U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S. Air Drive C-130H Hercules, formally transferred to the Nigerien armed forces throughout a December 7 ceremony on the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey. The supply marks the enduring dedication of the U.S. Air Drive to help continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions all through the Sahel alongside Nigerien air drive companions. Niger acquired the primary of the three scheduled C-130 plane deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for varied humanitarian help operations and United Nations troop and car actions.

Since 2013, the U.S. has partnered with the Niger air drive, matching tens of millions of {dollars}, to revitalize its C-130 program. Little Rock Air Drive Base, Arkansas’ C-130 Formal Coaching Unit offered a world pilot coaching program, which graduated the primary Nigerien feminine pilot and educated different pilots in this system. The U.S. is offering enduring program help via infrastructure improvement, upkeep coaching, advisors, aviation elements, and different supporting tools. The U.S. has not too long ago refurbished a hangar, and funds are being offered to help the development of a second hangar and an aviation elements warehouse.

Commercial

U.S. and Nigerien officers reduce a ceremonial ribbon in entrance of the second C-130 Hercules plane delivered to Niger throughout a Dec. 7, 2021, ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger. Niger acquired the second of three scheduled C-130 plane deliveries from the U.S. on Nov. 9, 2021. The addition of C-130s to the Nigerien armed forces fleet locations Niger amongst 70 different nations with this airlift functionality and marks the enduring dedication of the U.S. Air Drive to help continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions all through the Sahel alongside Nigerien air drive companions. (U.S. Air Drive photograph by Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Longoria)

U.S. Embassy in Niamey Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Susan N’Garnim stated, “This momentous event is a testomony to the long-standing, enduring and productive partnership between america and Niger.”

“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien companions as we rejoice the improved energy of our coalition drive,” stated U.S. Air Drive Maj. Gen. James Kriesel, Nationwide Guard assistant to the commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA. “Niger has constructed a protection framework dedicated to amplifying regional safety and stability all through the Sahel.”

In 2017, Niger grew to become companions with the Indiana Nationwide Guard via the Nationwide Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, and USAFE-AFAFRICA has expanded these relationships via safety cooperation initiatives, drive improvement applications, and participation within the current Government African Partnership Flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. USAFE-AFAFRICA’s presence in Niger reinforces dedication to the safety and stability of the area by offering operational help and coaching assets to companions all through the Sahel.

Nigerian Air Force Receives Second C-130 to Support Enduring Sahel Operations
Two of three U.S. Air Drive C-130H Hercules delivered to the Nigerien Armed Forces sit side-by-side on the Niamey flightline throughout a Dec. 7 ceremony on the Niamey Air Base 101, Niger. Niger acquired the primary of three scheduled C-130 plane deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021. The second was delivered on Nov. 9, 2021. The addition C-130s to the Nigerien Armed Forces fleet locations Niger amongst 70 others nations with this airlift functionality and marks the enduring dedication of the U.S. Air Drive to help continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions all through the Sahel alongside Nigerien Air Drive companions. (U.S. Air Drive photograph by Tech.Sgt Stephanie Longoria)