Fact Check: "Virts highlights combat experience from flying missions over Iraq."
What We Know
Terry Virts is a retired NASA astronaut and a colonel in the United States Air Force. His military career includes extensive flight training and operational experience. According to his Wikipedia page, Virts has logged over 5,300 flight hours in 40 different aircraft, which includes significant time in fighter jets. Notably, he served in various capacities, including assignments in the Republic of Korea and Germany, and was involved in test pilot training at Edwards Air Force Base.
While the Wikipedia entry does not explicitly state that he flew missions over Iraq, it does mention that he has received several military decorations, including the Air Medal, which is awarded for meritorious achievement in aerial flight. This suggests that he has participated in combat operations, though specific details about missions in Iraq are not provided in the source.
Analysis
The claim that "Virts highlights combat experience from flying missions over Iraq" is somewhat ambiguous due to the lack of direct evidence in the available sources. The primary source, his Wikipedia entry, does not confirm specific missions over Iraq but does indicate that he has extensive flight experience and has been recognized for his contributions in military aviation.
To further evaluate the claim, it is essential to consider the context of military pilots' experiences. Many pilots who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Iraq War were involved in various operations, and it is plausible that Virts, with his extensive background, may have had similar experiences. However, without direct citations or statements from Virts himself regarding specific missions over Iraq, the claim remains unverified.
Additionally, other sources discussing military aviation, such as articles on the experiences of fighter pilots, highlight the importance of combat experience but do not specifically mention Virts or confirm his involvement in missions over Iraq (Havok Journal).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
While the claim that "Virts highlights combat experience from flying missions over Iraq" cannot be definitively confirmed due to a lack of specific evidence in the sources, it is reasonable to conclude that Virts, given his extensive flight hours and military background, likely has combat experience. His military accolades and the nature of his service suggest involvement in operations that could include missions over Iraq, even if not explicitly documented in the sources reviewed.
