Naval Station Durban celebrates its 10th birthday Article and photos by LS Hlobisile Ngcongo Enquiries: 012 339 4222

On Friday 24 August 2012, Naval Station Durban (NS Dbn) celebrated its 10 years of existence since its inauguration on 14 August 2002.  The station’s main function was to support maritime operations on the East Coast of Africa.  The first Officer Commanding who was trusted with the command of the station was Cdr D. H. Jones.  After commanding for a period of almost 7 years, Cdr Jones handed over command on 22 January 2009 to the stations’ first Black Officer Commanding, Cdr T.S. Mkhwanazi.  The station has since grown in its capabilities and is currently under the command of Cdr X.P. Mgquba.

Ship's company of NS Dbn share pride in their units' 10th birthday.

NS Dbn houses a lot of naval history as it was during its days of being a naval base that the station was home to all the navy strikecrafts.  Another significant part of the station’s history is the fact that the SA Navy’s strikecrafts had been designed and built on the naval island.  The station has played a major role in various naval exercises where it has supported many foreign vessels. 

LS J. Holmes receives a 10 Years Service Medal from the Officer Commanding (OC).	OC NS Dbn cuts the cake with Sea N. Gumede who is the youngest member in the Station.

The station had the privilege of celebrating its 10th birthday in the presence of SAS AMATOLA and a medal parade formed part of the celebration.  This was a perfect way to celebrate the stations’ achievements with its members who were also celebrating 10 years in the organisation.

The NS Dbn birthday arch with portrait photos of members of the unit.

Members who were bestowed medals were as follows:

SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE GOOD SERVICE MEDAL

98561590MC Lt Cdr R.B. Dulamo
98539992MC PO R.L. Chiloane
95749560MC LS J. Holmes
98116023MC LS B.L. Mthanti
 98115983MC AB P. Moodley

TSHUMELO IKATELAHO MEDAL

9600153MC PO F.A Mulovhedzi

COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES

89563027PE WO2 G. Spenceley
91505362PE CPO C.J Botha

The SA Army Band entertains guests at the NS Dbn 10th Birthday Celebration.	The OC inspects the parade.

On completion of the medal parade, members of the station and invited guests enjoyed a programme of events which included a presentation on the unit’s history as well as music and entertainment by the SA Army Band.  To complete proceedings all medal recipients were congratulated by the OC and members of Naval Station Durban and guests enjoyed light refreshments.

Sithi Halala Naval Station Durban Halala!