Summary
Naval Base Impalila is a riverine base of the Namibian Navy. It is located on Impalila Island at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.
| Naval Base Impalila | |
|---|---|
Near Katima Mulilo in  Namibia | |
| Type | Naval base |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence (Namibia) |
| Operator | Namibian Navy |
| Controlled by | Namibian Defence Force |
| Condition | Active |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander | Commander Christian Keendjele |
History edit
The base was originally constructed by the South African Defence Force and used by the South African Marine Corps. It was abandoned in 1989 during South Africa's withdrawal from Namibia. After Namibia's independence it was used as a secondary school.[1] In 2011 the Namibian Navy conducted a Navy Coastal-land, Riverine and Meteorological survey, which found critical security gaps.[2] The report led to the creation of the naval district covering Zambezi, Chobe and Okavango rivers. Rehabilitation of the base began in 2014 and was completed in 2017.
Current status edit
The base was commissioned into service by the Minister of Defence Penda ya Ndakolo on 21 June 2019.[3] A Namibian Marine Corps Operational Boat Team is permanently stationed at the base and conducts riverine patrols.[4]
Commandants edit
| From | Commandant | To |
| 21 June 2019 | Commander Christian Keendjele[5][6] | Incumbent |
References edit
- ^ "Namibia commissions new naval facility". 26 June 2019.
- ^ "Impalila naval base officially opened".
- ^ "Ya Ndakolo inaugurates Impalila Naval Base".
- ^ "Minister of Defence inaugurates Impalila Island Naval Base".
- ^ "Impalila naval base commissioned".
- ^ https://www.lelamobile.com/content/80696/Ya-Ndakolo-inaugurates-Impalila-Naval-Base/ [dead link]