Press Release 20100222-01
Feb. 22, 2010

TIKRIT, Iraq – With the addition of four new T-6A Texan II aircraft at Tikrit Air Base, the Iraqi Air Force is ready to begin its advanced pilot training program.  The Feb. 14 delivery brings the Tikrit Air Base T-6A population to eight of the 15 total aircraft with the remaining seven to arrive at the end of the year.

The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat training aircraft designed for providing instruction in advanced flying skills required of military pilots. The Texan II is currently used as the primary training aircraft for the United States Air Force pilot training program and will play a significant role in the Iraqi Air Force advanced pilot training program scheduled to begin March 1.

The Director of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission – Air Force (ITAM-AF), Brig. Gen. Scott M. Hanson, led the four-ship T-6A delivery from Amman, Jordan.  Following the aircrafts’ transatlantic crossing, Hanson handed the keys to all four T-6s to Staff Lt. Gen. Anwar, Iraqi Air Force commander.

“We’re very excited by the work accomplished with our Iraqi counterparts thus far.  Now the right equipment, facilities and manpower are in place to build a team of world class pilots who will protect the people of Iraq from above,” said Hanson.

General Anwar expressed his appreciation for the continued support he has received from the United States Air Force with regards to the T-6A program and the Iraqi Air Force.

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