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TF 49 hands over BIAP hangar to Iraq government
Sunday, 19 October 2008
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Task Force 49 and the U.S. Army took an historic step toward turning Iraq back over to its citizens during an Oct. 11 ceremony at Baghdad International Airport.
Before a crowd of American Soldiers and Iraqi civilians, TF 49 – Multi-National Division-Center’s Combat Aviation Brigade – formally transferred its north aircraft hangar at BIAP to Iraqi Airways Director General Capt. Kifah Hassan Jabbar, representing the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation
“As we continue greater partnering with our Iraqi allies, it is fitting that we return this facility that will immediately foster continued civilian development in the country,” said Task Force 49 Commander Col. Chandler Sherrell during the ceremony. “This act opens the door a little wider in allowing the international community access to the growing democracy here in Iraq, greater opportunity for Iraqi inclusion in the community of nations, and benefit to the Iraqi people. “
In his remarks, Kifah thanked the U.S. forces and said he is excited to continue working with the Army, while Iraq prepares the hangar for civilian use.
“I would like to say to our sincere and hard working partner, the U.S. Army, that we appreciate and give thanks for all your genuine efforts,” Kifah said. “I am very sure that Iraqi Airways will get more support in order to regain its reputation and technical standard to serve the Iraqi nation.”
The U.S. forces have used the hangar, which originally held Iraqi Airways aircraft, since 2003. During its military tenure, it was used for aircraft maintenance and to provide continuous aviation support to the Iraqi Security Forces.
TF 49 Deputy Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Michael McCurry said returning the hangar to Iraqi civilians demonstrates how far the country of Iraq has come in five years.
“We’ve seen, in the last 18 months, tremendous gains in security and stabilization around the country,” he said. “All indications are that the Iraqi Security Forces will continue to improve. The government of Iraq is now expanding its ministerial capabilities, one of which is transportation, and how it supports the people of Iraq through open doors for commerce. So this is a symbolic first step for the transportation industry.”
Iraqi Airways will soon begin working inside the hangar to prepare it for the arrival of dozens of aircraft included in a $5.5 billion contract between Iraqi Airways and the Boeing Co., signed earlier this summer.
Sherrell said this step is just the beginning, and indicated that the continued partnership between the United States and the government of Iraq will lead the way back to a stable and prosperous region.
“Today, as we see U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian aircraft flying side by side here at BIAP, it is a sign of the success, prosperity and reconciliation that is taking shape across this land,” Sherrell said. “This hangar that once housed military aircraft is today returned for use by Iraqi civilian aircraft that will further open the door of this great nation to the world.”
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