KENYA NAVY JUNIOR OFFICERS SEA TRAINING COMES TO AN END

The Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier Lawrence Gituma, presided over the reception of Exercise Jitegemee XXII sea training crew at the Kenya Navy Fleet at Mkunguni Jetty on 04 May 2021.

The crew, made up of Junior Officers Under Training (JOUTS) and sailors, have successfully completed the one-month sea training whose mission was to adequately equip the trainees with practical sea experience, knowledge and skills to enable them handle ships’ operations competently and conduct maritime operations effectively.

It also presented opportunities of flag showing and conducting diplomatic visits to the visited ports.

In his address, the Deputy Commander thanked the Kenyan Government and the Chief of Defence Forces for availing resources that enabled the training cruise to be a success

“The country commits immense resources towards our training and human resource development. It is upon everyone to ensure that commensurate returns are realized. Commitment, loyalty and dedication must be beyond doubt. It is the responsibility of Commanders at different levels to ensure that Service Personnel are trained continuously so as to enhance our capability. The best form of welfare for the troops is fast rate training therefore, optimal utilization and proper care of equipment must be ensured,” explained Brig Gituma.

He also thanked the families who turned up to receive their family members for their resilience and unwavering support to the sailors during their long and short deployments, training operations and other Service engagements.

The Kenya Navy Base Commander, Brigadier Thomas Ng’ang’a commended the JOUTS and the sailors for their dedication to duty and urged them to remain focused on the engagements ahead.

“Apart from the mentorship from your trainers, personal effort and devotion is needed to make knowledgeable and good Officers. With the many evolutions taken during the voyage, I have no doubt on the skills acquired pushing you on matters concerning seamanship,” said the Base Commander.

Second Lieutenant Antony Maina, a JOUT, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to sail which has enabled him acquire skills to work at the ship’s bridge, control ship manoeuvers, ensure safe passage and navigation of ships at sea, managing the bridge staff and ship routines while on watch.

“I have had an overhaul of experience in Astro-navigation, coastal navigation, various emergency drills while underway which include antipiracy, fire-fighting, towing and gunnery exercise among others. The skills acquired will be of great help to me when carrying out ships’ operations,” said Second Lieutenant Maina

This year’s sea cruise was an important indicator of the resilience in the maintenance of the cruise mission irrespective of the challenges brought by the Covid -19 pandemic. The JOUTS and service personnel took advantage of the availed opportunity to sail and showcase their capabilities, professionalism and initiative with commitment during the training cruise.