Misplaced Pages

Ali Al Salem Air Base: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 16:34, 5 January 2020 editThx811 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users5,233 edits Arrangement and naming of sections updatedTag: Visual edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 01:17, 19 November 2024 edit undoClementhyme (talk | contribs)49 editsm copyedited awkward sentencesTag: Visual edit 
(43 intermediate revisions by 33 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Airport in Kuwait}}
{{refimprove|date=January 2013}} {{more citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox military installation {{Infobox military installation
| name = Ali Al Salem Air Base | name = Ali Al Salem Air Base
Line 10: Line 11:
| country = ] | country = ]
| image = File:Kuwait AS332, Super Puma, helicopter.jpg | image = File:Kuwait AS332, Super Puma, helicopter.jpg
| alt = A Kuwait Air Force Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem AB. | alt = A Kuwait Air Force Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem AB
| caption = A ] ] of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem AB. | caption = A ] ] of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem AB
| image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields --> | image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields -->
| alt2 = | alt2 =
Line 35: Line 36:
| operator = ] | operator = ]
| controlledby = <!-- such as RAF Bomber Command or the Eighth Air Force --> | controlledby = <!-- such as RAF Bomber Command or the Eighth Air Force -->
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc --> | open_to_public = <!-- for out-of-use sites/sites with museums etc. -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox --> | site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc --> | site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc. -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc --> | site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc. -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US --> | code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY}} --> | built = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY}} -->
Line 68: Line 69:
| r1-number = 12L/30R | r1-number = 12L/30R
| r1-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}} | r1-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}}
| r1-surface = ]/] | r1-surface = ]/]
| r2-number = 12R/30L | r2-number = 12R/30L
| r2-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}} | r2-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}}
| r2-surface = Concrete/Asphalt | r2-surface = concrete/asphalt
| h1-number = | h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} --> | h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
Line 78: Line 79:
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities --> | airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- end airfield information --> <!-- end airfield information -->
| footnotes = '''Sources:'''World Aero Data<ref name="WAD">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=OKAS |title=Ali Al Salem Ab - Okas |publisher=World Aero Data |date= |accessdate=2015-11-11}}</ref> | footnotes = '''Sources:''' World Aero Data<ref name="WAD">{{cite web |url=http://www.worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=OKAS |title=Ali Al Salem Ab - Okas |publisher=World Aero Data |access-date=2015-11-11 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234244/http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=OKAS |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
}} }}


'''Ali Al Salem Air Base''' {{airport codes||OKAS}} is a ] situated in ], approximately 23 miles from the ]i border. The airfield is owned by the ], and during ], ], ] (RAF) during ], ] (USAF), and ] (USMC) personnel and ]. Since those operations, the base has been returned to the control of the Kuwaiti Government, with the USAF continuing to maintain a presence alongside their ] counterparts. The principal USAF unit on base is the ] (386 AEW). '''Ali Al Salem Air Base''' {{airport codes||OKAS}} is a ] situated in ], approximately {{convert|37|km|abbr=on}} from the ]i border, and roughly {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} west of ]. The airfield is owned by the ], and hosted the ] (RAF), ] (USAF), and ] (USMC) personnel and ] during ] and ]. The base also hosted the ] (RAF) during ]. Since the cessation of those operations, the base has been returned to the control of the Kuwaiti Government, with the USAF continuing to maintain a presence alongside their ] counterparts. The principal USAF unit on base is the ] (386 AEW).


==History== ==History==
] incurred during the first Persian Gulf War in 1991. Bomb damage caused by precision guided "bunker busting" munitions is still visible 27 years (2019) after the liberation of Ali Al Salem.]] ] incurred during the first Persian Gulf War in 1991. Bomb damage caused by precision-guided "bunker busting" munitions is still visible 27 years (2019) after the liberation of Ali Al Salem.]]


