From 1951 he served as officer at the South African Navy, where he played a major role (with many others) to assist in making it become more bilingual. He was one of the founders of the Naval Gymnasium at Saldanha Bay and became later its commanding officer. He founded and chaired the Fleet Language Board.
From 1951 onward, he served as a naval officer in the South African Navy, contributing significantly to its expansion of bilingualism. He was instrumental in establishing the Naval Gymnasium at Saldanha Bay and eventually became its commander.  He also founded and led the Fleet Language Board.