, For the last two years, 70 Squadron Iraqi Air Force has been in operation over the skies of southern Iraq providing much appreciated air support to colleagues on the ground.
Their presence is a welcome addition to the familiar rumble of the Hercules, the defiant role of the C-17s and the deafening Antonov.
Working from Basrah Air Station (BAS) in southern Iraq, the mission of 70 Squadron Iraqi Air Force is to provide an 'eyes in the sky' capability and a convoy support role. They are one of five operational Iraqi Air Force Squadrons and they work closely with 10 Division, Iraqi Army. They are adept at flying reconnaissance missions in the region.
The Squadron possess six light aircraft, comprising two Seekers and four Sama CH-2000s which can cruise at about 80 knots. The aircraft fly four to six sorties per day, which is a demanding schedule for aircrew and ground staff.
The pilots take to the skies armed with only their skills and a range of photographic equipment. The tiny aircraft have an endurance of only four hours and a range of 300 nautical miles; yet their area of responsibility is the entire area south of Baghdad.
Currently, the Squadron has American flying instructors, intelligence specialists and maintenance supervisors; but the eventual goal is self-sufficiency for this proud Iraqi Squadron.
On the ground, the already qualified Iraqi pilots are converted into mission commanders and reconnaissance specialists in purpose-built hangars and classrooms.
The 70 Squadron hangar is impressive, clean and lofty, and the groundcrew lovingly polish the returning aircraft after every sortie. There is a real sense of satisfaction in the pilots and ground crew – they are proud of their training and the role they play in monitoring the insurgents
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