Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules, formally transferred to the Nigerien Armed Forces during a Dec. 7 ,  2021 ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey. (Credit: Wikipedia Commons) 

By  Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The Air Force of West African nation Niger took delivery this month of the second of three C-130H Hercules transport aircraft donated from the United States.  The December 7 delivery “marks the enduring commitment by the U.S. to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien Air Force partners,”  US African Command said in a statement. 

“We proudly stand alongside our Nigerien partners as we celebrate the enhanced strength of our coalition force. Niger has built a defense framework committed to amplifying regional security and stability throughout the Sahel.”

-U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. James Kriesel, National Guard assistant to the commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen James Kriesel, USAFE-AFAFRICA National Guard assistant to the commander and Nigerien Gen. Salifou Mody shake hands, Dec. 7, 2021, during the C-130 Hercules delivery ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Stephanie Longoria)

Two C-130H Hercules delivered to the Nigerien Armed Forces sit side-by-side on the Niamey flightline during a Dec. 7, 2021, ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101, Niger. ((U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Stephanie Longoria)

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. Since 2013, the U.S. has partnered with the Niger Air Force, matching millions of dollars, to revitalize its C-130 program.