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→South African Navy: Correction to the first time that the SAS Tafelberg accompanied the Cape to Rio yacht race. It was 1971, not 1973. I was on the Tafelberg at this time.
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Use South African English|date=August 2012}}
{{Use South African English|date=August 2012}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
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|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country=Denmark
|Ship country=Denmark
|Ship flag=[[File:Flag of Denmark.svg|60px|Denmark]]
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Denmark}}
|Ship name= MT ''Annam''
|Ship namesake=
|Ship namesake=
|Ship class=[[Tanker (ship)|Tanker]]
|Ship class=[[Tanker (ship)|Tanker]]
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|Ship laid down=
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=20 June 1958
|Ship launched=20 June 1958
|Ship christened=''Annam''
|Ship christened=
|Ship commissioned=19 August 1967<ref name="Wessels"/>
|Ship commissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship in service=
|Ship in service=
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|Ship country=South Africa
|Ship country=South Africa
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|South Africa|naval-1952}} {{shipboxflag|South Africa|naval-1981}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|South Africa|naval-1952}} {{shipboxflag|South Africa|naval-1981}}
⚫
|Ship renamed=SAS ''Tafelberg'' (1965)
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=yes
|Ship namesake=[[Table Mountain]]
|Ship namesake=[[Table Mountain]]
|Ship class=[[Replenishment oiler|Replenishment]]/[[Amphibious assault ship|Assault ship]]
|Ship ordered=
|Ship ordered=
|Ship builder=Dockyard, Durban
|Ship builder=Dockyard, Durban
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|Ship launched=
|Ship launched=
|Ship purchased=1965
|Ship purchased=1965
|Ship commissioned=
|Ship commissioned=19 August 1967<ref name="Wessels"/>
|Ship decommissioned=1993
|Ship decommissioned=1993
|Ship decommissioned=1967
|Ship operator=[[South African Navy]]
|Ship operator=[[South African Navy]]
|Ship in service=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship out of service=
|ship identification=A23
⚫
|Ship renamed=SAS ''Tafelberg'' A23 (1965)
|Ship reclassified=*[[Replenishment oiler|Replenishment]] ship (1967)
|Ship reclassified=*[[Replenishment oiler|Replenishment]] ship (1967)
*[[Amphibious assault ship|Assault ship]] (1984)
*[[Amphibious assault ship|Assault ship]] (1984)
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|Ship struck=
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=[[Simonstown]]
|Ship homeport=[[Naval Base Simon's Town|Simonstown]]
|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname='Mama Tafies' or 'Tafies'
|Ship nickname='Mama Tafies' or 'Tafies'
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|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship displacement=18,980 tons
|Ship displacement=18,980 tons
|Ship length=170.5 m
|Ship length={{convert|170.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam=21.9 m
|Ship beam={{convert|21.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught=8.3 m
|Ship draught={{convert|8.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=10000 HP 8-cylinder turbo-charged diesel
|Ship propulsion={{convert|10000|hp|abbr=on}} 8-cylinder turbo-charged diesel
|Ship speed=16 [[knot (unit)|knots]]
|Ship speed={{convert|16|kn}}
|Ship range=
|Ship range=
|Ship endurance=
|Ship endurance=
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|Ship sensors=
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=4 × [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon]]s; 6 × 12,7 mm guns; 2 x 40/60 bofors guns
|Ship armament=* 4 × [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon]]s
* 6 × 12,7 mm guns
* 2 x 40/60 bofors guns
|Ship armour=
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship armor=
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|}
|}


'''SAS ''Tafelberg''''' was a [[replenishment oiler|replenishment ship]] (AOR) of the [[South African Navy]]. The ship started life as the Danish [[tanker (ship)|tanker]] '''''Annam''''' before undergoing various conversions into her final configuration.
'''SAS ''Tafelberg''''' was a [[replenishment oiler|replenishment ship]] (AOR) of the [[South African Navy]]. The ship started life as the Danish [[tanker (ship)|tanker]] '''''Annam''''' before undergoing various conversions into her final configuration.


==Early history==
==Early history==
SAS ''Tafelberg'' started life in 1958 as the Danish tanker ''Annam'' in the service of the [[East Asiatic Company]] in [[Copenhagen]]. She was one of four similar ships commissioned at the time, and was named by the local [[Thailand|Thai]] ambassador's daughter Vasna Virajakar. [[British Petroleum]] leased her for 5 years.
SAS ''Tafelberg'' started life in 1958 as the Danish tanker ''Annam''<ref name="DuToit">{{cite book | title=South Africa's Fighting Ships Past and Present | publisher=Ashanti Publishing | author=Du Toit, A | authorlink=Allan du Toit | year=1992 | isbn=1-874800-50-2}}</ref>{{rp|244}} in the service of the [[East Asiatic Company]] in [[Copenhagen]]. She was one of four similar ships commissioned at the time, and was named by the local [[Thailand|Thai]] ambassador's daughter Vasna Virajakar. [[BP Shipping]] leased her for five years.


