U.S. navy cleared for Simonstown visit in S Africa

South Africa's National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has granted a nuclear vessel licence for the United States nuclear powered submarine the USS San Juan to visit Simonstown Naval Base, the South African Press Association reported on Tuesday.

The NNR granted the licence to the South African Navy, which made the application on behalf of the U.S. Navy for the vessel to enter Simonstown Naval Base during the period Oct. 25 to Nov. 15, the regulator said in a statement on Tuesday.

The NNR said that after review and assessment the application was found to be compliant to all aspects of the regulatory requirements.

Environmental sampling was conducted before the vessel's arrival and further sampling would be conducted in the harbour during berth and after the vessel had left.

This was to ensure there were "no adverse radiological impacts" to the Simonstown environment.

In another statement, the SA Navy said the USS San Juan would dock in Simonstown on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. (1200 GMT).

The visit of the U.S. naval submarine to South Africa formed part of the SA Navy's objective of maintaining and enhancing international contact with U.S. naval forces.

The USS San Juan was the 40th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the first improved submarine in her class.

USS San Juan and all following submarines in the class were quiet, incorporated an advanced BSY-1 sonar suite combat system, and the ability to lay mines from their torpedo tubes.

The USS San Juan was the third ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for San Juan, in Puerto Rico.

Source: Xinhua