This week, US airmen are in Senegal participating in an African Partnership Flight exchange with airmen from eight African partner air forces as part of continuing Air Force efforts to strengthen ties with them. In addition to the Senegalese, airmen from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo are taking part in the AFP events in Dakar, according to a June 16 Air Force release. “African Partnership Flight is used to develop interoperability and regional cooperation between African countries,” said Maj. James Renfro, APF mission commander. “We want to develop communication between the separate countries so that if something does happen, they are already familiar with each other and can assist their partners in a time of need,” he said. The Air Force launched the APF initiative in 2012 as part of the US military’s outreach on the African continent. In April, the Air Force held an APF event in Angola. (Dakar report by SSgt. Ryan Crane)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