==South African Navy==
==South African Navy==
She was purchased in 1965 by [[Safmarine]] before being reconfigured in Durban as the [[Replenishment oiler|replenishment ship]] SAS ''Tafelberg'' and sold to the [[South African Navy]] (SAN).<ref name="SAN">{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/index.htm|title=History of the SA Navy|publisher=[[South African Navy]]|date=22 November 2007|accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref> At this time, she had five refuelling points, one astern and two solid stores transfer stations,.
She was purchased in 1965 by [[Safmarine]] before being reconfigured in Durban as the [[Replenishment oiler|replenishment ship]] SAS ''Tafelberg'' and sold to the [[South African Navy]] (SAN).<ref name="SAN">{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/index.htm|title=History of the SA Navy|publisher=[[South African Navy]]|date=22 November 2007|accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref> At this time, she had five refuelling points, one astern and two solid stores transfer stations.


In 1967, in the company of {{SAS|President Kruger|F150}} and {{SAS|President Steyn}}, she visited [[Argentina]], while in 1968 she visited Australia along with {{SAS|President Steyn}} and {{SAS|President Pretorius}}.<ref name="Wessels"/>
In 1967, in the company of {{SAS|President Kruger|F150|6}} and {{SAS|President Pretorius}}, she visited [[Argentina]], while in 1968 she visited Australia along with {{SAS|President Steyn}} and ''President Pretorius''.<ref name="Wessels"/>


In 1971 SAS ''Tafelberg'' acted as official guardship for the [[South Atlantic Race|Cape-to-Rio yacht race]]. Because of apartheid South Africa's political isolation at the time, the ship could not enter [[Rio de Janeiro]] and instead travelled up the River Plate to [[Buenos Aires]].
In 1971 ''Tafelberg'' acted as official guardship for the [[South Atlantic Race|Cape-to-Rio yacht race]]. Because of apartheid South Africa's political isolation at the time, the ship could not enter [[Rio de Janeiro]] and instead travelled up the River Plate to [[Buenos Aires]].


In November 1975 at the end of [[Operation Savannah (Angola)|Operation Savannah]], she provided logistical support to the {{SAS|President Kruger|F150}} and {{SAS|President Steyn}} during the [[Operation Savannah (Angola)#Ambrizete Incident|Ambrizete Incident]], and also subsequently went to [[Zaire]] to retrieve the [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder|guns]] that the army left behind in Angola.
In November 1975 at the end of [[Operation Savannah (Angola)|Operation Savannah]], she provided logistical support to ''President Kruger'' and ''President Steyn'' during the [[Operation Savannah (Angola)#Ambrizete Incident|Ambrizete Incident]], and also subsequently went to [[Zaire]] to retrieve the [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder|guns]] that the army left behind in Angola.


In 1980, ''Tafelberg'' had a small flight deck that was fitted to the stern of the ship behind the funnel deck for use of the [[Westland Wasp|Wasp]] helicopter, but had no hangar or refueling points and was used solely for transporting persons from ''Tafelberg'' to the frigates and vice versa
In 1980, ''Tafelberg'' had a small flight deck that was fitted to the stern of the ship behind the funnel deck for use of the [[Westland Wasp|Wasp]] helicopter, but had no hangar or refueling points and was used solely for transporting persons from ''Tafelberg'' to the frigates and vice versa


SAS ''Tafelberg'' was involved in a collision in the South Atlantic with the [[Rothesay class frigate|frigate]] {{SAS|President Kruger|F150}} on 18 February 1982, during which the ''President Kruger'' sank with the of loss 16 lives.<ref>{{cite book|title=Three Frigates - The South African Navy comes of Age|publisher=Just Done Productions Publishing|first1=Rear Admiral Chris|last1=Bennett|date=June 2006|isbn=1-920169-02-4}}</ref>
''Tafelberg'' was involved in a collision in the South Atlantic with the [[Rothesay-class frigate|frigate]] [[SAS President Kruger|SAS ''President Kruger'']] on 18 February 1982, during which ''President Kruger'' sank with the loss of 16 lives.<ref>{{cite book|title=Three Frigates – The South African Navy comes of Age|publisher=Just Done Productions Publishing|first1=Rear Admiral Chris|last1=Bennett|date=June 2006|isbn=1-920169-02-4}}</ref>


