U.S., Iraqi Copter Crews Share Airspace, Mission

Defend America News ^ | Jan 5, 2005 | Spc. Lee Elder

[SandRat]

U.S., Iraqi Copter Crews Share Airspace, Mission
The U.S. Army's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade and Iraqi Air Force's 3rd Squadron are tasked to protect a northern Iraqi oil pipeline, as well as ensure electrical power systems are not destroyed by insurgents.
By U.S. Army Spc. Lee Elder 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment TIKRIT, Iraq, Jan. 5, 2006 — The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade hosted members of the fledgling Iraqi Air Force's 3rd Squadron on Dec. 21. The purpose of the meeting was to share information and view each unit's aircraft. "We can leverage both the capabilities of my brigade and the 3rd Air Force Squadron to assist in the security of the critical infrastructure of northern Iraq." U.S. Army Col. Warren E. Phipps 101st Aviation Combat Brigade commander. The meeting is the beginning of a partnership between the two units and is part of efforts to help the Iraqi Air Force become selfsustaining. The 14 Iraqi squadron members also were briefed on the brigade's intelligence and operational capabilities and then got a first-hand look at its aircraft. "We both may learn from each other and share our common experiences to help build a more secure Iraq," said Col. Warren E. Phipps, 101st Aviation Combat Brigade commander. "We can leverage both the capabilities of my brigade and the 3rd Air Force Squadron to assist in the security of the critical infrastructure of northern Iraq." The mission shared by both units is protecting the pipeline in northern Iraq that brings oil to Turkey and ensuring that electrical power systems are not destroyed by insurgents and other criminal elements. The partnership between the two units is a good fit, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dave Schlesinger said. He is head of the Coalition Advisor Support Team in Kirkuk that assists the Iraqi Air Force's rebuilding effort in that area. "Since we share the airspace, one of the biggest benefits is to learn where the 101st is flying," Schlesinger said. "It	U.S. Army Capt. Richard Feltzer (right), 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, shows a group of Iraqi Air Force pilots, mechanics and crewmembers some of the features on a CH-47D Chinook helicopter during their meeting on Dec. 21, 2005, at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Ryan Matson works out well since we're doing the same mission, protecting the infrastructure of the country." The Iraqi Airmen were shown the brigade's areas of concentration. Besides providing logistical support and air cover, aircraft are constantly monitoring key areas watching for insurgent or criminal activity. Phipps said he keeps in close contact with commanders on the ground to ensure the brigade's fleet of more than 150 helicopters is maximizing its support for ground forces.

[marron]

The mission shared by both units is protecting the pipeline in northern Iraq that brings oil to Turkey and ensuring that electrical power systems are not destroyed by insurgents and other criminal elements.

This answers, I think, my question from the other day. It sounds like Kirkuk-Ceyhan is operational. Thats good news.