JULY-SEPTEMBER 1999 www nctspacc nct.au/-navylcag VOLUME 61 NO.3 $4.95 e: The Magazine of the Navy League of Australia THE SYDNEY MARITIME AIR INQUIRYj^ SUPPORT THE NAVY I'lie \uw League ol \uslralia FEDERAL CCH'NCIL Volume 61 No 3 Patron in Chief: His Excellency. The Governor General President: (imham M Hams. RFD Vkv-llvsickiits: KADM AJ Rohcftsim. AC). DSC. RAN (Rid) John Bird CDREHJP Adams. AM. RAN (Rid). CAPT H.A. Joseph* AM. RAN (Rid) THE SYDNEY INQUIRY lion. Secretary: l>»i Schraprl. PO Box I VS. Wonhille. SA SHI I By Senator David MacGibbon Page 3 Telephone: HBO 8347 1985 Fax: «Kl 8347 3256. NEW Si >1 111 WAI IIS DIX'LSH >N MARITIME AIR SUPPORT Patron: His Excellency. The Governor «>f New South Wales By John Bird. Federal Vice-President. Preident: K OAttvn. AM. RFD. RD. Navy League Page 6 Hon. Secretary: J C J JcppsmOAM.RID GK)Box 17m. Sydney. NSW l(M3 TclepUwe: (02)9570 8425 Fax (02)92328383. BRUTAL ASIAN PIRATES THREATEN VICTORIAN DIMSION SHIPS AND CREWS Patron: His Excellency. IK'GwemiTaf Vkturia By Bill Beechum Page 10 Pretfrnt: J M Wilkin. RID* Hon. Secretary: I E Kilhum. MBE VRD*. It) Box 1303 Box Hill Delivery HMAS JERVIS BAY (III) Page 19 Centre VIC 31*28 Ielephonc and Fax (03)95609927. A NAVY FOR NZ yCEENSI.XNl) DIVISION Catron: His Excellency. ThcGmemurol (^iceitsland By George Kaplan Page 23 Preridrnt: 1 M Fraser. OAM. lion.Secretary: K I) Friulkm. RFD. It) Box I7().Cleveland.QU4I63 HMAS LEEUWIN telephone ((17) 3345 2174. State Branches: By Vic Jeffrey Page 28 Cairns: ACummeca It) Box l(M».Caims.Qld487t>. Telephone: (07)40M 1195 Regular Features TownsvMe: I McDougalL It > Box 1478. Townswlkv Qkl 4810. lekphtme Ki7i4772 4588 From the Crow's Nest Page 2 Mackay: K Millwani It) Box 5527. ykl4741 From Our Readers Page 2 telephone (07) 4942 2965. Naval Happenings Page 11 BundahtTg: I hrfisc. IX) Box 5141. Bundaheig West. Qkl4670. Book Rev iews Page 22 Telephone: (07)4151 2210 Southpnrb I V Rtf. POBox 946. Siuhpul QU42I5 Tekffeme: (07)5532 2447 Observations Page 26 Hatch. Match and Dispatch Page 30 SOITH AINTRAI .IAN DIVLSH )N Patron: His Excellency. The Governor ofStuih Australia League Policy Statement Page 32 President: Alan PlesketL RID. 15 Sleeps Hill Drive. Panorama SA SMI. The opinions or assertions expressed in "THK NAVY" arv those of Hon.Secretary: Miss J.F1 Gill.C.POBox 1529. Adelaide. SA500I. the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Council of the Tdepfcme: <(K) 8347 1985. Navy League or Australia, the Editor of "THK NAVY", the RAN and TASMANIAN DIMSION the Department of Ik-fence. The editor welcomes correspondence, Patron: I lis Flxa-llcncy. The Govern* of Tasmania. photographs and contributions and will assume that by making I "resident: M L Co. .per. OAM. QFSM submissions, contributors agree thai all material may be used fret of lion. Secretary: Mrs J M Cooper. 42 Amy Rood. I .aunceMon. Tas. 7150. charge, edited and amended at the editor's discretion. Telephine and Fax: <03)6344 1531 State Branch*-.: Front Cover: HMAS BRISBANE leading HMAS I k-v import: I'()'[.cary. II Tasman Place. Dexxmput Tas 7310. Telephone: (03)6424 5064. Whose systems harness the DARWIN. (ABPH Torrin Nelson 1998. RAN) Bumie: G Davis. 40Cherry Street. Bunue. Tas 7320. Telephone: (03)6431 4023 I jiunceston: Mrs J. M. Cooper. power of information? WESTERN AINTRAI JAN DIMSION Patron: His Excellency. The Govern* til' Western Australia President: A H. Hewitt. JP Hon. Secretary: Mrs G Hewitt. 23 Law ler R.xil Attadak. WA 6156. ADI is the answer. For military commanders, information is one of the most valuable assets available. Now. The Navy Telephone: (08) 9330 3600 All letters and contributions to: State Branches: (k-raldton: E Beckwith. 2 fttchdl Street. Ranpeway. WA6530 ADl's advanced command support system provides commanders with a highly automated process to harness the Mark Schweikert Tcfcphimr (08)9921 3768(H)(08)9921 HSIMBi Editor. THE NAVY Albany: DBray. Lot46Frederick StnxtGlcdhow. viaAlhuny. W A 6330 information power necessary to direct strategic, operational and tactical commands. A mass of data is collected, 1/5-9 Federal Avenue Telephone: (08)9841 6542 FEDERAL ADVISORY COCNCII. E-mail to: [email protected] F. Geoffrey Evans. OBE VRD. Chairman analysed, displayed, updated and disseminated. ADl's extensive capabilities in electronic systems are features of Neil Bainl Chaimun Bainl (\ihtications Subscriptions and Membership enquiries to: Wm Boil (ho. AM. Admiral Michael W Hudson. AC. RAN (Rid) projects such as the $1 billion minehunter ships contract and ADl's successful bid for the upgrade of the Royal The Hon Secretary. Vice Admiral David Leach. AC CBE I.VO. RANEM Navy League of Australia. 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Australia. Tel: +61 2 9365 9300. Fax: +61 2 9369 2404. Visit our website: www.adi-limited.com.au The Answer THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 I I- mm tin1 t row 's Nisi The Sydney Inquiry In this edition's News section we read about the recent Army's need for funds to increase the readiness of 1 creation of the position of Commander Australian Brigade highlights the public's ignorance of the ADF and By Senator David MacGibbon Amphibious Forces (CAAF). Although a step in the right its financial position. Navy needs to be especially aware of Chairman direction, given our burgeoning and significant sea lift its public image and be seen as combat ready and active as Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. Defence and Trade capability, should it have gone further? The demise of the a contest is currently brewing over the fate of the RAN's Cold War saw the replacement of blue water naval surface combatant. There is a concerted effort in some operations with brown water or littoral operations. Given quarters to have the surface ship go the way of the RAN's On 26th August. 1997. the Parliament referred to the Joint On 22nd March 1909 the Committee tabled its report to the West's occupancy of this area, many smaller nations are carrier force, ie. into oblivion. These same antagonists use Committee on Foreign Affairs. Defence and Trade a the Parliament. developing and buying weapons to use in this env ironment. many of the arguments against surface ships as they did reference which required the Committee to inquire into: Probably no single event in the Second World War attracts To a defender, significant advantages exist within this against the aircraft carrier but ironically believe that this The circumstances of the sinking of HMAS SYDNEY as much interest today as the circumstances surrounding the environment as current generation radars and sonars suffer same application of force looses its value when placed on off the Western Australia coast on 19 November. 1941. loss of SYDNEY on 19th November 1941. In total some 201 in this area. The USN discovered these dangers during the water. It's a shame that some denigrate the carrier and with particular reference to: submissions and 208 supplementary submissions were "Desert Storm" with PRINCETON and TRIPOLI hitting surface ship with subjective labels as "floating targets". 1. The extent to which all available archival material received by the Committee - a very high number. Most mines. In the future. Navy should consider extending These same people, who worship the alter of land based has been fully investigated and whether any unusually some respondents sent multiple supplementary CAAF into a new command. Commander Littoral Forces "Air", are currently questioning the value of surface ships relevant material has been misplaced or destroyed: submissions, commenting on the arguments advanced in other (CLF). to specialise in this demanding environment. and not learning from other nations who have gone down submissions and providing additional information. Hopefully CAAF will act as the foundation stone to a 2. All relevant archival material available from allied the same path. These nations have only come back from littoral command HQ which has doctrine and tactics and former enemy forces: It was anticipated that the two schools of thought on the that path more in favour of surface ships than before. The established before operational use is required. Another 3. The desirability and practicability of conducting a fate of SYDNEY would put their case to the inquiry. For road to Damascus is not down this path. It's lime we stood adv antage of a CLF would be its organisational structure. search for HMAS SYDNEY and the extent to which want of a belter description those schools arc the orthodox CLF would have the necessary fighting ships to support an up to these illogical and uninformed detractors who. the Commonwealth Government should participate school and the unorthodox school: the orthodox school perhaps unknowingly, are currently the greatest threat to amphibious assault, ie. DDGs. FFGs and Anzacs, under in such a search should one be deemed desirable being those who accept that SYDNEY was sunk by our maritime security. command during peacetime thus ensuring a smooth and practicable: KORMORAN alone: and the unorthodox that more than transition into war. Army would also be involved in a CLF As THE NAVY went to press the 1999 Federal Budget 4. The practicality of accurately locating the grave of one enemy ship was involved. HQ as "joint warfare" is becoming increasingly important was handed down. Once again defence has been an alleged body from HMAS SYDNEY which was What was not foreseen was the intense and intemperate and necessary. The notion that amphibious