Visit by BNS Garcia D’Avila  (former Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Sir Galahad)

On Friday morning 06 March 2009, the Brazilian Navy Ship (BNS) Garcia D'Avila arrived in Simons Town. Before being purchased by Brazil, the vessel was the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Sir Galahad which has a history dating back to even before the Falklands Conflict. On her visit to South Africa the vessel is supporting the Brazilian delegation to the Third Sea Power for Africa Symposium held at the CTICC from 09 – 14 March 2009.

 The original Sir Galahad was ordered in April 1964 and launched as a 3270 ton Landing Ship Logistical (LSL) vessel on 19 April 1966 and  with commissioning completed she entered service on 17 December 1966. It was possible to carry 340 troops comfortably or 534 in less than ideal conditions. Beaching cargo capacity was 340 tons, which could include the following 16 tanks, 34 mixed vehicles, 120 tons of petroleum produce and 30 tons of ammunition. Landing craft could be carried in place of lifeboats, but unloading was mainly handled by three cranes.

Involvement in the Falklands Conflict

On the 7th of April 1982 Sir Galahad with 350 Royal Marines left the UK for the Falklands. It turned out to be her last major voyage. While at anchor in San Carlos Water she was attacked on 24 May 1982 by A-4B Skyhawks of the Argentine Air Force (FAA). A single 1000 pound bomb hit the Sir Garland but failed to detonate while she sustained additional damage in strafing runs during a following wave of attacking aircraft. The unexploded bomb was removed two days later but did cause reasonable damage to the tank deck and a small fire.