The South African Navy sailed for Exercise Red Lion 2015 from Monday, 10 August 2015 to Friday, 21 August 2015 which took place in the False Bay area.
EXERCISE RED LION takes place every two years and prepares the South African Navy to undertake missions as and when tasked by Joint Operations Headquarters. EXERCISE RED LION consists of the South African Navy’s own forces in order to test the maritime skills and tactics between naval ships and shore units.
During the first sea phase, the TG conducted various evolutions ranging from Air Defense Exercises, Helicopter Operations and Officer of the Watch manoeuvers. The HMS LANCASTER and RFA GOLD ROVER briefly joined the TG at sea for the Passing Exercise before proceeding alongside Simon’s Town harbour. HMS LANCASTER and RFA GOLD ROVER is here for an informal visit and maintenance period and will be alongside in Simon’s Town until 14 September 2015 and in Cape Town from 23 to 28 September 2015.
The last five days of the exercise were more intense as the TG conducted Sea Patrol exercises, Replenishment At Sea approaches, vertical hoisting of personnel with a helicopter, Personnel Transfer Exercises and boarding exercises by the Maritime Reaction Squadron.
Image: SA Navy