USCGC Chase (WHEC-718)
NNS Thunder ( F90 ) is the most modern frigate of the Nigerian Navy. The former United States Coast Guard Cutter ( CGC ) was bought in 2011 by Nigeria and solves the Aradu from.
USCGC Chase
As USCGC Chase (WHEC-718), the ship had an eventful history. Home port was Boston ( Massachusetts). After commissioning in 1968, it took part in Operation Market Time during the Vietnam War and was involved in twelve battles. For his efforts, the ship with the Meritorious Unit Commendation and Vietnam Service Medal was awarded.
Subsequently, it was used for scientific purposes in the Caribbean, crossed the Arctic Circle in 1972 and visited countries in Northern Europe. After visits to Europe in 1980, the Chase returned to American waters. In the 1980s, the ship was often used to accommodate refugees, as Cuba, Grenada and Haiti.
On 8 May 1985, the native of Philadelphia 22 -year-old machinist Nicholas V. Bereiaus when fire broke out in the engine room died. He was flown to Cape Cod and buried there.
In 1989 the ship at the shipyard Bath Iron Works in Portland (Maine) has been modernized. In 1991, the new home port of San Pedro ( California ) was. The ship was then used mainly in training operations and controlled the arms embargo against Iraq in the Persian Gulf.
Nigeria takes over the ship
In May 2011, the ship to Iceland Coast Guard in Alameda (California ) celebrated the Nigerian Navy ( NN ) was passed. Nigeria spent around eight million dollars to bring the weapons and navigation systems up to date. In January 2012, the ship was fully functional in Nigerian waters.
Incidents
2012 collided the Thunder in a Nigerian port with a small supply ship company Total. The total ship got flip side. A ship of the company Bourbon hastened the total ship for help and moored alongside the ship. A sailor of the Nigerian Navy was missing. The search for him was unsuccessful. A sailor of the total ship was trapped in the hull of the ship. Divers cut a hole in the hull and freed the man. After investigation, it was found that the Thunder was responsible for the accident.