Presidential Fleet Review
The South African Navy will host the Presidential Fleet Review on 05 September 2008 in Simon’s Town. The aim of the Fleet Review is to introduce the new South African Navy to the Commander in Chief, President T.M. Mbeki and the people of South Africa.
During the Presidential Fleet Review, the South African Navy will demonstrate its broad range of capabilities to the South African nation to show case its readiness to protect our national interests and sovereign integrity.
Read more at: www.navy.mil.za
Exercise Good Hope III commences
SAS Amatola receives the refuelling probe during a RAS between FGS Berlin & SAS Amatola - Image: SA Navy
25 February 2008 dawned a clear and sunny day in the naval harbour of Naval Base Simon’s Town. It is here that Task Group 501, comprising of South African and German Naval vessels commenced on EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III. EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III is a multinational exercise between the German Armed Forces (Navy and Air Force) and the SANDF (mainly the Navy and Air Force) taking place in the Cape Town, Simon’s Town and Overberg area.
Our day started at 0800B when the Officer Commanding (OC) Captain Michael Girsa, briefed his ships company on the flight deck. The OC welcomed all the new members that had joined the ship for the Exercise. He furthermore passed his appreciation to the ships company for a job well done in getting the ship ready to sail as scheduled. The OC spoke of the forthcoming days’ events and how only good habits would help through this exercise. After a meticulous final check, the naval tugs assisted helped this operationally ready warship out of port. SAS AMATOLA sailed at 0900B.
At 1145B, ‘hands to flying stations’ was piped. An Oryx Helicopter from AFB Ysterplaat landed on the flight deck while SAS AMATOLA sailed out of False Bay. SAS AMATOLA plays host to the Commander Task Group (CTG) 501.02 Captain Steven-Jennings and his staff. The Task Force is divided into two Task Groups, with Captain Michael Budde of the Federal German Navy as CTG 501.01 which comprises of FGS HAMBURG, FGS KÖLN, FGS BERLIN, FGS WESTERWALD and task group 501.02 comprising the SAS DRAKENSBERG, SAS ISLANDWANA, SAS AMATOLA, SAS GALESHEWE, SAS ISAAC DHYOBA, SAS UMKOMAAS.
Similar exercises have been conducted twice in the past, between the Armed Forces of the two countries. These exercises are the largest undertaken by the German Defence Force outside of its North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) obligations. Good relationships exist between Germany and South Africa, not only on the military side but also politically and economically. The SAS AMATOLA is expecting to exercise drills and evolutions enabling training of the new personnel that have joined the ship in the art of modern naval warfare. It is expected that the crew will gain a lot of understanding and skills from this exercise. The task group will be alongside over the weekends with our first port of call being the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for some much needed rest and recovery. Until then the five day passage will be filled exercises and training.
Source: www.navy.mil.za
Third Combined Military Exercise between SA and Germany: Exercise Good Hope III
From 18 February to 18 March the seas and skies surrounding Cape Town will be used to conduct military exercises between South Africa and Germany. This series of exercises will be called EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III.
This will be the third time that military exercises will be conducted in South African waters between the two countries, with the last exercise taking place two years ago. During this year's exercise there will be more than 1 800 personnel, 15 ships and 16 aircraft from both countries taking part.
The "theatre of operations" will be around Cape Town and some exercises will be conducted at the Overberg Military Test Area near Bredasdorp and Arniston/Waenhuiskrans. Some of the types of exercises will include live missile and gun firings, anti-submarine warfare with mock torpedo attacks, anti-aircraft drills, fleetwork and maneuvering and more.
The objectives that both countries want to achieve with these exercises are:
- To enhance and maintain the comprehensive defence capabilities of the two armed forces.
- To develop a common understanding of military interoperability and foster mutual trust, respect and co-operation between the German Armed Forces and the SANDF.
- To upgrade operational means and methods of multi-national conventional forces by employing different types of equipment whilst conducting and exercising according to a common set of guiding principles.
