Secretary of the Air Force visits service members at Nigerien Air Base 201

“There is nothing that fills my heart with joy more than seeing the extraordinary work and the spirit of the people who are here making this an operation of which America can be proud,” said Barrett.

By Staff Sgt. Alex Echols , 435th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs NIGERIEN AIR BASE 201, Niger Dec 27, 2019

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Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett traveled to Agadez, Niger, to meet and thank personnel deployed to Nigerien Air Base 201 during the holidays, Dec. 21-22.

During her first visit to the African continent since taking office in October, Barrett’s focus was centered solely on the U.S. service members deployed there.

“There is nothing that fills my heart with joy more than seeing the extraordinary work and the spirit of the people who are here making this an operation of which America can be proud,” said Barrett.

From building the future of the base to defending its assets and personnel, Barrett learned how each unit supports the mission at Nigerien Air Base 201.

“I’ve never been more proud of our Airmen,” said Col. Jonathan Creer, 409th Air Expeditionary Group commander. “This visit is a perfect opportunity for the Secretary of the Air Force to thank our troops for their service, their sacrifice, for living the core values, and for the things they are doing in West Africa to build our partner capacity and support the United States Africa Command objectives.”

While at the base, one of the secretary’s primary objectives was to relay a message to the personnel that work and live on the installation.

“I’d like to express the gratitude of a grateful nation to the men and women who serve deployed here in Agadez during a time like the holidays,” said Barrett. “We deeply appreciate their contribution, the challenges they face and the dedication they demonstrate.”

While Agadez was her first stop, the secretary’s tour continued across West Africa to meet the U.S. Airmen deployed to Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger.

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