News United States Air Force
 Niger receives second US C-130 to support enduring Sahel operationsPublished Dec. 9, 2021
                        
                        
                        United States Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa
                **NIAMEY, Niger (AFNS) --**
                **U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa** delivered a second U.S. Air Force **C-130H Hercules**, formally transferred to the Nigerien armed forces during a Dec. 7 ceremony at the **Nigerien Air Base 101** in Niamey.Niger receives second U.S. C-130 to support enduring Sahel operationsU.S. Air Force Maj. Gen James Kriesel, U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa National Guard assistant to the commander, gives remarks during the C-130 Hercules delivery ceremony, Dec. 7, 2021, at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger. Niger received the second of three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in November. The addition of C-130s to the Nigerien Armed Forces fleet places Niger among 70 others nations with this airlift capability and marks the enduring commitment of the U.S. Air Force to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien Air Force partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Longoria)
            
            
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The delivery marks the enduring commitment of the U.S. Air Force to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien air force partners.
“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force,” said U.S. Air Force **Maj. Gen. James Kriesel**, National Guard assistant to the commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA. “Niger has built a defense framework committed to amplifying regional security and stability throughout the Sahel.”
U.S. Embassy in Niamey Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Susan N’Garnim added, “This momentous occasion is a testament to the long-standing, enduring and productive partnership between the United States and Niger.”
Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.Niger receives second U.S. C-130 to support enduring Sahel operationsU.S. and Nigerien officials cut a ceremonial ribbon in front of the second C-130 Hercules aircraft delivered to Niger during a Dec. 7, 2021, ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger. Niger received the second of three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries from the U.S. on Nov. 9, 2021. The addition of C-130s to the Nigerien armed forces fleet places Niger among 70 other nations with this airlift capability and marks the enduring commitment of the U.S. Air Force to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien air force partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Longoria)
            
            
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Since 2013, the U.S. has partnered with the Niger air force, matching millions of dollars, to revitalize its C-130 program. **Little Rock Air Force Base**, Arkansas’ C-130 Formal Training Unit **provided an international pilot training program**, which graduated the first Nigerien female pilot and educated other pilots in the program.
The U.S. is providing enduring program support through infrastructure development, maintenance training, advisors, aviation parts, and other supporting equipment. The U.S. has recently refurbished a hangar, and funds are being provided to support the construction of a second hangar and an aviation parts warehouse.
In 2017, Niger became partners with the **Indiana National Guard** through the National Guard Bureau’s **State Partnership Program**, and USAFE-AFAFRICA has expanded these relationships through security cooperation initiatives, force development programs, and participation in the recent **Executive African Partnership Flight** at **Ramstein Air Base**, Germany.
USAFE-AFAFRICA's presence in Niger reinforces commitment to the security and stability of the region by providing operational support and training resources to partners throughout the Sahel.AFWN 



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