History in the making “Exercise Flower III” Article by AB S.W. Makuleni Photos by WO1 K.B. Stone Navy News and AB S.W. Makuleni

The arrival of US submarine SAN JUAN in the South African waters on 04 November 2009 was a spectacular occasion. Before her entry into port, Capt Andre De Wet briefed members of the media at the Hugo Bierman Building Conference Room. His presentation also covered some of the objectives the South African Navy was hoping to achieve during the forthcoming exercise with the US submarine.

Cdr J. Sheehan, Cdr O. Lewis, R Adm R.W. Higgs and Cdr N.K. Howell

Some of the objectives mentioned were: interoperability, operational testing and evaluation, operational skills, safety and security of the region and benchmarking the SA HEROINE CLASS submarine with the US vessel.

USS SAN JUAN finally Arrives in Simon's Town

Setting the stage for a series of first – ever, at – sea engagements with the South African Navy submarine force. Cdr Oliver Lewis, Commanding Officer of USS SAN JUAN, said in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe press release “This historic visit is a sign of our continued friendship with South Africa and another important step in our efforts to work together in addressing maritime issues”.

Capt De Wet briefing the media on the objectives of the exercise	Cdr O. Lewis handing over a gift to Flag Officer Commanding Naval Base Simon's Town, R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw

Following the presentation by Capt De Wet, the OiC of U.S Naval Forces South and West Africa Cdr John Sheehan confirmed that US objectives for the visit were very similar to those of the South African Navy’s. He went on to say that the planned exercises also presented an ideal opportunity for the submarines' crewmembers to interact with each other. These interactions enjoyed great interest from the young people back in the US as they are always very keen to learn what it was like to visit South Africa.

The OC of the visiting submarine, the USS SAN JUAN, reported to the media that the exercise will consist of only three days and there will be onshore briefings and debriefings prior to and after the at – sea event.

Flag Officer Fleet, R Adm R.W. Higgs handing over a gift to Cdr O. Lewis during their courtesy call	Cdr O. Lewis interviewed by media

During the her visit, the crew of the USS SAN JUAN will be working with, and share knowledge with the South African Navy regarding various maritime pursuits such as: regional security cooperation activities, military – to military exchanges and community relations activities.

Cdr Howell mentioned that 25 crew members will assist the local community by getting involved with the construction of an ablution facility for a crèche in Red Hill informal settlement. The submarine crewmembers will also participate in friendly soccer matches during their short visit to Simon's Town.

USS San Juan flanked on the leftside by SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE and on the rightside by SAS QUEEN MODJADJI I

Cdr Oliver Lewis escorted members of the media on a brief tour onboard USS San Juan. The size of the vessel definitely amazed all the visitors.

The Commanding Officer of USS SAN JUAN accompanied by Cdr John Sheehan and Cdr Howell concluded the day with a courtesy visit to FOF and FOC, who officially welcomed the crew of the USS San Juan to South Africa.