Lüderitz
Captain Richard Kopano of the Namibian Navy praised the outgoing commander Armas Iigonda for performing his duties with diligence and displaying himself in an exemplary manner to those placed under his command.
Kopano was speaking during the change of command ceremony at the naval calling station in Lüderitz last Friday, when Iigonda was transferred back to the naval base at Walvis Bay after having completed his duties at the naval unit in the town.
Kopano said Iigonda’s mark will be visible to all those who will exchange command at the helm of the unit. The naval support HQ praised Iigonda for all his achievements.
Iigonda served 20 years in the Namibian Defence Force and 18 years in the navy at the shore establishment units. He is decorated with the United Nations Operation Medal Achievements medal, Navy Pioneer, the Ten Year of Service and the Navy Achievement medals.
Kopano handed a compass to Iigonda as a token of appreciation for his contribution to the naval support HQ in particular and to the navy in general.
Iigonda was appointed as the commander of the naval calling station in Lüderitz on February 1, 2015 until April 22.
Iigonda thanked Kopano for granting him the opportunity to be at the helm of the naval calling station.
He said that during his tenure a lot has been achieved although there were many challenges and setbacks.
Kopano officially handed over to the 4th officer commanding of the naval calling station at Lüderitz, Commander Simiranü Elia Ndiyaamena, during the ceremony.
“To the incoming Commander Ndiyaamena, this is the starting line into onshore commanding. No one doubts your ability and capability to lead and fix things. You proved yourself during your tenure,” Kopano emphasized.
Kopano believes and trusts that Ndiyaamena has both the strength and capacity to follow in the footsteps of Captain Kristoph Moshoeshoe, who was the first commander at the naval calling station at Lüderitz in 2007, followed by Commander Theophilus Simon, Commander Arma Iigonda and Commander Simiran Ndiyaamena.
Ndiyaamena promised that together with the base management team they will continue where their predecessors left off to maintain management of the base.