Naval base gets new commander
THE Naval Station Durban (NSD) on Salisbury Island held its change of command parade on Friday, 1 November, as Commander Celane Khumalo took up the reigns of leadership.
The previous officer commanding, Cdr Mgcuba died in a car crash on 31 May and the base has since been under the management of acting officer commanding, Lt Cdr Rachael Dulamo. Cdr Khumalo, who was born in KwaMashu, joined the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in 1996.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rear Admiral David Maningi said the Chief of the Navy, who appointed Cdr Khumalo, has put both the trust and the respect in him and the confidence he will execute his duties and responsibilities with due diligence.
The Salisbury Island was the home port for the SA Navy’s strike craft squadron and in 2002 it was downgraded to a station, “which meant that the foremost responsibility was now to support maritime operation in the east coast of Africa. This year, the station reached a major milestone, namely celebrating its 11th anniversary, and at the same time seeing its added responsibility of supporting the ships that are involved in anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique channel and up the east coast,” said Maningi.
In front of invited guests, Cdr Khumalo saluted his members as he accepted his post and promised to adhere to the strict code of conduct of the SA Navy, as the assembled navy officers went on parade.
See the images of the parade here.
The station is currently undergoing the process of being upgraded to a fully operational naval base. “It will be trying times for Cdr Khumalo as he battles with the day-to-day management of NSD while at the same time trying to incorporate the new developments that will be taking place. That said, I believe there are many envious officers in the SA Navy today, who would love to be standing here, keen to tackle the history-making challenges that have to be overcome.”
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
