Iraqi Air Force meets challenge

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The Iraqi air force is making their mark in history. The fledging air power has proven its effectiveness through the execution of combat missions in Basrah, Mosul and Sadr City, and the year-to-date tally marks for aircraft sorties broke 5,000 last June.

The IqAF has roughly 100 pilots assigned to its eight rotary and fixed-wing flying units, making their achievements even more impressive.

"We are now seeing concrete evidence they [the IqAF] have returned to the skies and are proving themselves a credible force for safety, security and sovereignty," said Col. David Penny, 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander. "The Iraqi's sortie production rate is already 80 percent higher than it was last year. That's auspicious for any nation's Air Force."

"Last year, we were building an air force together. We helped the Iraqis build some basic infrastructure, acquire aircraft, personnel and redevelop the processes required to get their air force airborne again," he said. "This year, they have taken the reins in operations. They're working very hard, and their efforts are working to dissolve terrorist cells in Iraq."

For example, the IqAF 70 Squadron in Basrah flew more than 500 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in all of 2007. They have been in the forefront of integrating with the Iraqi army and Special Forces, flying almost 400 sorties since Operation Charge of the Knights began in March 2008 to expel militia and return the country's second largest city to its citizens.

Last year, the IqAF flew 7,663 sorties. "At this rate, we can expect to break last year's record by July," added Colonel Penny.

In order to maintain their current numbers, the IqAF trains the next generation of Iraqi pilots at the Air Force Training College at Taji Air Base, Iraq, and a one-year satellite officer commissioning school at Ar Rustamayah. Currently, more than 200 trainees are enrolled in the colleges, and more than 300 have already graduated since the Coalition and Iraqi team opened the doors in late spring of 2007.--Tech. Sgt. Amanda Callahan, 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

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