USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Niger, Africa

Airmen serving at Air Base 101 and 201 in Niger, Africa had the opportunity to meet with Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, commander, Oct. 28 through Oct. 29, 2022, during his visit to the continent.

“The sacrifices you [U.S. service members] make do not go unnoticed from senior leadership and all the way up to the president. They know what you are doing. You [U.S. service members] fight the terrorists in a way no other nation does.” - Gen. Hecker

By Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow , 435th Air Expeditionary Wing Air Base 201, Niger Oct 29, 2022

View Gallery

Gallery contains 8 images

Airmen serving at Air Base 101 and 201 in Niger, Africa had the opportunity to meet with Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, commander, Oct. 28 through Oct. 29, 2022, during his visit to the continent.

Prior to his visit with both installations, Hecker attended the Senegalese Air Force-hosted Africa Air Force Forum, which brought over 40 Africa nations and international partner defense delegations to Dakar, Senegal. The conference addressed the evolving role of Africa’s air forces through emerging requirements, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts across the continent.

The conference marks Hecker’s first visit to the African continent as the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander - choosing to visit Niger as his first stop.

At AB 101, he met with the Niger Air Chief to obtain situational awareness from the Niger Armed Forces’ perspective on the threats in the area and discussed the partnership between nations.

Each installation briefed Hecker on force protection along with a perimeter tour to better understand the installation’s significant improvements as well as ongoing challenges.

Hecker discussed the growing presence of international air forces in Africa and their ability to support partners beyond counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.

“The sacrifices you [U.S. service members] make do not go unnoticed from senior leadership and all the way up to the president,” Hecker said. “They know what you are doing. You [U.S. service members] fight the terrorists in a way no other nation does.”

His last stop, at both installations, was a troop engagement, where Airmen were recognized for their hard work and dedication during their deployment.

It was great watching both Air Base 101 and 201 perform their duties to ensure we prevent attacks within Africa,” added Hecker. “I am deeply appreciative of each and every one one of you.”

U.S. Africa Command Hosts the 2023 Strategic Religious Affairs Conference

U.S. transfers C-130 aircraft to Nigerien partners

Africa Leaders Summit

Austin: listening to African partners critical to development of productive relationships 

Leaders engage in Niger to better security, cooperation efforts

Niger

USAFE

AFAFRICA

Nigerien Air Base 201

U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco

U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.

U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.

Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.

U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco

U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference

Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Launch African Lion 25 in Morocco

U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference

Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa

United States Africa Command

USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Niger, Africa

Airmen serving at Air Base 101 and 201 in Niger, Africa had the opportunity to meet with Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, commander, Oct. 28 through Oct. 29, 2022, during his visit to the continent.