Iraq Conducts First Night Copter Mission

BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The Iraq Air Force, in what was deemed a major step, has
conducted its first night helicopter mission.
On Dec. 3, the air force concluded its first rotary-wing night mission
since 2003. The mission by the Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopter took place
over Baghdad and included night-vision gun training.
"This was the first ever Mi-17 NVG sortie outside of Taji airfield,"
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Daley said. "All previous training has been
inside the fence. This is the first one on the outside."