Belgian ship Godetia (A960)


Godetia is a command and logistical support ship of the Belgian Naval Component, launched on 7 December 1965 at the Boelwerf in Temse, and christened by Mrs. Moyersoen. The patronage of Godetia was accepted by the city of Ostend. She was the first of two support ships.

History

Godetia is the successor of, a British which was manned by Belgian sailors during World War II.
She has undergone several changes during her long career: fitted with royal apartments, mounting of aft twin 40 mm guns and buildup of helicopter platform with three large rollers for spare magnetic cables, mounting of the three rollers and build-up of a helicopter hangar, mounting of fore twin 40 mm guns for one single, mounting of this one for.50 machine guns, electronics and navigation aids optimized.
Godetia has several missions: fishery protection, humanitarian aid, support and supply ship for minesweepers, and acting as a command ship in turn for NATO mine countermeasure operations, show the flag and travelling embassy. Still commissioned, she is scheduled to be maintained on duty until 2020. This will make her one of the oldest warships in active service.

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