17 January 2006
The South African Navyâs combat support ship SAS Drakensberg sailed from
Cape Town today en route for Germany to escort the Navyâs first Type 209
submarine, S101, home to the Republic of South Africa.
S101 is currently in Kiel preparing for the long voyage home, which
commences on 13 February. Following a stop-over in Rota in Spain between 22 and
25 February the long haul will begin with the estimated time of arrival in
South Africa currently being 22 March.
According to the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Refiloe Mudimu: âThe
submarine is a major force multiplier and a vital asset to our fleet. We are
looking forward to welcoming the submarine and her crew back home where they
will work up in local waters before commencing the operational duties that we
have planned for themâ.
He said that the arrival of S101 would signal the revitalisation of the SA
Navyâs submarine service that has been lacking since the withdrawal of the now
decommissioned DAPHNE Class submarines - the last of which was taken out of
service in November 2003.
The highly successful Type 209 submarine, currently in service in 13 navies
worldwide, is ideally suited for operations off the South African coastline. In
conclusion, Adm Mudimu said: âThis voyage will not only test the SA Navyâs
ability to operate submarines for such long distance deployments, but also our
ability to support them away from home base for extended periodsâ. S101 was
launched by struggle veteran Dr Ruth Mompati in Kiel, Germany, on the 15 June
2004. She was handed over to the SA Navy on 20 September 2005 and commissioned
under the command of Commander Gary Kretschmer in Kiel on 3 November last
year.
Enquiries:
Commander Brian Stockton
Tel: (012) 339 4347
Issued by: Department of Defence
17 January 2006
Source: Department of Defence (http://www.dod.mil.za/)
