by Christian Chaise
Wed Feb 28, 11:48 AM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070228/lf_afp/usmilitarypakistanislam_070228164804
ON BOARD THE USS JOHN C. STENNIS, Off the coast of Pakistan (AFP) - As a child growing up in Pakistan, Mohammad Khan always loved to play with models of fighter jets, one of which carried the emblem of the US Navy.
About 40 years later, not only has he managed to fly a real fighter jet belonging to the US Navy, but he said he is also on the point of becoming the first Muslim commander of a whole squadron.
“I am hoping I can serve for another 10 years,” 45-year-old commander Mohammad Muzzafar “Shaka” Khan told AFP on board the US aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which has been anchored since February 19 in the Gulf of Oman, off Pakistan’s coast.
The nuclear-powered Stennis is on a mission to provide support for ground forces in Iran over its nuclear drive.
Khan said he was 18 years old when he left Karachi, where his father used to be a pilot in Pakistan’s airforce, to join one of his aunts in Denton, Texas, with the aim of continuing his studies at the North Texas State University.
“Before I emigrated, I had a stereotype of Americans,” he admitted.
“I thought they didn’t have the same family values as I had. But I realised they are no different… I broke down the barrier,” he added, explaining his decision to stay in the United States and become an American citizen.
Khan who is passionate about military aircraft, was inspired after watching the 1980s cult movie “Top Gun” about the exploits of a US naval fighter pilot. He said to himself: “hey, I would love to do that,” and so he enrolled.
His decision did not please everyone in his family. His father initially was “very upset”.
“For two years, he didn’t talk to me,” he said, adding that their relation however returned to normal afterwards, and his younger brother followed his example and joined the navy.
In 2004, Khan was promoted to become second in command of the squadron 31, which comprises six S-3B Viking aircraft, which specialise in attacking submarines.
In May he said he should become the commander of this unit. “I will be the very first Muslim to command a squadron.”
Asked if he had any fear his appointment may have been arranged for political reasons, to show that Muslims do not face discrimination, he answered: “No, I don’t have that doubt, because I have a very strong record.”
“That did not cross my mind… I was competing for two slots. I was one of 32 (candidates),” he said.
And when asked if being Muslim makes him feel uncomfortable about taking part in attacks on Afghanistan, which is a Muslim country, he said: “It bothers me when people die anywhere, when innocent civilians get killed.”
Like most Muslims in the United States, the attacks of September 11 in 2001 have considerably affected his life.
“I have been harassed at airports because of my name,” he said, adding that even his US military documents are no use in such situations.
“That’s one of the things that really makes me mad,” he said.
But he said that at work he has not felt ostracised, having the freedom of speech and the right to practise his belief.
“During (the Muslim fasting month of) Ramadan, I pray five times a day. I’ve prayed in my aeroplane. I try to pray on Fridays,” he said.
Asked what he could hope for in terms of his career, he said: “The sky is the limit,” suggesting his aim was to become the first Muslim admiral in the history of the US Navy.
*
