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Airmen watch over calm November in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Capt Frank Hartnett
  • AFCENT Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen deployed to Iraq had a new reason to give thanks in November.
Iraqi and Coalition efforts had combined to sustain the stability in the region and set new records in the process.

Zero air strikes, zero weapons releases and zero shows of force. The last time aircrews had a clean streak was in June. However, June also had 16 reports of troops in contact, November had only five.

"Our Airmen are dedicated to the mission," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332d Expeditionary Wing commander. "I see them everyday working on the flightline or performing duties around Joint Base Balad and at locations across Iraq. Their dedication, along with our Iraqi partners, is building security and stability in this country and is making a difference."

Supporting this effort was more than 600 close air support sorties offering armed overwatch for Iraqi and Coalition ground units. In addition, over 700 Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sorties provided the real-time coverage to keep units informed and monitor suspicious activity.

"The conditions in Iraq will continue to develop," said Col. Mark Waite, Combat Operations Director. "I'm pleased to see a month without an air strike, but more importantly, Airmen are continuing to support the responsible draw down and foster stability for Iraq."