WALVIS BAY: President Hifikepunye Pohamba officially commissioned Namibia’s new multi-purpose logistics’ support vessel, the NS Elephant, and naval jetty here on Friday.

Speaking during the ceremony, Pohamba indicated that the acquisition of these strategic assets forms part of Namibia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national institutions.

Also on Friday, the naval base, situated north of the Kuisebmond beach at the harbour town, was officially renamed the Captain PN Sacharia Naval Base.

Leading the commissioning ceremony, Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Richard Kopano indicated that a name for the base was conceived in 2006, when it was first suggested that it be named after Namibia’s first Maritime Wing Commander, the late Captain (Navy) Phestus Nopoudjuu Sacharia.

The naming of the naval base was followed by the commissioning of the naval jetty, situated at the base.

Friday’s event also included the commissioning of the naval ship, the NS Elephant, which sailed into the Walvis Bay harbour on 13 August after a one-month-long voyage from China.