Once upon a time in the US we would have done the happy dance when our Navy achieved success. Not so much anymore. Soldiers, sailors, and airmen are no longer the toast of the coast, at least on the left coast.
The South African Navy homepage is focused on the exercises though, and it appears the NATO mission to South Africa is getting the attention NATO was hoping for. While NATO probably didn't intend for the SA submarine to be so successful, if it was intended it has proven to be marketing genius. SA naval success makes it more likely SA will be open to future exercises, and in a psychological way has the side effect of disarming public concerns. Nice.
From the official navy site, Day2 (link below):
The South African media, and indeed the public at large, are celebrating the fact that the SA Navy has proven to be equal - and in some instances superior - to some of the best Navy vessels afloat. The new vessels acquired by the South African government are proving their worth and the SA Navy are using them to reaffirm its ability to effectively protect South Africa’s maritime interests off the Cape of Storms.
The significance of this for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the SAN in particular is profound. The force-multiplying effect of a submarine was clearly demonstrated during this exercise. This proves that the area off Cape Point is an ideal submarine hunting area - and our submarines crews are good hunters indeed!
For more photos and daily updates, check out the homepage. This is what has been produced so far.Day one of exercise AMAZOLO
Day two of exercise AMAZOLO
Submarine crew makes a splash ashore as well
NATO Commander Visits Navy Office
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