In 1983-1984, ''Tafelberg'' underwent significant changes. The rear refuelling points were removed and an additional landing deck with two hangars was fitted aft. The vessel was configured to carry two [[Aérospatiale Puma|Puma]] or [[Atlas Oryx]] helicopters, although the larger [[Super Frelon]] helicopter was also used until they were removed from service. Helicopter operations were particularly risky, for these helicopters, not being designed for marine use, were unable to apply negative [[Blade pitch|pitch]] to their [[helicopter rotor|main rotors]], therefore making them vulnerable to rolling off the flight deck in heavy seas.
In 1983–1984, ''Tafelberg'' underwent significant changes. The rear refuelling points were removed and an additional landing deck with two hangars was fitted aft. The vessel was configured to carry two [[Aérospatiale Puma|Puma]] or [[Atlas Oryx]] helicopters, although the larger [[Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon|Super Frelon]] helicopter was also used until they were removed from service. Helicopter operations were particularly risky, for these helicopters, not being designed for marine use, were unable to apply negative [[Blade pitch|pitch]] to their [[helicopter rotor|main rotors]], therefore making them vulnerable to rolling off the flight deck in heavy seas.


The 1983 changes also included accommodation and [[mess]]ing facilities for 300 marines under the flight deck, a hospital and [[davit]]s for six Delta fast [[landing craft]].<ref name="Wessels">{{cite journal|url=http://search.sabinet.co.za/images/ejour/contemp/contemp_v31_n3_a15.pdf|title=The South African Navy During The Years of Conflict In Southern Africa, 1966-1989|date=20 April 2007|first1=Andre|last1=Wessels|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher=[http://sabinet.co.za Sabinet Online Ltd]|format=PDF}}</ref> Each of these craft was able to carry and put ashore a short wheel-base [[Land Rover]] and an infantry section with all equipment.
The 1983 changes also included accommodation and [[mess]]ing facilities for 300 marines under the flight deck, a hospital and [[davit]]s for six Delta fast [[landing craft]].<ref name="Wessels">{{cite journal|url=http://search.sabinet.co.za/images/ejour/contemp/contemp_v31_n3_a15.pdf|title=The South African Navy During The Years of Conflict In Southern Africa, 1966–1989|date=20 April 2007|first1=Andre|last1=Wessels|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher= Sabinet Online Ltd}}</ref> Each of these craft was able to carry and put ashore a short wheel-base [[Land Rover]] and an infantry section with all equipment.


In 1987, she went to [[Mauritius]] along with the [[Warrior class strike craft]] {{SAS|Jim Fouche}} to assist in the recovery of debris and bodies following the [[South African Airways Flight 295|crash of the ''Helderberg'']] [[Boeing 747]].
In 1987, she went to [[Mauritius]] along with the [[Warrior-class strike craft]] {{SAS|Jim Fouche}} to assist in the recovery of debris and bodies following the [[South African Airways Flight 295|crash of the ''Helderberg'']] [[Boeing 747]].


She participated in numerous exercises and operations during her lifespan, She earning her the affectionate nickname "''Mama Tafies''" ([[Afrikaans]] for "Mother Tafies") on her "maiden" voyage from Durban to Simonstown.
She participated in numerous exercises and operations during her lifespan, earning her the affectionate nickname "''Mama Tafies''" ([[Afrikaans]] for "Mother Tafies") on her maiden voyage from Durban to Simonstown.


SAS ''Tafelberg'' was sold for scrap in 1993. {{SAS|Outeniqua}}, and later {{SAS|Drakensberg|A301}}, took over her role in the fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/index.htm|title=History of the SA Navy|publisher=[[South African Navy]]}}</ref>
SAS ''Tafelberg'' was sold for scrap in 1993. {{SAS|Outeniqua}}, and later {{SAS|Drakensberg|A301|6}}, took over her role in the fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/index.htm|title=History of the SA Navy|publisher=[[South African Navy]]}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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* [http://www.faergejournalen.dk/handelsskibe/eac_lines/annam_1958.htm East Asiac Lines: Annam] (Danish Site)
* [http://www.faergejournalen.dk/handelsskibe/eac_lines/annam_1958.htm East Asiac Lines: Annam] (Danish Site)
* [http://www.cargo-vessels-international.at/ANNAM.pdf Annam]
* [http://www.cargo-vessels-international.at/ANNAM.pdf Annam]
⚫
* [http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/eac/eac1950-1959.htm Ships of the East Asiatic Line 1950–1959]
* [http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6093&d=1145396098 1982 Collision Damage Photo]
⚫
* [http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/eac/eac1950-1959.htm Ships of the East Asiatic Line 1950-1959]




{{DEFAULTSORT:Tafelberg}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tafelberg}}

