SAS AMATOLA to BOST

COCHRANE -1775-1860 'One ship well officered and mannered is more effective than two of the opposite description and will cost less to the nation. The true strength of the Navy is not in a multitude of ships, but in the energies and alacrities of officers and crews'

Captain Jamieson escorting the FOST senior staff to his cabin at the start of MASC.

We have been in England for a week and from day one we have been visited by members of the FOST team who are eager to guide us in the preparation of our Material and Safety Check (MASC). This is an inspection of the entire ship, personnel and systems that is one of only two inspections carried out by the FOST staff. This inspection is used to highlight our shortcomings in equipment, manning and machinery and is carried out alongside before the ship can proceed to sea.

WO1 Ricky Budd making sure the first attack party understands the fire entry method before entering the smoke boundary.	The divers practicing a “man overboard drill” in Plymouth Harbour.

The ships company was given liberty on Saturday. This time was used to watch the rugby match between SA and New Zealand. Although the Springboks did not fare as well as was expected of them, the Australian bar “Walkabout” was packed with South Africans supporting our team.

The rest of the week was spent rectifying the shortcomings picked up by the MASC inspection. Briefings are also taking place around the clock and training is of a high standard. The Chief Boatswains Mate (Buffer) and the seamanship party were given the opportunity to receive training at the premier facilities of HMS Raleigh. This is the base where Basic Induction and Seamanship training takes place. The staff was eager to train us and even though secure at their unit was piped at 1200A they insisted on staying behind to complete our Replenishment At Sea training. The XO conveyed our gratitude for their generosity.

The players of HMS Nottingham and SAS Amatola after their 2 -2 draw at soccer.	XO and Seamanship Party of SAS Amatola and Staff of HMS Raleigh at the RAS Rig training facility.

A soccer match was arranged between the crew of the HMS Nottingham and the SAS Amatola. The game was played on the astro turf at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Plymouth and ended in a 2/2 draw with the goals for AMA scored by AB Andries Louw and LS Jomo Kekana

We will set sail on Monday for our first week of FOST training at sea. Although the last week has been demanding, morale is high and members are waiting the week that lies ahead with great enthusiasm. The captain also congratulated Captain Paddy O’Shea, Lt Latasha Maree and Petty Officer Tshepo Moloi on their promotions with effect 1st July 2007.

“Brivia”

Q: Who is Flag Officer Sea Training?