warfare is still quarantined from cuts but with a projected surplus of over allegedly buried on Christmas Island: personal animosity which exists between these two groups exclusively a taxi service for army should be well and truly $5 billion cuts would be illogical, given the Governments 5. The identification of any scientific procedures now and which emerged in written submissions - a quite outdated. Amphibious warfare is but one stage of a greater plan to increase the readiness of the 1st Brigade, the available which could verify the identity of human pointless state of affairs. littoral operation. Navy and Army could, under a CLF. train leasing of the INC AT Catamaran and the RAN deployment remains alleged to be those of a crewman of HMAS A search of archival material to satisfy the first two and work together not as integral to one another but to the Gulf, all government initiatives. How much longer SYDNEY buried on Christmas Island if and when directives of the inquiry led the Committee to conclude that integrated. will we rejoice for defence's annual stay of execution? such remains were located; SYDNEY was sunk by KORMORAN acting alone, as a Recently the Government deployed the frigate HMAS The Defence Reform Program, another government 6. Measures which should be taken to protect and consequence of an intense engagement which also proved MELBOURNE to the Persian Gulf to assist in maintaining initiative, was meant to "de-criminalise" defence to the honour the final resting places, if and when located, terminal for KORMORAN. This conclusion is broadly in sanctions against Iraq. It would be wise of the ADF. and in point that the full pardon of increased defence spending of HMAS SYDNEY and KSN KORMORAN. agreement with the account in the official history of the RAN. particular Navy, to pursue high profile missions such as could be issued. Sadly, its back to the chain gang for these. Public perception, and thus political perception, of defence for another year. the ADF is important if budgets are to rise and equipment and capability replaced. The recent public dismay over Mark Schweikert

From Our Rcutk-rs

IK ?? zero in any preceding time group. Stephen Gillard. LEUT. RANR NHQ TAS Dear Editor. I would like to reply to F.W. Austin's letter that Editor: Many thanks Stephen. appeared in the last edition regarding what IK means in the "BARCOO aground" article. Briefly, the Earth is divided into time zones which change with every 15 degrees of Right Volume, Wrong Year longitude east of Greenwich. Greenwich Mean Time Dear Editor (GMT> is also referred to as Zulu (Z) lime in the Obviously the sun has not yet set on 1998. Please pipe- International Time Co-ordinated (ITC) system, which has aboard 1999 for the next edition. the world divided into the zones every 15 degrees. Regards Due to the fact that there are 360 degrees of longitude. Geoff "Rustpicka" Wynn. Sydney 15 divides into it 24 times, hence 24 time zones around the world. However, because there are 26 letters in the Editor: Apologies to all those who were alphabet. 2 letters either have to be deleted or combined to inconvenienced. The error was detected during the proof fit in with the total of 24. reading of the first draft and corrected. For some reason, Therefore. I & K are combined, which is actually when the magazine went into print, the error re-emerged at Eastern Standard Time (EST), or l/K lime under the ITC a time when it was too late to re-correct. However. THE system. The letter actually deleted from the alphabet for NAVY finds itself in good company as JANE'S NAVY this purpose is "O". because it could be confused with a INTERNATIONAL recently made the exact same error. HMAS SYDNEY (II) in her pnmc during World War II. (RAN historical via Ross Gillelt)

VOL 61 NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 3 Details of the battle and the final hours of SYDNEY then he does merit the accolade of possessing exceptional KORMORAN are obscure. Both ships certainly a south easterly heading. It probably lies off the continental will never be known. What information does exist comes ability as a naval Captain. maintained a disciplined radio silence as a matter of shelf in very deep water. Remote though the possibility is from the survivors of KORMORAN who are now all of The unorthodox account of the action postulates the routine. Transmissions were by HF radio in 1941 with the of finding the wreckage, the Committee recommended advanced years. Those survivors who were contacted presence and involvement of one or more enemy vessels. attendant reception variability of that mode. It is probable that, once a search area has been more closely defined, the generally expressed no desire to add to prev ious statements The most frequently advanced explanation is that that SYDNEY'S ability to communicate was destroyed in Commonwealth should fund a search on a dollar for dollar they have made and some expressed a desire to be left KORMORAN was in a rendezvous with a Japanese I class the opening salvo. basis up to $2 million. alone. submarine when surprised by SYDNEY. Other variations Consideration of the body washed ashore on Christmas If found, then the protection of the wrecks of both Many allegations have been made that the German involve a German submarine, and an Italian submarine. Island occupied a large part of the Committee's lime. There SYDNEY and KORMORAN must be maintained. accounts are an elaborate fabrication. While there are Despite being given every opportunity to do so. no hard is a very high and understandable degree of interest in the The Committee felt that a memorial to the SYDNEY minor inconsistencies between accounts the overall story is evidence was advanced to the Committee to support any of identity of this body among the families of the ships was appropriate and that it should be both for the living and coherent. Those inconsistencies in so far as they exist are these allegations. Nor could the Committee find any company. Somewhere about 6th February. 1942. a the dead. Accordingly it recommended that the RAN set up explicable as only those few crew members on the bridge evidence on its own account of the presence of any enemy decomposed body in a faded boiler suit floated to a research grant in the name of HMAS SYDNEY II and her at the lime of the action would have had an overall vessels in the area at the time. Christmas Island in a Carley float. There were no crew to support research into aspects of Australian Naval knowledge of what occurred. Allegations of Japanese involvement are interesting identifying marks on the body or on the boiler suit. history. As well, a memorial should be erected to HMAS because they lead to the assertion that the Germans and Because it was a Carley float the assumption is that it was SYDNEY in Fremantle jointly funded by the Japanese had to conceal their involvement, since Japan was a naval sailor and not from the merchant marine. After a Commonwealth and the Western Australian Government not then in the war. Japanese involvement had to be careful review of all the ships sunk in the relevant area and and dedicated by the 19th November. 2001. sixty years concealed to avoid the KORMORAN crew being charged at the relevant time, if the body did not come from after the loss of the ship. and executed as war criminals. This adds a nice symmetry SYDNEY then it could not be determined what other ship to the story and to some degree adds to its plausibility. the sailor might have come from. The Committee The Committee recognised that its report will not put There is no evidence of any Japanese submarine being concluded that on the balance of probability, the body did an end to the controversy surrounding the loss of deployed in the area at that time: there was no military originate from SYDNEY. SYDNEY. What the inquiry did create was the opportunity objective to be gained by such a deployment. Planning for The Committee resolved, having regard for the feelings for all those who were alive at the time, as well as the audacious and very high risk strategy of the attack on of the families, that if it was possible to identify the grave subsequent generations, to put their views on record and Pearl Harbour only a few weeks away would have fully site and gain approval then the body should be exhumed. argue their case. occupied the minds of the Japanese Navy. DNA testing may then lead to a positive identification. It was a great pity that a comprehensive inquiry was not However, if proof does emerge in the future, the The inquiry was required to address the location of held through the period from 1945 to 1950. While there Committee left the door open by recommending the SYDNEY and KORMORAN Captain Detmers declared in would still have l>cen an absence of detail particularly in funding of a research grant scheme so that any new 1941 the position where KORMORAN was scuttled. This relation to the final hours of SYDNEY, a great deal more evidence in the future can be properly addressed. may or may not be the true position. It may be that the information would have been available at that time. Had Over the years and in some of the submissions to the Captain wanted to conceal for military reasons in war time that been done the events surrounding the loss of this Senator David MacCiihbon (right! preventing a copy of the report to our editor. inquiry, allegations have been made that successive the site of the action. The location of SYDNEY is much famous cruiser and the 645 members of the ships