Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090111-01
January 11, 2009
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

First class of communicators in new Iraqi Air Force graduates by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Gooley Coalition Air Force Training Team

TAJI, Iraq – The first class of communicators in the new Iraqi Air Force graduated in a ceremony at the Iraqi Air Base here Jan. 5.   

 22 IqAF warrant officers graduated from the Network Course and 20 from the Radio Course, more than doubling the number of communications noncommissioned officers in the IqAF.

 The courses provide the basic technical skills for each career field and prepare NCOs to contribute to the mission when they report to their Communications Squadrons.  The graduates will be stationed at Taji, New al-Muthana, Kirkuk, Basrah, and Al Kut Air Bases, and the Iraqi Air Operations Center. 

 “These courses lay the foundation for the future of Iraqi Air Force communications capabilities,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Harvey, deputy A6 (Communications) for the Coalition Air Force Training Team of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq.

 Brig. Gen. Ahmed, Director of Communications for the IqAF, said, “I wish to convey to you the greetings and congratulations from the IqAF commander to mark the graduation of the first IqAF Communications recruit class.  I urge my brothers, the graduates, to look to the future of a great Iraq and to uplift the services and advancement of your country in building Air Force institutions. I’m pleased to take the opportunity on this occasion to express my appreciation and gratitude to all who participated in this success, The Air Force Training School teaching staff, Taji Air Base command, the Coalition (friends) and IqAF A6 staff.”

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