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Air Force mentors propel Afghan Air Corps to new heights

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Command combat camera team
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Afghanistan National Army Air Corps soldiers delivered 30 passengers and one pallet of cargo Jan.7, destined for Soldiers with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Forward Operating Base Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.

Missions like this are becoming more common place as Airmen from the 441st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron continue empowering Afghans to maintain their own air force by mentoring MI-17 helicopter pilots here.

"It's absolutely essential for this country as a whole for ANAAC pilots to be able to move critical supplies and personnel throughout the region," said Lt. Col. Todd Prejean, the 441st AEAS commander and helicopter pilot. "They are making huge strides and today's mission made for a very successful day for the ANAAC."

Colonel Prejean and his team train 15 ANAAC soldiers in navigation skills, basic pilot skills, formation techniques, rescue escort, air traffic control and English language. With these efforts, along with a mentoring program for 40 ANAAC maintenance soldiers, 441st AEAS and 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group Airmen are hoping to increase ANAAC's manpower to 110 aviators by the end of the year.

"(In addition to the aviators,) we hope to have a 362-man ANAAC Maintenance Group at Kandahar by the end of the year," said Master Sgt. John Anderson, the 738th AEAG lead maintenance superintendent advisor. "That's enough ANAAC soldiers to maintain a fleet of aircraft allowing the Afghans to possibly have their own air force."

While having an independent air force is a lofty goal, Colonel Prejean said mentors will have a major part in making that a reality.

"Mentors are key to communicating the capabilities of a professional air force as it applies to Afghanistan," Colonel Prejean said. "They have good pilots, flight engineers and good leaders. We just have to teach them to make it all work together."

For the Afghan pilots who train here, their mentors are painting a clear picture, one they want to make a reality real soon.

"Flying our own missions for our air corps and our country is outstanding," said Afghan Col. Sidiqullh Niebi, ANAAC the pilot executive officer with 24 years experience as a helicopter pilot. "Our mentors are providing the knowledge we need to serve our country independently. They have taught us so many things and helped move forward toward our goal of having our own air force for Afghanistan."

As Airmen continue to provide mentoring, the ANAAC will not be the only ones benefiting. Airmen are feeling the satisfaction that comes with helping a nation stand on its own.

"Missions like the mentoring of Afghan soldiers are what you will tell you grandchildren about," Colonel Prejean said. "It's in our nature to help people and you feel good when you do. Our Afghan counterparts have lofty dreams and goals and I am glad to be a part of making them a reality."