Vice Admiral Martyn Trainor SD & Bar SM MMM SAN (Rtd) (born 13 January 1944)[1] is a retired South African Navy Officer, who served as Chief of Corporate Staff of the South African National Defence Force.[2]


Martyn Trainor

Nickname(s)Spook
Born (1944-01-13) 13 January 1944 (age 80)
Cape Town
Allegiance South Africa
Service/branch South African Navy
Years of service1962–2004
RankVice Admiral
Commands held
  • Chief of Corporate Staff
  • Chief of Naval Staff
  • OC Naval Staff College
  • OC SAS Saldanha
AwardsSouthern Cross Decoration SD & Bar Southern Cross Medal SM Military Merit Medal MMM General Service Medal (South Africa) ' Unitas (Unity) Medal ' Good Service Medal ' Good Service Medal ' Good Service Medal ' Order of the Cloud and Banner ORB
RelationsTut Trainor (father)

Naval career edit

He matriculated from Diocesan College and joined the Navy in 1962[1] and attended the South African Military Academy, graduating in 1965. He served on Frigates and Minesweepers before volunteering for the Submarine service.

He commanded Naval Base Durban and the Naval Staff College.[1] He was promoted to Commodore in 1989 and appointed Chief of Naval Staff Personnel. On 1 September 1992 he was promoted to rear admiral and appointed Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Naval Support.[3] and Chief of Fleet Staff Personnel.[3][2]

He was appointed Chief of Corporate Staff on 1 November 2000 and promoted to vice admiral.[1] He retired from the Navy in 2004.

Awards and decorations edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Vuthela, Nomonde (April 2004). "Admiral comes to an end of an era". SA Soldier. 11 (4): 25.
  2. ^ a b "Retief word hoof van Vloot in November". Die Burger. 28 September 2000. Archived from the original on 8 October 2014. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  3. ^ a b Lötter, Francois (6 August 1992). "Simpson-Anderson word nuwe Hoof van die Vloot". Beeld. Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
Military offices
New title Chief of Corporate Staff
2000–2004
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief of Naval Support
1992–2000
Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief of Naval Staff Personnel
–1992
Succeeded by