!Gonteb appointed new navy commander

Rear admiral Sacheus !Gonteb was appointed as the new navy commander at the Walvis Bay naval base on Monday.

!Gonteb, whose role is effective from 23 December, has replaced outgoing rear admiral (retired) Alweendo Amungulu.

Amungulu served as navy commander for five years.

During the change of command parade, defence force commander and air marshall Martin Pinehas thanked Amungulu for his service to the navy, saying he leaves behind a much stronger navy.

“A navy that is stronger, more capable and ready to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.

Pinehas welcomed !Gonteb as the new navy commander, expressing his ability to fully execute his new responsibility

“Rear admiral !Gonteb brings extensive experience and a vision to strengthen Namibia’s maritime security and advance the navy’s operational excellence,” he said.

During his acceptance speech, !Gonteb pledged to improve the Navi’s preparedness and said he will foster a culture of continued improvement.

“I will embrace innovation, adopt new technologies and ensure that our sailors are equipped with the training and resources they need to succeed,” he said.