Country Somalia Role Naval warfare Garrison/HQ Kismayo
Berbera
Merca | Branch Navy Part of Somali Armed Forces | |
 | ||
Founded 1965 (51 years, 5 months) | ||
The Somali Navy Force (SNF), (Somali: Ciidamada Badda Soomaaliyeed, Arabic: القوات البحرية الصومالية), is the naval warfare service branch of the Somali Armed Forces. Before independence in 1960, the Somali Navy was established in conjunction with the Italian Navy, the latter of which also helped maintain security in Somali waters. During the post-independence period, the Somali Navy mostly did maritime patrols so as to prevent ships illegally infringing on the nation's maritime borders. The Somali Navy and Somali Air Force also regularly collaborated. In addition, the Somali Navy carried out Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
Contents
History
The Somali Navy was founded in 1965 with the help of Soviet military advisers. Its mandate was the protection of Somali waters, including its economic exclusive zone. It had its bases in Berbera, on the Gulf of Aden and Kismayo on the Indian Ocean near the border with Kenya. It also operated a radar facility in Merca. Its inventory consisted of Soviet-made patrol crafts. In 1977, Siad Barre terminated the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Moscow and expelled all Soviet military advisers from Somalia due to their intervention the Ogaden War. Thus much of the naval equipment fell into disrepair and the navy was not operational from 1991.
Re-establishment
In June 2009, the Somali navy was re-established with a new commander appointed: Admiral Farah Omar Ahmed. Up to 500 marines were training in Mogadishu, with their training expected to finish in December 2009. They were reported as the first batch of a 5000 strong navy force. In addition, a visiting Somali delegation to Turkey in 2011 tabled a request for two search-and-rescue ships and six coast guard boats. Worth some 250 million euros, it is intended to turn the new Somali navy into a stronger naval force capable of curbing piracy and protecting its coastline. It is said by Admiral Omar that the recruits are being paid $60 per month.
In August 2011 a Transitional Federal Government-Puntland cooperative agreement called for the creation of a Somali Marine Force.
On June 30, 2012, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Gargash announced that his administration would contribute $1 million toward enhancing Somalia's naval security capacity. The funds would enable the Somali authorities in collaboration with international partners to acquire the boats, equipment and communication gear necessary for the rebuilding of the coast guard. A central operations naval command was also slated to be set up in Mogadishu.
Equipment
The following was the Somali Navy's major equipment: