He transferred to the South African Navy on 1 May 1947 with the rank of lieutenant. OC in May 1947-August 1957. OC Naval College from 1964-1966. He was promoted to Naval captain on 1 July 1966. Senior Naval Staff Officer Maritime Headquarters at Silvermine in 1966-1969. OC, beginning in July 1966-1971. He was promoted to Commodore in 1972 and served as the Officer Commanding Simonstown Naval Dockyard. He was promoted to rear admiral and succeeded R Adm Fido Walters as CNS Logistics on 1 October 1977.