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USF-I gives base to Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr.
  • 447th Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  United States Forces- Iraq gave control of Hawk Base back to the Government of Iraq and Iraqi Air Force as part of the United States drawdown and transfer of responsibility from U.S. forces to the GoI Security Forces Jan. 1, 2010.

The transfer of Hawk Base, to include 31 facilities, four generators and all required life support equipment, established a permanent headquarters for the Iraqi Air Force and is collocated with the new Iraqi Air Operations Facility currently under construction on Victory Base Complex.

"Establishing a permanent headquarter for the Iraqi Air Force and ensuring they have the continued use of the Air Operation Center is an important step in the continued growth and development of the Iraqi Air Force," said Major Gen. Robert Kane,

The base previously known as BIAP Zoo was originally a residence for Quasay and Uday Hussein where they some personal zoo animals. During USF-I occupation of the base it was used by Global Linguistics Solutions, who provided interpreters through Iraq, as a headquarters and transition point for interpreters moving into and out the country.

Hawk Base is the first property within the VBC to be transferred back from USF-I to the GoI.

"I am very happy to start the new year by signing Hawk Base over to the Iraqi Air Force," said Mr. Sameer AlHaddad, Government of Iraq Receivership Cell Secretariat. "Hopefully it will be the start of a great year for the Iraqi Air Force.