Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Laura Janse van Vuuren is a South African Navy officer and the second woman to reach flag rank.

Biography

She completed her schooling at Zwaanswyk High School in 1976 and joined the Navy in 1977. She initially entered the Navy as a non-commissioned officer and then completed the officer's course in 1979. In 2006 she was appointed as Director Equity Strategic Direction for the SANDF and promoted to rear admiral (JG). She was then appointed commandant of the at

Thaba Tshwane Thaba Tshwane is a military base (or military area) in Pretoria, South Africa. Units and facilities The oldest building in the complex is the South African Garrison Institute, what is now known as the Army College. Lord Kitchener laid the corn ...

from 1 January 2011.

Honours and awards

In 2007 she was awarded the French

National Defence Medal The National Defence Medal (french: "Médaille de la Défense nationale") is a French military decoration. It was created by Charles Hernu, Minister of Defence and established by decree on 21 April 1982. It rewards particularly honourable service ...

(Gold) for outstanding service to the French Armed Forces in South Africa and abroad. * * * * * * Medaille de la Defense Nationale Or ribbon

(Gold) France

References

South African admirals Living people Year of birth missing (living people) {{SouthAfrica-mil-bio-stub