2004 Press Releases

Niger and RSLAF Soldiers Graduate

February 18, 2004

Freetown
Contact: PAO Kevin Green
Tel: 226481

The U.S. Government funds Troop Training in Freetown

Freetown, February 18, 2004... The United States Government-funded military logistics facility at Murray Town Barracks, graduated fifty-eight military personnel from two African Countries on Wednesday, February 18. Forty-two military personnel were drawn from Niger and sixteen from Sierra Leone. They completed a three-week training program on various techniques in improving their driving and vehicle maintenance skills, and the use of HF communications equipment. To complement their training, the U.S. Government has donated vehicles and communications equipment to both armies.

Since the Freetown PAE Depot was established on August 15, 2002, the U.S. Government has committed $3 million to fund the construction of the facility. The Depot’s mission is to deliver quality logistics training and maintenance support to African militaries, in support of peace and stability with a focus on building capacity.  The Government of the United States congratulates the Government of Sierra Leone for its contributions toward promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation in West Africa.

Since the start of this program, other contingents from Guinea, Mali, Chad and RSLAF have received similar training from this depot, which has made them well equipped to serve their nation and sub-region. The U.S. plans to provide future training to Mali, Mauritania and Chad at the PAE training facility.

The Depot is currently supporting ECOMICI and has recently completed its support to ECOMIL on November 12, 2003. The U.S. Government thanks the Government of Sierra Leone for their partnership and vision in this endeavor. ##