Niëlu Terblanché
The Namibian Navy celebrated its 19th anniversary with a well-executed parade at the Naval Base Captain (Navy) P N Sacharia in Walvis Bay.
Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Paulus Amungulu, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the primary mission of the Namibian Navy: to defend the territorial integrity of Namibia by safeguarding its water bodies from illegal, unreported, and unregulated activities.
Admiral Amungulu stressed the importance of strategic thinking and collective effort with the available resources to fulfil the Navy’s mandate effectively. He urged the Navy to devise innovative approaches to meet their objectives.
Among the Navy’s key objectives is skill development and enhancement for its members. This year, the Naval Training School (NTS) conducted various courses, including Methods of Instruction, Basic Firefighting for all arms of the services, and the Basic Seamanship Course.
On a national level, the Namibian Navy collaborates with other ministries and agencies, providing personnel and equipment to aid civil authorities and civil power when required.
The Navy’s accomplishments extend to its active participation in harbour and coastal patrols within the Exclusive Economic Zone, spanning from the Kunene River mouth to the Orange River. In addition, the Navy conducted Operation Blue Ocean VII, which covered the area between Walvis Bay and Lüderitz and participated in the Maritime Exchange Orange Express, an Anti-Piracy Operation, alongside Nampol and De Beers Marine, along the southern border with South Africa in May 2023.
The Namibian Navy’s sporting prowess was also on display at this year’s Namibian Defence Force Annual Sports Games, hosted by the 26 Motorized Infantry Brigade in Oshakati. The Navy emerged as the overall winner with four Gold Medals. In June, the Navy successfully hosted the SADC Naval Pentathlon Games, adding to its list of achievements.
Navy Commander Amungulu emphasized that these accomplishments are possible when the Navy stands united for a common purpose, exhibits patriotism, and maintains discipline.
He emphasized the importance of unity, patriotism, and discipline within the Navy, stating, “A divided, unpatriotic, and ill-disciplined force shall never win, no matter how well-equipped it may be. We must therefore strive towards improving in these areas by implementing and respecting policies, rules, procedures, and regulations as prescribed in the Defence Act and MODO General Regulations relating to the NDF.”
The Namibian Navy was commissioned on October 7, 2004, following the integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994. Collaboration with Brazil led to the establishment of the Navy, with officers and seamen trained under a Naval Cooperation Agreement signed between Namibia and Brazil.
The first group of officers were sent to Brazil in 1994, and upon their return in 1998, they laid the foundation for what would become the Namibian Navy, then known as the NDF Maritime Wing, under the leadership of late Captain (Navy) Phestus Sacharia.
The Namibian Navy’s journey over the past 19 years is a testament to the dedication and commitment of its personnel, as well as its vital role in safeguarding Namibia’s maritime interests.
The anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the Navy’s role in protecting the nation’s waters and contributing to national security.
