Free Republic

SATHER AIR BASE — After a month of work, the west runway at Baghdad International Airport is open for business. That business is running the busiest, highest volume passenger terminal in Iraq. “Repair and improvement of (Baghdad’s) west runway became necessary due to the gradual deterioration of its surface to the point that it would become dangerous in the very near future,” said Lt. Col. Scott Bowen, 447th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron commander deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. “These repairs, combined with the other improvement projects, will ensure long-term use of the west side of Baghdad International Airport.” At...

7/19/2006 - KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Fifty-eight Air Force engineers filling a shortage of Soldiers in Iraq have completed more than a dozen construction projects, often under fire, throughout a 10,000-square-mile zone for the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team. After six months, the Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Detachment 10 have maintained and repaired six convoy routes and seven forward-operating bases. "It's been very strenuous, and sometimes extremely dangerous. I'm ready to get home, see my family and unwind," said Master Sgt. Ken Dunbar, Det. 10 superintendent of operations and acting first sergeant. "We have...