Iraqi Air Force has recently opened new facilities and transferred Squadron 70 to Ali Air Base, Iraq, as part of its strategy to secure southern provinces of the country.

Commander of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and director of Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission Air Force Brig. General Scott Hanson, said the base currently provides critical mission support to the Iraqi air force’s fleet of CH-2000 aircraft as they carry out their surveillance and reconnaissance mission.

To date, US Forces in Iraq have transferred excess equipment and open facilities to enable Squadron 70’s operations at Ali Air Base.

Iraqi Air Force chief of staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Anwar said the base ensures the Iraqi air force is capable of taking the steps to secure Iraq.