Nigerian and US Navies in joint training this week

Feb 27, 2008
Author: P&S

The Nigerian Air Force and Navy are currently hosting the US Navy in a joint military exercise in and around Lagos.

The focus of the exercise is on search and rescue procedures, aircraft maintenance and the improvement of maritime safety and forms part of an ongoing military co-operation programme between the two countries.

This week’s exercise involves a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft, the Nigerian Navy ship NWAMBA and a US Navy P-3 maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The exercise is also providing the US with an opportunity to showcase the P-3 aircraft and its capabilities in maritime patrol and search and rescue work.

US Navy personnel have also been working with their Nigerian counterparts on aircraft maintenance using Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, which shares common engine and propulsion systems with the P-3.

The exercise ends on Thursday (tomorrow) with a combined simulated search and rescue operation involving ships and aircraft of both countries.