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OPERATION SIYAKHULA underway.
Article by S Lt Khasuli
Photos by AB Venter |
SAS DRAKENSBERG (DKB) was charged to
participate in Operation Siyakhula. “Siyakhula” is a
Zulu phrase that simply means, “We are growing up”. Now
the Operation Siyakhula is underway where DKB will
escort the second Submarine (S 102) to South Africa. The
arrival of the S 102 will effectively double the SA
Navy’s Submarine capability. The S 102 was handed over
to the SA Navy late last year on 06 November 2006.
Chief Bosuns Mate waving goodbyes.
On 09 February, family and friends
gathered on the DKB to bid farewell to their loved ones.
The spirit amongst the shipmates was extremely high;
everyone was looking forward to the voyage. DKB slipped
at about 10:00B.
Shortly after leaving Simon’s Town,
the Officer Commanding, Capt Charl Coetzee briefed the
ships company. The OC welcomed all the new members that
have joined the ship for the deployment and passed his
appreciation to the ships company for a job well done in
getting the ship ready to sail as scheduled. He
reiterated the Chief of Navy’s vision that states: “the
SA Navy to communicate the Navy the people need that is
seen to protect, promote and project the interests of
all the people of South Africa”.
At about 1400B, hands to flying
stations was piped. An Oryx Helicopter from 22 SQN
landed onboard to join DKB on her voyage. 7 crewmembers
and 2 pilots make up the Air Force detachment. Also
onboard is a SAMHS detachment consisting of a Doctor,
Dentist and three Operations Emergency Care Practitioner
(OECP).
During the passage to Germany DKB will
pay diplomatic visits to Walvis Bay, Namibia and to
Luanda in Angola to strengthen the mutual relations
between these countries. A 12-day passage will take her
to Brest in France for a short visit. DKB to proceed to
Emden, Germany where she will meet up with S102. What
makes this trip special for a large number of the
members onboard is the fact that Neofidos would be
officially introduced to King Neptune.
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