521st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron

Photo By Capt. Thomas Avilucea | Iraqi weapons load crew mounts a Hellfire missile on a C-208 Caravan during a training demonstration on May 5.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

05.14.2009

Story by Capt. Thomas Avilucea 

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

KIRKUK, Iraq — The 521st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron is part of the Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq Coalition Air Force Training Team, and is based at Kirkuk Air Base.

The 521st is an integral part of building and maintaining the Iraqi Air Force, and to bolster the effectiveness of the Iraqi ministry of defense. The squadron is made up of maintenance, air traffic control, and weapons loading. They also advise the Iraqi Air Force in day-to-day operations.

The squadron operates C-208B Caravan aircraft conducting flight training for members of the Iraqi Air Force. Their mission is to train, educate and advise professional Iraqi Airmen in order to build the institutional capacity to conduct credible fixed flight training for the Iraqi Air Force.

The AEAS consists of 30 operations and maintenance advisors that work together with Iraqi Squadron 3 that consist of 30 pilots and 60 maintainers.

The Iraqi Air Force performs intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the RC-208B Caravan. "The ISR system is very powerful and it can provide images in full color and the infrared spectrum which gives it the capability for day and night missions," said U.S Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Bloom, Electrical Operations and Inferred Systems. "The Iraqi crews are picking up the ISR missions really quick, and they are doing really well."

"A year ago the advisors were teaching the Iraqis how to fly the planes, and now they giving advice on how to improve the some small things so they can do better," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Bob Schreffler, director of operations, 521st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron. "They are doing well and the customer is getting what they need to perform their missions."

Providing equipment for emergency situations is a key element for a successful air force, and CAFTT is training Iraqi maintainers in the operation of air crew systems from the ground up to help them develop their skills. "We provide training on the survival aspects of the aircraft," U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Larose, Air Crew Flight Equipment, 321 AEAS said. "The Iraqis are taking on the mask and goggles for the air craft. Training on the other survival equipment is beginning as new test equipment arrives," he added. "When we move to more complex systems, this will be a foundation for the Iraqi maintainers to build on. Knowing how to operate and maintain the survivability systems is a critical element for an air force, "Larose said.

• Date Taken: 05.14.2009
• Date Posted: 05.20.2009 03:53
• Story ID: 33836
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