Air Raid to Al-Waleed (24)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

The team enters the Iraq territory from far north and through heights continues flying towards target. To make easier and safer flight, the operations carry out in the form of two teams consisted of four aircrafts flying close to each other. In this journey, any carelessness can cause the plan fail. The team flies so close to the Turkish border that it is possible the Air Force of this country will be sensitive to the issue in the case of being reconnoitered by Turkish radars.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (23)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

It doesn’t take much time when ten Phantom bombers come. Two previous flights to the south of Lake Uremia, familiarity with the specified points of the home country, and most importantly expertise of participant pilots, especially leader and sub-leader, cause that pilots find tankers in radio silence finally.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (22)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

Hearing the sound of the cars’ engines, technicians of flight line and other crews who are present in the hangars notice that the pilots are coming. All run toward them, salute, say good morning, and accompany them to the prepared aircrafts in the hangars.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (21)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

I was notified that should go to a mission along with Mousavi. I did related tasks very quickly and joined him for flight brief. He stressed on the importance of flight and that the absolute radio silence all the time should be observed. Until then, radio silence was not taken account, because Tabriz base was far from enemy’s region and usually it was trying to less talk when entering the enemy’s territory.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (20)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

Providing safety and security of region and route, two F-5 fighters of Hamadan base immediately fly right behind the Phantoms and along with other F-4 pilots in predetermined location, take the responsibility of space surveillance of West and base protection. By the end of the mission, two additional flights of a team of two aircrafts also do this job. Amir Second Brigadier General Pilot Mohammed Tayyebi, the leader of first flight of F-5 air cover from Hamadan, says:

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (19)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

On the leg of G-suit, with a clip, Pilots set sheets on which information about takeoff speed, maximum speed of cancelling the flight in the case of appearing problem during takeoff, day codes, coordinates, and other information are written, to be completely and easily in sight. As there is no problem, they ride minibuses with trust in God and kissing the Koran, and go to different hangars in which ready Phantoms have been parked. Colleagues say goodbye to each other along the way and pray for. Javanmardi, who has a good sense of humor, once in while jokes that causes a cold smile appears on the lips.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (18)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

Baratpour explains the generalities of operations for pilots and co-pilots carefully. During his speaking, he recommends and emphasizes that the subject should be between themselves until the end of operations and no one is aware of it. At the same time, he throws a knowing glance at three reserve pilots; that is, you must pay more attention than others.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (17)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

An hour later, First Lt. Ali A’alizadeh is conveyed to be present at the command post by phone. At about six o’clock in the morning, two pilots of F-5 aircrafts are entered in command post of Tabriz air base. After a warm greeting, operations deputy of base, Major Yadollah Rastegarfar, ordered them to fly to check the weather conditions above the Lake Uremia, and report it to the base as soon as possible.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (16)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

At 3:30 Am, according to the plan, several cars are sent to the company-provided houses of base and drivers shortly stop in front of pilots’ houses, according to the list of names and addresses; and pick up these pilots - who have got up from their warm bed strong-willed and determined to rush forward defeated enemy - and take them to the command post. There have ever no precedent for presenting of such a numerous groups together to carry out an operation at this time. All of them perform their ablution to pray for victory over the enemy, with the exhilarating sound of Adhan.

Air Raid to Al-Waleed (15)‎

The Story of Demolishing Fighters and the Equipment in Al-Waleed Triple Military Bases ‎Known as H-3‎

At that time, I was one of staff of Bandar Abbas base, and was present in Hamadan as an agent. Almost every month, one week we were on leave to visit our family. This time it was fifty days that I had not got leave. A few weeks ago, I attended the second mission which was canceled due to bad weather after refueling, and wouldn’t think to repeat so soon.