In response to circulating rumors, the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has clarified the circumstances surrounding the landing of a U.S. Air Force plane at Lungi Airport.
In a social media post, the Embassy stated, “We are aware of some misinformation about a U.S. Air Force plane that was seen landing at Lungi Airport. A plane landed for routine refueling, and promptly left Sierra Leone. Rumors of the plane landing in Sierra Leone for any other purpose are false.”
Meanwhile to ensure transparency, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has taken the unusual step of releasing both the request and the issued permit for the aircraft’s landing and departure.
“As the documents show, this was a routine fuel stop that was approved by the appropriate authorities in Sierra Leone. Please disregard all fake and misleading news,” the Embassy urged.
The official documents detail the specifics of the flight:
“The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and notifies the Government of Sierra Leone of a non-scheduled flight of a United States Department of Defense aircraft, C017A, tail number 00213, and call sign is RCH178 that will be landing in Sierra Leone. The Aircraft Commander is Major Andrew J. Reynolds, with a total of ten (10) aircrew personnel. All crewmembers and passengers are United States citizens. The plane will enter, land, and exit on the following dates:
1. The aircraft will enter Sierra Leonean airspace on 23 June 2024 at 08332 via AKDAK and land at 09117. The plane will exit on 23 June 2024 at 12132 via EBRAK.
2. This flight is coming from United States and flying to Gabon.
The United States Defense Attaché Office respectfully informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defense, and Office of National Security that we will pass the US Embassy Aircraft Landing clearance (LP-GD-066). We request that this approval be +/- 72 hours to allow for any changes to flight itinerary including unexpected aircraft maintenance.
The United States Embassy point of contact is Master Sergeant Charles Prowell, Operations Coordinator for DAO Freetown. Master Sergeant Charles Prowell can be contacted on his Cellular Phone at 099-905-017.
The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone the assurances of its highest consideration.
Embassy of the United States of America June 7, 2024.”
The Embassy’s proactive disclosure aims to quash any unfounded speculation and reassure the public about the nature of the aircraft’s brief presence in Sierra Leone.
