Publication: Dispatch Online Issued: Date: 1997-09-27 Reporter: Simpiwe Piliso Reporter:

SA Navy Chief Outlines Changes

 

Publication 

Dispatch Online
Date 1997-09-27

Reporter

Simpiwe Piliso

Web Link

www.dispatch.co.za

 

East London -- The South African Navy is experiencing the planning for a radical transformation of the whole South African National Defence Force, (SANDF) the chief of the navy, Vice-Admiral Robert Simpson-Anderson, said at a dinner celebrating the 75th anniversary of SAS Port Rex here on Friday night.

Vice-Admiral Simpson-Anderson said: "The planners have taken the clean sheet approach -- they have examined the end results expected from us and are planning firstly the processes and then the structures that are needed to achieve these results."

The navy had already begun to feel some of the results of the transformation process. It had become clear that the SANDF could not continue to exist in its present form and that the full-time component of the force must be reduced. The voluntary severance package scheme which forms part of the process of right-sizing would have to be supplemented by other methods.

He said it was becoming clear that the reserve component of the force is becoming more and more important in the equation. He believed it would become more important and better supported and recognised than it had ever been.

Vice-Admiral Simpson-Anderson said much attention has been given to the recent decision by the government to approve the Force Design Structure proposed in the Defence Review.

"This exciting development will eventually mean new ships and submarines for us.

"I am convinced that we will soon be able to improve the service that we give in terms of our primary role of defending our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our secondary roles -- helping to protect our marine resources in our huge exclusive economic zone of a million square kilometres as well as ensuring the safety of the ships, seamen and pleasure seekers *1 who operate or play in our waters," he said.

He told the officers of SAS Port Rex: "You are the backbone that has kept the navy alive in this country since 1922. You are the people on whom the navy depends to bring itself up to the strength needed to continue performing its task in the professional manner it has done so throughout the years. You are the rescuers to whom many seafarers and others in trouble have turned, and continue to turn."

He recalled the "sterling work" done during the unit's search for the Rietbok and the successful Oceanos rescue, as well as The Loner and the Ocean Sailing IV rescues and the help given to many divers who have turned to Port Rex after accidents.

The commanding officer of SAS Port Rex, Captain Dave Forsythe, said the unit is proud that it is still alive in East London.

With acknowledgement to Simpiwe Piliso and Dispatch Online.


*1       Always the pleasure seekers.

It's always worth spending R200 billion over 30 years to rescue a few yachtsmen and divers after accidents with one's blue water strategic navy.