Air Force base to gain new role

From left, Mayor Rich Sykes and Col. Mike Perez, commander of the 366th Maintenance Group at Mountain Home Air Force Base meet with news teams to discuss the establishment of the combat training unit involving members of the Qatar Emiri Air Force during a press conference held last week.

Photo by Brian S. Orban

Days after senior U.S. military leaders formally announced plans to establish a new international combat training unit at Mountain Home Air Force Base, local city and military leaders highlighted how this mission aims to benefit the local community.

During a press conference Oct. 14, Mayor Rich Sykes and Col. Michael Perez, commander of the 366th Maintenance Group at the base, took time to highlight how the installation will serve as the future home of aircrews and maintenance teams from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which represents the “air arm” of that nation’s armed forces.

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