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Iraqi airmen celebrate Air Forces day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberley Harrison
  • U.S. AFCENT Combat Camera
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq --  The Iraqi Air Force celebrated its 79th Annual Iraqi Air Force Day at New Al-Muthana Air Base, April 22.

The celebration, conducted in the native Arabic language, highlighted the Iraqi Air Force's capabilities and accomplishments in support of the national security of this country.

After speeches were delivered by Lt. Gen. Anwer Hamad Amen Ahmed, Iraqi Air Force commander and Iraqi Minister of Defense, the Honorable Abdal-Qadir Al-Mufriji, General Anwer presented tokens of appreciation to the Minister of Defense, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, deputy commanding general, Advising and Training United States Forces - Iraq, U.S. Air Force General Joseph Reynes, Jr., U.S. Forces-Iraq director for the Air Component Coordination Element, the Force Strategic Engagement Cell and Air Expeditionary Task Force, Det. 2, and Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, director, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force and commander, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, for their support in training and mentoring the Iraqi airmen.

The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the first-ever Chief Master Sergeant of the Iraqi Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Mahmud.

This Iraqi announcement comes 43 years after the announcement of the first U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Paul W. Airey.

There wasn't a grandiose presentation for the formal announcement, simply a certificate and token, but the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-AF members feel this is a positive step in the right direction.

"This is a huge step for the Iraqi Air Force given their culture between officers and enlisted," said Chief Master Sgt. Rueben Gonzalez, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing command chief. "I feel they made the right decision...they've got the right person to take on this task."

In a culture where military enlisted members aren't regarded in the same light as officers, this appointment is sure to bring about changes within the Iraqi Air Force.

Speaking through an interpreter, Chief Mahmud said he is very excited to have this opportunity to work for all the enlisted members of the Iraqi Air Force.

"The new mission I am assigned to today will give me the support to put more effort in my work and responsibilities to improve the Iraqi Air Force enlisted [corps], said Chief Mahmud. "I will work to find a solution to all the difficulties and challenges the enlisted force face in the Iraqi Air Force."

Through visits from U.S. Air Force senior enlisted leaders, such as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief James Roy, the Iraqi Air Force leadership was able to see firsthand how U.S. military senior leaders were an integral part of the team.

"Some of our senior chiefs visited Iraq and highlighted what a senior leader does and what they can do. Those visits really helped the movement to being able to establish the importance of this role," said Chief Gonzalez, deployed from Vance Air Force Base, Okla., where he is the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief master sergeant.

This decision didn't happen overnight, but it was through the leadership and dedication of the ITAM-AF advisors who worked diligently to see this through.

"My role as an advisor was to make sure the Iraqi senior leadership understood the value of having a senior enlisted leader and how he can help the commander to make decisions and take care of the mission and people, said Chief Gonzalez.

"I've gotten some great help from my immediate and previous commanders; they laid the foundation and then I worked through the relationship building process to try to highlight how we could help them develop an enlisted corps," said Chief Gonzalez.

The ITAM-AF advisors feel the Iraqi Air Force picked a great person because he has already established a great working relationship with Iraqi Air Force officers throughout the country.
"Chief Mahmud has relationships already built with the officers and now it's just being able to put the puzzle together of helping to develop the NCO corps," said Chief Gonzalez. "We're on cloud nine just being able to take this first step."