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Thursday, December 11, 2008

Iraq conducts first night-time helicopter mission

BAGHDAD — The Iraq Air Force has conducted its first night helicopter mission in what was called a signficant step.

On Dec. 3, the air force concluded its first rotary-wing night mission since 2003, Middle East Newsline reported. The mission by the Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopter took place over Baghdad and included night-vision gun training.

"This was the first ever Mi-17 NVG sortie outside of Taji airfield," U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Daley said. "All previous training has been inside the fence. This is the first one on the outside."

Officials said the mission consisted of two Mi-17 helicopters with night-vision equipment. They said the first Iraqi night vision goggle sortie took place in August 2008.

Also In This Edition

In June 2008, the Iraqi Air Force acquired night vision goggles from the United States. Soon, the air force, based in Taji, began night training with U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa helicopters on loan from the Iowa National Guard to ensure 24-hour reconnaissance operations over Baghdad.

"I spent six months here," U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Marshall Lantz, an instructor, recalled. "It was pretty rough duty."

Officials said the night-vision training would maximize the use of the air force's helicopter fleet. They said the air force was expected to expand in 2009 with deliveries of Mi-17 and the U.S.-origin Huey-2 helicopters.

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