GORDON’S BAY – The South African Naval College in Gordon’s Bay witnessed a significant leadership transition as Captain Moses Tabo officially took command from Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Judy Gail Rustin-Patrick during a formal Change of Command ceremony on Thursday 5 March.
History: End of an era
Rustin-Patrick, who served as Officer Commanding of the SA Naval College since October 2024, has been appointed as Chief Fleet Staff at Fleet Command Headquarters. Her distinguished naval career began in 1995, following her academic achievements at the University of the Western Cape, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Movement Studies and Physical Education in 1993 and a Higher Diploma in Education in 1994.
Rustin-Patrick made history as the first female Officer Commanding of SAS Simonsberg, a position she held from 2016 to 2021, marking a significant milestone in the transformation and advancement of leadership within the Navy. Her professional military education includes completion of the Joint Senior Command and Staff Course at the South African National War College in 2005 and the Executive National Security Programme at the South African National Defence Force College in 2008.
Experience: Bachelor of Military Science
Tabo brings extensive naval experience to his new role, having joined the South African Navy on 8 January 2000. Born on 14 December 1979 in Dordrecht, Eastern Cape, he matriculated in 1998 from Nkosemntu Motman Public School in Komani before embarking on his naval career.
Tabo’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Military Science in Technology and Management from the South African Military Academy, which he completed in 2003. His operational experience spans multiple vessels, including SAS Amatola, SAS Isandlwana, and SAS Spioenkop, where he served in various capacities from Officer Under Training to Operations Officer. Notably, he participated in an exchange programme aboard Buque Escuela Esmeralda in Chile, where he enhanced his expertise in astronomical navigation.
His recent leadership roles include serving as Executive Officer of SAS Simonsberg from 2014 and Senior Staff Officer Inspection at the Defence Inspectorate Division from 2021. In 2018, he completed the Senior Staff Course and earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Studies in Arusha, Tanzania, further strengthening his strategic competencies.
Protocols: Tradition continues
The formal handover ceremony followed traditional naval protocols, beginning with parade formation and including the reading of the Code of Conduct, scripture and prayer, formal addresses by both Officers Commanding, and inspection of the parade. The ceremony concluded with the traditional three cheers for the outgoing Officer Commanding and a general salute for the incoming Officer Commanding.
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