Press Release 20101230-03
Dec. 30, 2010

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Air Force, along with the Iraqi Army Aviation Command provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Overwatch for the Government of Iraq during the December Ashura Pilgrimage in Karbala.

During the Shi’ite Muslim religious festival, which began Dec. 8, Iraqi crews on board rotary and fixed-wing aircraft used full-motion video, providing 24-hour coverage, linked to the Middle Euphrates Operations Center in central Karbala.

The IqAF and IqAAC were tasked by the Government of Iraq with this mission and have proven the ability to command and control complex operations, and demonstrated they are able to do it on their own, said Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force Chief of Air Operations Center U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Nelson.

“The safety of Iraqis during Ashura is further evidence that the American partnership with Iraq is effective. This is another major milestone towards developing a self-sustaining Air Force for Iraq,” said ITAM-AF Director U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, who is also the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commander.  

This is the first time the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army Aviation Command have worked together on a project of this magnitude, Nelson said. No significant incidences were reported during the holiday.  

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