An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AAF public affairs host first "Media Day"

  • Published
  • By Mass Communication Petty Officer 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing
KABUL, Afghanistan --  On Jan. 24, the Afghan Air Force Public Affairs office took the lead in hosting six Afghan media outlets at the AAF HQ on the Kabul International Airport in support of NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan and the U.S. Embassy.

In attendance were Tolo TV, Sabah TV, Shamshad TV, Pajhwok News Agency, Radio Youth FM and Radio Good Morning, Afghanistan.

Normally, the U.S. Embassy lines up European or American media tours, but since this was an Afghan tour, it provided the NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan advisors with a unique training opportunity for the growing AAF Public Affairs careerfield.

NATC-A/438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs advisor, Capt. Rob Leese from Alexandria, Va., explained, "This was a tremendous step forward for the Afghan Public Affairs team. They were able to bring out members of the media and showcase what the Afghan Air Force is doing to help provide stability to Afghanistan. I was very proud of how they conducted their first media day."

Members of the media attended a 30-minute question and answer session with the AAF Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Abdul Wahab Wardak. They interviewed Afghan Mi-17 helicopter, C-27 and An-32 aircraft pilots, and were able to film aircraft in the maintenance hangar and on the flight line. They visited the Thunder Lab English Immersion facility where they received a briefing by Afghan 2nd Lt. "Bob" Hotak. The day ended with interviews of male and female AAF Lieutenant pilot-candidates.

Afghan Air Force director of public affairs, Lt. Col. Mohammed Bahadur Raiskhail, stated, "I was happy to help the Afghan media because that is my job and my responsibility. We are working with our advisors shoulder to shoulder to improve the Afghan Air Force."

The AAF media day was a tremendous success as Afghan media got a chance to witness fellow countrymen at work in their Air Force, said Captain Leese. It showcased the AAF Public Affairs office growing talent, professionalism and initiative.