Iraqi AF get first pallets, enhance logistical mission

Published Jan. 26, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq -- Members of the Iraqi air force took another step toward becoming a fully operational air force with the delivery of their first 463L pallets, which can now be used in their logistical readiness system.

The transition, which has been in the works for about four years, is now a reality for the Iraqis now that they have their own cargo pallets.

"It belongs to them now," said Tech. Sgt. John Lindberg, 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. "Before they borrowed them from the U.S. Air Force and there wasn't the same sense of ownership."

The delivery of 120 463L pallets, the most standard pallet used for air cargo, was a significant step toward the Iraqis logistical readiness system because it shows them that the supply system works and a success in their training.

"The most unique thing with this is something they've done from the start, it's their order system their supply system and their logistics," said Sergeant Lindberg, who is deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Sergeant Lindberg said, the training the Iraqis received is similar to the training U.S. Air Force members receive in the logistics field.

"Our involvement is mostly supervisory," Sergeant Lindberg added. "They all know how to work the equipment, at this point it's just making sure they (the pallets) are all accounted for. "

"The type of training involved here is basically to a seven level in the aerial transportation field to include palletizing cargo, uploads and downloads and load planning," he said. "They are now running their own aerial port."