By Andrew Stackpool
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GPCAPT
David Thompson, left, is congratulated by ATCA Chairman
Frank Frisbie on No. 44 Wing’s recognition by the Air
Traffic Controller’s Association.
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NO.
44 Wing has received international recognition for its air traffic
control work in Baghdad.
44WG OC Group Captain David Thompson was presented with the Air
Traffic Controllers Association’s annual ATCA Chairman’s
Citation of Merit in Washington DC, US, on November 2.
The award recognises the service provided by 44WG for its “dedication
to duty and outstanding performance while providing air traffic
control service in a very hostile combat environment at Baghdad
International Airport”.
While at BIAP, the 44WG ATC Detachment also drew praise from senior
Coalition command, Iraqi ATC personnel and civil and military
aircraft captains.
During their stewardship at the airport, 44WG handled more than
175,000 civil and military air movements, making it the equivalent
of Australia’s busiest airports at an average of about 400
movements a day.
The 60-member strong contingent returned to Australia in August,
however, a six-person contingent remains at nearby Balad Air Base
to control the movement of military aircraft.