company Australian Governments have concealed or deliberately It is not credible that after a huge battle, surrounded by more obscure. It is said to have sailed off into the night on might have been dc-mystified to some degree. destroyed records pertaining to SYDNEY the dead and wounded on a sinking ship, loaded with mines and ammunition and almost certainly uncontrollably on Despite the fact that the RAN has a reputation for bad fire, that Captain Detmers assembled his ships company record keeping, as demonstrated recently by the absence of and calmly constructed a false account of the action, an some records for the DDGs on deployment to Vietnam, account which was learnt by heart by all the crew. Nor is it there was a vast stock of paper records generated through credible that 58 years after the event no one has broken the Second World War. Storage requirements were ranks and confessed to the fabrication. immense. Huge volumes of records were destroyed both during and after the war for this reason. With electronic The mystery is why a modern warship with vastly data processing, storage is now not so much a problem but superior armament, armour and speed came to be in a it was not always so. My father used to recount how as position possibly only 1000 to 1500 metres away from an adjutant of his battalion prior to embarkation in World unidentified merchantman when raiders were known to be War I he burnt the records of Queensland's involvement in operating in the area. What part did foolhardiness. the Boer War so he could get some room to work in the negligence or deception play? orderly room. Did SYDNEY mistake KORMORAN for its supply ship KL'LMERLAND and close with it in an attempt to get Even so. the Committee was advised that over 21.6 a boarding party on board quickly? Did KORMORAN shelf kilometres of documents which could possibly relate deceive SYDNEY and thereby entice SYDNEY to to SYDNEY still exist. The Committee, with expert approach to point blank range by simulating a fire or being professional assistance from Professor Peter Dennis, could disabled? Did the Germans actually have the codes and find no records which added new information. One of the correctly answer as "Straat Malakka" when challenged? Committee's recommendations was that the Government These questions probably never will be answered. review the operations of the Archives Act 1983 in regard to Claims are made for the great skills of Captain World War II material, with a view to providing full public Detmers. He was certainly competent and had greater access to all material. experience of command in a wartime environment than his The Committee categorically rejected the assertion that Australian counterpart. Captain Burnett. As a professional the Australian Government had concealed or withheld any naval officer through the period of over a year that records of SYDNEY. KORMORAN was at sea. Captain Detmers must have Special attention was paid to signal records. An area of thought often about what he would do when he came up some controversy, there is no evidence that relevant against an Allied cruiser. If what happened to SYDNEY documents were intentionally destroyed or are currently was the consequence of a premeditated course of action concealed. What transmissions were made by SYDNEY or The only remains of SYDNEY (II). the new exhibit at the Australian War Memorial containing the Carley float

4 VOL. 61 NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 3 shipyard Bazan which could fill the requirement. The fact is that there are numerous options which would not be Maritime Air Support excessively expensive. Aircraft, which would form part of the package, could be acquired in small numbers at the By Jolut Bin! outset sufficient to enable the RAN (or RAAF) to regain Federal Vice President the skills which were once possessed and so provide a base Navy league of Australia for expansion should the need arise. The size of the platform would dictate the type of aircraft to be employed, that is STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) aircraft which have proved their worth with the USMC in 'Desert Storm' and more recently in Operation 'Allied Force' and in a combat with the RN in the Falklands and again in Kosovo. The Sea Harrier and the US AV-8B have been improved over the years. The Sea Harrier is now considered one of the best Air Superiority fighters in Europe given the addition of a Blue Vixen radar and AMRAAM. The new Boeing AV-8B Harrier II plus is fitted with the APG-65 radar, as found in the F/A-18. and can use the full array of weapons in the USN air power arsenal. Work on the Harriers replacement, the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter), will provide a significant advancement over the current Harriers with supersonic speed, stealth and VSTOL capabilities. The JSF is also considered a possible future replacement for our Hornets. The specific aircraft to be acquired is a matter for later procurement decisions. The important thing at this time is to recognise the essential need and to no longer bury our heads in the sand or dream up alternatives which are far less than the best and which Two F/A-IXs about lo pass over HMAS ANZAC during FCPfN. (Denis Hcrscy. I IPAQ I An APG-65 radar equipped USMC Harrier AV-8B II Plus reluming from a recent will sell short our ships and those who sail in them in time attack rtission over Kosovo. (USN) of trouble. The subject of adequate air support for the RAN has long Sadly, concern must be expressed at Navy's acceptance service rivalry to continue its negative influence on this since disappeared from the front page, but is still a matter of of a situation that will still see the fleet at considerable risk, vital matter and if it is necessary to dress our naval aviators '.'v.; •-.• ' '• • ••• - grave concern to many. However, this is not an article about because of a lack of credible air support. in air force blue in order to gain RAAF support, then so be the procurement of an 80.(XX) tonne aircraft carrier. It is about The proposals referred to above are the upgrading of it. It is interesting to note that RN carriers are operating the need to recognise that presently the defence force and the defensive armaments of the surface fleet. Penguin ASM helicopters and fixed wing aircraft flown by all three particularly Navy, is not a self-reliant entity as some have (Anti Ship Missile) for the Super Sea Sprite and the services. suggested. Self-reliant is w hat our defence force should be. proposed RAAF AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and There is no reason to change a view long held by many It is more than 15 years since the ill fated, ill conceived Control) platform. The first two proposals, eminently that Navy must again have, as one of its essential weapons decision was made to disband the RAN's fixed wing air desirable though they may be. will in no way match fixed systems, ship borne fixed wing aircraft capable of offering support, a decision that has left Navy without a crucial wing aircraft in the ability to carry offensive/defensive support in both defensive and offensive roles to support the support element that will see it in a hazardous position in weapons at speed to an over the horizon target. Further, the fleet. many conflict situations. chances of surviving a massed aerial assault arc far less if There is still an urgent need to develop a defence force Lest this article be seen as a biased political statement, the fleet is obliged to tackle incoming weapons which have that is. to the extent that is economically feasible, self already covered much of the intervening distance between > it should be said that the defence force may well have reliant and a fleet without organic fixed wing air support suffered the same loss no matter which party had been in attacker and the fleet. As for the proposed AEW&C cannot, in this day and age be considered self reliant. Our power during the intervening period. The only difference aircraft, it is good news that Navy is supporting their Navy must be able to respond to situations in and around would have been one of reason, philosophical in one case, acquisition, but the facility is complementary to organic air our island home, our neighbourhood, our island economic in the other. and not in any way one which replaces the need for fixed dependencies and to a reasonable extent our sea lines of For a short time after the decision was taken. Navy re- wing support. communication. The loss of which would deny the nation iterated its long held belief that fixed w ing air support was There is incidentally, concern about the availability of the ability to resist an aggressor for more than a very essential to its viability as a credible naval defence force. the proposed AEW&C aircraft at crucial times. It is limited period of time given the crippling effects on our For a considerable time thereafter, when Navy became understood that the hope is to acquire seven platforms. economy. A self-reliant fleet is an essential element of any muzzled by its political masters, the Navy League Navy accepts that even with that full inventory, it will not force charged with these tasks. continued the fight. Carrying out various studies for be possible to expect continuous surveillance support, even It is unlikely that the present government would argue economical ways of regaining the lost facility and keeping less if the acquisition is less than expected. The aircraft will against the strategic necessity for organic fixed wing air the matter before the public eye through articles, letters in be available on an 'as and when required' basis and one is support. However, the need for restraint in our defence -A the press and public seminars. However, there came the reminded of the former expectation of support from our expenditure is recognised given the inadequate budget. time when it was perceived that further action could be an F/A-I8s. It is believed that such naive reliance is no longer Consequently, one would not advocate the acquisition of a r embarrassment to Navy and the League ceased its efforts, part of our current defence thinking and that RAAF no US style 80.