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5th MXG deputy works alongside Iraqi Air Force

By Staff Sgt. Sanja Allen, . / Published November 08, 2010

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ALI BASE, Iraq -- Squadron 70 of the Iraqi air force flew its first operational mission from here Oct. 25, just over one week after they relocated from Basra Air Base, to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support over the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

In addition to flying a joint effort with U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches in support of the Hajj, Iraqi airmen and U.S. Soldiers provided ISR support to a main supply route and oil pipeline.

Before moving to Ali Base Oct. 17 at the direction of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, a five-person Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force Base Transition Team made preparations for the seven CH-2000 ISR aircraft and 100-plus Iraqi airmen.

The team worked with the Iraqis to identify what equipment and facilities they needed to make the move successful.

"My role in bringing the Iraqi air force to this base was to find a location that was open so the 407th (Air Expeditionary Group), working with the Army garrison could provide for the Iraqis, identify the things the Iraqis needed to sustain themselves and finally to help them get their missions going so they could do all the things they need to do for the Iraqi Government and people," said Lt. Col. Bill Stahl, BTT chief deployed from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and a native of Lisle, Ill.

The BTT was a big reason Squadron 70 was able to move in and launch its first mission from Ali Base.

"If we need something, they will get it for us so we can be prepared to start our mission," said Iraqi Brig. Gen. Hakim, Ali Base commander. "We have good cooperation and good experience with the Americans from 2003 to now and we take all the good things from them. I appreciate the team of advisors."

Now that Squadron 70 arrived and is operational, the Iraqi air force can reestablish its presence in southern Iraq.

"The location for this base is the center of the south," said Col. Nazih, Squadron 70 commander. "We can cover all of the south from Baghdad to Kuwati border, Iranian border and Saudi border. I think it's the best location for an Iraqi air force base. We have a good base because the U.S. Air Force did a good job with the runway, new tower, everything. Now I think it's ready. I am happy to continue our mission for success in the Iraqi air force."
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