Nigerian frigate back in service two years after grounding

The Nigerian Navy frigate NNS Thunder returned to operational service on Friday, December 28, after being grounded in 2016.

Initial unavailability of spare parts had caused repairs of the frigate to stretch to two years.

The ship had remained berthed at Nigeria’s Onne seaport until enough critical components finally arrived from suppliers overseas. The navy conducted a week of sea trials after repairs had been completed.

Captain Shuaib Ahmed, Thunder’s commanding officer, stated that the navy is also presently improving its capability to locally produce spare parts to ensure faster repairs of ships.

Thunder had formerly sailed as USCGC Chase, an ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter. It was turned over to the Nigerian Navy in 2011 and commissioned into service the following year.