Kevin S. Cochie, a vp for Erickson, which is predicated in Portland, Ore., declined to touch upon particulars of the contract. “Whether or not it’s U.S. personnel in want or our accomplice forces, now we have launched and responded within the aftermath of unexpected conditions and contributed to saving life and limb,” mentioned Mr. Cochie, a retired Military Particular Operations helicopter pilot. “From a enterprise perspective, it’s unlucky that we’re winding down a contract in Africa.”
Erickson’s medevac helicopters have been on standby for the American army advisers and the Nigerien forces through the operation in Diffa on March 9-10, however there have been no casualties, army officers mentioned.
Whereas Erickson has not been summoned to evacuate wounded American personnel in Niger since late 2017, the corporate’s helicopters have evacuated Nigerien troops who have been wounded in counterterrorism missions, together with main operations in December 2019 and January 2020, based on individuals accustomed to the missions.
About 90 % of Erickson’s missions up to now two years have concerned ferrying cargo or troops; 10 % concerned evacuating injured Nigerien army personnel, Mr. Cochie mentioned.
Erickson helps American troops in different scorching spots around the globe, together with Marine Particular Operations forces within the southern Philippines.
Stanley Finch, the president of Berry Aviation, referred all inquiries to the Africa Command.
Some army officers say the chance of casualties to American service members in West Africa has decreased following the restrictions imposed after the October 2017 ambush. Furthermore, U.S. power ranges within the area are prone to be lower on account of Mr. Esper’s evaluate.
However the operation in Diffa final month, by which a dozen or so American advisers helped a a lot bigger power of Nigerian and Nigerien troops goal a senior Boko Haram chief, underscores that the chance to American troops nonetheless stays.