Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots

Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots

- Two combat pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were ‘winged’ today, Tuesday, July 4

- The duo successfully completed an 18-month specialized undergraduate pilot training at in the United States of America

- They will now be deployed to NAF combat units for tactical training on fighter jets

Two combat pilots of NAF were ‘winged’ on Tuesday, July 4, after successfully completing an 18-month specialized undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas in the United States of America.

The two newly ‘winged’ pilots, both of the rank of Flying Officer, went through the primary and fighter jet training during which they amassed over 100 flying hours each on the T-6 Texan ii and T-38 Talon aircraft types.

Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots
The two US-trained combat pilots winged today, July 4 by NAF. Photo credit: NAF

Legit.ng gathered that the 2 officers had earlier undergone an introductory flying training at the US Aviation Academy in Denton, where they flew the Cessna 172 aircraft. They will now be deployed to NAF combat units for tactical training on fighter jets.

The names of the officers were given as; Flying Officer Abayomi Dairo and Flying Officer Yusuf Ahmed.

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In his remarks during the winging ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, reiterated that the NAF would not relent in its efforts at human capacity building, noting that the Service cannot function optimally without appropriate personnel training.

Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots
CAS Abubakar speaking at the ceremony. Photo credit: NAF

The CAS further stated that the NAF was already reaping from its huge investment in human capacity building, as reflected in the several NAF aircraft that had been successfully reactivated, with attendant effect on operational efficiency.

His words: “Only the right training can enable personnel deal with the complex security challenges facing the country. We will therefore continue to build human capacity while also ensuring that our humanitarian intervention schemes are going on.”

Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots
The CAS decorating one of the officers. Photo credit: NAF

The CAS thereafter congratulated the new pilots and urged them to quickly settle down and join the rest of their colleagues in defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

Just recently, the NAF ‘winged’ 10 officers who had just completed their one-year pilot training program in South Africa.

Nigerian Air Force ‘wings’ two US-trained combat pilots
The officers are one of several other pilots undergoing training in both local and foreign training institutions. Photo credit: NAF

Legit.ng checks revealed that many more NAF pilots and members of the ground crew are undergoing training at local and overseas training institutions.

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Watch the Legit.ng TV video report of the 10 young officer recently winged below:

Source: Legit.ng

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