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Air Force stands up new squadron at Al Asad

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod R. Chavana
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq --  More than 80 feet above the flight line, standing upon a platform on the Al Asad control tower, the Air Force held an assumption of command ceremony for the 532nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Dec. 15.

Lt. Col. Barry Dickey, the new 532nd EOSS commander, received the guidon from Col. David Lujan, the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander. The airfield was previously operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, but due to the drawdown, the Air Force has taken over these responsibilities.

"My objectives for this command are linked to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, but I only have one goal for the 532nd EOSS, and that's to provide unrivaled support for our nation's warriors," said Colonel Dickey. "We will accomplish this goal by maintaining the best airfield, with the best aerial port and security in the area of operation."

Al Asad is currently the only airfield in Iraq that has permission to use the commercial passenger program. This program allows a commercial airliner to fly directly from the U.S. to Iraq without having to stop in locations such as Germany.

"The FAA has granted permission for commercial airliners to fly here," said Lt. Col. Ed O'Connor, former 532nd EOSS Air Boss. "For this reason, it is absolutely essential that we provide the best possible service to ensure we maintain this critical capability at Al Asad."

Colonel Dickey is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and has more than 2,400 hours in the C-130E/H1/H3 as a senior navigator, which includes more than 300 combat hours and 30 combat airdrops.