TAJI, Iraq — April 22 marked a milestone in U.S.-Iraqi relations with the transfer of the 5,000th M1114 HMMWV to the Iraqi security forces, helping them to be more equipped to provide the safety and security the people of Iraq need.
The M1114 Transfer Program employs over 521 Iraqi local nationals from across the country. This will help the Iraqi security forces will now travel safer in their efforts to provide greater stability and security to the people of Iraq. This program demonstrates the cooperation and partnership between the U.S. government and the government of Iraq.
This two year program refurbishes M1114's in accordance to the Inspect and Repair Only as Necessary standards. The IROAN process comprises three phases cumulating in painting the M1114 with the Iraqi army and Iraqi ministry of interior color schemes.
Initially, the production goals were to deliver 200 vehicles in March 2008 and 400 vehicles per month from April 2008 onwards. TheM1114 Transfer Program goal is to deliver over 8000 M1114 HMMWV's to the GoI by July 2009.
"The biggest success of the program was the way that the Iraqis can take the cast off parts and convert it to a viable, working vehicle ready to perform its mission," said Elaine Bitsche, administrative contracting officer with DCMA. Bitsche has been in Iraq for the last 11 months and was glad to see the ceremony today before departing for California for her next assignment in Quality Assurance.
"It's amazing how the Iraqi people are dedicated to this program. They take pride in their work and their dedication is outstanding," Bitsche added.
Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Muniem, Senior Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer and Brig. Gen. Mark Lacey GBR, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, were the keynote speakers and congratulated all those that worked on the project.
Lacey welcomed the guests and those that worked on the project. He mentioned that he has seen huge improvements in the security capabilities of the Iraqi security forces and that the up-armored HUMVEE is a significant step in that progress.
Those who worked so tirelessly on this project were recognized with certificates presented by Lacey and Muniem at the end of the ceremony.
The final transfer was performed when an Iraqi army and a police HMMWV pulled forward, side by side with decorations adorning the front of them. Two U.S. Soldiers got out and handed the keys over to the ministry of defense and ministry of interior representatives. These new vehicles are now ready to work for the good of Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2009 05:14 |
| Story ID: | 32948 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 511 |
| Downloads: | 372 |
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