Air Force flight surgeons hand over training mission to Iraqis

Photo By Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero | Iraqi air force Lt. Tahssen, nurse and flight medic instructor, explains the procedures to reconfigure a C-130 Hercules aircraft for aero-medical evacuation transport to Iraqi flight medic students at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq, June 2. The four week course, once taught by U.S. instructors, is now instructed by Iraqis.  

NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, IRAQ

06.06.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham 

U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq — As U.S. forces withdraw over the next year, the Iraqi air force will assume new missions and responsibilities. One such mission is the Aero-Medical training of flight medical technicians, also known as "flight medics."

The four-week training course is now taught by Iraqi flight medics with coalition oversight. Soon, the Iraqi instructors will have complete oversight of the course.

"This is a very important mission for me and for the Iraqi air force," said Iraqi air force Lt. Amar K. Gaad, nurse and flight medic instructor. "We are here to save lives so that our army counterparts can focus on their mission and on their service to our country."

After graduating, June 4, the largest class ever of 18 newly certified Iraqi flight medics will be well equipped to directly support their assigned military units in the airborne medical evacuation of their unit's casualties in helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft.

"Upon graduation the new flight medics will be able to care for their patients while transporting them via air to medical facilities" said Col. (Dr.) William W. Dodson III, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq ITAM AF surgeon. "This will add to the strength of the Iraqi military."

• Date Taken: 06.06.2009
• Date Posted: 06.06.2009 06:17
• Story ID: 34639
• Location: NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, IQ