Saturday, December 3
IRAQI AIR FORCE FLIES TO AL MATHUNA, MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE
Fledgling organization's solo jaunt is the first of many.
| December 2, 2005 BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq – An all Iraqi aircrew flew their first solo mission aboard a C-130E from Ali Air Base to New Al Muthana Nov. 28. The nine aircrew members are part the 23rd Iraqi Squadron, which have been receiving training at Ali AB. They performed an engine running on-load prior to returning to Ali AB. “The flight marked a major milestone achievement by showing Iraq’s capability of providing its own military transport,” said Air Force Capt. Jerry Ruiz, Forward Operations executive officer at New Al Muthana. New Al Muthana is the only Iraqi Air Base in the country and will be home to three C-130E aircraft. The 23rd IS will move to their new home here in January. Weblog LINK |
