Insecurity: 233 NAF Pilots Undergoing Training In US,UK, SA — Amao

No fewer than 233 Nigerian Air Force pilots are presently
undergoing specialized training at different aviation colleges in
the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and the Czech
Republic.

Also, four new wings comprising two fighter pilots and two
combat helicopter pilots have just completed their training in the
US.

Disclosing this at the winging of the four new pilots in Abuja
on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao,
said this bears glowing testament to the NAF’s commitment towards
enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required
for joint force employment in pursuit of national security
imperatives.

This, according to him, was based on the fact that the service
cannot effectively and efficiently employ airpower if it did not
have sufficient number of well-trained aviators and support
personnel.

Amao promised to sustain purposeful training and human capacity
development for NAF personnel.

He stated, “In line with this drive, I am glad to note that the
Nigerian Air Force has several other pilots as well as personnel
from other specialties undergoing various training courses both at
home and abroad.

“For instance, we currently have a total of 233 officers and
airmen/airwomen undergoing training courses overseas, cutting
across several specialties and trades.

“Out of this number, four student pilots are in the Czech
Republic undergoing basic fighter training on the L-39 aircraft. In
the same vein, two student pilots are undergoing helicopter
training at United States of America, while additional two have
been processed to join them in the coming days.

“Furthermore, 10 pilots are in the United Kingdom undergoing
basic helicopter pilot training. Additionally, another 17 are in
South Africa undergoing basic fixed-wing pilot training.”

All these, he said, were aimed at maintaining combat readiness
at significantly higher levels to counter both domestic and foreign
threats to the nation’s security and wellbeing.

The CAS admonished the new Wings to be relentless in pursuit of
excellence and professionalism as operational pilots, while working
with their colleagues across other specialties in the service.

“You must also strive to imbibe the doctrine of jointness in the
forward lines as you interact with personnel from sister services
and other security agencies in various theatres of operation
nationwide for more enduring results,” Amao counselled.

No fewer than 233 Nigerian Air Force pilots are presently
undergoing specialized training at different aviation colleges in
the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and the Czech
Republic.

Also, four new wings comprising two fighter pilots and two
combat helicopter pilots have just completed their training in the
US.

Disclosing this at the winging of the four new pilots in Abuja
on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao,
said this bears glowing testament to the NAF’s commitment towards
enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required
for joint force employment in pursuit of national security
imperatives.

This, according to him, was based on the fact that the service
cannot effectively and efficiently employ airpower if it did not
have sufficient number of well-trained aviators and support
personnel.

Amao promised to sustain purposeful training and human capacity
development for NAF personnel.

He stated, “In line with this drive, I am glad to note that the
Nigerian Air Force has several other pilots as well as personnel
from other specialties undergoing various training courses both at
home and abroad.

“For instance, we currently have a total of 233 officers and
airmen/airwomen undergoing training courses overseas, cutting
across several specialties and trades.

“Out of this number, four student pilots are in the Czech
Republic undergoing basic fighter training on the L-39 aircraft. In
the same vein, two student pilots are undergoing helicopter
training at United States of America, while additional two have
been processed to join them in the coming days.

“Furthermore, 10 pilots are in the United Kingdom undergoing
basic helicopter pilot training. Additionally, another 17 are in
South Africa undergoing basic fixed-wing pilot training.”

All these, he said, were aimed at maintaining combat readiness
at significantly higher levels to counter both domestic and foreign
threats to the nation’s security and wellbeing.

The CAS admonished the new Wings to be relentless in pursuit of
excellence and professionalism as operational pilots, while working
with their colleagues across other specialties in the service.

“You must also strive to imbibe the doctrine of jointness in the
forward lines as you interact with personnel from sister services
and other security agencies in various theatres of operation
nationwide for more enduring results,” Amao counselled.