(XX) tonne carrier or even a 50.000 tonne vessel which may have been seen to conflict with Navy. longer support such a proposition. as is suggested by those who would kill such a project. Currently, Navy sees itself relying on three proposals to However. RAAF may still oppose the re-introduction There have been many models investigated over the years, satisfy its support needs that were once provided by converted container ships, simple purpose built hulls and of fixed wing aircraft into the fleet and somehow this Notice the pointed nose below the mounted FLIR. This denotes a radar equipped organic fixed wing air cover. opposition must be overcome. We must not allow inter the relatively cheap carrier designs from the Spanish Harrier H Plus capable of using AMRAAM and Harpoon I Hoeing I

26 VOL. ft I NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 27 Previous articles have suggested that STOVL aircraft capability had been available to the RN earlier in the would additionally provide invaluable ground support and Falklands conflict, it is plausible that SHEFFIELD. air cover to Army in remote locations in our north and in COVENTRY. ARDENT. ANTELOPE. SIR GALAHAD other areas where our land based aircraft would find and ATLANTIC CONVEYOR would still be with us. No difficulty in operating. It has also been suggested that our doubt the systems have been upgraded since then and F/A- I8's are 'too expensive an asset to be used in a ground should still be on our list of essential acquisitions. support role". In the event that Army was required to offer To those who point out that STOVL aircraft will always support to allies in offshore theatres. STOVL aircraft could be outclassed by other high tech machines, it should be be disembarked by Navy to offer support in areas remote pointed out that the former have certain operating from access by mainland based aircraft. It is of more than characteristics which the others lack and in any event in passing interest to note that this day and age the aircraft is the USMC have for many but a part of a weapons years relied on ship borne system. The task of which is STOVL aircraft in support of to deliver, at high speed, the troops. final strike weapon to a point It appears that Defence is at which it can be released to again looking to return to a carry out its task, whilst the more pragmatic forward aircraft returns to fight looking defence policy another day. which may see the army It can be argued with operating in locations certainty that STOVL aircraft described above and in are less vulnerable than urgent need of fixed wing air helicopters charged with a support. There would be similar task and it follows instances in which land that the fleet is less based aircraft with in- vulnerable when relying on refuelling might offer that fixed wing support. It is support. but not so important to lecognise that effectively and more despite the lower speed of the An arlisl's depiction of the Boeing X-32 JSE in USN colours t Boeing I importantly not with the STOVL aircraft. when immediate response as compared with an opposing would aircraft carried with air force with supersonic Much of the above highlights the change in Navy the troops and operating aircraft, what is more thinking over two decades and somehow those current from the sea or from their important is the weapons thoughts must be redirected. Perhaps the catalyst for that immediate environment carried, as demonstrated by redirection will spring from a possible change in the face ashore. It is recognised that The Italian Navy now use the Harrier II Plus off the carrier GIUSEPPE the Sea Harrier in the of STOVL aviation in the foreseeable future. It may well GARIBALDI giving them a far greater \ea control capability such aircraft, even with Falklands. Similarly today, an be that the arrival of the JSF could resolve Navy's need for AMRAAM equipped Harrier can defeat or match any fixed wing air support, even if belatedly. economical carrying platforms, will not come cheaply, but supersonic aircraft with or without similar BVR (Beyond there are ways that they may be acquired at affordable cost. There would still be the question of appropriate Visual Range) missiles One less conventional approach to platform costs may platforms for carrying the aircraft to sea and it is interesting be the acquisition of COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) Others who oppose naval air have referred to the to note that unlike previous STOVL designs, the proposed platforms which would come at a fraction of the cost of support' presence of INVINCIBLE during the Gulf War in aircraft would be capable of being catapulted, thus MILSPEC (Military Specifications) platforms. The containing any aggression from Libya and then comparing expanding the options for sea going operation. Mindful of addition of a modest ASMD (Anti-Ship Missile Defence) i' with the majesty of the US carriers. Of course a STOVL days of yore when aircraft were by various means coaxed Nolicc the M/C difTerence. particularly in the flight decks, between the Nimii/ capability would make such platforms very cost effective. platform pales into insignificance when set alongside into the air from the fore decks of cruisers, one might class CVN. left, and the Invincible class CV. right. Those who would denounce A large surface force with no organic air cover will be KO.(KN) tonne giants, but send it to the Falklands. or imagine our frigates carrying a helicopter on the quarter earner- for the RAN cannot see beyond the Nimil/.. (USN) at extreme risk in numerous conflict situations and will be consider it in terms of the needs of the RAN and it becomes deck and a catapult operated STOVL aircraft on the less capable of carrying out its various functions than could much more than a token. fo'c's'le. The mind boggles, but a little imagination could a smaller force complete with its own fixed wing air There are those in high places who believe that should open up various scenarios that would enable such aircraft support. It logically follows that one saving offset could be the fleet find itself in need of fixed wing air support in a to be used in novel and effective ways. In a defence force a reduction in the number of other surface units presently conflict situation that support can. without question, be without funds to spare, innovation could play a significant in the pipeline. As suggested above, the platform does not expected from the Americans. Whilst recognising the need role. Recent history has brought us such obvious (in require MILSPEC armoured command and control to aim for the collective defence of our region, realistically retrospect) innovations as the mirror landing aid. the facilities but could rely on existing fleet units for this task. it must he accepted that there arc circumstances in which angled flight deck and the ski jump, maybe this is the time we would not receive the support of our allies. This Some positive comments regarding AEW&C and fixed for more. wing air support made by an RAN PWO (Principle Warfare includes circumstances in which the US may not be in a Officer) tell of a recent exercise with the RN in which RAF position to provide assistance. We must recognise that the It is suggested that the time is ripe to persuade AEW&C aircraft were performing surveillance duties for RAN will require self-reliance, to the extent that this is government and to persuade Navy that we cannot afford the fleet. As would be the case with the proposed RAAF possible and not relying on our own sister services. Self- not to plug the serious gap in our defence capability, by support for the RAN. there were gaps between on time reliance must be the name of the game. It has been made acquiring a facility as soon as is practicable. A facility stations of the aircraft. These gaps were filled very usefully clear by the US that if we are to expect their defence without which will mean we possess a fleet unable to carry The Spanish PRINCIPE DE ASTURIAS. left, and the Thai CHAKRI with the same AEW equipped Sea King helicopters that the support, we must increase our endeavours to achieve an out its intended functions, without placing the ships and NARUEBET. right, built by Ba/an both represent earner power projection al a Navy League advocated acquiring some years ago. If the acceptable degree of self-reliance and commonality. their crews at unacceptable risk. affordable cost. 26 VOL. ft INO . 