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U.S., Kenyan Air Forces hone C-145 capabilities

The engagement enabled a fully-trained flying crew - to include pilots, loadmasters, riggers and mechanics - proficient in operating and maintaining the C-145.

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Photo by: Senior Airman Victoria Hadden 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Air Force combat aviation advisors assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command showcase Kenya’s newly acquired C-145 Skytruck to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kenyan officials in Nairobi, Kenya, May 12, 2021. The U.S. Air Force provided training in C-145 Skytruck flight and maintenance operations, as well as combat and survival training.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Daniel Garcia 

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USAF Combat Aviation Advisors provide C-145 training to Kenyan Air Force personnel during CULEX

U.S. Air Force combat aviation advisors assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and Kenyan Air Force aircrews and Rapid Response Units conduct personnel recovery training on Moi Air Base, Kenya, May 12, 2021. The U.S. Air Force provided training in C-145 Skytruck flight and maintenance operations, as well as combat and survival training.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Daniel Garcia 

After 3 months of training, U.S. Air Force Combat Aviation Advisors assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command Africa and Kenyan Air Force (KAF) partners completed a successful culmination exercise showcasing the wide range of capabilities the recently-acquired C-145 Combat Coyote will add to the KAF fleet.

The engagement enabled a fully-trained flying crew - to include pilots, loadmasters, riggers and mechanics - proficient in operating and maintaining the C-145. The culmination of the training featured an exercise in all areas to include airdrop, medical evacuation, and short take-off and landing.

“It is important for the U.S. and Kenyan military to work together. We are able to do more, because we are basically acquiring the best skills from the training and our combined exercises.” Kenyan Defence Forces Maj. Francis Mutisya, C-145 pilot.

The aircraft, as part of security cooperation efforts between the U.S. and Kenya, reached the Kenyan Defence Forces in September 2020 through the Excess Defense Articles program.

“It has been interesting working with our counterparts. We can learn a lot from people, and we can also better our forces. The C-145 is a more tactical aircraft, so for me it has been different, the sharing of the knowledge, the direction, has been awesome.” Kenyan Defence Forces Cpl. Mercy Kendi, aircraft technician.

“Really it’s a symbiotic relationship. We need the Kenyan Defence Forces, just as much as they need us. What we bring is the train, advise and assist mission, and we advise the KDF on how to tactically employ sustainable operations. This is their home turf, they know it best. They show us how to take what we bring and use it in this environment,” said U.S. Air Forces Special Operations Command combat aviation advisor.