Egyptian officers visit Cannon

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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (ACCNS) --  Four Egyptian F-16 pilots and two maintenance officers visited here this week to observe how the U.S. Air Force does business.

I didnt have a clue how an American squadron would work, said Maj. Hattem Attia, F-16 pilot. Cannon is larger than our base, but basically its the same type of operation we have in Egypt.

Despite the similarities, the officers did notice some differences. For example, the first thing they noticed on the flightline was that the wings aircraft are parked in the open.

We dont have any aircraft out in the open, said Maj. Sharif Hassan, maintenance officer. We put all of our planes in bomb-proof shelters.

They also noted differences in other maintenance procedures.

We have the same systems and follow the same technical orders, said Maj. Hatem Shoeir, maintenance officer. Here everyone follows the technical orders step by step, every manual and every tool has its place. I like that.

All of them said they were impressed with the size and quality of the buildings and working environments for Cannons military members.

Our work is much slower because of our facilities, said Maj. Osama Hassan, F-16 pilot. We need more facilities like yours so we can work better and faster.

During their stay at Cannon, the six Egyptian officers toured the bases air traffic control facilities, new fire station and maintenance facilities. They also shadowed squadron commanders and toured Melrose Range, and some of the pilots received familiarization flights.