Armed Forces Day Richards Bay 2023

Richards bay in the northern part KwaZulu-Natal, was this years host city to welcome the South African National Defence as part of armed forces day. This saw all arms of service descend into the coastal town.

This including the South African Army, South African Navy, South African Air Force and the South African Military Health Service.

Armed Forces day is celebrated to remember the sinking of the SAS Mendi which sunk in the English channel in 1917, which saw a number of South Africans perishing in the incident. On 21 February 1917 a large cargo steamship, Darro, collided with her in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight. Mendi sank, killing 646 people, mostly black South African troops, as well as white Southern African officers and NCOs, and crew.

Armed Forces day in Richards Bay got to show the citizens of South Africa their National Defence Force. This saw a fan park, where they were able to interact with service men and women and see a number of static displays. It was also and opportunity for the youth to choose a career with the recruitment drive that was also on offer. A fun run was also included the public to take part in.

The arena display was also a favorite with the Navy drill squad. The K9 unit, a capability demonstration, including a bridge build, Motorcycle track demonstration, a skydive drop from a 44 Squadron Casa 212-300 was just to name a few!
Air displays included a 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 and the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team.

Unfortunately with the recent rain downpour around the country including KZN. The capability demonstration on Naval Island located in the harbour of Richards Bay could not take place.

However the Night shoot both the public day and invited guested only event at alkantstrand beach did take place. Making its public live firing debut the Denel Land Systems Badger. A number of other armored vehicles took part including the Ratel,127mm Bateleur and more.

An air display by the Hawk Mk120 flown by Major Rehan “Kaine” Venter. A 16 Squadron Rooivalk Helicopter display was also presented by Raccoon.

***85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120 flown by Rehan “Kaine” Venter***

***16 Squadron Rooivalk Attack Helicopter flown by Raccoon***

The parade took place on the 21st February. Where president Cyril Ramaphosa attended the historical event. Who also handed over a dozen medals during the proceedings.

As usual the SANDF put on a great parade including matching coloums, mechanised columns and a flypast.
The flypast included a flags flown by three Agusta A109LUHs at the beginning of the parade and twenty one gun salute.

A mass helicopter fly-past including four Agusta A109LUHs, a Rooivalk and Oryx Helicopter.

The Silver Falcons Aerobatic team who also gave a mini flat display at the end of the fly pasts.

And finally the combat formation making up of three Hawk Mk120s from 85 Combat Flying School and two 2 Squadron JAS39C Gripens. Bringing the sound of freedom to the streets of Richards Bay.

***Combat Formation- Hawk MK120s & 2 Squadron Gripen JAS39C***

The reasoning to these events are not just to show the defence force off but comes as a deployment and training to all arms of service. Next years armed forces day will take place in Gauteng.