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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSecretary Barrett expressed the U.S. readiness to deliver twelve A-29 Super Tucano aircraft as scheduled in 2021. Along with the delivery, the U.S. will train 60 Nigerian military pilots, instructors, and aircraft maintenance specialists over the span of 24 months. The Nigerian pilots will train on the same aircraft that they will fly in combat operations against insurgent groups and terrorist organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secretary Barrett also was briefed by the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces on their continuing efforts to strengthen military professionalism through programs such as Air Ground Integration (AGI). Through AGI, the Nigerian Air Force plans to increase both its tactical and operational competencies. The training that enhances these competencies will also address the laws that govern armed conflict and respect for international human rights in ways aimed at reducing the risk of civilian harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Secretary also paid the first-ever visit by a senior U.S. official to the Defence Space Administration where she conveyed the importance of being ready to address the novel security challenges in space. Noting that the U.S. Space Force recently marked its first anniversary following its establishment last year, Secretary Barrett discussed with her Nigerian counterparts the opportunities for bilateral engagement as well as the necessity of developing a long-term vision for security cooperation in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secretary Barrett\u00a0began her tenure as 25th<\/sup>\u00a0Secretary of the Air Force on\u00a0October 18, 2019.\u00a0 She\u00a0leads the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the\u00a0U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.\u00a0\u00a0She is responsible for\u00a0organizing, training, and equipping Air and Space Forces\u00a0and for the welfare of 695,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve,\u00a0and civilian Airmen and Space Professionals and their\u00a0families.\u00a0\u00a0Overseeing\u00a0an\u00a0annual budget of more than $205 billion, Secretary Barrett\u00a0directs strategy, policy, acquisitions, technology, personnel,\u00a0and risk management.\u00a0\u00a0She implements decisions of the\u00a0President and Congress and fulfills Combatant\u00a0Commanders\u2019 operational requirements.\u00a0 Previously,\u00a0Secretary Barrett led business, government, and\u00a0academic enterprises.\u00a0\u00a0She was an executive of two global\u00a0Fortune 500 companies, CEO of the American Management\u00a0Association, and CEO of a hotel.\u00a0\u00a0Her leadership roles\u00a0included U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Deputy Administrator\u00a0of the Federal Aviation Administration, and Vice Chairman\u00a0of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board.\u00a0\u00a0She taught\u00a0leadership as\u00a0a Fellow at Harvard\u2019s Kennedy School and was\u00a0President of Thunderbird School of Global Management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n