NATO Helicopter Crews Strengthen Relations with Iraqi Air Force

Personnel from the NATO Mission Iraq’s (NMI) Tactical Aviation Detachment (TAD) visit their Iraqi Air Force neighbours at the invitation of Brigadier-General Abd Al-Rahman Abd Al-Akeem,  Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron,  Iraqi Army Aviation Corps (IAAC) in late January on the Taji Military Complex Airfield. (Photo Courtesy NMI Iraq Public Affairs)

TAJI, Iraq - Personnel from the NATO Mission Iraq’s (NMI) Tactical Aviation Detachment (TAD) visited their neighbours at the invitation of Brigadier-General Abd Al-Rahman Abd Al-Akeem, Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron, Iraqi Army Aviation Corps (IAAC) in late January on the Taji Military Complex Airfield.

Both units fly similar Bell helicopters.

The NMI TAD landed two CH-146 Griffon helicopters on the IAAC ramp.

Canadian and Iraqi pilots and ground technicians created bonds of friendship.

Lieutenant-Colonel Houle, TAD Commanding Officer, presented a certificate of appreciation to Brigadier-General Abd Al-Rahman Abd Al-Akeem, thanking him for his hospitality.

The NATO Mission Iraq’s Tactical Aviation Detachment provides air transport to NATO and coalition personnel and the associated equipment they require to carry out the NMI’s non-combat mission.

The TAD is composed of aircraft and personnel drawn from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The TAD operates CH-146 Griffon helicopters, a military version of the Bell 412.

Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office