The Nigerian Navy’s newest Landing Ship Tank (LST), Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA on Wednesday arrived Port of Al Duqum, Oman on the first leg of her homeward voyage to Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian Navy warship to visit Oman.
The Nigerian Navy recently took delivery of NNS KADA at the Albwardy Damen Shipyard, Sharjah, United Arab Emirate.
The new LST was conceived as a replacement for the NNS AMBE and NNS OFIOM that were decommissioned about 10 years ago.
During the port call in Oman, the Commanding Officer NNS KADA, Captain Reginald Adoki paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Duqm Naval Unit, Captain Badr Mohammed Al BU Saidi.
According to a statement by Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, “the visit opened a vista for enhanced military relations between Nigeria and Oman.
“In appreciation of the visit, Captain Badar Mohammed stated that an Omani sailing vessel would be made to embark on a two yearly flag tour to Nigeria and West Africa for the first time. Other activities during the visit were a novelty football, volleyball match and a cocktail on board the ship.
“In continuation of her maiden voyage, NNS KADA’s next port of call will be Mombasa, Kenya.
“The induction of NNS KADA into the Nigerian Navy fleet will play a critical role in sealift of troops, maritime crises management especially by conveying relief materials thus contributing significantly to the promotion of humanitarian assistance within West Africa and beyond.”