Navy commissions its new sub

Nov 3, 2005
Author: P&S

Earlier today (Thursday 3 November 2005) the first of three Type 209-1400 diesel-electric submarines being built in Germany for the South African Navy was commissioned.

On hand for the commissioning was South Africa’s minister of defence, Mosioua Lekota.

Numbered S101 (the sub will be named only after arrival in South Africa) the submarine will sail to Simon’s Town next year under escort once the crew of 30 under the command of Commander Gary Kretschmer have completed training in Germany.

The type 209-1400 boat was built by the submarine consortium consisting of HDW, Nordseewerken Emden and MAN Ferrostaal.