The 3rd Air Force vice commander met with Niger's senior air force leaders and airmen during a visit here April 29.

Maj. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, who is also the 17th Expeditionary Air Force vice commander, met with Gen. Seyni Garba, Niger's chief of defense staff, and Col. Boukar Boulama, Niger's chief of air staff, to discuss cooperation strategies, capabilities and challenges.

"Our Nigerien partners have demonstrated a strong resolve to achieve stability and security," said Everhart. "Working together and learning from each other is the best way to achieve our mutual interests of enhancing regional peace and security in Africa."

Garba, Niger's military equivalent to the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, oversees the Nigerien armed forces for a country twice the size of Texas.

"We are happy to work together with our American partners to counter mutual threats," said Garba. "We have a small air force, but we hope to extend it. You are welcome in Niger."

Boulama showed Everhart the air force facilities, where Everhart met Nigerien airmen and discussed aircraft capabilities. The leaders shared best practices including the importance of pilot training, the multiple ways to use air assets in humanitarian crises, and interoperability with ground troops.

The Nigerien airmen displayed a variety of aircraft including the Mi-17 helicopter, Mi-35 helicopter, and Su-25 Frogfoot. According to the Nigerien air force, these aircraft allow Niger flexibility in conducting surveillance and air-to-ground operations, while retaining the capabilities for airlift and medical evacuation missions.

"We are grateful that they allow joint partners to see the benefit of their resolve," said Everhart. "They are a very professional force."