Latest revision as of 00:51, 16 December 2023

History
Denmark
NameMT Annam
BuilderNakskov Skibsværft, Nakskov, Denmark
Yard number150
Launched20 June 1958
HomeportCopenhagen
FateSold to Safmarine in 1965
South Africa
RenamedSAS Tafelberg (1965)
NamesakeTable Mountain
OperatorSouth African Navy
BuilderDockyard, Durban
Commissioned19 August 1967[1]
Decommissioned1993
Reclassified
HomeportSimonstown
Nickname(s)'Mama Tafies' or 'Tafies'
FateScrapped in 1993
General characteristics
Displacement18,980 tons
Length170.5 m (559 ft 5 in)
Beam21.9 m (71 ft 10 in)
Draught8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
Propulsion10,000 hp (7,500 kW) 8-cylinder turbo-charged diesel
Speed16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried		6 Delta fast assault craft
Complement9 officers and 118 ratings
Armament
Aircraft carried2 × Atlas Oryx helicopters

SAS Tafelberg was a replenishment ship (AOR) of the South African Navy. The ship started life as the Danish tanker Annam before undergoing various conversions into her final configuration.

Early history

[edit]

SAS Tafelberg started life in 1958 as the Danish tanker Annam[2]: 244  in the service of the East Asiatic Company in Copenhagen. She was one of four similar ships commissioned at the time, and was named by the local Thai ambassador's daughter Vasna Virajakar. BP Shipping leased her for five years.

South African Navy

[edit]

She was purchased in 1965 by Safmarine before being reconfigured in Durban as the replenishment ship SAS Tafelberg and sold to the South African Navy (SAN).[3] At this time, she had five refuelling points, one astern and two solid stores transfer stations.

In 1967, in the company of SAS President Kruger and SAS President Pretorius, she visited Argentina, while in 1968 she visited Australia along with SAS President Steyn and President Pretorius.[1]

In 1971 Tafelberg acted as official guardship for the Cape-to-Rio yacht race. Because of apartheid South Africa's political isolation at the time, the ship could not enter Rio de Janeiro and instead travelled up the River Plate to Buenos Aires.

In November 1975 at the end of Operation Savannah, she provided logistical support to President Kruger and President Steyn during the Ambrizete Incident, and also subsequently went to Zaire to retrieve the guns that the army left behind in Angola.

In 1980, Tafelberg had a small flight deck that was fitted to the stern of the ship behind the funnel deck for use of the Wasp helicopter, but had no hangar or refueling points and was used solely for transporting persons from Tafelberg to the frigates and vice versa

Tafelberg was involved in a collision in the South Atlantic with the frigate SAS President Kruger on 18 February 1982, during which President Kruger sank with the loss of 16 lives.[4]

In 1983–1984, Tafelberg underwent significant changes. The rear refuelling points were removed and an additional landing deck with two hangars was fitted aft. The vessel was configured to carry two Puma or Atlas Oryx helicopters, although the larger Super Frelon helicopter was also used until they were removed from service. Helicopter operations were particularly risky, for these helicopters, not being designed for marine use, were unable to apply negative pitch to their main rotors, therefore making them vulnerable to rolling off the flight deck in heavy seas.

The 1983 changes also included accommodation and messing facilities for 300 marines under the flight deck, a hospital and davits for six Delta fast landing craft.[1] Each of these craft was able to carry and put ashore a short wheel-base Land Rover and an infantry section with all equipment.

In 1987, she went to Mauritius along with the Warrior-class strike craft SAS Jim Fouche to assist in the recovery of debris and bodies following the crash of the Helderberg Boeing 747.

She participated in numerous exercises and operations during her lifespan, earning her the affectionate nickname "Mama Tafies" (Afrikaans for "Mother Tafies") on her maiden voyage from Durban to Simonstown.

SAS Tafelberg was sold for scrap in 1993. SAS Outeniqua, and later SAS Drakensberg, took over her role in the fleet.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Wessels, Andre (20 April 2007). "The South African Navy During The Years of Conflict In Southern Africa, 1966–1989" (PDF). Sabinet Online Ltd. Retrieved 12 May 2008. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ Du Toit, A (1992). South Africa's Fighting Ships Past and Present. Ashanti Publishing. ISBN 1-874800-50-2.
  3. ^ "History of the SA Navy". South African Navy. 22 November 2007. Retrieved 22 June 2008.
  4. ^ Bennett, Rear Admiral Chris (June 2006). Three Frigates – The South African Navy comes of Age. Just Done Productions Publishing. ISBN 1-920169-02-4.
  5. ^ "History of the SA Navy". South African Navy.
[edit]
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