The Nigerian Air Force and Navy, under the auspices of the Defense Headquarters, will host the U.S. Navy in a joint exercise in Lagos, February 22-28, 2008. The exercise will focus on search and rescue procedures, aircraft maintenance, and best practices to improve maritime safety.



According to Chief of Defense Staff, General O.A. Azazi, "The Nigerian Military welcomes this opportunity for mutual cooperation and looks forward to continued joint exercises."



The exercise is part of the on-going military-to-military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria. This ongoing cooperation is multifaceted and includes education programs for military personnel, mutual assistance exercises within the country, ship visits, as well as support to Nigeria for peace keeping operations.



This exercise will feature a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft, Nigerian Navy Ship Nwamba (Cat Class), and a U.S. Navy P-3 maritime patrol aircraft. U.S. Navy personnel will provide Nigerian government and senior military officials an overview of the capabilities of the P-3 and the role it plays in combined maritime safety and security for both civilian and military operations.



U.S. Navy participants also look forward to working with their Nigerian Air Force counterparts on aircraft maintenance procedures and best practices using the C-130 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force, which shares common engine and propulsion systems with the P-3 aircraft.



The visit will culminate with a combined simulated search and rescue operation in which U.S. Navy aircraft will coordinate with Nigerian Air Force and Navy aircraft and ships.