=== Gulf War === === Gulf War ===
In 1990, the base was the last to be overrun during the ]. On August 3, Ali Al Salem was the only air base not occupied by Iraq. A small number of Kuwaiti regulars, staff officers, and the base general{{who|date=November 2015}} stayed to fight and organize resupply missions from Saudi Arabia. By the end of the day, Ali Al Salem had been overrun. Upon discovery by the Iraqi military, the Kuwaiti General was ] from the base ] by Iraqi troops.<ref name="militarybases.com">{{cite web|url=http://militarybases.com/ali-al-salem-air-base-joint-operations-base-in-kuwait-city-kuwait/|title=Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait City, Kuwait|work=MilitaryBases.com|accessdate=20 November 2015}}</ref> New flagpoles have since been installed, however as of December 2012, the original pole still stands. The remaining Kuwaiti military personnel were lined up outside the old Kuwaiti officers' club and shot.<ref name="militarybases.com"/> While no longer used, the building and bullet holes remain. Ali Al Salem Air Base was the last to be overrun during Iraq invasion of Kuwait. By August 1990, it was the only Kuwaiti air base not occupied by Iraq. A small number of Kuwaiti regulars, staff officers, and the base Commander, General Saber Suwaidan <ref name="al-sabah.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-sabah.org/alisalemairbase|title=Alisalemairbase - WWW }}</ref> stayed to fight and organize resupply missions from Saudi Arabia. By the end of the day, Ali Al Salem had been overrun. Upon discovery by the Iraqi military, the Kuwaiti General was ] from the base ] by Iraqi troops.<ref name="militarybases.com">{{cite web|url=http://militarybases.com/ali-al-salem-air-base-joint-operations-base-in-kuwait-city-kuwait/|title=Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait City, Kuwait|work=MilitaryBases.com|access-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> New flagpoles have since been installed, however as of December 2012, the original pole still stands. The remaining Kuwaiti military personnel were lined up outside the old Kuwaiti officers' club and shot.<ref name="militarybases.com"/> While no longer used, the building and bullet holes remain.


=== Operation Desert Fox and Operation Telic === === Operation Desert Fox and Operation Telic ===
The ] operated out of Ali Al Salem from early 1998, just before ]. The RAF detachment consisted of various non-formed units, and a rotating Squadron of ] ]s and later Tornado GR4s. The base was rapidly expanded in early 2003 to base the ] assets prior to start of ], the British designation for the US designated Operation ]. The ] operated out of Ali Al Salem from early 1998, just before ]. The RAF detachment consisted of various non-formed units, and a rotating Squadron of ] ]s and later Tornado GR4s. The base was rapidly expanded in early 2003 to base the ] assets prior to the start of ], the British designation for the US-designated Operation ].


During the war, the RAF amalgamated five Tornado GR4 Squadrons based at AAS to form the Ali Al Salem Combat Air Wing, commanded by ] ] ] (OC 31 Squadron). He was awarded the ] for his leadership. During the war, the RAF amalgamated five Tornado GR4 Squadrons based at AAS to form the Ali Al Salem Combat Air Wing, commanded by ] ] ] (OC 31 Squadron). He was awarded the ] for his leadership.
Line 98: Line 99:
==Infrastructure and facilities== ==Infrastructure and facilities==
The airport resides at an ] of {{convert|472|ft|0}} above ]. It has two asphalt/concrete ]s: 12R/30L measuring {{convert|2989|x|45|m|0}} and 12L/30R measuring {{convert|2989|x|40|m|0}}.<ref name="WAD" /> The airport resides at an ] of {{convert|472|ft|0}} above ]. It has two asphalt/concrete ]s: 12R/30L measuring {{convert|2989|x|45|m|0}} and 12L/30R measuring {{convert|2989|x|40|m|0}}.<ref name="WAD" />
=== 2018 expansion ===
⚫ Starting in 2018, expansion on the base was begun by the Kuwaiti Air Force to include a new asphalt/concrete runway and extensive new hangar facilities to support the future delivery of ] intended to replace their existing complement of ] ].

⚫ The base expansion was completed in the second half of 2020 with the delivery of the 28 Eurofighters finishing shortly after.


