Commodore Vincent Gbaranwi has bidded Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY as the outgoing Commander.
Gatekeepers News reports that Gbaranwi bid his farewell as the 26 Commander of the Base on Wednesday during a parade.
He thanked God for the success of reviewing the parade from Friday, January 27, 2023, to Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Gbaranwi said, “I must state here that command at this level is indeed a privilege. So, I express my sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Navy and particularly to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal), for deeming me worthy to lead NNS VICTORY.”
On his achievement as the Commander of the Base, he said, “I recognized and prioritized both personnel and material as the two key pillars driving the Base’s contribution to the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directives. I understood that having material without personnel with the right state of mind and attitude would amount to nothing, just as having personnel without the requisite material would lead to inadequate functioning. In this context, the Base placed a high priority on the welfare and well-being of its personnel, maintained elevated standards of military discipline and orientation, and ensured the availability of functional working equipment and facilities. This approach resulted in a formidable naval presence in the maritime environment of Cross River State, enabling the execution of several raids on criminal hideouts, prevention of kidnappings and other crimes, and the protection of lives and properties, thereby facilitating uninterrupted maritime activities. The Base also sustained safe corridors to enable maritime activities in the waters, allowing ships to safely make port calls at the Calabar ports, and supporting other maritime stakeholders, including Sea Express and boat operators, in their business activities.”
“In addition to providing maritime security in Cross River State, the Base carried out rescue operations during distress situations, either from attacks by criminals or natural causes. One of such was the rescue of 11 out of 14 drawning medical students at the Marina Resort in June 2023. Rescue activities of this nature are routine operations conducted by personnel of the Base, who diligently perform their duties around the clock, regardless of weather conditions, frequently facing life-threatening situations. I will always be proud of having been a part of this highly professional, dedicated and competent team under the supervision of the Executive Officer, Captain A Suleiman. I appreciate you all from the depth of my heart and urge you to extend this support to the incoming commander, Commodore RD Oderemi. I pray that God grants him the grace to surpass the achievements of the Base in the last one year.”
Gbaranwi, therefore, appreciated the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral OK Oluwagbire, for his exceptional leadership and mentorship. I am also thankful to Rear Admiral AM Haruna, the Chief Staff Officer, for his consistent support and guidance.
He added, “I also want to acknowledge the valuable contributions of all the officers and personnel of the Eastern Naval Command to the success of our Base. I would also like to recognize the guidance and support provided by Rear Admiral A Ahmed, the Commandant of Naval War College Nigeria. My gratitude also extends to the heads of all naval formations and their entire staff for their unwavering support and camaraderie, including the HQ EF, FSG (E), Cal Log Deport, and the NNRH Cal, among others. I also want to highlight the commendable role of the Commander and staff of the NNRH in the successful conduct of a free medical event at Dayspring Peninsula in the Bakassi LGA of CRS in December 2023.
“I note gratefully, the cooperation received from Service Comds and Heads of Security Agencies in the State, all stakeholders and friends of the Base, and I am confident that you would maintain this act of comradeship and extend it to my successor. To my excellent personal staff, thank you and be assured that you have become a part of my family. I also extend my gratitude to the good people of Cross River State for being a wonderful host to the Base and urge you to continue to partner with the Navy on maritime security. I respectfully acknowledge fatherly role of the Governor, His Excellency, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu, ‘the Sweet Prince’, for his unrelenting support to security agencies in the State. Thank you Sir and may Cross River State experience unprecedented development under your watch.
“I am thankful to the NOWA and NARAWA, led by the Comd Coord, Engr Mrs Olarenwaju Oluwagbire for their invaluable support. Last but not the least, I recognize the immense contributions of my lovely wife, Mrs Doris Gbaranwi and my children for their kind understanding. I will also not forget to thank other family members, relatives and close friends for their invaluable prayers and counsel, which helped surmount difficult challenges during my Command.
“As I take my final bow as Commander NNS VICTORY, I appeal to you all, to continue your support to this team of committed, loyal and professional staff of the Base in their VICTORIOUS service to fatherland. I wish you all fair winds and following seas. Onward Together and God bless us all.”
