NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
August 1, 2004
Release Number: 04-08-04
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BAGHDAD-BOUND AIRCRAFT BACK IN IRAQI HANDS
BAGHDAD - Pilots arriving at Baghdad International Airport will notice a distinct lack of Aussie accents from today after Multi-National Forces handed back control of the country's largest civilian air traffic control centre.
Royal Australian Air Force personnel have spent the past six months introducing Iraqi civil air traffic personnel to the procedures and requirements needed to safely operate the country's vital air hub.
Commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East, Brigadier Peter Hutchinson, said today's handover of control was another excellent example of the Iraqi people grasping new opportunities and working quickly to reestablish the country.
"Baghdad's air traffic controllers have approached their role with an eagerness that can only be shown by people looking to make a positive change," Brigadier Hutchinson said.
"The RAAF personnel who have spent the past few months working alongside the new team are very impressed with their dedication, enthusiasm and skills ... we're leaving Baghdad International Airport in not just good hands but the very best hands because it is back in the hands of the Iraqi people. I congratulate all of the Iraqi air traffic controllers and the General Establishment Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation on this important day for Iraq."
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