== Role and operations == == Role and operations ==


===Kuwait Air Force=== ===Kuwait Air Force===
The ] Flight Training School is located at Ali Al Salem. The base is also home to the Air Force's attack and support helicopter squadrons. The ] Flight Training School is located at Ali Al Salem. The base is also home to the Air Force's attack and support helicopter squadrons.

⚫ * 12th Training Sqd ]
⚫ * 19th Training Sqd ]
⚫ * 88th Training Sqd ]
⚫ * 62nd Helicopter Sqd ]
* 32nd Helicopter Sqd ]
* 33rd Helicopter Sqd ]
⚫ * 17th ″Night wolf″ Attack Sqd ]
* 20th "The Dark Knights" Attack Sqd ]


=== Military intervention against ISIL === === Military intervention against ISIL ===
{{further information|Military intervention against ISIL order of battle}} {{further|Military intervention against ISIL order of battle}}
The base currently hosts several non-Kuwaiti military units, mainly 386th AEW USAF. The base currently hosts several non-Kuwaiti military units, mainly the 386th AEW USAF.
<!-- Please add all land-based aircraft and units deployed here involved with the Military intervention against ISIL on the Military intervention against ISIL order of battle article instead of here please --> <!-- Please add all land-based aircraft and units deployed here involved with the Military intervention against ISIL on the Military intervention against ISIL order of battle article instead of here please -->
== Future == == Based units ==
Flying and notable non-flying units based at Ali al Salem Air Base.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Orbats – Kuwait Air Force|url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/kuwait/kuwait-air-force#OKAS369|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Scramble – Dutch Aviation Society}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 October 2021|title=Factsheet – 386th Air Expeditionary Wing|url=https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/386th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/Fact-Sheet/Display/Article/423585/386th-air-expeditionary-wing/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=US Air Forces Central|publisher=US Air Force|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫ Starting in 2018, expansion on the base was begun by the Kuwaiti Air Force to include a new asphalt/concrete runway and extensive new hangar facilities to support the future delivery of Eurofighters intended to replace their existing complement of F-18C fighter jets.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
=== Kuwait Air Force ===


⚫ * 12th Training Squadron – ]
⚫ The base expansion is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2020, with the delivery of the 22 Eurofighters to follow in late 2020.
⚫ * 19th Training Squadron – ]
⚫ * 17th Attack Squadron – ]
* 20th Attack Squadron – AH-64D Apache Longbow
⚫ * 32nd Helicopter Squadron – ]
⚫ * 33rd Helicopter Squadron – ]
* 62nd Utility Squadron – ] and ]
* 88th Training Squadron – SA-342K Gazelle
* Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit – ]
{{Col-break}}
=== United States Air Force ===
''']'''

* ]
** ]
*** 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group
*** 386th Expeditionary Medical Group
*** 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group
*** 387th Air Expeditionary Group
*** 407th Air Expeditionary Group
{{Col-end}}


==See also== ==See also==
Line 133: Line 152:


{{Commons category|Ali Al Salem Air Base}} {{Commons category|Ali Al Salem Air Base}}

{{authority control}}


] ]
]

Latest revision as of 01:17, 19 November 2024

Airport in Kuwait
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Ali Al Salem Air Base" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Ali Al Salem Air Base
قاعدة علي السالم الجوية
Jahra Governorate in Kuwait
A Kuwait Air Force Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem ABA Kuwait Air Force Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma of the 32nd Helicopter Squadron based at Ali Al Salem AB
Ali Al Salem AB is located in KuwaitAli Al Salem ABAli Al Salem ABLocation in Kuwait
Coordinates29°20′48″N 47°31′14″E / 29.34667°N 47.52056°E / 29.34667; 47.52056
TypeKuwait Air Force base
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defense
OperatorKuwait Air Force
ConditionOperational
Garrison information
Garrison
Airfield information
IdentifiersICAO: OKAS
Elevation144 metres (472 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
12L/30R 2,989 metres (9,806 ft) concrete/asphalt
12R/30L 2,989 metres (9,806 ft) concrete/asphalt
Sources: World Aero Data

