The first African-American female four star General in the United States Naval Forces, Admiral Michelle Howard on Friday visited the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas to discuss maritime challenges in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG)

Admiral Howard is the First African-American woman to command a US Navy Ship and Vice Chief of the US Naval Operations (VCNO), the second highest ranking officer in the US Navy.

Currently the Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Europe and Commander,US Naval Forces, Africa, her office oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance, resilience in Europe and Africa.

The officer, who was received by Ibas, according to a statement by the US Mission, Nigeria, would be in the country for two days. It said the visit will allow Howard to talk to Nigeria’s leaders about the significant contributions they can make to confront security challenges and enhance stability throughout the region.

The statement said: “She will meet senior Nigerian civilian and military officialsto discuss maritime collaboration and the naval bilateral relationship. “Admiral Howard is scheduled to visit Nigeria’s naval headquarters for discussions with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.

“The Admiral will also meet with Nigerian graduates of U.S. service academies and deliver a presentation on women, peace and security at the Nigerian Defence College (NDC).”

Quoting the Admiral the mission said: “Nigeria has over 450 miles of coastline and their central location in the Gulf of Guinea makes their Navy a key player in the fight against illicit maritime activity. I am visiting to discuss the security challenges and deepening our relationship in training and exercises.”

Business & Maritime