Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force has trained Iraqis to fly their
nation’s new C-130J air transports.

The United States has been instructing Iraqi pilots to fly the C-130J
air transport. The U.S. Air Force has already graduated 16 Iraqis to fly and
maintain the new C-130J fleet delivered to Baghdad.

“These crew members will form the backbone of this new capability, serve as leaders in training new personnel and will positively shape the future of the Iraqi Air Force,” Deputy Air Force Undersecretary Heidi Grant said.

In December, Iraq received three of six C-130Js, produced by
Lockheed Martin. Officials said the U.S. Air Force plans to train 18 pilots, 18 loadmasters and at least 50 maintainers over three years.

“Acquisition of new transport aircraft will provide Iraq with the
ability to operate seamlessly with U.S., NATO and coalition forces engaged in a range of operations and missions,” the air force said on Dec. 17.

The C-130J was one of several projects assigned to the U.S. Air Force.
The Air Force has already been training Iraqis to fly the F-16 multi-role
fighter, also produced by Lockheed Martin.

Officials said they expect the C-130J training program to be expanded in
2013. They said the remaining three aircraft would be delivered over the
next several months.

  F-16 multi-role fighter, Heidi Grant, Lockheed Martin, maintain C-130J, U.S. trains Iraqis to fly, U.S. trains Iraqis to fly fleet of C-130J air transports