IAF airmen stand in line to congratulate their comrades for receiving their pilot wings, Sept. 27. Eleven Iraqi officers became the first class of student pilots to earn their rotary-aircraft pilot wings, and 12 Iraqi airmen earned their fixed-wing pilot wings.
"Today marks a significant milestone in the rebuilding of the Iraqi air force," said Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, dir., Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission – AF. "The pinning of these young officers' wings could not happen at a more important time in the history of the IAF and the country of Iraq. These new airmen will arrive at their units at a time of rapid growth as the IAF increases ops across the country in support of all ISF who are taking full responsibility for the protection of the Iraqi people."
Army Chief Warrant Officer Alton Campbell, govt flight rep, USSATCOM that the airmen are the 1st Iraqi military rotary wing pilots to graduate in 12-15 years, and the new pilots are excited about their future in the IAF.
Second Lt. Ali Jamal Ali, an IAF helicopter pilot, said he and his family are very proud and knows that it comes with extra responsibility. "I hope they will feel very proud because ... all of the student pilots just want to serve this country, just want to protect them," he said. Ali spoke passionately about serving his country and hopes to set an example for fellow Iraqis.
"I hope that because we're so few, we need more pilots, more power for this country to save it and protect it," he added. "I hope that they can learn something from us to come here and serve their country."
