THE NS Elephant, which left on 24 August from Walvis Bay on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the Federative Republic of Brazil, is expected to arrive back in Namibia in early October.
The crew sailed from Walvis Bay’s naval base under captain Simon Kombada to Rio de Janeiro.
About 120 male and female military personnel, support personnel and military observers are on board.
The current operations officer at the Namibian Navy’s headquarters at Walvis Bay, commander Clemens T Kashuupulwa, says this is a great opportunity to cement relationships between the two countries.
“Furthermore, the Brazilian Navy assisted in the establishment of the Namibia Navy, and there are a number of existing cooperation agreements between the two countries, including the Naval Cooperation Agreement, signed in 1994.
“As the vessel sailed off, everyone was excited and had high morale. The majority has never sailed across the Atlantic Ocean or to Brazil.
“There were a few challenges, such as seasickness. One requires both physical and mental strength for the not-so-friendly environment on board the ship. But to many it was a normal working day as they are used to long voyages during routine patrols and other missions within the Namibian exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Overall, it is the opportunity of a lifetime for many on board,” he says.
The distance travelled was approximately 3 200 nautical miles, which is equivalent to 6 000km, and it took the ship 10 days to reach its destination.
The aim of the voyage was to honour the invitation extended to the Namibian government, in particular the Namibian Navy, to participate in the multinational maritime exercise codenamed Unitas LXIII.
The excercise coincided with the 200-year commemoration of Brazil’s independence.
Brazil is hosting this year’s event in conjunction with the anniversary of the navy’s founding.
The event started on 10 September and will carry on until 24 September.
‘Unitas’, which is Latin for ‘unity’, was conceived in 1959, and has taken place annually since it was first conducted in 1960.
The exercise will include 20 participating nations and19 ships.
In addition to Brazil, Unitas LXIII will bring together 19 nations from across Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa to train forces in joint maritime combat operations, marine pollution and maritime security aspects, like piracy, the trafficking of people and illicit goods, and illegal unreported and unregulated fishing.
This will enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability.
The exercise will help develop and sustain relationships between maritime partners and achieve common goals.
It guarantees freedom of navigation to enhance trade between the countries, and also fosters military-to-military exchanges, cooperation and understanding between the participating nations.
The exercise will help improve the professionalism and operational readiness of the Namibia Navy.
Participating nations include Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.
