United States Africa Command

AFRICOM Completes Regional All-Female Military Intelligence Professionals Course

Airmen save missing child, sharpen interoperability

United States Africa Command Image

Flintlock 17 begins

Flintlock 2018 Opening Ceremony

NIAMEY, Niger – A Nigerien Soldier marches across the airfield at the start of the opening ceremony of Flintlock 2018 in Niamey, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke/79th Theater Sustainment Command)

Photo by: Sgt. Heather Doppke, Niamey, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Capt. Neal a U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha Commander in 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), addresses dignitaries during the Tahoua opening ceremony of Flintlock 2018 April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/RELEASED)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Tahoua, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Col. Mohamed Toumba, Zone 4 Commander, Forces Armees Nigeriennes, or FAN, gives a speech to the dignitaries who attended the Tahoua opening ceremony for Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people.

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Tahoua, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Col. Mohamed Toumba, Zone 4 Commander, Forces Armees Nigeriennes, or FAN, does a pass and review of the Nigerian detachment participating in Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/RELEASED)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Tahoua, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Col. Mohamed Toumba, Zone 4 Commander, Forces Armees Nigeriennes, or FAN, does a pass and review of the FAN participating in Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/RELEASED)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Niamey, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Col. Mohamed Toumba, Zone 4 Commander, Forces Armees Nigeriennes, or FAN, inspects international service members participating in Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/RELEASED)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Tahoua, , Niger

Flintlock 2018 starts in Tahoua, Niger

TAHOUA, Niger - Governor Elhadj Mahamadou Zéti Maiga, the governor of the Tahoua Region gives a speech to the participants of Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock 2018, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people.

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria, Tahoua, , Niger

AFRICOM Completes Regional All-Female Military Intelligence Professionals Course

Students from Niger attending the U.S. Africa Command’s Intelligence Directorate (J2) regional all-female Military Intelligence Professionals Course had the opportunity to meet Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, who was in Dakar, Senegal for an unrelated event.

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Airmen save missing child, sharpen interoperability

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 822nd Expeditionary Base Defense Squadron pose for a photograph on Feb. 2, 2018 at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger. The team recently worked alongside local military members to rescue a two-year-old girl, after being notified by local villagers that she was lost near the base on Jan. 18, 2018. The Airmen not only showcased their capabilities that night, but also demonstrated the U.S. Air Force’s effectiveness in working alongside host nation security forces to build interoperability as a team. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Nick Wilson

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, receives an update on ongoing construction at Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger Jan. 25, 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, AFRICOM command senior enlisted leader, pose for a group photo with U.S. Airmen at Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger Jan. 25. 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, AFRICOM command senior enlisted leader, meet with Air Base 201 leadership during a visit to Agadez, Niger Jan. 25, 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Nigerien Minister of Defense Kalla Moutari speak during a meeting Jan. 24, 2018 in Niamey, Niger.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and other U.S. military officials meet with civic, government, Nigerien military leaders during a visit to Agadez, Niger Jan. 25, 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Air Base 201 leadership in Agadez, Niger Jan. 25, 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, AFRICOM command senior enlisted leader, pose for a group photo with civic and government leaders from Agadez, Niger Jan. 25, 2018.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM commander visits Niamey and Agadez, Niger

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, greets Lt. Gen. Ahmed Mohamed, Nigerien Chief of Defense, during a meeting Jan. 24, 2018 in Niamey, Niger.

Photo by: Nate Herring, Stuttgart, Germany

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron move the covers from tents from the old base to their new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron to work together to tear down tents from the old base to move to their new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

An Airman from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron takes apart rope tying down tents at the old base to move to a new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron take down tents from the old base to move to a new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Master Sgt. Christopher Moffett, 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron flight superintendent, takes down tents from the old base to move to a new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron and Soldiers from the 411th Military Police Company, 89th MP Brigade, 1st Platoon, take down tents from the old base to move to a new location, Sept. 11, 2017,at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Major Carsten Stahr (left), 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron director of operations, takes down tents from the old base to move to a new location, Sept. 11, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Being located in this deployed environment requires tents to function as temporary housing in lieu of traditional infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron move generators from their old base to a new location, Sept. 09, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” Independent power sources are required to operate in such a remote location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron work on electric equipment connected to cold storage units at a new base location, Sept. 09, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” All the electrical equipment at Air Base 201 must be able to function in hot weather and frequent dust storms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Airmen from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron move barrels of gas from their old camp site to a new location, Sept. 09, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” The fuel is used to power generators, in turn powering cold storage units, HVAC and general electric requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

An Airman from the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron works on electric equipment connected to cold storage units at a new base location, Sept. 09, 2017, at Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger. The move to the bigger base is called “FLEXIT,” short for "Flintlock Exit.” All the electrical equipment at Air Base 201 must be able to function in hot weather and frequent dust storms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry/released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Air Base 201 at Agadez moves for FLEXIT

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Joshua Dewberry, Agadez, Niger

Flintlock 2017

A Belgian Special Operations Forces service member shows a Nigerien soldier his sector of fire while reacting to contact on a dismounted patrol during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock bolsters partnerships between African, European and North American Special Operations Forces which increases their ability to work together in response to crises. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 2017

A U.S. Army Special Forces weapons sergeant observes as a Nigerien soldier bounds forward while practicing buddy team movement drills during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock is a Special Operations Forces exercise geared toward building interoperability between African and western partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 2017

Nigerien soldiers prepare their magazines for a dismounted patrol during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock brings together forces who share the common goal of peace and stability in North and West Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 2017

Nigerien soldiers shoot targets under 60mm illumination mortar rounds as a part of Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 9, 2017. Skills learned at Flintlock enable warriors in the multinational fight against violent extremist organizations. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria

Flintlock 2017

Nigerien army soldiers shoot targets under 60mm illumination mortar rounds as a part of Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 9, 2017. Skills learned at Flintlock enable warriors in the multinational fight against violent extremist organizations. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani Lakanaria

Flintlock 2017

Belgian Special Operations Forces demonstrate their vehicle capabilities during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 9, 2017. Flintlock brings together forces who share the common goal of peace and stability in North and West Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock

U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers observe as Nigerien armed forces service members fire their weapons with the assistance of illumination rounds during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 9, 2017. Flintlock is a Special Operations Forces exercise geared toward building interoperability between African and western partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 2017

A Nigerien soldier provides rear security for his squad while they performed a dismounted patrol during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock exercises strengthen security institutions, promote multilateral sharing of information, and develop interoperability among partner nations in the Trans-Sahara. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 2017

Nigerien armed forces service members observe as the Belgian Special Operations Forces prepare for a capabilities demonstration during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 9, 2017. Flintlock bolsters partnerships between African, European and North American Special Operations Forces which increases their ability to work together in response to crises. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros/Released)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

United States Africa Command Image

A U.S. Army Special Forces weapons sergeant speaks to a group of Nigerien soldiers prior to the start of a buddy team movement class during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock 2017 is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to protect their borders and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Zayid Ballesteros)

Photo by: Spc. Zayid Ballesteros

Flintlock 17 begins

David Young, the Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy Burkina Faso, is greeted by soldiers of the Burkina Faso Army during the opening ceremony for Flintlock 2017 on Feb. 27, at Camp Zagre, Burkina Faso. Seven African partner nations are participating in Flintlock 2017 to include Burkina Faso, Niger, Morocco, Tunisia, Chad, Cameroon, and Mauritania. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt Benjamin Northcutt 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Public Affairs Sergeant/released)