SAS Drakensberg in Germany to escort home second submarine

Mar 22, 2007
Author: P&S

SAS DRAKENSBERG, the combat support ship of the South African Navy which is currently in European waters. Picture taken in Simon’s Town by Terry Hutson

SAS DRAKENSBERG, the South African Navy combat support ship has held final farewell ceremonies in Emden prior to escorting home the navy’s latest new ship, the submarine S102.

The support ship arrived in the German port on 7 March after a voyage from Simon’s Town that included courtesy visits to Walvis Bay, Luanda and a cargo call at Brest in France. While in Emden she has been berthed opposite S102 and S103.

S102 was officially handed over to the South African Navy on 6 November 2006 since when she has been undergoing sea trials with her new crew ahead of the long journey home. The Officer Commanding the submarine is Cdr Roland Shortt.

These sea inspection trials were completed on 24 February.

SAS Drakensberg, which is under the command of Capt Charl Coetzee, also accompanied home the first submarine, S101 which was named SAS MANTHITISI on arrival.

The two ships sailed from Emden last Friday, 16 March bound for Rota in Spain after which they head south towards Simon’s Town.