Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has announced a two-day celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the Namibian Navy, set to take place from 10 to 11 October at Walvis Bay.
The celebration today will again remind the nation of the navy’s mandate to continuously safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and contribute to regional stability.
Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, spokesperson of the ministry, extended an invitation to the public, encouraging attendance at the various events planned to showcase the navy’s capabilities.
He indicated that the festivities will commence with a street procession starting at JC Harris Park on 16th Road and moving along Sam Nujoma Avenue before concluding at Omega Service Station on 15th Road.
Shilumbu added that the public will also have the opportunity to visit the Naval Base Captain P.N. Sacharia for a viewing of Navy vessels and other static equipment displays, offering a rare glimpse into the operations and assets of the Namibian Navy.
“The highlight of the celebrations will occur on the 11th of October, with a formal parade officiated by the Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Alweendo Paulus Amungulu, at the Naval Base,” he said.
He added that this parade will honour the navy’s two decades of service and reflect on its commitment to safeguarding Namibia’s coastline and maritime resources.
Amungulu will address the attendees, focusing on the proud history and future aspirations of the Namibian Navy.
The Namibian Navy, a component of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), was formally established in 2004, though its roots trace back to an agreement on naval cooperation between Namibia and Brazil in 1994.
Initially, the navy’s development was slow, but with extensive training and support from Brazil and other allies, the maritime wing has grown into a competent force.
One of the first milestones came with the integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994, a strategic development that provided Namibia with greater control over its maritime affairs.
Brazil played a key role in training Namibian naval officers and providing equipment, including patrol boats, which significantly enhanced the navy’s capacity to conduct maritime patrols, search and rescue operations, and support fisheries protection.
Over the years, the navy has expanded its fleet, which now includes logistics support vessels like the flagship Elephant and a variety of patrol boats.
The navy also plays a key role in combating illegal activities such as smuggling and unregulated fishing, and it works closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Its mandate extends beyond peacetime operations, with a focus on protecting the country’s offshore oil, gas, and diamond resources, which are vital to the nation’s economy.
Shilumbu indicated that the public events serve as an opportunity for the public to reflect on the importance of maritime security and the role of the Navy in protecting national interests.
The celebrations not only honour the past but also look to the future, as the country continues to develop its naval capabilities with the aim of ensuring a secure and prosperous maritime environment.
Shilumbu encouraged the public to participate in these events, highlighting the navy’s achievements and the dedicated service of its personnel.
