Officials said the projects were conducted as part of a fast-tracked
U.S. effort to revitalize the Iraq Air Force before 2011. They said the
latest facilities would expand aircraft deployment and enhance air safety.
The prime contractor of the two projects was identified as Iraq's Almco
Co., Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the barracks project cost $5.5 million and provided four
dormitories that would house 1,200 air force personnel at Taji.
Almco also worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete an
aerospace maintenance facility that would power aircraft while on the
ground. The 750-square meter facility also included a workshop for repair
and maintenance of flight equipment.
Officials said Taji would be the focus of continued U.S.-sponsored
infrastructure projects for the air force. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
plans to construct an Mi-17 helicopter hanger and air traffic control tower
at Taji.
"The aviation schools here at Taji emphasize that commitment [to the
Iraqi Air Force], and this is where we need to be focused," U.S. Air Force
Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, commander of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team,
said.
