Afghan air force hosts U.S. Airmen at Shindand

AFGHANISTAN

07.17.2016

Story by Capt. Jason Smith 

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

By Capt. Jason Smith
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air (TAAC-Air), traveled from Kabul to Shindand Air Wing July 17, 2016, for a multi-purpose visit.

The group traveled on a C-130H to attend a meeting between commanders, troubleshoot a simulator and pick up test equipment that needed transported back to Kabul.

A formation of Afghan air force members lined the aircraft parking ramp waiting to greet the TAAC-Air visitors. AAF Brig. Gen. Sayed Assadulah, Shindand Wing commander, walked with Brig. Gen. David Hicks, 438th AEW and TAAC-Air commander, as Hicks met the AAF leadership team one by one.

Hicks and Assadulah then met in Assadulah’s office.

“I’m trying to make Shindand Air Wing a stronger place,” said Assadulah through an interpreter. “The (Afghan Ministry of Defense) has to pay a little more attention here to help us make some positive changes.

“My hope and wish from your leadership is to pay more attention to this base,” continued Assadulah. “We can make this wing as a mother and father for the whole air force. We can train people here without sending them outside the country for training. We can also save money that way.”

Assadulah told Hicks he appreciates his family and country letting Hicks come to Afghanistan to serve. The meeting was extremely friendly with an optimistic mood. At one point, Assadulah asked Hicks if it was alright to tell a joke about a colonel who was promoted to general. The joke was intended for Col. Thomas Geiser, 438th AEW and TAAC-Air deputy commander, who was in attendance. Assadulah and Geiser had a strong relationship over the past year, and the joke was a big hit with Geiser.

Following the meeting, the generals attended a briefing presented by all of the Shindand commanders. The briefing was very similar to what might be expected from a U.S. Air Force briefing--to include PowerPoint slides.

Hicks gave praising remarks to the group for their hard work and dedication to the AAF.

“I’m very impressed with (Assadulah’s) leadership and the professional team working at Shindand Air Wing,” said Hicks. “Everyone we met today was dedicated to working hard, and it was clear they are proud of their air force and their country.”

Assadulah gave Hicks a tour of the base to include classrooms where future AAF pilots were in training. The group also visited the C-208 simulators and a hangar where an Mi-17 helicopter was being prepared to be sent to Bulgaria for maintenance. Hicks assured the AAF pilots that the helicopter would be returned better than ever and ready to fly again.

The AAF hosted a traditional Afghan lunch for their TAAC-Air guests. Some described it as a “large family meal” implying that TAAC-Air Airmen felt welcomed and were extremely thankful for the kindness of their Afghan hosts.

Goodbyes were exchanged following the meal, but it didn’t end there. The generals again had a more private conversation followed by a huge group assembly at the tail of the C-130. There were photos, gifts and hugs that could have lasted much longer if not for TAAC-Air needing to depart.

“TAAC-Air is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with Shindand Air Wing,” said Hicks. “This friendship is a good match where we can both benefit from the knowledge and experiences of the other.”

The mission was a huge success and served as an additional rung on the ladder of friendship between TAAC-Air and Shindand Air Wing. The professionalism of the airmen there showed their American counterparts that the AAF is very legitimate and will work hard to complete the mission.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2016
• Date Posted: 07.19.2016 07:06
• Story ID: 204331
• Location: AF