Armed Forces Week off to flying start

Thousands of people came to view warships and a submarine docked at the Port Elizabeth harbour over the weekend. Picture: SANDF

Thousands of people came to view warships and a submarine docked at the Port Elizabeth harbour over the weekend. Picture: SANDF

Published Feb 17, 2016

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Port Elizabeth – A “mini war” has descended on Nelson Mandela Bay with the South African National Defence Force showing off their arms and fighter jets in public demonstrations which have kicked off a noisy but vibrant Armed Forces Week.

The Armed Forces Week build up got going when hundreds of people, including young school pupils, gathered along Kings Beach on Wednesday to view exhibitions and preparations ahead of the weekend activities.

Lieutenant Marumo Machete told African News Agency (ANA) that the point of Armed Forces Week was to bring the military to the people.

“People see the military and they don’t identify with it, we want people to mix with the military so that we can show our capabilities,” said Machete.

On Wednesday afternoon, the crowds were wowed by low-flying aircraft including a Gripen combat fighter plane, an attack helicopter and a C130 military transporter that dropped off flares.

The brief rehearsal was in preparation for a night shooting exercise which will take place on Thursday evening.

“We are going to have a flypast which will include three fighter jets (HAWKS) and a BK117 helicopter from the SA Airforce will also make an appearance. For the night shooting, we will showcase G6 and G5 cannons but we will not use live ammunition. Officers will also para-drop from the air into the ocean and swim towards ships,” said Machete.

Military fanatic, Reza Kahn from Malabar, said that he came to the viewings because this was really a first of its kind for Port Elizabeth.

“I was in the army before and I really want to see how they have progressed. The displays are one of the first in PE. There were military airshows in PE but nothing as big as this. It’s a big drawing card, we don’t see this often.

“I also think it’s an eye opener to see what our military is capable of. We were once regarded as the best light infantry on the globe, so it’s a good show to see what our military might is capable of,” said Kahn

The main event is the Armed Forces Parade on February 21 which will see Marine Drive temporarily closed. President Jacob Zuma and various ministers will watch a 40-minute display.

Fighter jets and helicopters will light up the sky, firing into the sea off Kings Beach.

Zuma is also expected to hand out medals to deserving SANDF members and take a salute. The parade will consist of about 1,000 SANDF members and over 100 vehicles and aircraft.

African News Agency

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