Upon graduation from flying school he won a best - aviator trophy , and shortly afterwards was assigned to the Mezze air base near Damascus .
Assad graduated in 1955 , after which he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force .
Upon graduation from flying school Assad won a best - aviator trophy , and shortly afterwards was assigned to the Mezze air base near Damascus .
Assad graduated in 1955 , after which he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force .