Heading West to the Godetia
(BRUXELLES2) The logistics support vessel Godetia (A-960), of the Belgian navy, is setting sail from its home port, Zeebrugge, next week (Tuesday 5 February). Direction for its 75 crew members: the West African coast. And Lieutenant Commander Luc Desanghere in command. With a mission that has no direct relationship with the Malian crisis. It will thus participate in the American-led program "Africa Partnership Station" (APS) to " honing the skills of African navies ". Conducted under the leadership of the US Coast Guard, it aims to secure international maritime navigation: piracy and armed robbery, fight against illegal fishing, trafficking in human beings and arms, trafficking in drugs, and other prebends... A more specific program is geared towards Benin, the "Maritime Capacity Building Benin" (MCB). A country which is one of privileged partners " from Belgium. The Navy component thus particularly supports the Benin Navy in the development of its maritime capacity. Beninese students will also be on board the Godetia for in-depth training in all aspects of maritime safety. During the mission, the Godetia will take the opportunity to transport 213 m³ of humanitarian goods to Senegal, Benin, Congo and Gambia. Aid collected by different NGOs and intended for projects such as hospitals and schools. An identical mission, with its three objectives, took place in 2011. The return is scheduled for May 9, 2013 (Europe Day).
Read also (on the European program): “Crimgo” launches an assault on West African pirates