Old news anyway The government of the United States of America has been commended for encouraging robust bilateral relations between her and Nigeria especially since the advent of the present democratic governance. She has also received kudos for her continued commitment to various partnership programmes on capacity building and infrastructural development in Nigeria. First Lady, Dame (Dr.) Patience Goodluck Jonathan recently brought this to light at the Western Naval Command, Apapa, while commissioning the naval ship, NNS THUNDER. According to her, the transfer of the naval ship to Nigerian Navy to combat security challenges in the country’s waters and improve on maritime governance around the coastal front is an eloquent testimony of this rewarding relationship, an initiative that effectively conforms to the noble objective of the Nigerian/American Bi-National Commission. She commended the Nigerian Navy (NN) for her high level of dedication and competence which enabled her to acquire NNS THUNDER and sailed her home from the USA. She urged the NN to effectively co-operate with other security agencies in order to transform the country. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, during the inauguration ceremony, said the transfer of NNS THUNDER is an explicit symbol of improved relations between the people and government of Nigeria and the USA. He said the ship would be able to provide adequate maritime security around the waters bordering Nigeria and to check for piracy and sea robbery in the wilder Gulf of Guinea thereby creating an avenue for foreign investors who want to do business on Nigerian waters. With the war ship on ground, he assured, the Nigerian Navy’s policing duties would be greatly enhanced. He referred to the commissioning ceremony as an expression of concern on the undesirable state of maritime security around the waters bordering Nigeria and in the wider Gulf of Guinea. “Essentially, the transfer represents the growing interest of foreign stakeholders whose investments and dependence on peaceful economic activities around Nigeria’s waters are becoming increasingly significant. For the Nigerian Navy in particular, the transfer of NNS THUNDER is in recognition of our efforts and commitment in containing the myriad of security challenges around our waters. I am also aware of the significance of the size and capacity of the ship. That reflects the desire of the Nigerian Navy to play a leading role in the Gulf of Guinea.” Formerly called USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718), the ship which was commissioned into the service of the US Coast Guard on 11 March 1968. A Hamilton Class High Endurance patrol vessel, she was built at the Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. NNS THUNDER has a cruising range of 9,600 nautical miles which is approximately 17,800km at 20 knots (40km/h) and 80-foot (24m) flight deck, making her an ideal platform for extended patrols. It is equipped with a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, thereby having a lead role in the Gulf of Guinea. Before the ship was transferred to the NN in May 2011, another series of equipment -replacement activities were conducted to renew some of the ageing facilities onboard. She is to be re-roled on the NN as a frigate with capabilities for long endurance patrol of the Exclusive Economic Zone, training and flagship duties. NNS THUNDER began her homeward journey in November 2011 and arrived Nigeria January 5, 2012. On her voyage, she visited Manzanillo in Mexico, Panama, Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, Dakar in Senegal and Tema in Ghana. With the acquisition of the vessel by the Nigerian Navy, it is envisaged that her policing duties will receive a boost. The ship is manned by 150 officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy. The CNS did no fail to commend the roles played by the US Embassy in Nigeria, the US Navy and Coast Guard towards the realisation of the acquisition of the ship transferred by the US government to the NN at no cost. Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Defence Minister, Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed and his Minister of State, Erelu Olusola Obada; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar; Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Chris Anyanwu; wife of the Senate President, Mrs Helen David Mark; wives of service chiefs and a host of others. On her impression of the significance of the event, Chairperson, Senate committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, commended the NN, saying the arrival of the vessel was a good development and an addition to its fleet. The issue on ground now in the Niger Delta especially which is the entry point to Nigeria’s oil -producing area, she noted, is the problem of illegal bunkering and illegal oil theft in the high seas. “It needs a very strong and fit platform like we have just commissioned. The most important thing is to make sure we use and maintain the ship well for the purpose it was brought.” According to her, security has to be taken seriously; the armed forces are the buffer of the nation in terms of security. They cannot be transformed overnight but can begin the transformation instalmentally. Meanwhile, a new Flag Officer Commanding has been appointed for the Western Naval Command. He is Rear Admiral A.O. A. Ikioda who replaces Rear Admiral E. O. Ogbor - See more at: businessandmaritimewestafrica/from-the-navy/when-the-naval-ship-nns-thunder-arrived#sthash.1owRIlQm.dpuf
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 22:25:50 +0000
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