FINISH AIR MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN
| November 4, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA – After three months of flying support and combat sorties, the French Air Force successfully fulfills its mission here Friday. The French Air Force flew Operation Enduring Freedom close air support, armed reconnaissance and convoy escort missions in support of the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan Sept. 18. “We were here to show the Coalition forces that France is willing to support [the flying mission],” said Lt. Col. Marc Bezombes, French liaison officer at the Combined Air Operations Center, Southwest Asia. The French Air Force also flew missions in support of the International Security Assistance Force, a United Nations-mandated operation established to assist the government of Afghanistan. The primary role of ISAF is to assist the government of Afghanistan in providing a safe and secure environment within Kabul and its surrounding areas, which will assist in the reconstruction of a new Afghanistan according to Global Security. The French consider their time over the skies of Afghanistan a major success. “Our mission here was well accomplished,” Lt. Col. Bezombes said. During their time in Southwest Asia, the French Air Force flew more than 400 sorties, logging nearly 2,000 flying hours. These included about 720 hours flying the M-2000 Mirage, 550 hours in the F-1 Mirage and 680 C-135 SR tanker hours. “This was a wonderful experience,” Lt. Col. Bezombes said. “This has fortified the links between the French and U.S. Air Forces. The French Air Force also enhanced the Coalition combat capability by performing six successful air strikes using laser-guided bombs against anti-Coalition militia. Though the French Air Force mission is complete, the air crews will not soon forget their time in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. “We were very proud to fly in this coalition and we thank the American and Coalition staff for their welcome, help and kindness,” said Capt. Michael Gente, French Liaison Officer of F-1 Operations at the CAOC. There are currently no plans for further ISAF or OEF participation this year for the French Air Force, according to Lt. Col. Bezombes. “It was interesting to meet people from all the different countries,” said Adjutant Christophe Breton, chief of French communications at the CAOC. “When the mission was clear, it was easy to make a good judgment call. We are all here for the same reason – peace.” Weblog LINK |
