Joining the South African Navy is a dream come true for Robbie Hansen from Hawston, who has climbed the ranks from being a new entry to officer in the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets, all within a space of four years.
The TS Birkenhead Cadets’ motto “Never give up! Never surrender!” is what inspired him never to accept defeat despite a few setbacks in his efforts in applying to the Navy. Hansen’s perseverance and de- dication finally paid off when he left to start Joint Basic Military Training (JBMT) in Kimberley two weeks ago.
Hansen’s journey started in Grade 6 when he joined the cadets. He left after two years but rejoined in January 2022, at age 15. He was pleasantly surprised by the more structured organisation and the introduction of ranks. Hansen was introduced to skills such as drilling and navy-related flag names, ranks and terminology. He was also issued his first uniform with strict instructions to wash and iron it neatly.
After three months Hansen passed his new entry exam with a score of 99%. Then followed the camp at the TS Woltemade base. “I learnt a lot. It was tough but we had to stay strong.”
He said his time with the TS Birkenhead Cadets exposed him to new experiences. “I travelled to places I had never thought I’d ever go to, enjoyed numerous camps and had some of the best times of my life. I also attended the navy festival in Gordon’s Bay where I had the opportunity to drill with real R5s.”
One of the highlights that set the course of his future was a camp in Saldanha in 2023, when Hansen got his first taste of life in the SA Navy.
After matric he made several attempts to join the Navy. “In total the Navy should have five applications from me. When I eventually received a call on 13 May to report to 9 SAI BN for medicals I was excited. Then I waited yet again. When I received an SMS to report to 3 SAI BN in Kimberley I almost burst with joy. I couldn’t believe it!”
Hansen thanked his officer commanding, Lieutenant Noël Dreyer, a former member of the Navy, for the countless ways in which he assisted him. He said: “Without my OC I couldn’t have done it. There was a time when I thought they had forgotten about me, but he told me my time will come. Now I’m on my way to Kimberley.”
An obviously-proud Dreyer said having one of TS Birkenhead’s senior cadets successfully pass the Diver Selection and be accepted into the South African Navy “highlights the importance and impact of the programme in developing disciplined, motivated and successful young people.
“However, to continue unlocking the potential of our cadets and to reach even more youth within our communities, it has become critical for TS Birkenhead to establish a permanent base of our own,” he added.
