Air Force ends Stop-Loss Published June 23, 2003 By Master Sgt. Eddie C. Riley Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- The last of the airmen whose retirement or separation was delayed by Stop-Loss for Operation Iraqi Freedom were released June 23 and will be eligible to leave the service July 31.Air Force officials authorized Stop-Loss for 43 officer and 56 enlisted specialties in early March to meet national security objectives, specifically the war in Iraq. More than half of the specialties -- 31 officer and 20 enlisted -- were released from the program May 14.Michael Dominguez, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, said the program’s success, meaning victory in the war, led directly to its conclusion.“Because we were able to retain these Air Force members and their expertise to contribute to the major combat phase of the war, we were able to complete that part of the mission as planned and may now allow these American heroes to move on with their lives,” he said.The Stop-Loss release applies to all active-duty, Reserve and Air National Guard people in all enlisted grades and officers in the grade of colonel and below; however, deployed airmen must remain in place for the duration of their deployment, he added.Military personnel flight officials will contact people who had a previously approved/suspended retirement or separation to review their options and establish a new departure date. Released airmen will be allowed up to five months transition time.