U.S. Embassy Partners with Sierra Leone Air Force
The U.S. Embassy in Freetown recently partnered with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Air Force on a strategic engagement aimed at enhancing the Sierra Leone Air Force’s (SLAF) organizational structure and operational capabilities. A team from U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) visited Sierra Leone for a week-long exchange focused on air force development. Subject matter experts from USAFE-AFAFRICA’s Manpower, Organization, and Resources Division shared insights and expertise to support the SLAF’s growth within the broader RSLAF tri-service framework. The exchange emphasized three main areas: total air force development, personnel development, and capability enhancement. The objective is to strengthen SLAF’s capacity to deter threats, protect national sovereignty, and respond to security challenges. During the engagement, the U.S. team delivered briefings and led discussions on manpower planning, database management, career progression, strategic planning, air force doctrine, and organizational processes. Brigadier General David Sahr Ngaujah, RSLAF Chief of Defense Staff, and SLAF leadership expressed strong interest in continued collaboration, particularly around best practices in evaluations, assignments, and training systems. This partnership reflects the U.S. Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in building a professional, capable, and resilient air force, contributing to regional peace and stability.
