That’s it, over and out

Air Force air traffic controllers acknowledge the end of their work at Baghdad International Airport.

THE Australian accent is no longer heard in the control tower at Baghdad International Airport. The Air Force’s ATC Detachment handed over air traffic control services to the Iraqi Ministry of Transport on July 31 at 6am.

All members of the detachment climbed the 243 stairs to the cabin for the last time to witness the occasion as the sun rose over Camp Victory. Senior ATC Wing Commander Angela Rhodes presented the Director of Air Traffic Services with a photomontage that was designed and created by the ATCs with the help of the airfield engineers.

Australian Joint Task Force Headquarters Commander Brigadier Peter Hutchinson hosted the formal handover in the main ATC building.

BRIG Hutchinson presented an Australian flag and plaque to the Director General of General Establishment of Civil Aviation.

BRIG Hutchinson congratulated everyone on reaching the important milestone.

“The Air Force 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,” he said.

He praised the work of the Air Force team that had ensured a steady stream of humanitarian, military and civilian supplies and personnel flew into Iraq since the airport reopened.

“Australia remains committed to rehabilitation and strengthening of the capability of Iraqi security forces, and the air traffic controllers have played a vital role in supporting this effort.

“I’m extremely proud of what the Air Force have achieved and even prouder that in the past five months they have done much of this alongside the Iraqi people who now run this tower.”

The Air Force committed more than 70 ATCs and more than 170 support personnel in four rotations to the ATC detachment, including plumbers, electricians, supply,communications, administration, environmental health, operations and force protection personnel.

Baghdad International Airport is Iraq’s largest civilian air traffic control centre.

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