Iraqi Air Force celebrates 76th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) --  The 76th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force drew a crowd of approximately 100 distinguished visitors, guests and Iraqi and U.S. servicemembers to New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq.

The guests poured into the enormous C-130 Hercules hangar which was decorated with Iraqi flags, colorful balloons and a static display of their aircraft. Atop the stage, a table was stacked with gift-wrapped presents. Two podiums with Iraqi patches stamped on the front were set side-by-side.

A light breeze cooled the hangar, as Iraqi Minister of Defense Abd al-Qadir al-Mufriji spoke to the crowd.

He expressed words of hope, prosperity and encouragement. He also shared his sincere gratitude toward U.S. and coalition forces and stressed the importance of a self-sustaining air force capable of delivering combat air power.

"To defend ourselves, we need a capable air force," Defense Minister Abd al-Qadir al-Mufriji said.

This partnership is a proud moment for U.S. Air Force members.

"We're very proud to partner with them to rebuild their air force," said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, Coalition Air Force Transition Team commander. "That partnership will eventually help them defend their country's democracy."

General Allardice also added that this is a great opportunity to be a part of something good.

"We're making tremendous strides," said Master Sgt. Victor Chamberlain, the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron first sergeant.

Sergeant Chamberlain alluded to the historical aspect of this event.

"It's a great honor to be at this juncture," he said. "They're writing a new chapter in their history books. It's a critical time because they're learning from us and turning that knowledge into a successful future.

"We're not only doing this with our heads and hands, we're also doing this with our hearts and minds," Sergeant Chamberlain said.

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