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 27 Brutal Asian Pirates Threaten Naval Happenings CAAF on Deck He said once MANOORA was MELBOURNE operational HMAS TOBRUK would Ships and Their Crews The refurbished amphibious transport undergo an extensive refit. Departs to the Gulf ship HMAS MANOORA should be at Meanwhile, as he awaits delivery During March the Minister for By BILL BEECHAM Fleet Base East. Sydney, by the end of of the ships CAPT Hooke and his Defence. John Moore, announced that (Re-printeil with the permission of AUSTRALIAN SHIPS AND PORTS Magazine) the year. team will be kept busy planning for Australia would deploy HMAS Early in the New Year of 2000 the time troops will go aboard. MELBOURNE to the Gulf in support first-of-class trials for the helicopters By Graham Davis of United Nations sanctions against Modem day piracy is increasing with eight countries sharing Another ship missing is the 5.145dwt 'Pixy Marzo' which which will operate from the ship, the sailed from Hong Kong for Keelung on December 6. sent out a Iraq. two-thirds of the incidents reported in 1998. RAN's Sea Kings and the Army's Listed according to the number of incidents, they are: distress alen the following day. but has not been heard of since. The Australian-built frigate, with Blackhawks and Chinooks. will ADI wins WESTRALIA Indonesia 69. the Philippines 15. India 12. Malaysia 10. and Meanwhile, the disappearance of vessels in Asian waters an embarked Seahawk helicopter, will commence. Bangladesh. Somalia. Brazil and Ecuador nine each. has continued. Repair Contract form part of the multi-nation Violence also increased during the year, with more than 67 The 5.193 dwt general cargo ship 'Hong Peng' operated by Delivery of her sister ship HMAS Despite ADI being named in the Maritime interception Force (MIF) seafarers killed and a further 35 injured during acts of piracy Chinese owners, the Hainan Hongda Shipping Co. left Hong KANIMBLA is expected six months report on WESTRALIA'S fire as for a three-month period commencing and armed robbery . Kong on December 28 bound for Taiwan but has not been seen later. contributing to the chain of events late May. In its annual Review the London-based ICC International since. These details were released by that caused the death of four RAN The Sydney-based frigate Maritime Bureau recorded a total of 198 separate attacks on The 1MB issued a "special alert" asking shipping to look CAPT Stephen Hooke. the new vessels at sea. at anchor and in port. out for the St Vincent-flag vessel, while a reward of personnel, it has been awarded a $25 departed Australia on 30 April to join Commander Australian Amphibious Pirates hoarded vessels in 138 attacks, and 11 ships were USS50.000 has been offered for information leading to the million contract to repair the ship. a US Naval task group also operating Forces. The new CAAF command fired upon during other incidents. location and recovery of Hong Peng' and/or its cargo of clay. Families of the victims have in the Gulf. structure was announced by CN last Most of the ship hijackings occurred in South East Asia "Violence has been increasing." said Noel Choong. regional expressed their anger and dismay at Approximately 220 mixed gender and the Far East, with Indonesia continuing to be the area of manager of IMB's piracy reporting centre in Kuala Lumpur. September and went into operation on the decision to grant ADI preferred crew will be involved in this highest risk. There attacks increased to 57 from the previous "Towards the end of 1998 we've been seeing a lot of February I. status for the contract. operational deploy ment. year's total of 47. hijacked ships where we have crews missing and. I believe, Based al MHQ in Sydney, the unit Lyndon Pelly. who lost his The MIF was mandated by UN However, there was a sharp decrease in attacks in the killed. It is a major concern for us. has a staff of six with CAPT Hooke daughter Megan on her first day at Security Council Resolution South China Sea. Thailand. Sri lutnka and Nigeria. "We call for strong government action to wipe out piracy supported by two LCDRs. two WOs Legislation introduced last year by Sri Lanka, together in Asian waters before it gets out of control." sea. told The Hobart Menury' that (UNSCRl 661 in August 1990. Its and an AB. with increased security in the nation's ports, saw attacks The 1MB will draft new legislation for countries without he was ama/ed by the decision. "It is purpose is to conduct maritime It will be boosted by the posting falling from 13 in 1997 to one last year. laws to tackle piracy, but this is likely to take over a year to unbelievable that the government is interception patrols and boarding of the COofTOBRUK . CMDR Alan Attacks in Malaysian waters increased from four to 10. clear the committee process. willing to award ADI this contract." operations to enforce sanctions A British government paper written for a Singapore Du Toil, to become ihe deputy CAAF. though many of these were on fishing boats. he said. imposed on Iraq after its invasion of Australia was involved in one high profile act of piracy summit meeting on tackling piracy states that co-operation Now falling under the command of This is the third major contract Kuwait. when the Malaysian-owned tanker Petro Ranger", captained between regional states is crucial if piracy is to be tackled CAPT Hooke are HMA Ships that ADI have won within the year "The Australian Defence Force by Australian Kenneth Blyth. was sci/cd by Indonesian effectively. TOBRUK. MANOORA. KANIMBLA. prior to its expected sale. Sixteen has contributed naval ships to the pirates before being intercepted in Chinese waters. Difficulties in co-ordination mean that many attacks are BALIKPAPAN. BRUNEI. LABUAN. Captain Blyth and his crew were held in the Chinese port not investigated and the criminals are free to attack again. companies submitted applications for MIF on eight earlier occasions during TARAKAN. and BETANO of Haikou during a long investigation, after which the The problems of dealing with piracy involv ing nations the repair work with ADI being the period 1990-1996." Mr Moore More than 580 members of the Indonesian offenders were repatriated. with different judicial systems have been outlined by Geoff selected from a final list of four. said. China is not a reporting member of the 1MB and Hong Kong Rees. of New Scotland Yard's organised crime group. RAN and Army man the ships. Shipowners Association president Arthur Bowring believes "What happens if you get a ship registered in Honduras, Another landing craft. WEWAK. is in Chinese officials carry out their investigations in total silence. owned in Britain and operated by a Malaysian company, reserve. "We are not given the full story by the officials we talk to." which is hijacked in the Philippines?" he asked. CAPT Hooke said the role of his he says. "The high number of agencies involved is a problem for unit was to prepare, train and test the Several ships have been sei/ed in the South China Sea by the investigation process." ships for their amphibious roles. China's customs or navy and accused of smuggling. They are He said other problems included the complexity of laws typically taken to a Chinese port, their cargoes sold and their involving the movement of vessels and the unfamiliarity of He said much attention would be crews discharged. land-based law enforcement agencies w ith crime at sea. directed to preparing the former US Most worrying are the attacks on the crews of hijacked 'The performance in reccnt years to combat piracy hasn't been landing craft MANOORA and vessels. all that successful and the current situation is gloomy." he said. KANIMBLA for their future roles. The I6.785dwt bulk carrier 'Cheung Son' was on a voyage Meanwhile, the 1MB has linked with a French company. The two ships are at the Forgacs from Shanghai to Singapore when she went missing on Colecte Localisation Satellites, to launch SHIPLOC. a low- shipyard in Newcastle undergoing November 16. cost vessel tracking system. massive changes. Pirates are believed to have hijacked the ship and killed all Claimed to be capable of the instant location of a vessel at 23 crew members. sea or in port, the system has been dev eloped for maritime use Each will be fitted with large China's Public Security Bureau arrested seven men from the well established satellite-based tracking system helidccks and hangars, operating suspected of the murders, and they have reportedly admitted ARGOS theatres and 32-bed hospitals. 70 planning the hijack after each being paid 100.000 yuan. 1MB strongly encourages shipowners to install SHIPLOC tonne capacity cranes to lower In a second incident the 4.240dwt vessel 'Tenyu'. owned on their vessels. At betw een USS 150 and US$310 per month, smaller landing craft over the side and by Maumoto Kisea Shipping Co of Kobe. Japan, sailed out of it is claimed to be relatively inexpensive. accommodation for 450 troops. the Straits of Malacca while bound for South Korea with a For their own safety the crew need not be informed of the "I expect MANOORA in Sydney cargo of 1.500 tonnes of aluminium ingots. existence or location of the transmitter. 1MB says. The only by the end of the year." CAPT Hooke The Panama-registered vessel was found much later in the equipment needed by the shipowners is a PC with Internet said. Yangtze River port of Zhangjiagang with the new name Sanei access. f and a replacement crew. However, unless rigorous, concerted international action Asked about the delivery of It is widely believed that the original crew of two Korean is taken against modern day pirates it seems certain that more KANIMBLA he said: "She's about HMAS MELBOURNE departing Diamantina Pier. Fleet Base West, for the Persian Gulf (RANI and 11 Chinese nationals were murdered. vessels will be taken and more seamen's lives lost. six months behind MANOORA."

