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KABUL, Afghanistan -- This week, Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan’s Security Assistance Office transferred ownership of four MD-530F attack helicopters and a C-130H transport airplane to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense here at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The transfer is the end result of CSTC-A’s long but dedicated foreign military sales process designed to strengthen the Afghan Air Force.
The MD-530s enhance the AAF’s capability for close air support to Afghan National Army ground troops and counter insurgents with a quick armed response. The C-130 complements the Mi-17 transport helicopter fleet and enhances the AAF ability to accomplish troop airlift and emergency casualty evacuation. SAO has been instrumental in every step of the process, from initial foreign military sales and pilot training to the transfer ceremony.
Col. David Menser, SAO Director and Lt. Col. Jon Buffington, Foreign Military Sales Logistics Chief represented the US government in transferring title and responsibility for the aircraft to LTG Ghulam Sakhi, Deputy Minister of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. LTG Sakhi then officially turned the aircraft over to LTG Abdul Wahab Wardak, AAF commander. The MD-530s will be operational in a couple of weeks and the C-130 is already flying missions.
“This transfer truly helps enhance the Afghan Air Force’s ability to provide a quick air response to insurgent activity around the country, as well as strengthen their medevac and transport capability,” Buffington said. “I am honored to represent CSTC-A and the United States in this process.”
CSTC-A’s Security Assistance Office coordinates acquisition, transportation and end use monitoring of US defense articles for the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense. CSTC-A trains, advises, and assists the Afghan National Defense Security Forces to improve their capability, accountability and transparency, with additional goals of curbing corruption and enabling the ANDSF to sufficiently provide security to the people of Afghanistan. NATO's Resolute Support Mission is a key component to the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting Afghan authorities in providing security and stability, while creating the conditions for reconstruction and development.
| Date Taken: | 08.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.30.2016 03:57 |
| Story ID: | 208475 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 385 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CSTC-A transfers aircraft ownership to Afghan Air Force, by Christopher Hanson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
