The First New Iraqi Air Base

US Air Force personnel helped other coalition and Iraqi airmen to officially open the Al Muthana Air Base near Bagdhad Airport on March 7. Maj. Gen. Kamal Barzanjy, Iraqi Air Force Chief of Staff, called the ceremony, which included a static display of two of the IAF’s C-130s and Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, “important for Iraqis.” He went on: “It is important for them to see tangible results and cooperation.” USAF airmen have been training IAF personnel to operate and maintain the C-130 transports.