Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass recently visited West Africa, marking the first time she has visited the region since assuming her position as the Air Force's senior enlisted leader.
"Africa is an emerging front for strategic competition," Bass said. "The United States, more than any other nation, can point to a strong history of partnership with African nations, and it's gained us credibility as the preferred partner in Africa. A lot of that trust building is a result of our Airmen's efforts."
The U.S. has two cooperative security locations in Niger; Air Base 101, Niamey and Air Base 201, Agaedez. During her three-day visit, Bass met with U.S. Airmen and joint force mission partners to gain first-hand knowledge of how Airmen deter and defeat violent extremism in Sahel to enable a more secure, stable, and prosperous Africa.
"In 2020, the Sahel saw a 44-percent increase in violent events in the region," said Col. Daniel Kobs, 409th Air Expeditionary Group commander. "The threat is real. Our partnerships in West Africa, now more than ever, are key to the counter-violent extremist organization fight. Our Airmen are critical to enabling our partner forces and building trust within the region."
As one of two groups falling under the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, the 409th Air Expeditionary Group supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, remotely piloted aircraft launch and recovery and base support for U.S. forces in Niger while working closely with and enabling their Nigerien Armed Forces counterparts.
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