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Iraqi Air Force Squadron Commander completes historic milestone

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Chris Irwin
  • 52nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron - Assistant Director of Operations
TIKRIT AIR BASE, Iraq --  The squadron commander of the Iraqi Air Force T-6 squadron, Lt. Col. Hamid Hussein, recently completed the qualification portion of the T-6 Instructor Pilot syllabus, marking the beginning of a new era for Iraq.

As the first Iraqi pilot to achieve this milestone, Lt. Col. Hamid represents the leadership needed to rebuild the Iraqi Air Force, as he begins forging their premier training squadron.

"I've been continually impressed by the accomplishments and leadership of Lt. Col. Hamid," said Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force Director and 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Commander. "He brings the self-discipline of an experienced aviator to this new squadron that helps shape and mentor his cadre of future instructors."

As he progresses through the instructional portion of the syllabus, he will increase his already substantial aviation experience, developing the skills necessary to not only operate the T-6, but to teach Iraqi Air Force aviation cadets how to safely fly the aircraft through the basic and complex maneuvers expected of any military pilot. Some of the maneuvers taught include aerobatics, flying in adverse weather, and the bedrock of any formidable Air Force - formation flying.

Lt. Col. Hamid's progression toward completing the Instructor Pilot course of training is an important milestone for the Iraqi Air Force. Completing this first hurdle paves the way for the remaining 15 Iraqi pilots also undergoing T-6 Instructor Pilot training to form the initial cadre of T-6 Instructor Pilots. This group of proud Airmen is leading the Iraqi Air Force towards self-sufficiency, opening a new chapter in their history.

"We are seeing fantastic progress on a daily basis in the development of full operational capability within the Iraqi Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Hanson. "The accomplishments of Lt. Col. Hamid are another great example of successes we've had in our partnerships between our Air Advisors and their counterparts in the Iraqi Air Force. A key component for the Iraqis to maintain a credible, operational Air Force is training. We are seeing them increase their capabilities to continue training future leaders of the Iraqi Air Force. It's a proud moment for all of us."