Air Support Mission Ends In Iraq

The Japanese military concluded its mission in Iraq on Sunday, Agence France-Presse reports.

The small Japanese contingent has been on an air support mission, flying in goods and personnel to support the U.S.-led coalition.

Since Japan's ground forces departed Iraq in 2006, air support personnel have transported 46,000 passengers and 600 tons of supplies over 800 flights, said military officials.

"This was a very valuable experience," said one Japanese military officer....