History
Rayak Air Base was constructed and used by the Germans in World War I. After the allies took hold of this base, they enlarged the it and French aviation in addition to flight specialists started training a number of Lebanese personnel on aircraft mechanics. On August 1, 1945, Lebanon took hold of its army together with the Battalion of the first airbase (Rayak).
During the French Mandate of Lebanon, Rayak Air base was considered to be the "jewel" of the Air bases and the center of attraction of all other military units, not only in Lebanon but also in mandated Syria and all the near east. The base had many entertainment facilities, luxuries, flowering gardens, and central heating, which at that time were not found in military sites elsewhere in the region.
The French Air Force evacuated the base in 1949, and it was abandoned for a long time, which contributed in turning it into a miserable condition, especially after being robbed by its own guards. The army command later decided to rebuilt the air base, a reconstruction that took two months and which included the construction of new buildings and infrastructure.
The first officers assigned to the base were:
- Deputy Commander Lt. Ahmad Arab
- Administrative officer Antranik Tatoussian
- Service battalion officer Victor Charles
Recruitment started with one hundred personnel, many of those who already had experience with the French. The first course students' included:
- Lt. Ali Abboud
- Sergeants John Ayoub
- Segeant Izat Hariri
- Civil pilot Hassan Badawi
- Civil pilot René Abdallah
- Civil pilot Michel Nawfal
- Civil pilot Emil Succar
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