Exercise Begins Iraqi Air Force Squadron's Move

Defend America News ^ | Oct 25, 2005 | Air Force Lt. Col. Herb Phillips

[SandRat]

'Independent Action' tests abilities to plan, schedule and execute missions.

By U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Herb Phillips Coalition Military Assistance and Training Team Air Cell BAGHDAD, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2005 — With the lift-off of two fully-loaded C-130E Hercules aircraft from Ali Base in southern Iraq Oct. 12, the Iraqi Air Force's 23rd Squadron (Transport) began its move to its new home at Al Muthana Air Base at Baghdad International Airport. The move is part of "Independent Action," the first in a series of exercises aimed at developing the C-130 squadron. The intent of this exercise was to deploy the squadron's aircraft, equipment, aircrew and maintenance personnel to New Al Muthana and operate independent of its coalition partner unit, the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The exercise tested the ability of mostly operations personnel to plan, schedule and execute missions from New Al Muthana using support services from the base and the surrounding Baghdad International Airport complex. An Iraqi Air Force warrant officer directs the loading of a pallet of equipment and supplies onto a C-130E Hercules aircraft, which can carry loads weighing as much as 21 tons. Exercise "Independent Action" is the first in a series of exercises aimed at developing the squadron, which is in the process of moving to New Al Muthana Air Base. Photo courtesy Coalition Military Assistance and Training Team Air Cell

A U.S. Air Force major (left) from an advisory support team partnered with the Iraqi Air Force's 23rd Squadron (Transport) works with an Iraqi co-pilot on proper use of pre-departure checklists during exercise "Independent Action." Photo courtesy Coalition Military Assistance and Training Team Air Cell Over the course of the six-day exercise, the squadron flew missions supporting the Iraqi Constitutional referendum, airlifted backlogged cargo from various bases across Iraq for the Coalition Air Operations Center and provided transportation for the Minister of Defense. In all, the squadron flew 10 missions with 251 passengers and 31.5 tons of cargo. The exercise also tested the capabilities of New Al Muthana to support flying operations in the future. Several areas were identified as requiring attention, but officials said the exercise turned out to be a great start to transitioning the squadron to its future home. The next exercise will focus on maintenance personnel and identifying support issues in advance of the permanent move, scheduled for January 2006.

[SandRat]

Iraqi Air Force learning from USAF and becoming more capable.

[Marine_Uncle]

"Iraqi Air Force learning from USAF and becoming more capable."

Right on. Won't be long before they will be taking full command of those aircraft.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[Jet Jaguar]

Bump.

[Aeronaut]