News>Nigerian, U.S. Air Forces partner for disaster relief seminar
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Capt. Vincent McLean, 621st Contingency Response Wing, takes part in a group discussion with members of the Nigerian Air Force for a crisis planning scenario. The Nigerian air force hosted a disaster relief planning seminar in partnership with the 621st CRW, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Africa Command at the National Defense College in Abuja, Nigeria, 27-30 Jan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Sybil Taunton)
Maj. Francis Obuseh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Surgeon General directorate, doctor of public health, discusses medical considerations with members of the Nigerian air force as they develop plans for a disaster relief scenario. The Nigerian air force hosted a seminar in partnership with USAFE-AFAFRICA, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and U.S. Africa Command to discuss contingency response planning and capabilities at the National Defense College in Abuja, Nigeria, Jan 27-30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Sybil Taunton)
Members of the Nigerian air force laugh along with Maj. Francis Obuseh, a doctor of public health for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Surgeon General directorate, as he tells a story about one of his traveling experiences. The Nigerian air force partnered with USAFE-AFAFRICA, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and U.S. Africa Command to host a disaster relief planning seminar at the National Defense College in Abuja, Nigeria, Jan 27-30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Sybil Taunton)
Maj. Francis Obuseh, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Surgeon General directorate, doctor of public health, discusses medical considerations with members of the Nigerian air force during a crisis planning scenario. The Nigerian air force partnered with USAFE-AFAFRICA, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and U.S. Africa Command to host a disaster relief planning seminar at the National Defense College in Abuja, Nigeria, Jan 27-30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Sybil Taunton)
by Capt. Sybil Taunton
U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
4/11/2014 - ABUJA, Nigeria -- "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
This African proverb was referenced several times during a disaster relief seminar hosted by the Nigerian air force at the National Defense College here, Jan. 27-30. More than 40 senior service members from various career fields and units all over Nigeria attended the seminar to discuss capabilities for contingency operations.
Throughout the week, briefings and discussions covered topics such as logistics, airlift support, medical and public affairs. There were also two scenarios introduced that required seminar attendees to brain storm as teams and use the briefings to develop their own plans for responding to the crises.
"The U.S. has gone through the process and has mitigated disaster. This is a way for us to share knowledge and experience. Ideas have been presented that we haven't thought of," said Nigerian air force Group Capt. F.C.S. Uwakara. "Knowledge is power, and when you have the knowledge you have the power to overcome any circumstance. Seminars like this help us find ways to solve our own problems."
Under the direction of U.S. Africa Command, personnel from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and the 621st Contingency Response Wing also took part in the seminar by delivering crisis planning briefings on best practices used by the U.S. Air Force during disaster relief operations.
"It is important for us to attend seminars like this with our partner nations," said U.S. Air Force Col. David Poage, USAFE-AFAFRICA Plans, Programs and Analyses Directorate, building partnerships division chief. "By sharing our best practices and learning what works for the Nigerian air force, we enable ourselves as well as our partners to develop more effective crisis response plans for the future."
Members of the Nigerian air force also facilitated discussions and shared personal experiences regarding contingency operations.
"For Nigeria, we have had our own share of disaster relief operations, just like everyone else," said Nigerian air force Group Capt. E.O. Shobande. "This coordination needs to happen. Synergy is very, very important."
