Iraqi Air Force executes over 100 missions in support of Operation Charge of the

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Iraqi Air Force executes over 100 missions in support of Operation Charge of the Knights
Since January 2008 the Iraqi Air Force has graduated 116 Warrant Officers and 50 Commissioned Officers from the academy located in Taji.
 This Iraqi Air Force Mi-17 helicopter is of the same type used during Operation Charge of the Knights. The Iraqi Air Force executed missions to support the Iraqi ground forces during recent operations in Basra with personnel transportation, medical evacuation, logistical resupply, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - Although still in the early stages of development, the Iraqi Air Force planned, executed, and monitored 104 missions in support of Iraqi ground security forces in Basra during Operation Charge of the Knights in the Basra area between March 25th and April 1st.

Members of the Iraqi Army on anIraqi C-130 Hercules before flyingto Basra, Iraq at New Al MuthanaAir Base in Baghdad on March 30.Photo: USAF Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey AllenThe Iraqi Air Force has seen a significant increase in capacity and capability over the last 13 months. The number of assigned personnel has increased from 915 in February 2007 to 1344 assigned personnel in March 2008.

The fleet of aircraft has similarly undergone a growth spurt utilizing nine different airframes and reaching a current total of 59 aircraft. The Iraqi Air Force increased the number of sorties by 1000 per cent from 30 to 300 per week.

Since January 2008 the Iraqi Air Force has graduated 116 Warrant Officers and 50 Commissioned Officers from the academy located in Taji. These personnel will become the foundation on which the new Iraqi Air Force is being built.

Link to full story
http://www.salem-news.com/printview.php?id=7971

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Oowh, a new Iraqi Mi-17 photo for my collection. 

This Iraqi Air Force Mi-17 helicopter is of the same type used during Operation Charge of the Knights. The Iraqi Air Force executed missions to support the Iraqi ground forces during recent operations in Basra with personnel transportation, medical evacuation, logistical resupply, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)