K-1 Air Base

K-1 Air Base is a former Iraqi Air Force base in the Arbil Governorate of Iraq. It was captured by Coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Overview
K-1 was a primary air base for the Iraqui Air Force prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF). It was seized by the United States Army and was used as a Contingency Operating Location in northern Iraq. Since U.S. forces began using the K1 facility, a lot of property has accumulated here that had to be accounted for so that we could make a responsible handoff to the Iraqis. We wanted them to know exactly what we were giving them,” said Hall, a native of Dickinson, N.D. “We downsized as much of our equipment and property as we could by moving it to [another U.S. base] leading up to this base closure, we also are transitioning much of it to the Iraqis.

In recent years, U.S. and Iraqi forces used training centers at COL K1 as hubs for combined instruction between U.S. soldiers and various units of Iraqi Security Forces, including Iraqi Army infantry and route clearance units.

“This base will eventually be turned over from Location Command to the 12th Iraqi Army Division,” said Hall. “The 12th IA is planning on using the K1 facility to support a new tank regiment that is forming. The regiment is not on the ground yet, but it is in the working for the future.”

This base handoff, Hall said, and the responsible manner in which it was completed, is symbolic of everything that U.S. advisory teams have done here since the first teams arrived in country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Moving out and allowing the ISF to move into this installation demonstrates the confidence we have in our Iraqi counterparts to carry out the security mission here in Kirkuk province,” he added. As U.S. forces move forward with Operation New Dawn, Finch said continued base transitions are symbolic of the partnership created between U.S. and Iraqi forces, and the ability of the Iraqi government to function independently.

“We are on the right track right now, we need to maintain the standard and accountability,” said Finch. “We want to make sure that we preserve this great relationship that we have with our Iraqi counterparts so that we move into the future together, as allies and brothers.

Soldiers of Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion and 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, vacated and transferred control of Contingency Operating Location K1 to Iraq Security Forces, July 25 2011.