The United States navy on Wednesday officially transferred ownership of its former Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin to the Nigeria navy, where it will now be known as the NNS Okpabana (Thunder).A crowd of Nigerian navy officers, United States coast guardsmen and visitors gathered on a pier at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in North Charleston, United States, for the ceremony. Taps played hauntingly in the background as the U.S. flag was lowered and replaced by that of Nigeria.
In a speech, Coast Guard Rear Admiral Bruce Baffer extolled the strength of the Gallatin, which was built in a Louisiana shipyard and commissioned in 1969. It aided in the seizure of thousands of pounds of narcotics from international waters and assisted in search and rescue missions, disaster relief and Homeland Security patrols, Baffer said.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro who received the vessel on behalf of Nigeria, thanked the Coast Guard for their consistent support. He said the additional vessel will strengthen Nigeria's ability to combat terrorism and illegal activity.
"I am glad to know that American support has greatly enhanced the capacity of the Nigerian navy," he said.
The ceremony concluded as members of the Nigerian navy filed onto the vessel, taking command of the ship.
This largess is really good,how much are we paying for this generousity of manpower,training and willingness? Since we invited u guys,to please kill shekau and free our girls,u can continue to live in our midst as long as u want,lol
ReplyDeleteAdim sure na engine that thing di ok? Lol. Well we thank them for their support and God will give us victory over boko haram
ReplyDeleteAmen oo! We pray so
ReplyDeletePls come and carry all with ship.these politicians have finished us.
ReplyDeleteNice one. It will help us in security guard
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