Seychelles holds first-ever naval fleet review |30 November 2015

Seychelles showcased its naval might through a first-ever naval fleet review held on Saturday off the coast of Beau Vallon.

Nine vessels of the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) – four patrol ships and five fast response boats –, along with two marine patrol aircraft, took part in this exercise which formed part of activities to mark this year’s Defence Forces Day.

Held each year since 1982, the Defence Forces Day is to commemorate the successful repulsion by the Seychelles defence forces of a mercenary invasion on November 25, 1981.

The naval fleet review, which is practiced by navies worldwide traditionally to showcase their naval strength and evolution of their naval force, was an opportunity for the Seychellois public to see what the navy is about, what it does and what it possesses in terms of assets.

Present at the event on Saturday were the President of the Republic of Seychelles James Michel, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), the chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, the SPDF chief of staff Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rosette, among other invited guests and defence forces members.

“This fleet review ceremony has never been done before in Seychelles and it is an important chapter in the history of the SCG and the SPDF in general,” said Lt Col. Rosette.

He added that such a display showcases the role of the SCG and the SPDF in the protection of the country’s citizens and its oceans.

“The dramatic display of the power and mobility of our naval forces proves that our military forces are strong,” Lt Col. Rosette said.

The event, which saw various displays or tactical formations by the patrol vessels and aircraft, also featured an exhibition onshore where those present could have a closer look at what military work really entails while the Indian Navy also took the opportunity to present to the SCG a 'fair sheet' featuring preliminary hydrographic data gathered by Indian Naval Ship INS Darshak.

The Indian Hydrographic Survey Ship is on a 31-day mission in Seychelles to collect hydrographic information that will be used to prepare navigational charts, which is expected to benefit the SCG and mariners in general. The mission is expected to end on December 8.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the event on Saturday.