Iraqis fly first helicopter training sortie
Posted : Wednesday Apr 11, 2007 10:11:04 EDT
TAJI, Iraq — The Iraqi air force on Tuesday flew its first helicopter training sortie outside Taji Air Base, and an Iraqi helicopter pilot Thursday is set to become the first qualified to fly in combat.
The training sortie, flown by two Huey II helicopters from the Iraqi air force’s 2nd Squadron, is a landmark for the fledgling air force, which has been training with a team of about 100 American advisors. It included live-fire weapons training with Russian machine guns mounted on the aircraft.
The 2nd Squadron is slated to begin flying combat missions in early May, said Capt. Shane Werley, the chief American adviser to the squadron.
“The significance is that we’re going to be taking missions from the [Army’s] 1st Cavalry [Division at Taji],” Werley said. “The bottom line is we’re getting these guys back in the fight.”
The American advisers are from the Coalition Air Force Transition Team, which has around 250 personnel — almost all U.S. Air Force — helping train and rebuild the Iraqi air force.
Taji Air Base is an Iraqi installation inside the perimeter of Camp Taji, the largest American helicopter base in Iraq. Taji is about 15 miles north of Baghdad.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- Staff sgt. offered TV tryout after viral video
- Space-A planning makes its way to Facebook
- Four AFSCs added to restricted list, three cut
- Promotion rates offer good news for most ranks
- Wolfenbarger tapped to lead Materiel Command
- Nellis airman killed in motorcycle crash
- Air Force camp to be named for JTAC airman
- Judge upholds ex-Dover airman’s death sentence
- Wolfenbarger tapped to lead Materiel Command
- AF, firms seek UAV flights in civil air space
- AF leaders: No involuntary cuts to active force
- MoH recipient Day faces firestorm over Fla. job
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
2011 Insider's Guide To Military BenefitsThis handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






