U S Recognition Of R A F Contribution In Iraq
18 June 2009
The letter, which arrived on the Secretary of State’s desk this week, highlights progress achieved by the Coalition in Iraq and pays tribute to the RAF’s contribution to this, praising the Service as living up to the “tradition of excellence” of the whole UK Armed Forces.
The General’s words also recognise the human cost of the operation, expressing condolences for the 22 RAF personnel killed in action during Operation TELIC.
General Odierno tells the Defence Secretary: “Your airmen have played a key role in providing the full spectrum of airpower’s capabilities to our evolving operations in Iraq. The RAF was an integral part of Coalition operations in 1990 and 1991 in Operation GRANBY, and then flew 300,000 mission over the following 12 years as we contained the Baathist regime.
“In 2003, RAF airmen flew more than 2,500 sorties against ground targets making them an integral partner in our Coalition victory against Saddam Hussein. Since then they have been involved in every aspect of our operations, from close air support logistics and ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] to early warning.
“Each contingent has built upon the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of your military’s performance since the Royal Air Force began operations in this theatre 19 years ago.”
General Odierno goes on to suggest that, as both the UK and US move towards a new type of relationship with Iraq, the British public can take pride in the “skill and distinction” demonstrated by its servicemen and women who served there.
Reacting to the letter, Mr Ainsworth said: “The men and women of the Royal Air Force have made an outstanding contribution as a force for good in Iraq over many years, earning the respect of our Coalition partners and of the Iraqi people. Their commitment and hard work under challenging and often dangerous conditions has been in the finest traditions of the Service, and they should be very proud of all they have achieved.”
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, said: “I very much welcome General Odierno's recognition of the RAF's contribution in Iraq over the past 19 years. He rightly highlights the scale, variety and significance of the capabilities delivered by the Service and the contribution that air power has made to the success of the campaign. None of this would have been possible without the professionalism, commitment and determination of our servicemen and women and they can all be justifiably proud of what has been achieved over the past 19 years.”
