Maritime Reaction Squadron

Last updated
Maritime Reaction Squadron
South African soldiers aboard an Indian Navy ship.jpg
South African marines during an exercise
aboard an Indian Navy ship
Founded2006;19 years ago (2006)
CountryFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
BranchNaval Ensign of South Africa.svg  South African Navy
Type Marines
Role Air assault
Air-sea rescue
Amphibious reconnaissance
Amphibious warfare
Anti-tank warfare
Artillery observer
Bomb disposal
CBRN defense
Close-quarters battle
Disaster response
Force protection
Humanitarian aid
HUMINT
Maritime security
Naval boarding
Patrolling
Peacekeeping
Raiding
Reconnaissance
Special operations
Underwater demolition
SizeSquadron
Part ofFlag of the South African National Defence Force.svg  South African National Defence Force

The Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) is a maritime force specialised infantry marines-like tier two special operations capable forces unit of the South African Navy (SA Navy) that provides a combat ready amphibious warfare, combat diving, commando style raids, helping victims of marine disasters or floods, providing security at naval base or shore stations, small boat capability to the SA Navy, support humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters, and underwater demolition. [1]

Contents

Formed as the Naval Rapid Deployment Force (NRDF) in 2005, [2] the MRS deploys infantry marines-trained South African Navy personnel in various peacekeeping roles within the African continent and to assist in boarding operations at sea, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. [1]

History

The end of the South African Border War saw the disbandment of the South African Marine Corps, leaving the South African Navy without an amphibious warfare element. [3] After the integration of the South African National Defence Force the Navy was increasingly called on to assist with peace keeping operations. Realising that this situation would continue, the then Chief of the Navy Refiloe Johannes Mudimu, decided to create this capability by creating a Naval Rapid Deployment Force. [2] An Operational Boat Squadron was formed in 2006 [4] to ensure that South Africa could commit meaningfully to the peace keeping at the Great Lakes. [3]

The Rapid Deployment Force became the Maritime Reaction Squadron on 1 September 2006. [3] The unit was formally commissioned on 8 December 2008. [5] Following the creating of the MRS the Operational Boat Squadron was upgraded to the Operational Boat Division. [3]

Units

The squadron consists of the following components:

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References

  1. 1 2 "Maritime Protection Squadron". Navy.mil.za. February 2, 2011. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Engelbrecht, Leon (November 21, 2005). "Navy setting up rapid deployment force for peacekeeping". DefenceWeb. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Manganyi, Calvin (2012). "Resurrection of the Marine Capability in the South African Navy: The Maritime Reaction Squadron". Scientaria Militaria. 40 (3).
  4. 1 2 Wingrin, Dean (November 26, 2009). "Exercise Xena testing Maritime Reaction Squadron". Defenceweb. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  5. 1 2 Engelbrecht, Leon (December 8, 2008). "SA Navy to commission Maritime Reaction Squadron". Defenceweb. Retrieved July 21, 2014.