NNS Okpabana

NNS Okpabana is a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter which formerly served with the U.S. Coast Guard as USCGC Gallatin (WHEC-721). Built at Avondale Shipyards near New Orleans, Louisiana, Gallatin was named for Albert Gallatin, the fourth and longest serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. Gallatin completed its final patrol 11 December 2013 and will be decommissioned in 2014 before being transferred to the Nigerian Navy.

Construction
Gallantin was laid down at Avondale Shipyards on 17 April 1967, as the seventh ship of her class. She was launched on 18 November 1967 and was commissioned on 20 December 1968.

Design
The ship is designed as a high endurance cutter. Her crossing range of 9600 nmi at 20 kn), and an 80 ft flight deck, capable of handling helicopters, make the ship an ideal platform for extended patrol missions. Gallantin was one of the first naval vessels built with a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant. Her engineering plant includes two 3500 hp diesel engines, and two 18000 hp gas turbines, which can achieve a top speed of 28 kn. Two 13 ft diameter controllable pitch propellers, combined with a retractable and rotatable bow propulsion unit, give the ship high maneuverability.

The ship's capabilities are enhanced by advanced air search and surface search radars including the AN/SPS-73 digital surface radar system that incorporates a state of the art computerized collision avoidance system. She uses the Shipboard Command and Control System (SCCS) which uses a network of computers including large screen displays and a dedicated satellite network for communications. A closed circuit TV system enable's the Commanding Officer to monitor flight deck operations, machinery conditions, towing, damage control, and related activities from the bridge.

History
Gallatin's missions included enforcement of all U.S. maritime laws and treaties, fisheries conservation, marine pollution response, defense readiness, and search and rescue.

Gallantin served with the United States Coast Guard until March 31, 2014, when she was decommissioned. On May 7, She was transferred to the Nigerian Navy and renamed Okpabana.