After the end of World War II, Ethiopia was given control over Eritrea and its ports, allowing the creation an Ethiopian Navy.
In 1958, the Ethiopian Navy became a separate branch of the armed forces. Haile Selassie I appointed Norwegian naval officers to help organize a coastal navy.
Also, a number of retired British naval officers acted as advisors and trainers until the advent of the Derg in 1974.
The Emperor also founded the Ethiopian Naval College, located in Asmera (now part of Eritrea).
The education comprised a 52-month program of study. Some members of the navy also went on to study at Leghorn, Italy.
Celebrations for Ethiopian Navy Day were held in Massawa, such as the occasion in 1969 when the USS Forrest Royal (DD872) and ships from other nations observed the 1st graduation of new midshipmen; the Forrest Royal also hosted a celebration aboard ship which the Emperor attended. The Emperor was presented with a painting of the Forrest Royal at the celebration.
The former USS Orca, a World War II-era Barnegat-class small seaplane tender launched in 1942 (similar to the USS Suisun), was transferred to Ethiopia in January 1962.
It was re-christened as the Ethiopia (A 01), and served as a training vessel until the loss of the Red Sea coast to Eritrea in 1991.
Though unserviceable, it escaped to Yemen, where it is presumed to have been sold for scrap.
Keywords: World War II, Ethiopian Navy, Haile Selassie I,
6 responses so far ↓
1 Robin Greaves // Nov 23, 2008 at 5:26 am
My Uncle, Ronald Greaves was the Commandant of the Naval Officer training college in Eritrea located in the town of Imbatkala which is midway between Massawa and Asmara. This location was chosen for it’s close proximity to the Port of Massawa and it’s elevation of approximately 4000′ (1300M) which made it much cooler than the coast.
2 Derek Hall // Aug 10, 2009 at 3:54 am
My father was one of the British service advisors to the Imperial Ethiopian Navy. His name is Derek Hall and he was the Director of Music with the rank of Lt Commander. My brother and I lived in Massawa for 3 years between 1964 and 1967 and went to school in Asamara. I knew Ron Greaves and I believe I may still have a photograph of him during the time he was in Ethiopia. I will have a look and let you know.
3 Robin Greaves // Sep 19, 2009 at 6:03 am
I would be truly facinated to see any pictures of Uncle Ron and to hear any information about him and the formation of the Imperial Ethiopian Navy. rggreaves@gmail.com
4 Björn Fredriksson // Sep 30, 2009 at 9:51 am
I am writing a book about military band conductors past and present. Can anyone help me with information on Lieutenant Commander Derek Hall?
5 Capt RBG Nair // Dec 22, 2009 at 6:07 pm
My father was one of the Indian Naval advisors on deputation with the Imperial Ethiopian Navy. He is Commnder VB Nair and was dean of the Naval college at Massawa. I stayed at Massawa too from 1970 to 1972. There were a few RN advisors there ; chief amongst whom was Capt Stuart ( Base Commander) and a Cdr Bayly ( supply ). Cdr Bayly had 2 sons Michael and Peter whereas the former had 2 stepsons Justin and Alexander. I wonder if anyone knows their whereabouts ??
6 Tesfaye Tadesse (Cdr.) // Feb 22, 2010 at 7:16 am
Capt RBG Nair,
My sincere greetings to you, your DAD and your beloved family.
My name is Commander Tesfaye Tadesse a former Naval Officer. Commander Nair your dad was my engineering instructor in the Imperial Ethiopian Naval College 1970 through 1972.
He was an excellent instructor and with him were Cdr Arunachalam and many Indian Naval Officers and Professors from Poona National Defense Academy.
I vividly recall the wonderful time I had with these creams of the Indian Navy. I am proud to be a student of these intellectuals.
They did great for Ethiopia but unfortunately the 1974 Revolution came and doomed all.
Worst of all the 1991 government gave out Eritrea to the Rebels and things went from the frying pan to the fire and we lost our seacoast.
Isn’t that a shame a government to give a strategic coast line to Rebels to do whatever they want to do with it?
I cry to date and pray that Ethiopia gets back her seacoast and her people the Eritreans.
The Eritreans are under the shackles of a regime bent to destroy the Eritreans and the Ethiopians.
We struggle to throw both regimes in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Cmdr Nair by now is retired like I am and I am sure he excelled in rank also when he retired.
May God bless Ethiopia and India.
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