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{{Airport frame}} {{Short description|Airport in Kuwait}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{Airport title|name=Ali Al Salem Air Base}}
{{Infobox military installation
<!-- {{Airport image|airport_image= }} -->
| name = Ali Al Salem Air Base
{{Airport infobox
| IATA = n/a | ensign =
| ensign_size =
| ICAO = OKAS
| native_name = {{lang|ar|قاعدة علي السالم الجوية}}
| type = Military
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| run by =
| location = ]
| closest town = Kuwait
| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
| elevation_ft = 472
| country = ]
| elevation_m = 144
| image = File:Kuwait AS332, Super Puma, helicopter.jpg
| coordinates = {{coor dms|29|20|48|N|47|31|14|E|type:airport}}
| 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
| image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields -->
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| type = Kuwait Air Force base
| coordinates = {{coord|29|20|48|N|47|31|14|E|region:KW|display=inline,title}}
| gridref =
| image_map =
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption =
| pushpin_map = Kuwait
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kuwait
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_image =
| pushpin_label = Ali Al Salem AB
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_marksize =
| ownership = ]
| operator = ]
| controlledby = <!-- such as RAF Bomber Command or the Eighth Air Force -->
| open_to_public = <!-- for out-of-use sites/sites with museums etc. -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc. -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc. -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY}} -->
| used = <!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational
| battles =
| events =
| current_commander = <!-- current commander -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = *Flight Training School and Helicopter Squadrons (])
*] (])
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations =
| website =
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA =
| ICAO = OKAS
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| elevation = {{Convert|144|m|0}}
| r1-number = 12L/30R
| r1-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}}
| r1-surface = ]/]
| r2-number = 12R/30L
| r2-length = {{Convert|2,989|m|0}}
| r2-surface = concrete/asphalt
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- 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 |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>
}} }}
{{Runway title}}
{{Runway
| runway_angle = 12L/30R
| runway_length_f = 9,805
| runway_length_m = 2,989
| runway_surface = ] / ]
}}
{{Runway
| runway_angle = 12R/30L
| runway_length_f = 9,805
| runway_length_m = 2,989
| runway_surface = ] / ]
}}
{{Airport end frame}}


'''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==
] 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 <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 ===
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.

The RAF had relocated to ], ] 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 ] 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 ==


===Kuwait Air Force===
'''Ali Al Salem Air Base''' {{airport codes|OKAS}} is an ] situated in ] approximately ] ]s from the ] border. The airfield is owned by the Kuwaiti Government and during ] hosted the ], ] and US Marines along with their thousands of support staff. Since that operation, the base has been returned to the control of the Kuwaiti Government.
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.


=== Military intervention against ISIL ===
The ] operated out of AAS from late 1998, just before ]. The RAF detachment consisted of various non-formed units and a rotating Squadron of ] ]s. The base was rapidly expanded in early 2003 to base the ] assets prior to start of Operation Telic aka ].
{{further|Military intervention against ISIL order of battle}}
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 -->
== 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>
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
=== Kuwait Air Force ===


* 12th Training Squadron – ]
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 'Goldstars' Squadron). He was awarded the ] for his leadership.
* 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 ===
''']'''


* ]
The RAF had relocated to ], Doha, ] by 2004.
** ]
*** 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==
This base now hosts several United States Air Force tenant units. Their ongoing mission is in support of Iraqi Freedom. Their main task is to refuel, repair and provide general support for aircraft in transit to Iraq.
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References==
In 1990 the base was the first to be over run by Saddam's troops. The fighting lasted for less than thirty minutes. Most of the Kuwaiti military fled instead of fighting. A hand full of Kuwaiti regulars, staff officers and the base general stayed to fight. The Kuwaiti General was hung from the base flag pole by Saddam's troops. New flag poles have been installed and the old one remains but are unused. The rest of the generals staff was lined up one behind each other, to conserve bullets, outside the old Kuwaiti officers club and shot. The bullet holes are still in the wall but the building is not used.


{{Reflist}}
Prior to 1990, the French, under contract, built large reinforced concrete hardened aircraft storage (HAS) bunkers for the Kuwaiti Air Force. The French told the Kuwaitis that the structures were impenetrable. After Iraq took over the base, they moved the Kuwaiti aircraft and parked the Iraqi aircraft in the hangars. The French impenetrable claim turned out wrong when the US and allied forces, in the opening hours of desert storm, punched through the concrete bunkers. The Kuwaitis are still involved in legal suits over the "impenetrable clause of the contract." The French claim that they had no way of foreseeing that the US had invented bunker busters - some say that the French intended for the bunkers to protect against Soviet-procured Iraqi weapons. You can see one of the "HAS" bunkers and the destruction done by the bunker busters on this page.


{{Commons category|Ali Al Salem Air Base}}
Ali Al Salem air base is currently home to "The Rock" US AFB, Ali Al Salem Kuwaiti Air Base and the Army LSA (Life Support Area). The Army LSA is used as a transient point for soldiers/airmen going in and out of the Middle East (], Iraq, ], ]) and Africa (namely ]). US Navy Customs also works from a compound within the LSA, their mission is to provide customs and agricultural inspections for all soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and civilians returning to the United States. USAF Security forces Airmen do daily convoys near and within Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Being the closest Air base to the border of Iraq, "The Rock" provides a key location for allied forces to provide support for troops in southern Iraq.


{{authority control}}
== External links ==
*{{WAD|OKAS}}
*Map from
*Satellite image from
*
* at ]


]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 01:17, 19 November 2024

Airport in Kuwait
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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.
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