Strengthening Military Training Ties Between Nigerian Navy and U.S.
The U.S. Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Thomas Brooks, aims to strengthen military ties with a focus on the Nigerian Navy during his visit to the Western Naval Command. He emphasized the importance of training programs and collaboration to address maritime challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. Rear Admiral Micheal Oamen reinforced the value of the partnership for enhancing naval capabilities and regional security.
The U.S. Embassy’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Thomas Brooks, has expressed a commitment to bolstering military ties between the United States and Nigeria, specifically focusing on the Nigerian Navy. During his inaugural visit to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, Colonel Brooks highlighted the necessity of expanding training programs and military cooperation between the two nations.
Colonel Brooks, serving as the new U.S. Defence Attaché to Nigeria, affirmed that Nigeria is a long-standing security ally, possessing the largest and most capable navy in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the U.S. government is dedicated to reinforcing this partnership and extending support to enhance Nigeria’s naval capabilities.
“My visit to the command is to meet with the commander of the Western Naval Command, to better understand its challenges and priorities,” Brooks remarked. He emphasized the importance of improving coordination, communication, and identifying potential areas for U.S. military support to the Nigerian forces, thereby enhancing training operations for Nigerian sailors.
Brooks stressed the need for greater collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the Nigerian Navy, as well as alliances with naval forces in Europe and Africa, to bolster security in the Gulf of Guinea. He reiterated, “Nigeria has historically been a very strong security partner,” acknowledging its significant responsibilities in securing the region.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Micheal Oamen, affirmed the solid partnership with the U.S. Navy, particularly in training and joint exercises aimed at augmenting regional security. “We have a strong relationship in training and conducting exercises,” he declared, emphasizing how collaboration has effectively trained personnel and maintained operational readiness.
Rear Admiral Oamen appreciated the commitment from Colonel Brooks to enhance training initiatives, noting that it would bolster the Nigerian Navy’s readiness to address maritime threats. He stated that the security of Nigeria’s waters is critical due to its economic reliance on maritime activities, with 80 percent of foreign exchange generated from this sector. Oamen, representing Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed hope for continued improvement in the U.S.-Nigeria military relationship in the future.
In summary, Colonel Thomas Brooks highlighted the strategic importance of reinforcing military ties between the U.S. and Nigeria, particularly concerning the Nigerian Navy. The collaboration aims to enhance training, bolster security in the Gulf of Guinea, and address maritime challenges effectively. Both Colonel Brooks and Rear Admiral Micheal Oamen emphasized mutual benefits stemming from this partnership, laying a foundation for future engagements and cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: prnigeria.com
