Posted on 04/24/2006 4:42:30 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD, April 24, 2006 — Last week, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense marked the founding of the Iraqi Air Force. Seventy-five years ago, on April 22, 1931 at a small airport in the Washash neighborhood of Baghdad, five pilots and 32 aircraft mechanics officially became the Iraqi Air Force.
Today’s Iraqi Air Force is an efficient and growing member of Iraq’s Joint Security Forces, making important contributions to the safety and liberty of the Iraqi people.
The five operational squadrons of the Iraqi Air Force provide key reconnaissance and transportation support to Iraq’s civil and military security forces. One transport squadron, two reconnaissance squadrons and two utility squadrons conduct support operations to detect and interdict illegal activity throughout Iraq. Iraqi Air Force surveillance operations help protect critical infrastructure and prevent foreign terrorist infiltration.
Equally important, the Iraqi Air Force provides transportation and sustainment to ground forces defending against terrorist and insurgent threats. These capabilities will continue to grow.
With the formation of a third utility squadron equipped with 10 recently purchased Mi-17 helicopters and other programmed improvements, the Iraqi Air Force has become an integral part of the frontline defense and a strategic partner in Iraq’s stable and secure future.
The commemoration allowed the men and women of the Iraqi Air Force to pause and reflect on proud traditions of serving their fellow citizens and their work toward a peaceful future. They are a small, but important part of the more than 250,000 Iraqis serving in the Security Forces. All these brave Iraqis have chosen the ideals of selfless service, national unity and integrity to guide the path toward peace, prosperity, and security.
On behalf of the Coalition, I congratulate the Iraqi Air Force and all members of the Iraqi Security Forces for their dedication and sacrifice to preserve liberty in Iraq.
The left is not gonna like this. Good! Because WE DO!
Of course, I can only imagine...but I'm sure we'll live to see it come to pass.
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