Exercise Flower III Luncheon Article by AB N.C. Zulu Photos by Sea Mbata

On Wednesday, 11 November 2009, Flag Officer Fleet (FOF), R Adm R.W. Higgs, hosted an honorary luncheon for the USS SAN JUAN at Palace Barracks. The two navies participating in Exercise Flower III took some time out of their busy bilateral engagements and exercises to get acquainted informally.

FOF presenting Captain J. Trussler with a traditional African staff

The USS SAN JUAN has been engaged in sea evolutions with the SA Navy’s submarine contingent over the past week and the luncheon offered them a worthy break. Guests were treated to an elegantly prepared five star meal, which was beautifully laid out. R Adm (JG) K. Wiesner blessed the meal and then FOF, emphasising the significance of the meal, said “This is a historic and strategic occasion and the symbolism of us sitting here will only be realised in decades to come, so let us savour this moment”.

FOF, commander of the Task Force 69 Captain J. Trussler, and Commanding Officer of the USS SAN JUAN, Commander O. Lewis, discussing issues concerning the exercise	Commander N.K. Howell, Commander J. Sheehan, R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw getting acquainted

After enjoying the delectable meal gifts were exchanged. FOF presented the Commander of the US Navy Task Force 69, Captain J. Trussler, with the naval book titled “South Africa’s Navy” and a traditional African staff. This was reciprocated with a Task Force 69 plaque and a US Navy challenge coin. Captain J. Trussler used the opportunity to thank the SA Navy for their hospitality and professional conduct during the exercise and emphasised the strategic importance and significance this interaction had yielded.

Captain J. Trussler presenting FOF with a plaque	Elegantly laid out dinning table

The luncheon proved to be a momentous occasion and hugely enjoyed by all.