The SAS Adam Kok III (AMKK) has completed its maiden Operation CORONA (Maritime) deployment after departing Simon’s Town on 21 November 2025 under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Western Cape. Declared combat-ready in October, the vessel conducted maritime border-safeguarding patrols along South Africa’s West Coast with a focus on deterrence, surveillance and joint law-enforcement operations alongside the SANDF, SAPS and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
While the ship patrolled offshore, the SA Army Infantry School Reconnaissance Platoon Learning Programme operated in the Overberg region, providing intelligence that enabled the seizure of 394 whole abalone valued at R85 685.70 and 283 shucked abalone valued at R56 110.74.
At sea, the crew worked closely with SAPS under Operation Phakisa. Fourteen vessels were interrogated, divers were arrested inside a Marine Protected Area and three suspects were detained for maritime contraventions, including possession of tik. The ship’s Boarding Team also escorted the vessel Luna to port, where SAPS and DFFE personnel processed the case further.
During the deployment, AMKK covered 4,500 nautical miles and spent 504 hours at sea. Captain (SA Navy) S.M. Louw commended the crew and emphasised that the vessel’s presence served as a strong deterrent to poachers and reinforced South Africa’s commitment to protecting its marine resources.
