A toast to ATLASUR 2012 Article by AB Jason Warren Bland and SEA Tebello Baloyi Photos by Jason Warren Bland, AB Shanton Claude Prins and SEA Tebello Baloyi Enquiries: 012 339 4222

Exercise ATLASUR is a bi-annual exercise that was last held in South America. This time around it was South Africa’s turn to welcome the foreign visitors to our shores. Training exercises such as Exercise Atlasur which involve South American Navies are seldom held, therefore it is the hosting country’s obligation to ensure that the ships companies from abroad are well taken care of during their visit .

The secret to a successful function, delicious snacks

The Argentinean, Brazilian and Uruguayan ships welcomed Officers and Sailors from the participating countries onboard their vessels for cocktail functions. The functions were held over three consecutive days as they rotated from ship to ship each day between 25 and 27 September 12. This was done in order for everyone to get acquainted and to familiarize themselves with the different crews and vessels and to celebrate the start of the exercise.

Rear Adm P. Schoultz (FOF) and Capt A. De Wet (CTG RSA) enjoying the function	Cdr M.M. Clulee and Cdr C.G. Maritz getting to know their fellow Senior Officers
S Lt A.J.C Brand and Major Du Preez enjoying the festivities	R Adm (JG) D.G. Jamieson enjoying the function onboard the BNS BAROSSO

The first night was spent onboard ROU1 URUGUAY (Uruguay), the second night onboard BNS BARROSO (Brazil) and the third night onboard ARA ESPORA (Argentina). The three nights helped the various countries to understand each other on a more personal level, creating a better understanding even though there is still a language barrier between the countries. The cocktail functions also provide a good platform for the Officers and Sailors to deliberate and strategize for the exercises ahead of time in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The mouth watering appetizers provided by the BNS BAROSSO	Capt M.A. Girsa, Cdr W.M. Cole and Cdr G.E. Hallett enjoying the function onboard the BNS BAROSSO
Rear Adm P. Schoultz (FOF), R Adm (JG) W.H.O. Teuteberg (CTF) and Capt A. De Wet (CTG RSA) enjoying the function	R Adm P. Schoultz (FOF) being welcomed aboard the ROU URUGUAY

The occasion proved to be a success as Naval Admirals, OC’s and their senior officers together with our overseas visitors were present at all the functions held onboard the various ships over the period. The South American Navies treated SA Navy to their traditional cuisine and exotic drinks which the South Africans are not used to. Once the event came to an end language was no longer a barrier. The various navies now face the beginning of exercise ATLASUR knowing exactly what is expected of them and the crews in high spirit.

Lt Perim, S Lt J.C. Malaka and S Lt L.S. Solomon discussing strategic naval matters.	CDR E.M. Nyathi, Lt Cdr J.F. Manyaka and S Lt J.C. Malaka Enjoying the function onboard the ROU URUGUAY

Some more delicious snacks