It was announced by Reston, Va.-based SOS International LLC (SOSi) that has recently finished renovating the runway and support facilities at Balad Air Base in support of four F-16 aircrafts that arrived last year. The Balad Airfield will be used to support Iraqi Government F-16 operations as well as the Cessna Caravan, C-130 and C-17 flight operations.
Major General (Ret.) Joe Reynes, former U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot and Director, Air Component Coordination Element, U.S. Forces-Iraq stated, “The feedback we received from the first F-16 pilots to land on the renovated runway was very positive. We are extremely proud to be part of the team, along with Lt. Gen. Anwer, the Iraqi Air Force and Lockheed Martin to bring these F-16’s to Balad AB.”
In addition to renovating runway and multiple taxiways SOSi also renovated and constructed additions to six aircraft spare parts facilities, updated an existing aircraft shelter and renovated staff office and living spaces on site.
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Frank Helmick, SOSi Vice President for Mission Solutions said, “One of the first contractors on the ground in Iraq in 2003, SOSi has continued to support U.S. and coalition forces there ever since. Our commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force and the U.S. mission in Iraq has not wavered throughout this project, completed in record time under austere conditions.”
Related: SOS International Expands Offerings to Include Expeditionary Medical Support, Robert Catalanotti Named Director of Middle East Initiatives for SOS International LLC
