Iraqi air force officials open 3 new facilities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq (AFNS) --  Iraqi air force officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open three new facilities, including a communications building, a communications equipment facility and a medical clinic Dec. 11 here.

Tech. Sgt. Amy Everhard, a New Al-Muthana Air Base Transition Team member, was on hand to assist with equipment installation and testing for the new communication buildings, as well as to see the finishing touches put on the structures.

"Actually being able to see and participate in the success of the ribbon cutting ceremony was fantastic," Sergeant Everhard said. "Seeing the Iraqi air force being built up, if only one building at a time, really highlights that we do see the fruits of our labors."

Sergeant Everhard said the communications equipment facility houses the start of a robust network infrastructure that adds to the New Al-Muthana AB ability to provide Iraq-wide computer network connectivity. As it stands, much of the Iraqi air force must rely on hand-carried letters for official correspondence. The ability to communicate via e-mail means productivity can rise exponentially.

Master Sgt. David Smith, a New Al-Muthana AB medical adviser, said the medical facility took several years to complete. His involvement during the past 11 months helped put the finishing touches on the largest, most capable medical facility in the entire Iraqi air force. The center has state-of-the-art equipment, technology and the capability to house patients for extended periods.

In addition, the emergency room in the new building will allow the Iraqi air force to care for various traumatic injuries without having to rely on any outside agencies.

"For three years the Iraqi medical personnel have stared at that building wondering and waiting for the opportunity to work there...Now that dream is a reality," Sergeant Smith said. "It's like having a child... The hope and opportunity is immeasurable. The 1200 people of (New Al-Muthana AB) need and deserve this capability."

Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, the director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force and the commander of the 321 Air Expeditionary Wing, said he is confident in the Iraqi air force's ability to bolster their infrastructure.

"Projects like these are the embodiment of Operation New Dawn and are the reason why American forces are here," General Hanson said. "The fully operational capacity of these facilities marks another milestone towards developing a self-sustaining air force for Iraq."