South African second submarine takes to the water

South Africa's second of three Type 209 submarines was launched in Emden in northern Germany on Wednesday. The boat was christened "S102".

Speaking during the ceremony, deputy defence minister Mluleki George said the naming and launching of any vessel happened only once in the lifetime of the vessel although it could be commissioned and re-commissioned a number of times during its lifespan.

"The ceremony of today represents but one of the milestones of which there will be many in the life of the vessel.

"She still has to be completely fitted out, trials and tests carried out, and some fine-tuning done before she can go to sea and commence with her first dive," George said in a speech.

"So, there is still much to be done before she is handed over to the South African Navy and commissioned under South African command and the South African flag before sailing under her own power home to the RSA."

Diving trials were successful
George said S102's sister, S101, was on track to commission later this year.

"Her diving trials were successful and, so far, all is going well.

"The last of the three boats, S103, is taking shape after the laying of her keel recently.

In terms of the project in general, I am happy to report that all seems to be progressing extremely well."

George also used the opportunity to set the record straight and discount speculations from some quarters with regard to the ability of the personnel of the SA Navy to operate the vessels.

"Uninformed and premature comments with regard to the method that will be used to deliver the submarines to our country were unfortunate.

Coming home under own power
"The ministry of defence encourages everyone who requires information to approach relevant officials in the department, in order to prevent sowing doubts and confusion in the public mind.

"I will take this opportunity to make it clear that all the submarines will be making their delivery voyages under their own power, with SA navy personnel on board, and under escort by one of the SA navy surface vessels.

"In the case of S101, it will probably be the combat support vessel, the SAS Drakensberg."

Source: www.news24.com