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Middle East deputy assistant SecDef visits NAMAB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr.
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
SOUTH WEST ASIA --  The deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East visited Iraq Training and Advisory Mission- Air Force at New Al-Muthana Air Base Jan. 11, 2010.

Mr. Colin Kahl focused his attention on the transition of Iraqi control during his visit. Iraqi forces continually assume more responsibility and control as the U.S. Forces respective drawdown and pull-out dates of August, 2010, and December ,2011, draw near.

During his trip he visited the 23rd Squadron Headquarters and their maintenance hanger, both completely Iraqi operated, and a King Air ground station on NAMAB where he had the opportunity to see firsthand how the US and Iraqi partnership garners success.

"Mr. Kahl's visit to ITAM-AF permitted him to see the advancements in foundational airpower capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force as a growing Gulf regional partner," said Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, ITAM-AF commander.

"The visit was important for Mr. Kahl to see firsthand the interaction between the Iraqi Air Force and the Advisor team," said Lt. Col. Scott Walchli, 321st Air Education and Advisory Group deputy commander.

Most of the visit was centered on current and future Iraqi capabilities, Iraqi Security Forces, and the impact of a reduced US presence, both the transition to, and post 2011.

"It was important to demonstrate Iraq Air Force's aircrew and maintenance training, their focus on C-130 weapon system sustainment, plus the growing intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force so Mr. Kahl can best advise other senior U.S. government officials as to the progress and success of the Iraqi Air Force," said General Hanson.

"I would like Mr. Kahl to take back the message to Washington that the Iraqi Air Force has embraced the lifelong relationships that have been built," said Colonel Walchli. "They are learning a lot from us and in exchange we are learning a lot from them as well."