The Naval Base Durban was alive with pomp and ceremony as the commissioning ceremony of the first of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels took place.
Named SAS King Sekhukhune 1 after Bapedi king, King Sekhukhune, the warship will now be taken into active service into the SA Navy and will be commanded by Commander Jabulani Donald Mashamba. Chief of the SA Navy, vice admiral, MS Hlongwane, welcomed guests, which included Bapedi queen, Queen Manyaku Thulare.
The vessel was built by Damen Shipyards in Cape Town. The vessel will be replacing the previous Warrior Class Strike Craft. Therefore, it was befitting to name the vessel after South African warriors that have made significant impact on the historic landscape of South Africa. The crew of SAS King Sekhukhune 1 received intensive training on the operation of the vessel. The Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol vessel will strengthen the inshore patrolling capability of the SA Navy.
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