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Airmen Transition Final Sector of Kirkuk Airspace to Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chuck Broadway
  • 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs
KIRKUK AIR BASE, IRAQ --  Airmen at Kirkuk Regional Air Base became part of history Aug. 25 as they transitioned the final portion of Kirkuk's airspace, 15,000 feet and below, to the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority.

The Kirkuk sector of airspace encompasses 44,000 square miles in northern Iraq. Over the past year, the Air Force has transitioned the upper and mid-level sectors of Kirkuk's airspace to the ICAA.

This milestone means Iraq is one step closer to assuming full control of its national airspace system and achieving true airspace sovereignty.

Staff Sgt. Andrea Scheving and Senior Airman David O'Connell, both assigned to the 321st Expeditionary Operation Support Squadron, are two of 17 Airmen assigned to Kirkuk's radar approach control (RAPCON). Both traveled to Baghdad International Airport to facilitate the transfer.

The 321st EOSS air traffic controllers serve a unique role as they launch, recover, and sequence military and civilian air traffic. With more than 100 aircraft arriving and departing from five airports within Kirkuk's airspace over the course of a normal day, the RAPCON Airmen are kept busy.

"Our goal everyday is to get every aircraft in the sky safely and quickly," said Airman O'Connell, a Quincy, Ill., native deployed from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

Managing air traffic may be challenging at times. However, a seasoned air traffic controller like Sergeant Scheving welcomes the opportunity. Deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., the Waukon, Iowa, native draws on eight years of experience and a previous deployment in 2006 to Balad Air Base, Iraq, to complete her mission.
During their deployment, both Sergeant Scheving and Airman O'Connell have been recognized for their professionalism and job expertise.

"Sergeant Scheving and Airman O'Connell are outstanding Airmen who epitomize the Air Force's core values," said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Stovall, 321st EOSS chief controller, who is from Columbia, S.C.
Sergeant Stovall, who is from McEntire Air National Guard Station, S.C., said he was proud to send both Airmen to Baghdad so they could partner with the Iraqi government during the transition.

Like any major turnover, Sergeant Stovall foresees obstacles and challenges. Ultimately, he believes the foundation built by so many Airmen, the ICAA, and civilians will provide for a smooth transition.

"I am very optimistic about our Iraqi partners' ability to move forward and closer to independence by providing a safe, expeditious flow of air traffic operations throughout the country," said Sergeant Stovall.

The final sector of airspace over Baghdad is scheduled to be transferred to the ICAA in October.