South African Navy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African Navy |
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The flag of the South African Navy
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| Active | 1861 – present |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Type | Navy |
| Size | 6,104 (Active) 1,000 (Reserve) |
| Part of | South African National Defence Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Saldanha Bay, Simon's Town, Durban |
| Colors | Green and White |
| Commanders | |
| Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs | Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula |
| Chief of the Navy | Vice Admiral Refiloe Mudimu |
| Master at Arms of the Navy | Senior Chief Warrant Officer Pragasen Moodley |
| Notable commanders |
ADM Hugo Biermann |
The South African Navy is the part of the South African National Defence Force that protects the country's waters. Its main job is to keep South Africa safe from threats at sea.
The navy started a long time ago. In 1861, there were volunteer groups helping out. The official South African Naval Service (SANS) began on April 1, 1922. Later, it was called the South African Naval Forces (SANF). In 1951, it became the South African Navy, which is its name today. Also, the ships' names changed from HMSAS (His Majesty's South African Ship) to SAS (South African Ship) in 1952.
Contents
The South African Navy has several important roles. Its main goal is to defend South Africa from attacks coming from the sea. This includes protecting the country's coastline and its important harbours.
The navy also works to keep the sea lanes safe for ships. This helps trade and makes sure goods can move freely. They also help with search and rescue missions if ships or people are in trouble at sea. Sometimes, they work with other countries' navies to keep the oceans safe.
The South African Navy has about 6,104 active military members. These are the people who work full-time for the navy. There are also about 1,000 reserve members who can be called upon when needed.
The navy is split into two main parts: the Combat Fleet and the Support Fleet.
The Combat Fleet
The Combat Fleet is made up of ships and submarines designed for fighting and protecting. It includes:
- Five Valour-class frigates: These are large warships that can do many different jobs.
- Three Heroine-class submarines: These silent vessels can travel underwater for long distances.
- Three Warrior-class patrol vessels: These ships are used for patrolling and guarding the coast.
- Three T-class patrol vessels: More ships used for patrolling.
- Three River-class mine countermeasures vessels: These ships find and remove dangerous sea mines.
- Twenty-one Namacurra-class harbour patrol boats: Small boats used to patrol harbours and close to shore.
The Support Fleet
The Support Fleet helps the Combat Fleet do its job. It includes:
- One replenishment vessel: This ship carries fuel and supplies to other ships at sea.
- One Hecla-class survey vessel: This ship maps the ocean floor and collects information about the sea.
- Three tugboats: These powerful boats help move larger ships in and out of harbours.
Special Forces Unit
The navy also has a special unit called the Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS). These are highly trained soldiers who can handle special missions on land and at sea. They are trained like infantry and can respond quickly to different situations.
Images for kids
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SAS Immortelle, around 1935.
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SAS Isandlwana docked at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
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A view of Simon's Town and the naval base.
