Joint Base Balad, formerly known as Balad Air Base, is a military installation located in the Salah ad Din Governorate of Iraq. It is one of the largest military bases in Iraq and has played a significant role in both Iraqi and American military operations in the region. Originally built by the Iraqi government in the 1980s, the base was later used by U.S. forces during the Iraq War.

The base covers an area of approximately 25 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of facilities, including multiple runways, aircraft hangars, barracks, and support buildings. It has been a key hub for U.S. military operations in Iraq, serving as a logistical and operational center for troops, supplies, and equipment.

One of the most notable features of Joint Base Balad is its extensive airfield, which includes two parallel runways that are each over three kilometers long. These runways are capable of handling a wide range of aircraft, from small helicopters to large military cargo planes. The airfield has been used for a variety of missions, including airlift operations, reconnaissance flights, and air support for ground forces.

In addition to its airfield, Joint Base Balad is also home to a number of aircraft maintenance facilities, including hangars and workshops where military technicians can repair and service aircraft. This has allowed the base to support a large number of aircraft and helicopters, ensuring that they remain in top condition for missions.

The base also has a number of support facilities for the troops stationed there, including barracks, dining facilities, and recreational amenities. These facilities help to make life more comfortable for the service members who are deployed to Joint Base Balad, providing them with a place to rest, eat, and relax during their down time.

Joint Base Balad has played a critical role in U.S. military operations in Iraq, serving as a strategic location for both logistics and combat operations. The base has been used as a staging area for troops deploying to and from Iraq, as well as a center for coordinating air support for ground forces. Additionally, the base has been used as a base of operations for drone flights, reconnaissance missions, and other aerial operations.

In addition to its military functions, Joint Base Balad has also played a role in humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The base has served as a hub for distributing aid and supplies to communities in need, as well as a center for coordinating reconstruction projects in the region. This has helped to improve the lives of many Iraqis who have been affected by the conflict in the country.

Overall, Joint Base Balad is a key military installation in Iraq, with a long history of supporting U.S. and Iraqi military operations in the region. Its extensive facilities and strategic location have made it a critical hub for both logistical and combat operations, ensuring that troops and equipment are able to be deployed effectively in support of missions in Iraq and the wider region.