On Wednesday evening the ship's company of the SAS Mendi hosted an informal function to thank, HDW (Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft), the German Navy, PDPS (Project Director Project SITRON) and the NAUG (Naval Administration Unit Germany) for their support and assistance. The Officer Commanding
SAS Mendi, Captain Kevin Packer, presented each of the different organizations with an
SAS Mendi ships badge. He also presented certificates to certain individuals (see photographs). In turn, HDW presented the different messes with either a framed photograph or a painting.
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The Officer Commanding SAS Mendi, Captain Kevin Packer, presents PDPS Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Johnny Kamerman (on the left) with a ship's badge.
Individual members from HDW received certificates from the Officer Commanding
SAS Mendi.
HDW presents the Executive Officer, Commander Jimmy Schutte, with a painting of Kiel for the Wardroom.
FINAL PURCHASES AND PACKAGING
Since it was the last day in Kiel, the members not on duty went to town after secure for the last time to spend their hard earned and well-deserved Euros. Those that remained on board ensured that the final preparations were done and that the normal daily routine went on as normal.
Leading Seamen Willem van den Heever and Willard Scheepers busy with cleaning stations on the flight deck.
The Logistics Officer, Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Gabriels, leads by example by assisting with the storage of spares.
The SAS Mendi's chefs (fltr): Chief Petty Officer Ndumiso Radebe, Leading Seamen Odette Reddy and Tshifhilwa Ramovha, and Petty Officer John
Welton.
At 15:00 the Navigation Officer, Lieutenant Ravesh Harrisawak, gave his navigational briefing for the passage home to the command team. Everything is ready and everyone eagerly awaits 09:00 on Friday 20 August to let slip and to start the journey home to our beloved fatherland.