Balad Airbase-Paving the Way to the Future By Polli Barnes Keller Gulf Region Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Before - parking of helicopters on edge of active taxiways. Photo 3: After - Tactical helicopter parking ramp. (USACE Photo by Ray Martin) Tikrit Iraq - Repairs and renovations to the Balad Airfield are paving the way to the future of Iraq.In four months, over 800 cubic meters of concrete have been placed and over 35 miles of conduit and conductors have been laid. By the time all the repairs and renovations to the Balad Airbase runway are complete, more than...