Iraq takes control of C-130s

AL-MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Iraqi air force took control of C-130 air operations from the U.S. military as part of the gradual withdrawal of combat forces.

The 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron of the U.S. Air Force deactivated in a ceremony earlier this week, marking the end to its mission in Iraq.

The squadron is the largest C-130 squadron in the Iraqi air force. It is tasked with delivering troops and cargo and serves to ferry distinguished dignitaries.

"It's an important step in the realization of a fully independent Iraqi air force that will one day defend and protect the people of Iraq," said Col. Christopher Pehrson, commander of the U.S. Air Force's 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group.

U.S. and Iraqi air force generals made their first joint visit to the Ali air base near An Nasiriyah as part of the effort to withdrawal American combat troops earlier this week.

U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, outlined his plans for the gradual withdrawal of combat forces recently.

He said U.S. combat forces deployed in Iraq would drop to 115,000 by the end of the year and to roughly 50,000 by summer 2010.