Air Force botched building its new air base in Africa
Kyle Rempfer
Construction at the Air Force’s Nigerien Air Base 201 might have violated federal law and skirted security standards, resulting in increased risks for troops operating at the remote outpost, according to a new report released by the Pentagon’s inspector general.
The $100 million air hub is located in the Agadez region of Niger. It was designed for use by C-17 cargo aircraft and armed drones that previously operated out of Niger’s capital, Niamey. But completion of the airfield and base camp was delayed by almost three years and plagued by mismanagement, according to the DoD IG report.
Thorough site surveys were not performed early on, causing resourcing problems. And the air base was not designed in accordance with Defense Department safety and security requirements, the report stated, citing problems with the aircraft rescue and firefighting station, base perimeter fence and airfield lighting.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/04/02/air-force-botched-building-its-new-air-base-in-africa/
