Large naval exericse off coast

Jun 2, 2003
Author: P&S

RED LION, a major SA Navy Force exercise will take place from 2 to 23 June 2003. The exercise will evaluate the operational readiness of the SAN fleet and will include missile and torpedo firings.

Nine naval ships and a Daphne class submarine SAS ASSEGAAI will operate as a Task Group under the command of a Task Group Commander. The warships will deploy from the 6 to 22 June between Simon’s Town and Richards Bay.

Taking part in the exercise are SAS DRAKENSBERG, SAS OUTENIQUA, SAS UMZIMKULU, SAS UMHLOTI, SAS KAPA, SAS MAKHANDA, SAS ISAAC DYOBHA, SAS ADAM KOK, SAS GALESHEWE and SAS ASSEGAAI. A transportable Logistic Support System will also be deployed.

Elements from the South African Medical Health Services (SAMHS) and the South African Air Force (SAAF) will also participate in the exercise. Different fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters will be participating during the various phases of the exercises at sea.

The objectives of the exercise are:
· To test the Fleet’s combat capability.
· To test the sealift capability of the SA Navy.
· To evaluate the capability of the Fleet Command to support forces over a distant and sustained deployment.
· To exercise Task Group co-ordination in a multi-threat scenario.

The SAS OUTENIQUA will be alongside in Richards Bay harbour on 9 June and she will sail again on 10 June to participate in the exercises. The Task Group, except the submarine SAS ASSEGAAI will be alongside in Richards Bay harbour on 14 June and will berth at General Cargo Wall. The Task Group will depart from Richards Bay on 15 June for further exercises, culminating in live missile and torpedo firings. The Task Group will be back in Simon’s Town on 20 June.

The Task Group will not be open to the public while alongside in Richards Bay harbour.