Posted on 11/19/2008 4:48:47 PM PST by SandRat
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE — A runway re-opened here after more than three months, with a ceremonial first touch-n-go, Nov. 17. The newly resurfaced runway 14/32 was christened by Iraqi Air Force Lt. Ali Karim, Iraqi flying wing pilot trainee, and Capt. Craig Morash, 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, in a Cessna 172S Skyhawk.
Even though it's open for business, the 506th Expeditionary Operational Support Squadron commander said a small number of final details need to be finished.
"It's like buying a new house," said Lt. Col. Elisabeth Auld, 506th EOSS commander. "There's still a few more things to do. Even so, we have a far superior runway than we had a few months ago.
"We were lucky to have the right combination of airfield management experts, civil engineers and Red Horse warriors to get the job done."
The list of "to do's" though is short, she stated, with final touches needed to the markings on the 8,535-foot runway and the installing of lights so it can be used at night.
With the new surface, Airmen will not have to "chase" every heavy aircraft looking for broken asphalt.
"We will no longer have to worry about that on our new runway," said Tech. Sgt. Clint Harper, 506th EOSS airfield manager. "The resurfacing greatly increases the safety of our crews and aircraft. Also, without this project to worry about, more time can be devoted to one of the many other projects we have going on, or are coordinating."
(By Master Sgt. Andrew Leonhard, 506th Air Expeditionary Goup Public Affairs)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.