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Guest speakers create history for the 321st AEW

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Edwards
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SATHER AIR BASE, Baghdad --  What separates one Commanders' Call from another? Well, for the men and women of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, a first-ever moment in time just might qualify.

During a 321st AEW Commander's Call held Sept. 3 at Sather Air Base, Baghdad, history was made when the Iraqi Air Force's senior officer and senior enlisted leader attended to address the members in attendance.

Staff Lt. General Anwar, Iraq's top Air Force officer, and Chief Master Sgt. Mahmud, Chief Master Sergeant of the Iraqi Air Force, were special guests of honor during Friday's Commander's Call.

The Commander's Call began the way many do, with formal introductions, important messages and briefings. Also included were some key messages from Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, Commander of the 321st AEW; however, there was the added privilege for audience members in that they were able to listen to the viewpoints of senior Iraqi Air Force officials and talk to them one-on-one after the event was over.

"We are a diverse organization, and probably one of the most complex in the Air Force today," Brig. Gen. Hanson said in his opening remarks. "We have more than 1,200 men and women working from five main operating locations. Our job is to train, advise and mentor the Iraqi Air Force and to help them establish a credible and self-sufficient Air Force. We also operate key airfields and provide all the associated mission support at three location in Iraq."

He went on to say that though Operation Iraqi Freedom has ended and Operation New Dawn has begun, the mission of the 321st AEW really hasn't changed.
"From the beginning, our mission in Iraq has been to partner with the Iraqi Air Force and assist them in rebuilding their Air Force," he said. "We have been doing that and will continue doing that."

Some of the examples the General cited were partnership efforts with the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron to help fix some generators while at the same time mentoring the Iraqis on how to do the same. Also, members of the 447th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron work side-by-side their Iraqi counterparts in the control tower and in weather forecasting. Lastly, he mentioned how 321st AEW took a train-the-trainer approach to help members of the Iraqi Air Force learn the proper installation, maintenance schedule and procedures for changing out fuel filters which are used in the fuel trucks designed to provide aviation fuel for Iraqi aircraft.

"We are well positioned to be successful in our mission," Brig. Gen. Hanson said. "While two of our Groups have historically moved equipment and personnel, they now include mentoring in their operations. This provides a tremendous resource for us in that we can tap into our existing body of knowledge and experience to help train the Iraqi Air Force."
In addition to listening to remarks by Brig. Gen. Hanson, the men and women of the 321st AEW had the opportunity to hear from the Chief Master Sergeant of the Iraqi Air Force.
"On behalf of all the enlisted in Iraq, I would like to give you our thanks for what you have done for us and our condolences to the families of those who have shed their blood for the freedom of our country," said Chief Mahmud with the aid of a translator. "I want you to know that their blood is mixed with ours on the battlefield. Our (Iraqi and Coalition) blood has mixed together in the fight of a common enemy for a common cause - freedom and democracy in Iraq."

While he also talked about past accomplishments in the partnership between Iraqi and American forces, Chief Mahmud also addressed his concerns for the present and the future.
"Our (Iraqi military) loyalty is to the country of Iraq, not to a certain political party," he said. "Terrorism is our enemy and your support is much appreciated. I want to thank each of you and your families for all the sacrifices you have made in helping us. My job is to build a better relationship between the enlisted and officer corps."
As part of his efforts to build a credible enlisted corps Chief Mahmud and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Fuller, Command Chief for the 321st AEW, are planning a trip later this year to visit several training bases to show how the U.S. Air Force trains and educates its enlisted personnel.

"We will never forget the sacrifices you have made for our country," said Staff Lt. General Anwar. "I thank you for your support in making the Iraqi Air Force what it is today."
At the end of the Commander's Call, Brig. Gen. Hanson provided some words of encouragement.

"We are here at in important time in history," he said. "We have accomplished much, but there is still much to do."