END OF WATCH FOR KENYA NAVY SHIPS TANA AND GALANA 

Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, on 16 September 2025 officiated the retirement ceremony of the Kenya Navy Ships (KNS) TANA and GALANA at the Kenya Navy Fleet, Mkunguni Jetty in Mombasa County.

Having faithfully served the nation for decades, KNS TANA and GALANA were formally retired in a ceremony that honored their illustrious legacy and invaluable contributions to national and regional security.

The two ships played a pivotal role in numerous operations, most notably Operation Sledge Hammer in 2012, which was instrumental in the capture of the strategic Somali port city of Kismayo from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. They also supported Operation Ocean Build, which secured Koday and Operation Mamba, among others.

In his address during the ceremony, Major General Otieno paid tribute to the vessels’ long-standing service, emphasizing their strategic role in sustaining naval operations, logistical support, humanitarian relief and enhancing regional maritime cooperation. He also recognized the generations of sailors who served onboard the two ships, lauding their professionalism, resilience and dedication.

“Together, KNS TANA and GALANA were more than just hulls of steel. They were cradles of learning where young cadets grew into seasoned sailors, where junior ratings discovered the meaning of watchkeeping and where traditions of excellence were passed down from shipmate to shipmate,” he remarked.

The Commander also recalled the vessels’ humanitarian missions, particularly their support to coastal communities.

“Almost every December between 1996 and 2007, the two vessels resupplied water to communities in the Pate Islands—Ndau, Faza and Kizingitini as well as in Shimoni, Wasini and Mkwiro,” he noted.

He underscored that the lowering of the ships’ colours was not merely a farewell but a moment of profound gratitude for their unwavering service to the nation.

The ceremony featured traditional naval honors, the lowering of pennants and a final salute, symbolizing the end of active duty for KNS TANA and GALANA.

The retirement of these vessels reflects the Kenya Navy’s commitment to fleet modernization and operational readiness while honoring the legacy of ships that have long safeguarded the nation’s maritime domain.

In attendance during the ceremony was the Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Formation Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members and Veterans.