Coalition Transfers Badger Maintenance Facility to Iraqi Army
Multi-National Force-Iraq
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090530-01
May 30, 2009
Contact: pao@iraq.centcom.mil
DSN: 318-852-1334
IRAQNA: 0790-138-2215
Coalition Transfers Badger Maintenance Facility to Iraqi Army
CAMPT TAJI, Iraq – In a step forward for Iraq, the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, has turned over the Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle Maintenance Center here to the Iraqi Army.
Iraqi Air Force Staff Gen. Naseer Abadi, deputy chief of staff, Ministry of Defense participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commanding general, MNSTC-I Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team.
The ILAV or Badger has an armored hull for protection against landmines, explosive devices and small arms fire. It carries a driver, commander and eight squad members.
In May 2006, a contract was signed to procure 495 Badgers and logistical support. The Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces will use the vehicles.
“You should be proud today,” Salazar told the assembled audience. “This is a very capable vehicle. But with a great gift comes great responsibility. You must take care and maintain these vehicles.”
Iraqi Army Staff Maj. Gen. Muniem, deputy chief of staff for Electrical Mechanized Engineering, said that his staff is prepared to run the facility.
“We are ready to take care of this facility. We will repair and maintain our vehicles and keep them running strong,” Muniem said.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT PAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1334 OR IRAQNA: 0790-138-2215. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT: WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL.
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