Israeli Navy's Achi Oz Deputy Commander Shares Journey From Cadet Course to War Deployment

Captain A, the deputy commander and weapons officer of the Israeli Navy ship Achi Oz, recounted his path from sailing with his grandfather to being rapidly deployed to combat just one week after completing the naval cadet course. He spoke to Channel 7 about a recent complex joint exercise between the Israeli Air Force and Navy, which simulated medical evacuation and rescue operations at sea under challenging conditions. The drill emphasized the strategic importance of inter-branch cooperation within the Israel Defense Forces during combat, with each branch contributing unique capabilities to handle complex missions.

Captain A described his personal connection to the sea, recalling how he would skip high school classes to sail with his grandfather and how a naval cadet selection day sparked his fascination with operating naval systems. He enlisted in the naval cadet course in April 2021, specializing in navigation. Immediately after graduation and his first assignment to the ship, he was called up for operational duty as war broke out.

Over the past year and a half, Captain A has served aboard Achi Oz, participating in a variety of missions including protecting strategic assets, intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles as part of air defense, and engaging in multi-theater operations. As weapons officer, he oversees the operation of all the ship’s weapon systems, including machine guns, attack missiles, and the 76mm cannon, which are central to the ship’s combat effectiveness.

Regarding the ongoing naval combat efforts, Captain A highlighted the importance of operational secrecy, stating that the lack of public reports on the navy’s activities indicates successful performance. "The navy has worked very hard during the war and continues to do so. It’s good that you don’t hear about us. When you don’t hear, it means we are doing a good job," he said.