Ml VOL 61 NO 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 11 The last deployment was RNZN Fleet Plans christened and launched on 17 April Bath Iron Works. With a crew of 22 conducted in mid-1996 by HMAS during ceremonies at Bath Iron officers and 324 enlisted personnel. MELBOURNE. In recent times, According to Jane's Defence Weekly Works. Janet Langhart Cohen, wife of WINSTON S. CHURCHILL will be nations contributing to the MIF have (JDW) of 10 March, the RNZN is Secretary of Defense William Cohen, homeported in Norfolk. Va.. as part formulating plans to pursue the included New Zealand. Canada, the is the ship's sponsor and Lady Mary of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet upon acquisition of two second-hand ships Netherlands and the United Slates. Soames. (Churchill's youngest and commissioning in the year 2000. to enter service as the frigate "Australia remains committed to last surviving child), served as CANTERBURY pays off in 2005. the UN Security Council Resolutions honorary sponsor for the United JDW states that the RNZN's long on Iraq." said Mr Moore. Kingdom. They were joined by a host term plan to operate a single class "These resolutions, the sanctions of dignitaries, including Secretary Navy has to be revisited. that give effect to them, and the Mips Cohen: British Secretary of Defence role in enforcing them, are an Quoting Rear Admiral Fred George Robertson: Secretary of the important element in ensuring that Wilson, the RNZN's Chief of Naval USN Richard Danzig. RN First Sea Saddam Hussein is not able to Staff, the respected defence weekly Lord Adm. Sir Michael Boyce: and threaten regional and international reports that an interim solution is Chief of US Naval Operations Adm. security. inevitable. "1 believe the future will Jay Johnson. "It is in the interests of international be to plan for two pairs of combat WINSTON S. CHURCHILL is the stability that we continue to enforce A Soviet Victor I class SSN. now one of the 150 ex-Soviet SSNs awaiting urgent disposal ships, with each pair being replaced fourth American w arship to be named these sanctions against Iraq until it about 15 years apart. This will avoid starling to show. However, it is the 2008. Hull design considerations in honour of an Englishman. The fully complies with UN conditions." problems of block obsolescence and The Type 22 Batch 2 frigate HMS BEAVER similar to propellers which give the Collin's class include the possibility of an open armed merchantman ALFRED went As mentioned, this will be the funding peaks that are inherent in a HMS BRAVE its unique reduced noise signature. ocean catamaran. The US ship into commission in December of 1775 second time MELBOURNE has combat force of one class of ship." Recently the investigation team building industry is keen lo see the deployed to The Gulf to enforce as the first ship of the Continental HMS BRAVE went aboard a Collins class sub to concept develop as the "Streetfighter' The RNZN's Development and sanctions. During her lasl five Navy. It was named after Alfred the experience the submarine first hand. As could provide a source of foreign Operations Division is likely to be Decommissions month deployment. MELBOURNE, Great, the English king w ho has been is the practice before a sub dives a next asked lo investigate the availability intercepted 25 ships, boarded 14 and sales. called ""Father of the Royal Navy." HMS BRAVE returned home to of kin signal is sent listing all those on of ""pre-loved" ships as part of a escorted 11 into port. During the Revolutionary War. the Devonport on 22 March at the end of hoard and their closest relatives in case longer term replacement strategy. her final operational deployment. MELBOURNE is due back in Continental frigate RALEIGH was of accident. During the teams sea day US May Aid Russia According to Captain Gary Collier, Australia in September. named in honour of Sir Walter After 13 years in the Royal Navy, the HI- antenna used to send this signal there is no possibility of running Scrap Nuke Boats Raleigh, while another frigate was the Type 22 Batch 2 frigate has failed to work and the signal was sent in CANTERBURY on beyond 2005. Russian nuclear energy officials have named EFFINGHAM in honour of the decommissioned. In keeping with the clear, delaying the dive by one and COLLINS applauded a US Government plan to British Earl of Effingham, who Royal Navy tradition, the ship half hours. marked her last entry into her home Investigation Board provide funds for scrapping Russia's USS WINSTON S. resigned his commission rather than port by flying her paying off pennant. In other Collins related news, crew decaying and potentially dangerous CHURCHILL fight against the American colonists. Formed numbers for the submarines are nuclear powered submarines. Russia During a distinguished career. Based on comments made to the reaching critical levels. Morale has been struggling to deal with its The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA class WINSTON S. CHURCHILL is the HMS BRAVE saw action in the Gulf War and deployed all over the globe, Senate estimates committee the problems associated with the bad aging SSN and SSBN fleet which guided missile destroyer. WINSTON 31 st ship of the Arleigh Burke class including the Adriatic, the South Minister for Defence has announced publicity and extended evaluation environmentalists charge are leaking S. CHURCHILL (DDG 81). was and the 18th of the class to be built by- Atlantic and the Caribbean. In 1996. the formation of an investigation board period of the class have left many dangerous amounts of radioactivity the ship was involved in the seizure of to report to the government on the officers and crew complaining they into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. a record breaking £150 million worth continuing problems associated with were trained for operations rather than There are over 150 of cocaine while on West Indies the Collins class submarine project. builders trials. It is understood that a decommissioned nuclear powered Guard Ship duty. HMS BRAVE, the "I have decided to appoint Dr very high number of crew from subs floating in ports owned by the ninth warship since 1588 to bear the WALLER have resigned and that Malcolm Mcintosh, the former Chief navy 's Pacific and Northern Fleets. name became non-operational on I SHEEHAN. recently launched, is well of Defence Procurement in the United Discussions on a time table for the April. Kingdom, and Mr John Prescott. the short of a full crew. aid was to have been discussed in This is the second Type 22 Batch former Chief Executive of BHP. to March however. NATO attacks on 2 frigate to decommission early to review progress to date on the Collins Serbia meant that the Russian Prime comply with the UK's recent strategic submarine project, and to report to me Streetfighter Frigate Minister cancelled his trip to the US review. Who will eventually buy on proposals for completion of the under Consideration mid-flight as a protest at US these magnificent ships, still with project. The USN is considering developing a involvement in the strikes. another 15-20 years left in the hulls, I have asked the Review Team to small, low cost frigate-sized warship Russian estimates of disposal of is anyone's guess. complete their report by 30th June" one SSN amount to USS8 million. said Minister for Defence. The Hon. to help maintain its 300 ship ceiling. According to Russia's Atomic Energy First Operational John More. The frigate is touted to be around Commission about 30 submarines are The Deputy Secretary of the 2000 tonnes with speed, stealth and Firing of UK in urgent need of disposal. Early build Defence Acquisitions Organisation. Mr the ability to support and hunt with submarines such as the November. Tomahawk Gary Jones, listed the problems as the larger ships in the fleet. Echo and Hotel are in urgent need of being noise, unreliable engines, The consideration of a frigate- The commencement of military safe disposal with other submarines outdated periscopes and cracking sized ship marks a reversal in USN action by NATO against the Serbian such as early Charlie and Victor class propellers. Mr Jones said that given the thinking on small combatants. At military in Kosovo saw the first SSNs next on the list. high-technology metal used to make present the USN is expected to retire operational firing of British the propellers fatigue cracking was its entire Perry class frigates by The new Right IIA Arleigh Burke class DDG WINSTON S CHURCHILL being launched. (USN) Tomahawk cruse missiles. The

