Rousing Farewell to Flag Office Fleet Admiral Bester

Feb 24, 2008
Author: David Erickson

by David Erickson (who also took the pictures)

Simon’s Town, 22 February 2008 - Last Friday was a milestone in South African naval history when the fleet bid farewell to the Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Bester.

An alongside Fleet Review took place at 10h00 hrs, Friday 22 February 2008. All the ships were manned, with the crew cheering the Admiral as he passed each vessel. The Admiral was aboard a small launch with white superstructure, his flag at the bow and the SA Naval Ensign at the stern. The Admiral’s launch preceded fast patrol launches which accompanied his review.



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The Admiral reviews SA Navy Valour Class Frigate F148, SAS Mendi




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Next, the Admiral reviews the oldest vessel in the fleet, the 1901 vintage Mooring Lighter, still in active service and manned by the berthing crews, giving a rousing “three cheers” with their caps in the air. The German Navy Frigate F220, Hamburg and the German Navy Transport vessel A1435, Westerwald are in the background together with two of the harbour tugs.




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The Admiral reviews the River Class Mine Hunter M1499, SAS Umkomaas, with harbour tug Umalusi in the foreground.




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The Admiral reviews Valour Class Frigate F145, SAS Amatola. In the left foreground is the Valour Class Frigate F146, SAS Isandlwana with F147, SAS Spioenkop lying astern. The German Navy Combat Support Ship A1411, FGS Berlin lies on the seaward side of the quay from Amatola. In the lower right are the catamaran hulled Inshore Patrol Boats P1552, SAS Tobie and P1553, SAS Tern.




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The Admiral reviews the South African Navy Hydrographic Survey Vessel A324, SAS Protea, with the German Navy Combat Support Ship A1411, FGS Berlin to the left in the photo.