By Adama Nyang
In accordance with sections 21(1) and section 22 of the terms and conditions of service of the Gambia Armed Forces, the Gambia Navy has decorated eighty Rating of the Gambia Navy that were elevated to the ranks of Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Petty, and Chief Petty Officers respectively during a ceremony held at the Gambia Naval Base in Banjul on Friday, 19th April 2024.
This decoration is part of the promotion of the personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces to various other ranks for the year 2023 as approved by the Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces. The decoration was composed of 19 promoted from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman, 18 Able Seaman promoted to Leading Seaman, 15 Leading Seaman promoted to Petty Officer and 29 Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer respectively.
The decoration ceremony witnessed by different senior officers and members of the Gambia Armed Forces was presided over by the Executive Officer Naval Headquarters, Navy Captain Fatou on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham.
In their opening remarks, Lieutenant Commander, Commanding Officer Naval Command, and Fleet Farra Jobehailed the Ratings for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and value displayed towards their duties while encouraging them to continue to work harder.
“We celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Navy as a result of their value commitment and professionalism. Being their commanding officer It is a privilege to stand among such a distinguished group of individuals who have exemplified the highest standards of excellence and commitment to duty,” he stated.
He enjoined the gathering to reflect on the services made and the unwavering dedication shown by these ratings and express their deepest appreciation for their selfless contribution to the defence and security of the nation.
“To our respected stakeholders, we deeply appreciate your support and commitment to our goals. Thank you for being an invaluable part of our mission. To ensure the safety and security of our Maritime Space, we are grateful for your contribution and fostering goodwill,” he expressed appreciation to them.
The Executive Officer of the Navy Headquarters, Navy Captain Fatou Jaiteh Baldeh in her speech said promotions in ranks serve as a motivating factor that recognizes one’s hard work and dedication to duty and also underscores the common the GAF High Command to reward those that meet the criteria to be elevated to the next rank.
She said it continued to remain the ratings promoted that the ranks added to their status is not only to beautify their soldier’s uniform or serve as prefixes to their names but also an added responsibilities that would be associated with more daunting challenges in the execution of their duties and responsibilities as serving members of the Gambia Armed Forces and the Gambia Navy in particular.
Chief Petty Officer Demba Fatou Louise giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the newly promoted Ratings thanked the command for recognizing their hard work and dedication.
She encouraged her fellow colleagues, saying promotion comes with added responsibility and to whom much is given much is expected, therefore, let them continue to work harder to prove that they deserve the new ranks.
In an extension, she thanked the Commander in Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces His Excellency President AdamaBarrow, Executive Officer of The Gambia Navy, and all those who one way or another made the promotion real.