By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Sogakope-Nutekpor (VR), May 15, GNA-Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Sogakope-Nutekpor in the South Tongu Municipality of the Volta Region, has handed over his responsibility as FOC to Commodore James Adongo Agambire.
Cdre Asiedu-Larbi, being the ninth FOC since the establishment of the Command, would now serve as FOC at the Eastern Naval Command in Tema after taking over from Cdre Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao, who was in charge of NAVTRAC from June 2023 to March 2024.
In a short handing over ceremony on Wednesday, May 15 at Nutekpor, Cdre Asiedu-Larbi expressed his appreciation to the Military High Command for the confidence reposed in him as well as recognising the torchbearers and visionaries of the Ghana Navy for bringing the idea of establishing the Command.
He indicated that his one-year stay has been a year of accomplishment, “as NAVTRAC witnessed the completion and commissioning of monumental projects that kept the vision of NAVTRAC of becoming a World Class Centre of Excellence for Maritime Security Training.”
Cdre Asiedu-Larbi further explained that the Command came into the limelight and became the focus of the maritime fraternity, where he mentioned that several projects were completed through collaborative efforts of their partners through the Naval Headquarters.
These, he mentioned, include the Ship-in-a-Box-Project with support from the Danish government, Ghana Navy, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the donation of 2 Defender Class Boats and completion of the Boat Storage Facility by the US Government through the US Navy Seabees, and the construction of 8-unit accommodation and Seamanship classroom by the Chinese government.
Another was the installation of a Full Mission Bridge Simulator by the Danish Government and others.
Cdre Asiedu-Larbi said: “These milestones were achieved and made possible through the tireless efforts and unyielding spirit of our local and international partners and determined Staff Officers.”
Cdre Asiedu-Larbi also outlined some key activities the Command was engaged in, such as local training of the Special Boat Squadron and specialist Qualification Courses in affiliation with higher institutions of learning across the country.
He added that the Command was also collaborating with the Narcotics Control Commission in training their recruits and cadets.
Commending other institutions and the media, especially the Volta and Oti Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), for their support in projecting the Command’s activities, Cdre Asiedu-Larbi assured the incoming FOC of his full support at any time in steering the Command’s affairs.
Cdre JA Agambire, on his part, called for continued support and cooperation in his new leadership task at the Command.
The handing over event was attended by the various security officers, traditional leaders, Heads of government Departments and Agencies, and others.
Sub Lieutenant Sebastian Osabarimah, Chaplain of the Command, who touched on the theme “God’s Promise of Divine Protection,” prayed for both Commanding Officers to excel in their respective assignments.
GNA
MA/BM