defenceWeb yesterday attended the graduation parade of this year’s Military Skills Development System recruits at the Naval Gymnasium at SAS Saldanha as a guest of the Chief of the Navy.
After six months of basic naval training, the recruits are now seamen and off for another few months worth training in their preferred mustering.
Yesterday was a day of impressive displays by the newly minted seamen of both genders and great joy as the youngsters – many away from home for the first time, – reunited with parents and family.
The proceedings commenced with the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Johannes Refiloe Mudimu inspecting a guard of honour. This was followed by the admiral and parents viewing a series of displays, starting with a choir performance, followed by a mast display, PT demonstration, a gun run – a highlight, the SA Navy Band, precision drill and a retreat ceremony. After a short break it was time for the parade proper.
Getting ready for the big day: Sailors addingthe final touches to their uniform.
Always in a hurry: a detachment returns to barracks at the double after running an errant.
One of the sailors’ barracks: home for six months.
The formalities start, Chief of the SAN, V Adm Mudimu, inspects his Guard of Honour
“Manning the mast”: An old tradition
“Manning the mast: Pyrotechnics add to the display
Synchronised exercise to a music beat: Not as easy as it looks
The “gun run”: Part of the gun crw “foofy-slide” across a make-belief river
The “gun run”: Manhandling the 450kg barrel of a Boer War era 12-pounder (76mm) field gun. Regretably some photographers spoiled the view for both spectators and other ”happy snappers” by standing on the near side. Had they stood on the far side, they would have had the shots without causing undue aggravation.
The Armstrong reassembled.
The breech close up. This is still a working gun.
As you can see… (Firing a blank round).
The SA Navy Band leadsthe parade
Lt Beaunoir leads the young sailors past the reviewingstand.
Seaman Andrew Roth, 22, from Ben Kamma, Port Elizabeth, the best academic sailor on course with Seaman Jacqueline Oliphant, 19, from Knysna, winner of the Admiral Mudimu Floating Trophy for Leadership. The lady has opted to join the Maritime Reaction Squadron while Sea Roth will be joining the Military Police.
Journalists in a light mood. The elegant Nawhal Kara of The Sowetan in in conversation with Hopewell Radebe, Diplomatic Editor atthe Business Day with Bua News’ Edwin Tshivhidzo and Commander Michael Bologo, executive officer, SAS Saldanha.
