the air force activated the 321st in august 2002 as the 321st air expeditionary wing, assigned to afcent. the wing inactivated in 2004, but was activated again in 2008 to assume the mission of iraq training and advisory mission (itam)-air force. under the itam-air force mission, the 321st air expeditionary wing trained, advised, and assisted the iraqi air force to develop as a professional and credible regional airpower partner, with the foundational and enduring capabilities to maintain internal security and defend against external threats; provide aerial port, airfield operations, base and medical support, and command and control in support of united states forces - iraq (usf-i). on order, it transitioned designated missions, organizations and functions to other u.s. government agencies no later than 31 december 2011.