VOL. ft i no. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL ftl NO 3 missiles were fired from ihe British Navy. Army. Air Force and Marine There were also a number of ftl S« Missile Submarines (SSBNs) to a nuclear attack submarine HMS Corps in a challenging joint personnel from the newly formed ' a; a conventional role. The plan is to SPLENDID. The deployment of environment." Deployable Joint Forces convert the subs from ballistic missile HMS SPLENDID and the operational Doran added that with near Headquarters (DJFHQ) under the carriers to Special Forces and use of the Tomahawk missiles shows constant need for armed forces command of COMFLOT. This was Tomahawk carrying platforms. the determination of the UK involvement in hot spots around the their first international exercise since SSGNs. Nearly 154 Tomahawk cruise Government to play a full part in globe, combined efforts of US and their inception. missiles. 104 Special Forces troops achieving a successful outcome to the coalition forces are needed to assist in There were approximately 800 and their equipment and a Command Kosovo crisis. conducting military operations. Canadian Navy and airforce and Control centre to replace the 24 HMS SPLENDID is a nuclear "With the participation of personnel aboard three Canadian Trident D4 missiles are envisaged in powered attack submarine capable of Australian Defence forces. Tandem Navy ships and one patrol aircraft the plan. sustained submerged operations in Thrust enables us to exercise in this serving as the maritime opposition The plan iLself would not only support of a wide range of military realistic combined environment." said force for TT99. The ships were meet the requirements of the Strategic tasks. She is the first Royal Navy Doran. HMCS HURON. CALGARY and Arms Reduction Treaty 2 (START 2) submarine to be equipped with The Canadian Navy served as the PROTECTEUR. with Russia but save the USN from Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. opposition force throughout the retiring the subs early and many The submarine is believed to have exercise. USN Commissions millions in new build combatants. fired seven to 10 missiles. Tandem Thrust is the largest New Destroyers The projected refit cost is between regularly scheduled joint-combined $1.2 billion and SI.5 billion and exercise in the Western Pacific. It The US Navy" has commissioned two produce an enhancement on the war Exercise Thrust '99 continues to be the centrepiece of the Aegis equipped Arleigh Burke class fighting capabilities of the USN plus USS HIGGINS'* sponsor Mrs Robin Higgins and ex-Presidenl Bush thank the USMC" guard commander alter IJSN's 7th Fleet's training to function Guided Missile Destroyers. USS the ability to remain at sea for 8()'/f of The USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) the commissioning ceremony. (USN) as a Joint or Combined Task Force. PORTER (DDG 78) and USS the year. kicked off Exercise Tandem Thrust Navy Commissioners before fibre-optic cables throughout the ship. Approximately 1000 Australian HIGGINS. PORTER joined the During Operation 'Allied Force' 1999 in the Pacific Ocean on resigning his commission to become It also allowed the LAN team to placc Navy and Air Force personnel Atlantic Fleet on March 20 during a the USN had four ships and one SSN March 15 and which continued until commander-in-chief of the Mexican access points, or 'drops.' at the best participated in TT99. The four commissioning ceremony at Port firing Tomahawk missiles in support April 4. Tandem Thrust is a biennial Canaveral. Florida. Navy. He died while serving as US Itx'alion in a room, instead of having participating RAN ships were HMAS of NATO's operation. Admiral Archie exercise designed to enhance licet The ship honours a father. Minister to Turkey. to put them in the only space PERTH. SYDNEY. NEWCASTLE Clemins. Chief of the US Pacific commanders ability to function as Commodore David Porter (1780- His son. Vice Adm. David Dixon available. "Every Sailor on board has and SUCCESS. They were supported Fleet, recently said "if we had two joint task force commanders under 1843) and his son. Vice Adm. David Porter, distinguished himself by rising an e-mail account." Acker continued. by three RAAF P-3C patrol aircraft SSGNs (modified Ohios). they could the US Pacific Command's two-tier Dixon Porter (1813-1891), whose from the rank of lieutenant to Rear "Their e-mail accounts can be used to from 92 Wing. do the whole mission and we would concept. combined legendary naval exploits Admiral in two years during the Civil send and receive e-mail both on and An 18 personnel Clearance not have to tie any other ships up The exercise involved more than earned them a place of honour in US War, fighting in more battles and off the ship. This makes keeping in Diving Team (CDTI) element also touch with family and friends ashore there." 12.000 personnel. 18 ships and NO Navy history. earning more laurels than any other attended. They were involved in senior officer. He is considered one of much easier, as well as ensuring the The USN is currently working on aircraft from the US military, the The elder Porter achieved fame operations that included Clandestine the most colourful US naval officers crew gets messages and job-related ways to reshuffle its existing budget Australian Defence Forces and the while in command of the frigate Beach Recon. EOD. Flyaway to ever command a squadron. information." to accommodate the refit. Canadian Navy. ESSEX by capturing the first British missions, fast rope/parachute and Another Arleigh Burke-class HIGGINS contains the latest Embarked aboard Blue Ridge. warship of the War of 1812. He later boat insertions. served as a member of the Board of destroyer. HIGGINS. commissioned navigation, communications and Commander US 7th Fleet was in on April 24 in Port Everglades. tracking equipment. It is the first 'More Silver Bullets charge of the combined task force. Florida. The ship is named after Navy ship to sail without a magnetic Please' Tandem Thrust was held in two Marine Corps Col. William "Rich" compass on board, instead using the Pentagon officials have received phases. The first phase was a Higgins. a distinguished Vietnam digital flux gate magnetometer for command post exercise (CPX) held veteran killed in Lebanon. While accuracy. The ship's sponsor is Robin emergency funds to replenish the US between March 15-22. serving as a senior military adviser Higgins. widow of Col. Higgins. militaries dwindling stocks of The second phase of Tandem for the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs). Thrust was the field training exercise Lebanon. Higgins disappeared in The increased funding is going which took place from March 26 to February 1988. He was held captive SSBNs May Convert towards the purchase of more ship April 4. This phase involved the by the He/bollah in Lebanon and to Conventional Role launched Tomahawk, more of the actual movement of air. ground and later murdered. After his death. newly introduced Joint Direct Attack naval forces from the US and President Bush awarded him the Senior USN officials may soon Munition (JDAM) and more Presidential Citizens Medal and Conventional Air Launched Cruise Australia in a joint and combined approve a plan to convert four Ohio Purple Heart. class Nuclear Powered ballistic- Missiles (CALCMs) for the USAF. environment. Like other Arleigh Burke-class The operation involved rescuing destroyers. HIGGINS will employ American and Australian citizens and cutting edge. state-of-the-art assisting fictitious defence forces in technology in virtually all aspects of restoring their territorial integrity. her design. The ship was even "In today's dynamic and multi- equipped with its own Local Area dimensional combat environment, it Network (LAN) while in the shipyard. is more important than ever for our "Installing the LAN while the ship is services to be able to operate together under construction makes integration jointly." explained Vice Adm. Walter easier." said LAN Administrator Chief F. Doran. Commander. US 7th Fleet. Radio man (SW) Don Acker. "Tandem Thrust enables us to do that, "Physical access is easier, for one. bringing together forces from the. The newly commissioned USS PORTER DDG-78 Cableways arc open, so we can run the An anist's conception of a converted Ohio class SSBN. 27 26 VOL. ft I NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 The call came from use in last are to be armed w ith the new SS-N-25 challenged the two craft which then militaries for there is much to share", rectified. Auxiliary electrical pumps, Ticonderoga Upgrade December's Operation 'Desert Fox* Switchblade' ASM. SA-N-9 gave the names of two Japanese said a un-named senior Indian used to circulate water around the and the more recent Operation Allied 'Gauntlet' SAMs. a 100 mm gun. two trawlers however, one of the names defence official. vessels secondary circuit, were Plan responsible for the delay but are now Force' against Serbia. 30 mm anti-aircraft guns and given was a trawler that had been On returning from the Gulf the The USN is seeking approval to working well. "We're Turning out of cruise torpedoes. According to the Russians, scrapped in 1994. Nine JMSDF ships carrier group is expected to conduct spend US$4.5 billion to upgrade its missiles and CALCMs" said Navy design work on the new corvettes is pursued the North Koreans, including joint manoeuvrers with the French The ship is expected to conduct fleet of Aegis equipped cruisers. Captain Bert Johnson. Commander complete. the Japanese Aegis destroyer carrier FOCH off the western coast of aircraft landing trials soon with Super The plan comes about from India. Etendard fighters and then with the Naval Warfare Testing Centre. China This order comes on the heals of a MYOUKOU. Two of the pursuing concerns about the ships ability to new Rafale. Lake. Calif. "In Kosovo and Iraq and recent US$100 million purchase from JMSDF ships fired warning shots support power projection and these smaller conflicts, we're using a North Korea of two second hand across the bows of the fleeing North New ASM Defence protection missions with current lot of standoff weapons and PGMs to Koreans. During the chase North technology. Called the Cruiser Sang-o mini submarines and. in what US Defense scientists are working UK Awards Trimaran avoid US casualties". Korea dispatched two MIG-2ls into Conversion Program, USN officials could be described as an escalation in on a new form of ASM (Anti-ship Demonstrator's Before Operation Desert Fox' the the Sea of Japan which turned away are calling for the plan to commence the regions arms race, an unspecified Missile) defence involving a wall of USN had 2200 Tomahawks however, after the two mother ships entered immediately due to concerns over quantity of Scud C missiles. water. Called the Water Barrier Ship Contract since last December more than 425 North Korean waters. This was the growing demands being placed on Self Defence System, it involves Vosper Thornycroft has been awarded Tomahawks, nearly five years worth first time JMSDF units had fired US Naval ships by regional launching a rocket propelled line charge a US$21.3 million contract by the UK of production, have been used. The Melbourne Unsafe warning shots since 1953 and has commanders. l()0m from the ship which explodes MoD (Ministry of Defence) to build a USN has been given