Posted on 06/03/2003 1:50:19 PM PDT by knighthawk
MACDILL AFB, FL, June 3 /CNW/ - On 2 June, a Canadian Forces CC-130 Hercules transport aircraft completed the first Canadian flight in support of the reconstruction of Iraq. The aircraft comes from the Tactical Airlift Detachment deployed in the Arabian Gulf area on Operation APOLLO. It transported eight passengers and a load of miscellaneous cargo including a truck and trailer from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq.
"The Government of Canada announced on 29 April that Canada would expand the role of its three CC-130 Hercules aircraft deployed in the Gulf region to support humanitarian, reconstruction and stability efforts in Iraq," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "We are very proud of the exceptional work being done by the men and women serving with the Tactical Airlift Detachment."
"This is the first of a series of flights that will involve Canadian support to Iraq reconstruction," said Brig.-Gen. Tabbernor, Commander of the Canadian Joint Task Force Southwest Asia. "The 1,000 CF members deployed in southwest Asia are eager to contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the conditions in Iraq. They will do their utmost to airlift, as often as possible, the loads of goods required in Iraq."
Operation IRIS is the CF contribution to the humanitarian, reconstruction and stability efforts in Iraq.
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