| Nigeria’s newly-acquired warship, NNS THUNDER, is expected in the country by the first week of January 2012, naval authorities confirmed to PANA here Tuesday. NNS THUNDER, in the same class as Nigeria’s flagship, NNS ARADU, is expected to arrive in Lagos 5 January, having set sail on its way back to Nigeria from the Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California, US, 22 November, 2011. The ship earlier had a port stopover at Manzanilo in Mexico, where she was received by the Nigerian community between 29 November and 1 December, 2011.
It is expected to stop over at the Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is now berthed and is to stay for three days. The vessel would depart for Dakar, Senegal, on 15 December and is also expected to visit Tema, Ghana, on her homeward journey to Nigeria. The vessel, a former United States Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) CHASE, was christened NNS THUNDER F90 by the Nigerian Navy at a colorful ceremony held last May at the Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California. At the event, the US flag was lowered for the last time on the vessel, while the Nigerian flag was hoisted on it for the first time. Nigeria spent about US$ 8 million to refurbish the sensitive equipment and entire control system of the USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718). “NNS THUNDER has air, surface and sub-surface capabilities and displaces approximately 3,250 tons through a maximum speed of 29 knots. Furthermore, she is propelled by two turbocharged gas turbines and two turbocharged diesel engines. The ship’s cruising rate stands at 9600 nautical miles at 20 knots with 24 meter flight deck for helicopter landing. The Nigerian Navy has organized a befitting reception for the ship.” |
Dec142011