Navy task force in East Africa

Oct 5, 2006
Author: P&S

The South African Navy Task Group of three ships, SAS Protea, SAS Galeshewe and SAS Isaac Dyobha will visit the ports of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya during their visit to East Africa. This is in addition to Maputo where the ships have already arrived to take part in joint exercises with the armed forces of the three countries.

The Task Force is under the command of Captain Mark Blaine, Officer Commanding SAS Protea. According to the navy the purpose of the visit to East Africa is to promote regional and continental security and co-operation and the SAN is endeavouring to maintain strong ties of friendship and co-operation with the three East African countries that lie to the north of South Africa.

On completion of this aspect of the exercise, the three ships will proceed to La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean to take part in a multi-national Search and Rescue and Pollution Control exercise with three ships of the French Navy, which will be held between 20 October and 6 November 2006.

Invitations have been sent to various African countries to send observers on the exercises in order to improve the competence of their personnel and to improve regional integration, says the SAN.

During the visits to the ports, briefings and lectures will be held onboard SAS Protea for military officers of the respective countries. Various social development projects will also be conducted and social events held.