Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Navy proudly commemorated 20 years since its inception its long-standing ally, the Brazilian Navy.
In a congratulatory message, the Brazilian Navy expressed its pride in celebrating this important date with one of its “sister navies” in Africa.
The Brazilian Navy also pointed to the significance of this year, as it also marks 30 years of the Brazil-Namibia Naval Cooperation Agreement, an unprecedented partnership that continues to strengthen ties between the two Atlantic navies.
The celebrations kicked off on Thursday morning with a street procession through Walvis Bay.
Led by the Namibian Navy Band, Marines and sailors marched proudly, showcasing their discipline and skills, while parading mobile naval equipment and weaponry for the public.
The procession was a fitting prelude to the formal events marking the Navy’s two decades of service to the nation.
Established on September 6, 2004, the Namibian Navy has grown from modest beginnings into a crucial pillar of the nation’s defence system.
Before the navy’s formation, Namibia relied heavily on neighbouring South Africa for maritime defence and naval capabilities.
Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, the establishment of a national navy became a key component of the country’s broader efforts to build its defence forces.
Brazil has been instrumental in helping Namibia establish and develop its naval capabilities.
The Naval Cooperation Agreement, signed in 1994, laid the groundwork for Namibia’s maritime ambitions.
This agreement has enabled Namibia to benefit from extensive Brazilian naval training, technical support, and the acquisition of naval vessels.
The Brazilian Navy’s support culminated in the 2004 formation of a fully operational Namibian Navy, which plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s coastline, protecting its valuable maritime resources, and ensuring the security of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
A symbolic moment in the Brazil-Namibia naval relationship occurred in March 1994, when the Brazilian Frigate Niteroi became the first military vessel to enter Namibian waters after the return of Walvis Bay, Namibia’s primary port city.
This visit marked the official establishment of the Brazil-Namibia naval mission.
During this historic event, Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, visited the Niteroi, solidifying the foundation of future cooperation.
Over the years, the naval cooperation has expanded, with Brazil training nearly 90% of Namibia’s navy personnel.
These efforts include the establishment of Namibia’s Marine Corps in 2016, following the training of over 1 400 Namibian marines by Brazilian counterparts.
Additionally, Brazil has supplied Namibia with key naval vessels, such as the Brendan Simbwaye patrol vessel and two Marlim-class patrol boats.
In 2022, the Namibian flagship, the NS Elephant made history as the first Namibian ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean to participate in Brazil’s celebration of its 200th anniversary of independence.
The vessel also took part in the multilateral naval exercise Unitas LXIII, further strengthening Namibia’s presence on the international maritime stage.
Namibia and Brazil are both members of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (APCZ), a community of 24 countries dedicated to ensuring peaceful cooperation in the South Atlantic.
This community aims to keep the South Atlantic free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
The celebration of the Namibian Navy’s 20th anniversary will culminate today with a formal parade at the Naval Base Captain P.N. Sacharia, officiated by Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alweendo Paulus Amungulu.
The Navy Commander is set to reflect on two decades of dedicated service to Namibia’s maritime security.
