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HomeMEDIANEWS ARTICLESNews Article View

# Afghan Air Force Conducts First UH-60 Black Hawk Operational Mission

By 1st Lt. Erin RecanzoneTrain, Advise and Assist Command (TACC-Air) Air Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk crews conducted their first operational mission inHelmand Province, Afghanistan, May 8. 
The mission, which was in support of the Afghan provincial elections, took place just one day after the first 31 Afghan Air Force (AAF) members graduated from mission qualification training, making them the first fully-qualified UH-60 Black Hawk Afghan air crews.

“It means a lot to be one of the first people to graduate,” said the air mission commander for the first Afghan operational mission. “We feel ready and are so excited, happy and proud to be part of this.”

According to Brig. Gen. Phillip Stewart, Train, Advise and Assist Command-Air commander, the introduction of the Black Hawk helicopters and the graduates themselves represent a shift to a new generation of leaders, selected based on merit and professionalism, and entrusted to help create a modern and sustainable Afghan Force.

“The introduction of the UH-60 marks the dawning of a new age for the Afghan Air Force,” said Stewart. “All of those who graduated mission qualification school have shown tremendous hard work and dedication. Not only are these aircraft and students the physical embodiment of progress, but they also represent a generational shift from the older soviet-trained forces to the younger and more progressive western-trained and educated fleet.” 

The UH-60 will enhance the Afghan Air Force helicopter fleet andeventually replace the capabilities currently provided by the Mi-17, which is no longer a sustainable platform. Its implementation is expected to ease the burden on the aging Mi-17 fleet and transition the Afghan Air Force into a modern and sustainable platform for the future.

According to Maj. Gen. Mohammad Shoaib, Afghan Air Force commander, the Black Hawks are ideal for Afghanistan because they are suitable for the terrain and weather, and they possess more modern technology.

The first UH-60 Black Hawks arrived in Afghanistan seven months ago, allowing the training program to begin 18 months ahead of schedule. Currently the Afghan Air Force has 13 of these aircraft in their fleet with two more scheduled to arrive each month through the end of 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

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