81st FS to train Nigerians on A-29

MOODY AFB, Ga. - Moody Air Force Base will host a stateside mission to train Nigerian air force pilots and maintenance personnel on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The 81st Fighter Squadron, a geographically-separated unit of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus AFB, Miss., will conduct the A-29 Light Air Support training. The aircraft begin arriving this summer, and the unit is planned to become fully operational in the winter of 2021. The 81st FS has been training Afghan Air Force personnel in the A-29 since 2014. Mirroring training for its Afghan partners, U.S. Air Force advisors will provide flying, aircraft maintenance, and ground training device instructors and operators to support training for the Nigerian forces. The new mission is anticipated to bring about 100 additional personnel to Moody, including Nigerian military, civilians and contractors required to support training on 12 of the aircraft. The program will train an initial cadre of Nigerian personnel, both pilots and maintenance personnel, who will become instructors. The additional A-29 aircraft, procured by the Nigerian government, will in turn train additional personnel on the A-29 weapons system throughout Nigeria to combat terrorism. (Source: 23rd Wing 04/16/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2153275/14th-ftw-unit-at-moody-afb-set-to-host-nigerian-af-training/