COTONOU, Benin — The Belgium Navy command and logistical support ship BNS Godetia delivered more than 16 tons of relief goods for hospitals and schools here, March 18, as part of the European-led Africa Partnership Station initiative.
The relief goods were donated by non-governmental organizations in Belgium and transport by Godetia for distribution during this APS deployment.
"It makes me feel good to see how happy the people are when we deliver the relief goods," said Belgian Navy Lt. j.g. Pieter Vankeirsbilck, supply officer onboard Godetia. "It would cost too much to have all these relief goods flown in or shipped with a civilian firm. It would have cost more than the cost of the goods themselves, and we did it for free. We have 30 tons of relief goods onboard donated by NGOs and we will be giving out throughout this APS deployment."
The ship's crew and its' embarked Royal Netherlands Marines Corps officer, and U.S. 6th Fleet and Coast Guard staff spent the day unloading tables, medical equipment, text books, schools supplies, clothes, computers, and solar panels. The relief goods went out to 13 different schools and hospitals in Benin.
"We have received computers and laboratory equipment that will help the students study and complete their exams," said Victor Oyetola, network manager for the University of Abomey-Calavi in Cotonou. "One of the main problems we have at the university is electricity. We have a server for our computers, but we cannot use it because we have not had electricity for two weeks. Now with the solar panels we have received with the relief goods from the Godetia, we will have electricity and will be able to use our computers."
Godetia is homeported in Zeebrugge, Belgium, and is the second non-U.S. ship to execute the APS mission. APS, a U.S. Navy original initiative, is an international effort aimed at improving maritime safety and security for the continent of Africa through training and other collaborative activities with African partner countries.
During this deployment, Godetia will visit Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal.
To learn more about the APS mission, please visit www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil.
| Date Taken: |
03.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
03.19.2010 11:43 |
| Story ID: |
46887 |
| Location: |
COTONOU, BJ |
| Web Views: |
135 |
| Downloads: |
95 |
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This work, BNS Godetia Lends Assistance to Schools and Hospitals in Benin, by CPO Gary Keen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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