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Watching history unfold from the air

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- --  A new year brings with it the possibility for new beginnings; this year brings with it a new type of beginning for the Iraqi people in the form of provincial elections Jan. 31.

In support of the historic event, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is employing airpower assets in support of U.S. Air Forces Central's supporting role to provide non-intrusive security and surveillance assistance to the Government of Iraq as it conducts credible and legitimate elections.

"Our surveillance platforms will help detect insurgent forces that may attempt to disrupt the democratic process," said Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, commander, 9th Air Force and USAFCENT.

"We will also have aircraft ready to respond and assist Iraqi Security Forces and MNF-I (Multi-National Force-Iraq) in defeating any threat to the elections or the people of Iraq." 

Operationally, Capt. Don "Bodhi" Davenport, 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, said he is honored to be taking part in helping make the election safe.

"It is my mission to provide the ability for the Iraqi people to go vote safely at different voting polls and booths by providing them with armed over-watch," he said.

"From an air power perspective, I feel honored to be able to provide these people a safe haven," continued the native of Newport Beach, Calif., currently deployed here from Misawa Air Base, Japan. "It feels good to let the people on the ground know that there's protection all the way around them. It's something I will always remember."

More contextually, some Airmen here are firsthand witnesses to Iraq's progress over the last year.

"Since my deployment last year, I think we have definitely strengthened our relationship with the Iraqi people and the growing government," said Senior Airman Joshua Ward, 14th EFS F-16 weapons loader and also deployed here from Misawa AB. "I have seen it progress. It's a lot better here now than it was last year."

"I have been a (U.S.) voter for more than six years now ... I think it's great that I can help the Iraqi people," continued the Puyallup, Wash., native. "My daughter will have someone to look up to later because I was here to help the Iraqis be able to vote."

Overall, Iraqis in 14 of the country's 18 provinces will vote to fill approximately 440 provincial council seats. More than 14,000 candidates, including almost 4,000 women, are running in the election, which is being held by the Government of Iraq.

"I grew up watching Operation Iraqi Freedom in school," said Senior Airman Travis Nichols, 14th EFS F-16 crew chief. "Now, I'm actually here. My mission as an F-16 crew chief is to prepare the F-16 so that it can fly, fight and provide air cover for Coalition forces so the Iraqis can vote freely as we do in our country.

"I never thought this would happen," continued the Buffalo, Texas, native. "It's historic. We will do what we can to help them (Iraqis) progress."