African Air Chiefs Symposium 2015

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – The Mauritanian air force, in partnership with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, will co-host the African Air Chiefs Symposium here from Sept. 14 to 17.

Air Chiefs from 20 countries will attend, including; Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia and Zambia. (Please note, a final list of confirmed attendees can be provided once everyone has checked in)

This is the fifth event in which air chiefs from various countries have come together with the United States to discuss important regional and national issues, and how African air forces can best work together to respond to challenges and create solutions.

Lieutenant General Timothy Ray, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, will deliver remarks at the opening ceremony along with the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania, Sept. 15.  Lt. Gen. Ray will take part in the symposium and deliver closing remarks Sept. 17.

Throughout the event, a total of six round table discussions will take place on a variety of topics to include peacekeeping operations, countering violent extremist organizations, air force development strategies, airfield security, and formalizing a network of African airmen.

The symposium public affairs staff can facilitate reporter interview requests, and can also provide photos and b-roll for media use.

Reporters interested in covering this event and scheduling a phone interview or who have questions regarding this symposium, please contact Capt. Thomas Barger at thomasrbarger@gmail.com.