Iraqi aircrew flies milestone mission Published Dec. 2, 2005 By Master Sgt. Randy L. Mitchell 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) -- The first all-Iraqi aircrew to fly a solo mission flew their C-130E Hercules on an airlift mission from Ali Air Base to New Al Muthana. The nine-member crew of the Iraqi Air Force’s 23rd Airlift Squadron flew the historic mission Nov. 28. The crew did an engine running on-load at New Al Muthana before returning to Ali AB. “The flight marked a major milestone achievement by showing Iraq’s capability of providing its own military transport,” said Capt. Jerry Ruiz, forward operations executive officer at New Al Muthana. The unit has been training at Ali AB. New Al Muthana, located at Baghdad International Airport, is the only Iraqi air base and it will be home to three Hercules aircraft. The squadron will move to its new home here in January.