Eric Green (admiral)

Rear Admiral Eric Green (January 5, 1945 – January 25, 2014) was a South African Navy officer who served as Flag Officer Fleet from 1999 to 2005, when he retired.

Early life
He attended Hendrik Louw Primary School and matriculated from Hottentots Holland High School, Somerset West in 1962 where he was a boxer.

Military career
He started at the Naval Gymnasium at Saldanha Bay in 1963, then attended the Military Academy, and later graduated from Stellenbosch University in 1966. He served as a Watch keeping Officer on several vessels, including the SAS President Pretorius, SAS President Steyn, SAS President Kruger, SAS Kimberley, and SAS Port Elizabeth. He completed the Communications - Electronics Warfare course at HMS Mercury and became the OC of SAS Johannesburg. In 1982, he finished the SAAF Senior Command Staff Course. He also commanded the supply ship SAS Tafelberg from 1987 to 1990. According to a report in Die Burger dated August 12, 1988, the vessel had completed 21 years of service.

He commanded the SAS Simonsberg from 1990–1992 and completed Joint Staff Course no. 24 in 1990. He was the OC of the Defence College from 1993–1996, and he was promoted to Commodore. He served as the Chief of Naval Staff Plans from 1998–1999. He was the Inaugural Flag Officer Fleet from March 1, 1999, until he retired with a pension on January 31, 2005.

His decorations include the Southern Cross Decoration and the Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service for 40 years service.

He died in 2014.