The German Defence Force will be represented by two Frigates (FGS HAMBURG and FGS KÖLN) and two Combat Support Vessels (FGS BERLIN and FGS WESTERWALD), six Tornado Fighter Aircraft and two Lynx Helicopters. The SANDF will send three Frigates (SAS AMATOLA, SAS ISANDLWANA and SAS SPIOENKOP), one Submarine (SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE) two Strike Craft (SAS GALESHEWE and SAS ISAAC DYOBHA), two Minehunters (SAS UMZIMKULU and SAS UMKOMAAS), two Inshore Patrol Vessels (SAS TERN and SAS TOBIE) and the Combat Support Vessel SAS DRAKENSBERG. In addition to this there will also be six Cheetah Fighter Aircraft and two Oryx Helicopters.
The public of Cape Town will be invited to view the German vessels at the V&A Waterfront on Sat 01 Mar to Sun 02 Mar 08. Thereafter the public can view most of the SA Navy and German vessels during the annual Navy Festival from 14 -16 Mar 08 in Simon's Town.
Source: SA Navy
Super Lynx handed over
Naval Base Simonstown, Cape Town, saw the ceremonial handover today of the Super Lynx Mk 64 helicopters to the South African Air Force (SAAF) and South African Navy (SAN).
Super Lynx MK64 194 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The symbolic handover of the Super Lynx by the Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, to the Lt. Gen. Carlo Gagiano (Chief of the SAAF) and R Adm Moseou Magalefa (Acting Chief of the SAN) provided a significant boost to maritime and air defence capabilities. In his speech, Lekota emphasised the transformation undertaken in the Department of Defence towards jointness of operations. The naval frigate and airforce helicopter comprise a potent organic partnership. While the airforce was accountable for the helicopters, they will be totally and indivisibly integrated with the combat ships of the Navy.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
All four Super Lynx were on display. Aircraft 192 was already aboard the SAS Drakensburg. After the arrival of the dignitaries, a three-ship formation of Super Lynx arrived overhead and broke over the assembled crowd. After a 19 Gun salute, aircraft 194, crewed by Agusta Westland test pilot Andy Ragett and SAAF Tactical Coordinator Maj. Mark Holden, then continued to perform some spectacular maneuvers, showing off the aircraft at its best. The helicopter then proceeded to land aboard SAS Spioenkop moored right in front of the guests. Meanwhile, 191 had landed aboard SAS Amatola and 193 aboard SAS Isandlewana.
Super Lynx MK64 191 - Image: Dean Wingrin
After the speech by the Minister of Defence, guests were invited aboard SAS Spioenkop to view the Super lynx up close. Thereafter, guests were invited to the SAS Drakensburg for refreshments.
Super Lynx 194 then lifted-off and performed for the samll group of photographers assembled on the bridge of the Spioenkop before performing a high-speed pass for the guests.
Later in the afternoon, aircraft 191 departed the SAS Amatola and also performed a high-speed pass over the ship. 193 then lifted off the SAS Isandlewana and departed for Ysterplaat.
History of the SAAF Super Lynx
Although it was announced on 18 November 1998 that Agusta Westland had been selected to supply four Super Lynx maritime helicopters to the value of R787m (£82.8m), the contract was only signed on 14 August 2003. The version purchased under Project Maulstic was the Super Lynx 300 Mk 64.
Mr Lekota, Andy Ragett, R Adm M Magalefa and Mark Holden - Image: Dean Wingrin
Developed from the Super Lynx 100, Super Lynx 300 incorporates an all new integrated "glass" cockpit with a colour liquid crystal display system. The more powerful CTS800-4N engines, jointly developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, complemented with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) delivers over 30% more power. The SAAF Super Lynx aircraft have a high level of South African sourced avionics and mission equipment making it the most advanced version of the Super Lynx 300 helicopter developed and produced so far.
The first of four Super Lynx helicopters for South Africa took to the air for the first time on 24th April 2006 at AgustaWestland's Yeovil factory in the UK.
22 Squadron crew - Image: Dean Wingrin
Pilot and ground crew conversion training was conducted by AgustaWestland at its Customer Training Centre in Yeovil starting in early 2007, continuing with Agusta Westland staff in South Africa after the delivery of the aircraft to the SAAF.
The initial delivery to South Africa was delayed by a month as formal acceptance was still awaited for one piece of equipment. However, the first two aircraft (193 and 194) arrived at Cape Town International airport aboard an Antonov An-124 on the morning of 13 July 2007. The Super Lynx maintenance crews from 22 Squadron unloaded the helicopters and, having had the transport protection removed and the main rotor blades fitted, were flown that afternoon to AFB Ysterplaat, accompanied by two Oryx and an Alouette helicopter.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The final two Super Lynx (191 and 192) arrived in Cape Town from Yeovilton on 27 July 2007, also aboard an Antonov An-124. After being offloaded, they too were flown directly to AFB Ysterplaat.
The helicopters are based at AFB Ysterplaat where they will be flown by SAAF pilots of 22 Squadron for the Navy and will be deployed on the South African Navy Valour (Meko A200SAN) class frigates performing anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol and SAR roles.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The helicopters will provide a surface search capability in the anti-surface warfare roles, search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and utility duties. Ancillary duties include vertical replenishment, personnel transport and casualty evacuation.
Source: www.saairforce.co.za
Passage to Germany
On 9 February 2007, while other people were preparing for the annual State of the Nation Address by the President at the Opening of Parliament, families and friends of the SAS DRAKENSBERG (DKB) crew gathered at the quayside to bid farewell to their loved ones as the DKB faced north. Once more DKB was tasked to escort a Type 209 submarine, SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE (CME), to South Africa.
On the passage to Germany the DKB paid diplomatic visits to Walvis Bay, Namibia and Luanda in Angola to strengthen the mutual relations between these countries. DKB received much good publicity, especially in Walvis Bay, and the public came in small groups to view the ship. The PRO on board, S Lt Sam Khasuli, and Padre Dukwana offered guided tours to the visiting groups.
A fourteen-day passage from Luanda via Brest in France took her to Germany and the DKB arrived in Emden, Germany, on 4 March 2007. The well awaited commissioning and naming ceremony of the last two SA Navy submarines took place in Emden on 14 March. Among the dignitaries from South Africa to attend the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George, the South African Ambassador to Germany, Mr Moss Chikane, the Sponsor of S102, Mrs Mittah Seperepere, the Sponsor of S103, Mrs Rita Ndzanga, the Chairperson of the Armscor Board, Dr Popo Molefe, the Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm Johannes Mudimu, Flag Officer Fleet, R Adm H. vE. Bester, and the Chief of Naval Staff, R Adm M. Magalefa.
During the proceedings on the day of the commissioning, Mrs Seperepere unveiled the SAS CHARLOTTE MAX- EKE and Mrs Ndzanga unveiled the SAS QUEEN MODJADJI.
Directly after the commissioning ceremony, preparations started for the long anticipated passage back to SA. The DKB, accompanied by the SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE, left Emden on 16 March for South Africa, via Rota in Spain.
The successes achieved during the deployment were varied, but one that was noteworthy was the progress of the Military Skills Development Members (MSDS) members on board. The MSDS Programme is a Government initiative to develop the youth of South Africa to become self-sustainable. On the passage to Germany the DKB had 34 members of the MSDS 06 intake on board. This is a clear indication that the MSDS Programme is indeed functioning effec- tively, because during the passage these members acquired various skills and exposure to the SA Navy. To mention just a few skills: flight deck handling, quartermasters, ships husbandry, shooting, boat crew, cooking, etc. These are skills that they can utilise in the corporate world should they not get their contract renewed after their MSDS term.
"To be on board DKB while escorting CME to SA marks the highlight of my career because when I joined the Navy I never thought I would acquire so much exposure within a period of 16 months. Within a period of 4 months I have been to Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, France, Germany and Spain. This achievement really makes me happy because it is an experience that I will always cherish. I can now proudly say indeed that the SA Navy is not only a career, but an adventure," said an elated Sea Matsolo after the MSDS photograph was taken.
DKB came alongside on 24 April 2007. The historical significance of the day is that the DKB was launched on 24 April 1986, which makes her 21 years old, but she is still going strong.
Source: SA Soldier July 2007, p. 9
SA donates military equipment to Mozambique
A donation by South Africa of military surplus equipment to Mozambique came at the right time for the country, with two work boats that would be used to safe people left stranded by floods.
Some 43 000 people are stranded in western Mozambique after heavy rains and floods in the area. The Shire river, the main tributary of the Zambezi, flooded its banks, submerging several islands in the river.
SAS Drakensberg, the South African Navy supply ship, dropped 150 tons of military surplus equipment in Maputo, including two work boats which could be used on the rivers.
"The Mozambican Defence Force (MDF) needs a lot of logistical equipment which helps in one of its major tasks - fighting natural disasters in the country," Tobias Dai, the Mozambican defence minister, said during the handing over ceremony on board of the Drakensberg.
Also included in the equipment were medical and fire fighting equipment, uniforms and even desks and cabinets. A ferry boat to be used to transport Mozambican navy marines between bases was also on the list.
Piracy concerns Koos Louw, a South African rear admiral, said the two work boats were used by the SA Navy to work on rivers and could help the MDF carry out emergency operations.
Mozambique suffers from frequent flooding. In 2000 and 2001, floods killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless.
South Africa's donation was however considered before this year's flood and was done with another threat faced by both countries, piracy on the sea.
"If media reports are to be believed, we are informed that this cancer might spread towards our own water. We also face the danger of the plunder of our marine resources," Mluleki George, the deputy defence minister - who donated the equipment on South Africa's behalf - said.
He said there were clear indications of piracy along the West African Coast and also on the Horn of Africa. "It is therefore clear that working together and sharing resources will go along in securing our economic zone from piracy and protecting our marine resources," he said.
Sharing resources South Africa donated patrol boats to Mozambique two years ago which were armed and used for coastal patrols.
"One of the boats was used up north where it was known there was a problem with illegal fishing. Since it has been deployed there, the problem has subsided substantially," Louw said.
George also indicated that South Africa might make use of its new military hardware if piracy becomes a bigger problem.
"Recently South Africa acquired frigates and submarines as part of its strategic defence package. These were not acquired for the benefit of our country alone, but also of the region and continent," he said.
Source: SA Navy Mailing list (probably SAPA)
Major SANDF Projects
The DoD Fy2004/5 Annual Report, released late last year, for the
first time carried a list of SANDF major projects.
They are:
BRUTUS - Half-life upgrade SAS Drakensberg
KLARINET - Project to build a new Headquarters for Fleet Command
KOILER - Development and integration of infrared censors on existing
aerial platforms
LEGEND - Development of an operational urgent command and control
system
MACAW - Air traffic control radar upgrade
MAPANTSULA - Acquisition of Multi-Purpose Hull vessel
MAULSTIC - Acquisition of 4 Super Lynx 300 Maritime Helicopters
MILITARY VETERANS - Training of Military veterans
NATION - Government Communication Information System's national
tracker survey, measuring opinions on a national basis
PHOENIX - Renewal and transformation of the conventional component
of the Reserve Force
PORCUPINE - Introduction of Small Calibre Weapons in the SA Navy
SCREWDRIVER - Rationalisation of SA Navy Training Units
SITRON - Acquisition of Frigates
STANCHION - Acquisition of a fully integrated underwater signature
management facility in the SA Navy
VISION 2020 - Formulation of the SA Army's long-term strategy
VISTULA - Development of new generation supply support vehicle
platforms for the SANDF
WILLS - Replacement of the submarine capability
HR Projects:
POMPADOUR - Comprehensive database for labour market intelligence
inclusive of job opportunities and sectoral growth areas.
SIYANDIZA - Aviation awareness
YOUNG FALCONS - Youth Development programme
MASIBAMBISANE - The corporate identity of the DOD's HIV and AIDS
awareness programme and was launched in October 2001
PHIDISA - A clinical research project that aims to establish the
efficacy of HIV treatment regimes in voluntary registered SANDF
members and their families and to develop relevant plans for
effective management and prevention of HIV infection
Not on the list was:
AMBITION - The purchase of Gecko logistics vehicles for the airborne
forces.
HOEFYSTER - The acquisition of infantry combat vehicles for the
mechanised infantry.
SEPULA - The acquisition of a new armoured personnel carriers for
the motorised infantry.
? - The acquisition of Hornet fast attack vehicles for the Special
Forces.
ADRIFT - The procurement of a new guided antitank missile system for
the Armour.
? - The acquiition of the Airbus A400M.
? - The acquisition of two amphibious assault ships for the SA Navy.
The annual report can be downloaded from the official DoD website: Annual Report 2005 (PDF, 1.3MB)
Source: defence THINK!/SAAF Mailing List
Another headache for Koeberg
Cape Town - The rotor is en route, but how this critical part for the Koeberg nuclear power station will be off-loaded from the Drakensberg seems to be a big problem.
Navy chief Vice-Admiral Refiloe Mudimo said on Wednesday he hoped Eskom would find the answer on how to off-load the rotor part with a mass of about 200 ton from the helicopter pad on the navy's support ship Drakensberg.
"I hope Eskom is making radical plans because there isn't a crane big or strong enough here to perform this task," he said.
Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota on announcing the navy's new frigate, Spioenkop, told the media and the defence portfolio committee and in addition, Die Burger that the Drakensberg, with its valuable cargo, was now only expected to arrive in Cape Town on April 20. Initially the ship would have arrived here on April 6.
"I prefer the Drakensberg to tackle the voyage as restfully as possible, since I don't want to hear later that the navy let something happen to damage the part," Lekota said.
The Drakensburg was sent hastily to France to fetch the rotor earlier this month. The ship was en route from Norway to South Africa accompanied by the submarine, the S101.
Read more at: fin24.co.za
Navy comes to Koeberg's rescue
The 200-ton rotor needed to repair Koeberg's unit one generator, which was damaged by a loose bolt in December, will be brought from France on the South African Navy's combat support ship, the SAS Drakensberg.
Fani Zulu, the Eskom spokesperson, said the logistics and details were still being worked out and that it would be a few weeks before the rotor, which was secured from Electricite de France, would arrive.
A Cape Town newspaper reported on Saturday that it would have cost Eskom R16-million to fly the part in on a Russian Antonov cargo plane. To save money it was decided to ship it instead.
Zulu said the most important task at the moment was to get the bars in the stator replaced. This was being done on site at Koeberg and only once it was fully assembled could the rotor be put in.
He said even if an Antonov had been used to fly in the rotor, it could not have been installed until the stator had been repaired.
Zulu said Eskom had also not been comfortable about the use of an aircraft because of the danger of the rotor being damaged, especially during take-off and landing.
The SAS Drakensberg was on its way back from Norway where it had been watching over South Africa's new submarine, the S101, which was busy with sea trials off the Norwegian coast.
Read more at: Independent Online
SA's S101 suffers a technical malfunction
S101, South Africa's new Type 209 MOD1400 submarine has suffered an
unspecified technical malfunction during a training exercise in
waters off Norway, the SA Navy said this week. A German Navy team
was on board at the time, spokesman Rear Admiral (JG) Rusty Higgs
said. The work up was in preparation for the submarine returning to
South Africa early next month.
Higgs said none of the 37 crew or five Germans aboard was injured in
the incident and that the SSK returned to Kiel, Germany under her
own power. "At this stage we do not have the picture yet... it's a
little bit too early," Higgs told DSD on Friday. "We were told that
there was a technical malfunction and in the spirit of the people's
navy we are keeping people in the picture," he said. Higgs expects
the boat's mid-February voyage to South Africa slip slightly to the
left as the boat is currently in the care of shipbuilders HDW.
The South African Navy's combat support ship (AOR) SAS Drakensberg
(A301) sailed from Cape Town on January 17 to escort the boat home.
The planned date of departure was February 13. "Following a stop-
over in Rota in Spain between February 22 and 25 the long haul will
begin with the estimated time of arrival in South Africa currently
being 22 March," the Navy said in an earlier statement.
Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Refiloe Mudimu believes submarines
are a major force multiplier and a vital asset to the fleet. "We are
looking forward to welcoming the submarine and her crew back home
where they will work up in local waters before commencing the
operational duties that we have planned for them". He said that the
arrival of S101 would signal the revitalisation of the SA Navy's
submarine service that has been lacking since the withdrawal of the
now-decommissioned Daphne-class submarines - the last of which was
taken out of service in November 2003.
The highly successful Type 209 submarine, currently in service in 13
navies worldwide, is ideally suited for operations off the South
African coastline. "This voyage will not only test the SA Navy's
ability to operate submarines for such long distance deployments,
but also our ability to support them away from home base for
extended periods". S101 was launched by struggle veteran Dr Ruth
Mompati in Kiel, Germany, on the June 15, 2004. She was handed over
to the SA Navy on September 20, 2005 and commissioned under the
command of Commander Gary Kretschmer in Kiel on November 3, last
year.
Source: Defence Systems Daily/SAAF Mailing List
Older posts: 1 2
