Navy Honors 58 Officers with CNS Awards

The Nigerian Navy has awarded the Chief of Naval Staff Commendation Awards to fifty-eight officers and ratings in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the fields of research and innovation, heroism, and character in 2023.

Officers who successfully held maritime commands throughout the year were additionally awarded the Command and maritime Badge by the Navy.

On Friday in Abuja, during its Ceremonial Sunset and Awards Night 2023, the Navy bestowed the honor.

The honors fall into four categories: heroism, SDB III Design and Construction, research and innovation, and exceptional character.

A team award (Operation Whirl Punch), sports, exceptional ships/establishments, great command and leadership, and the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Disruption Team at the National Counter-Terrorism Center are among the other categories.

The female volleyball team from the Nigerian Navy, known as the Spikers, received recognition for their exceptional play in the national league.

Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the CNS, stated in his remarks that the ritual was a long-standing custom to signal the conclusion of activities for a while.

According to Ogalla, the 2023 edition was meant to honor those who had distinguished themselves in a variety of ways throughout the year and signal the end of Nigerian Navy operations for that year.

According to him, the ceremony gave the navy a chance to honor the tenacity and dedication of its employees.

 “Tonight, as we have witnessed the sunset of another year. Let us take a moment to reflect on the achievements and milestones we have collectively reached.

“This year has been a period of significant progress and accomplishment for the Nigerian Navy.

“When I assumed office as the Chief of the Naval Staff, I laid out clear vision and mission statements as well as my command’s philosophy.

“Central to these is the need to maintain a Navy that is professional, capable and responsive to the demands of our maritime environment,” he said.

The CNS said that one of the primary objectives had been to ensure that the naval fleet would be equipped and prepared to meet the demands of the evolving maritime security landscape.

“This year, we have made significant progress in fleet renewal efforts, with the acquisition of new vessels and the ongoing modernisation of existing platforms.

We have also continued to invest in maritime domain awareness,” he said.

The Chief of Policy and Plans, the Nigerian Navy, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, said that the sunset ceremony was a tradition of navies worldwide that dated back to the early days of sailing ships.

NAN