New book: 'Three Frigates' - The South African Navy comes of age

admin — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 14:56:00 +0000

For nearly two decades the three President Class frigates acquired by the SA Navy in the 1960s dominated the South African maritime scene. These three ships - President Kruger, President Steyn and President Pretorius were ordered from Britain in the 1950s in compliance with the requirements of the so-called Simon's Town Agreement.

In this book we find out not only about the ships themselves but also some of the political background at the time of purchase that led to their acquisition and for the first time we can read of some of the political background twenty years later that led to them being sidelined whilst still in 'their prime' and very useful ships.

We also find out how the SA Navy developed from 1953 when 'we were a 'mickey mouse' outfit' to 1963 when 'we were a pretty professional set up and able to hold our own with the Royal Navy'. Considerable comment is also given in various sections of the book on some of those areas where the author believes that National, SADF and/or SAN policies or procedures hindered the proper operational manning and deployment of these fine ships.

The South African Navy & Marine and Coastal Management: Tag President Steyn

New book: 'Three Frigates' - The South African Navy comes of age