Ali Al Salem Air Base (ICAO: OKAS) is a military air base situated in Kuwait, approximately 37 km (23 mi) from the Iraqi border, and roughly 15 km (9.3 mi) west of Al Jahra. The airfield is owned by the Government of Kuwait, and hosted the Royal Air Force (RAF), United States Air Force (USAF), and United States Marine Corps (USMC) personnel and aircraft during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The base also hosted the Royal Air Force (RAF) during Operation Telic. Since the cessation of those operations, the base has been returned to the control of the Kuwaiti Government, with the USAF continuing to maintain a presence alongside their Kuwait Air Force counterparts. The principal USAF unit on base is the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing (386 AEW).

History

Significant bomb damage to a HAS incurred during the first Persian Gulf War in 1991. Bomb damage caused by precision-guided "bunker busting" munitions is still visible 27 years (2019) after the liberation of Ali Al Salem.

Gulf War

Ali Al Salem Air Base was the last to be overrun during Iraq invasion of Kuwait. By August 1990, it was the only Kuwaiti air base not occupied by Iraq. A small number of Kuwaiti regulars, staff officers, and the base Commander, General Saber Suwaidan stayed to fight and organize resupply missions from Saudi Arabia. By the end of the day, Ali Al Salem had been overrun. Upon discovery by the Iraqi military, the Kuwaiti General was hanged from the base flagpole by Iraqi troops. New flagpoles have since been installed, however as of December 2012, the original pole still stands. The remaining Kuwaiti military personnel were lined up outside the old Kuwaiti officers' club and shot. While no longer used, the building and bullet holes remain.

Operation Desert Fox and Operation Telic

The Royal Air Force operated out of Ali Al Salem from early 1998, just before Operation Desert Fox. The RAF detachment consisted of various non-formed units, and a rotating Squadron of Panavia Tornado GR1s and later Tornado GR4s. The base was rapidly expanded in early 2003 to base the Joint Helicopter Command assets prior to the start of Operation Telic, the British designation for the US-designated Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the war, the RAF amalgamated five Tornado GR4 Squadrons based at AAS to form the Ali Al Salem Combat Air Wing, commanded by Wing Commander Paddy Teakle OBE (OC 31 Squadron). He was awarded the DSO for his leadership.

The RAF had relocated to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar by 2004, though some elements remained through 2008, and it serves as a backup and emergency strip for RAF operations.

Infrastructure and facilities

The airport resides at an elevation of 472 feet (144 m) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt/concrete runways: 12R/30L measuring 2,989 by 45 metres (9,806 ft × 148 ft) and 12L/30R measuring 2,989 by 40 metres (9,806 ft × 131 ft).

2018 expansion

Starting in 2018, expansion on the base was begun by the Kuwaiti Air Force to include a new asphalt/concrete runway and extensive new hangar facilities to support the future delivery of Eurofighters intended to replace their existing complement of F-18C fighter jets.

The base expansion was completed in the second half of 2020 with the delivery of the 28 Eurofighters finishing shortly after.

Role and operations

Kuwait Air Force

The Kuwait Air Force Flight Training School is located at Ali Al Salem. The base is also home to the Air Force's attack and support helicopter squadrons.

Military intervention against ISIL

Further information: Military intervention against ISIL order of battle

The base currently hosts several non-Kuwaiti military units, mainly the 386th AEW USAF.

Based units

Flying and notable non-flying units based at Ali al Salem Air Base.

Kuwait Air Force

United States Air Force

Air Combat Command

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ali Al Salem Ab - Okas". World Aero Data. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
  2. "Alisalemairbase - WWW".
  3. ^ "Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait City, Kuwait". MilitaryBases.com. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  4. "Orbats – Kuwait Air Force". Scramble – Dutch Aviation Society. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  5. "Factsheet – 386th Air Expeditionary Wing". US Air Forces Central. US Air Force. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
Categories: