The Namibian Navy marked 22 years of service on 7 October, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the country’s territorial waters, maritime resources and national interests.
The anniversary commemorates the commissioning of the Navy as a fully fledged naval service on 7 October 2004, following its development from the Namibian Defence Force’s Maritime Wing established in 1998. Navy Commander Rear Admiral Sacheus Randy !Gonteb reflected on the service’s progress in personnel development, infrastructure, operational capabilities and the acquisition of vessels, boats, vehicles and other essential equipment.
He emphasised that a capable Navy depends not only on acquiring equipment but also on maintaining it properly and ensuring that personnel are adequately trained to operate effectively at sea. “Training and personnel development are essential to maintaining an effective and capable naval force,” !Gonteb said. He highlighted the training of officers, sailors and marines in areas including navigation, seamanship, engineering, logistics, communications, diving and maritime law enforcement, through both local and international programmes. Maritime security remains central to the Navy’s mandate, particularly as Namibia faces threats such as illegal fishing, piracy, drug and human trafficking, smuggling, environmental pollution and cyberattacks targeting critical maritime infrastructure. !Gonteb stressed the need to strengthen maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, information sharing and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies and regional partners to respond effectively to these challenges. The Navy Commander also paid tribute to the former commanders and personnel who helped establish and develop the service despite resource constraints.
Among those recognised were the late Captain (Navy) Phestus Nopoudju Sacharia, the first commander of the Maritime Wing, and retired Rear Admirals Peter Hafeni Vilho, Sinsy Bamba Nghipandua and Alweendo Paulus Amungulu. He further acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Namibia and Brazil, expressing appreciation to the Brazilian Navy and its advisory missions, BRAZMAN and BRAZMATT, for their continued technical assistance, professional guidance and contributions to training and capability development.
The origins of the Namibian Navy date back to the period following the integration of Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994, when plans to establish a dedicated naval service began taking shape. Under a naval cooperation agreement between Namibia and Brazil, the first group of Namibian officers travelled to Brazil for training in 1994. They returned in 1998 and established the Maritime Wing on 11 September that year under the leadership of Sacharia.
The establishment of the Maritime Wing laid the foundation for the Navy’s formal commissioning six years later.!Gonteb called on officers, sailors, marines and civilian personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline and operational readiness while serving the people of Namibia with honour.
By Rudi Bowe
