The Nigerian Airforce has charged its personnel to embark on self-development through persistent studies and continuos research to retain relevance.
The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024 for UAV operators, held at the NAF base, Kaduna.
Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya explained that the operational conversion training consolidates the fundamental knowledge which was earlier acquired from the basic training, while setting the graduands up for operational and field deployment.
He reminded them on the need to maintain a symbiotic and mutually beneficial interactions with other aviation related personnel, pilots, engineers and controllers for overall organizational objectives.
“Always remember that every mission yoy conduct contributes to the betterment of millions of Nigerians who rely on your expertise”
Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya noted that the graduation of the UAV operators would add value to the operational effectiveness of the NAF in the various theatres of operation across the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, Group Captain Augustine Idoko explained that the immediate impact of the operational conversion training has enabled the unit to generate adequate crew, to sustain operations in Kaduna and Maiduguri.
He pointed out that the unit remains committed to sustaining its efforts in training and human capacity development in line with the policy thrust of the current NAF administration.
“Besides operator training, between January and April this year, the unit also conducted the first ever NAF typre-rating course for RPA operators in the NAF”
Group Captain Idoko disclosed that within the first half of this year, the unit has conducted over 130 missions and accumulated more than 950 hours, which has led to the improvement in the overall security situation within its area of responsibility”
A total of 8 officers graduated after undergoing 15 months of intensive training.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving graduands.
Usman Sani.