US$421 million from Serb Protests sparked debate on possible changes causing a wall of water to be formed. trimaran demonstrator to assess the The upgrades would concentrate to remanufacture 324 older Block III). to their rules of engagement and merits of the trimaran hullform. The on areas such as Theatre Ballistic- KM) Block IC and 2(K) Block I TASM A planned visit to Melbourne by the According to the scientists, procedures. vessel will have a length of 90m. a Missile Defence, improving the (Tomahawk Anti Ship Missile! Ticonderoga class cruiser USS modelling and trials work has In other Korean peninsular news, beam of 20m and displace 1.100 classes strike capabilities and adding missiles to the Block IIIC version. PRINCETON last April had to be demonstrated the ability of the water the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) tonnes. The demonstrator will test an area air defence commander The conversion of the TASM is the cancelled and the ship diverted to barrier to defeat incoming fragments has succeeded in salvaging a North the new hullform as a possible capability. most expensiv e, at USS I million each, Hobart due to concerns about and projectiles. Tests conducted on a Korean infiltration craft (the sort replacement for the Type 23 frigate while the others will cost half that protests from Melbourne's Serbian TOW anti-tank missile validate the launched from mother ships that the post 2010. Proposed upgrades: amount. For the TASM everything Community. scientist's claims and demonstrated the JMSDF chased) which sank during a destructive effects of the water plume. from the wings forward has to be The order it) divert it) Hobart and Initial research on the new • CG 47-51 firelight on 18 December 1998. replaced. The whole 624 missile- join the carrier. USS CARL Scientists are investigating other hullform have indicated that savings VLS. ERGM (Extended Range The vessel, which was conducting con versions will take two years to VINSON, came from US 7th Fleet applications for the water plume could be made in reduced life cycle Guided Munition). LASM (Land covert operations inside South Korean complete by which time Raytheon is Command as a result of violent such as torpedo defence, mine and acquisition costs as well as attack Standard Missile). waters, was recovered from a depth of expected to start production of a new protests against the US Consulate in countermeasures and non-lethal use providing better sea keeping, reduced Tomahawk and SM-2. 130m by a 12 tonne salvage ship fitted signature, better survivability and a Tomahawk missile. Melbourne and reports of planned against small craft. • CG 59-64 with a special crane. The remains of more flexible layout. As THE NAVY went it) press it protests against the ship. Navy Theatre Wide Missile six North Koreans were found inside The fundamental advantage of the was revealed that Congress was Land Attack Standard Defence (4 ships) and Navy Area the boat as well as one million trimaran is that it resolves the considering going further than the Wide (2 Ships). SM-3 plus Area Japanese yen and 570.000 won. Missile Go Ahead dichotomy of minimum resistance, niilitarv's request adding 300 brand Air Defence Commander Battle The five tonne infiltration craft where a long slender hull is the new build Block III missiles, The USN has been given the go ahead Management System. was constructed of plastic and optimum shape, against deck space converting another 100 from Block II for modification of 800 SM-2 Block reinforced fibreboard and measured and stability. It achieves this by using • CG 52-58 and converting all 525 TASM to II/III Standard missiles to the new 12.8m x 2.95m x 0.62m. The vessel outriggers to provide stability and a Upgraded Navy Theatre Wide Block III land attack variants. Land Attack Standard Missile Missile Defence. SM-3 and Battle had a top speed of approximately 50 configuration (LASM). main hull optimised to provide speed. kts. The craft could also submerge to Management System. Fired from a MK-41 VLS the The ship will be powered by a a depth of 20 metres at 12 kts. The Vietnamese Boost missile is a normal SM-2MR anti- 4MW diesel-electric propulsion unit • CG 65-73 Military hull was coated with a radar aircraft missile modified with a new for a maximum speed of 20kts. The Area Theatre Wide Missile absorbent paint and the boat fitted w arhead. low drag nosecone and GPS vessel is due to undergo testing in Defence. ERGM. LASM and The Vietnamese Navy is set to receive with a GPS. According to an RoKN in order for it to attack land targets September 2000. SM-2. two mtKfificd Tarantul II corvettes official the boat was the most out to I40nm. The missile is intended from Russia. The two 450 tonne advanced ever recovered. to provide land forces with rapid corvettes will join two other Tarantul precision fire support. I corvettes which have been in service USS PRINCETON lied up. with (he Tasman bridge in India Despatches since 1996. The new ships will be the background after the ship was diverted to Hohan armed with two twin launchers for (Kevin l)unn/F1eellinei Carrier to Persian CHARLES DE SS-N-2D Styx ASMs tanti-ship Gulf GAULLE Achieves missiles), an Igla SAM system, a 76 mm gun and two 30 mm air JMSDF Fires on India has sent its aircraft carrier. INS 20kts defence guns. VIRAAT. to the Persian Gulf for the The French nuclear powered aircraft The two corvettes will enhance North Koreans first time as part of its attempt to carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE has Vietnam's capability against ships in On 23 March two 'suspicious' North increase its influence in the region. reached over 20kts on speed trials coastal or littoral waters and around Korean ships, which had entered The carrier was accompanied by during March. the Spratly islands. Japanese territorial waters, were the Kashin II class destroyer INS The trials were late as a Vietnam has also recently ordered chased by units of the JMSDF. RANVIJAY and the replenishment propulsion failure laid the ship up for two new corvette designs from Russia Officials claim that the two ships ship INS SHALKTI. eight weeks.' French Navy officials to be built in Vietnam. The 2000 were mother ships for North Korean "India would like to have greater said the new trials confirmed that the tonne corvettes, the KBO 2000 class. infiltration craft. JMSDF vessels interaction with its neighbouring carriers previous problems had been USS MOBILE BAY during the recent Tandem Thrust exercise. (USN)

16 VOL 61 NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL 61 NO. 3 |7 buying are optimised for countering surface threats that the ANZAC Ships HMAS JERVIS BAY (III) could face in Australia's maritime approaches." Mr Tuisk said the first of the HMAS JERVIS BAY has been approved by the Governor- Penguin missiles should be available Construction General as the name for the new high-speed catamaran when the Super Seasprites enter chartered by Navy from International Catamaran Australia HMAS JERVIS BAY. formerly known as INCAT 045. is a service with the RAN early in the INCAT in Tasmania. The formal naming and further development of the successful 74. 78 and 81m next century. commissioning ceremony took place in Hobart on INCAT car ferries. It has been built to the requirements of Delivery of the missiles will Thursday. June 10. 1999. the Det Norske Veritas High Speed Light Craft Rules follow on from the phase I The new JERVIS BAY is an 86 metre high-speed (classed +IA1 HSLC Rl Car Ferry "A" EO) and the acquisition and arc expected to be catamaran built and trialed in Tasmania. She is capable of International Maritime Organisations (IMO) High Speed completed by January 2003. carrying 500 fully equipped combat troops and a range of Craft Code. BELOW army vehicles and equipment at speeds in excess of 40 INCAT 045 was constructed at the modern INCAT A Penguin Anti-Ship Missile as recently purchased for shipyard in Hobart. Tasmania. Australia. The ferry is a (he RAN's Super Seaspritc helicopters. knots (nearly 80 km/h) over a considerable distance. The crew was trained al the Australian Maritime product of an efficient assembly line - similar in principle BOTTOM to those currently used in the aircraft and vehicle III is recent photo of HMAS BRISBANE in Sydney's College in Launceston. and have now joined additional The recently re-activated USN Sea Shadow seen here in San Francisco Bay during the USMC Urban Warrior Captain Cook Drv Dock could be the last time a DDG Army and Navy personnel on board in Hobart. manufacturing industries. exercise. (USN) will be seen in the dry dock. There had been two previous naval ships named Essentially the shipyard is divided into two production (I.SPH Kevin Bristow. RANl Contract Signed for JERVIS BAY. areas, prefabrication and assembly. Initially prefabricated 2nd Penguin The first ship to bear the name was a passenger cargo items, including various modules and frames, are vessel built in 1922. She was built on order of the constructed. These are then transported a short distance to Acquisition Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers and the 280 metre long assembly line, known as the Coverdales The Department of Defence has conducted an average of three round trips between shipyard. exercised an option worth $76 million Australia and the United Kingdom per year. The assembly takes place in three stages and the ship to buy additional Penguin air-to- During WWII, she was commissioned by the RN and is moved through each stage on a simple, but highly surface missiles and related converted into service as an armed merchant cruiser. In effective, fixed railway system designed specifically for equipment for the Navy's ANZAC 1942. while acting as a convoy escort in the Atlantic. HMS transporting large catamarans. Ship helicopters, the Kaman SH-2G JERVIS BAY engaged the German pocket battleship In stage one the keel is laid and the prefabricated (A) Super Seasprites. ADMIRAL SCHEER and was sunk after a valiant battle. frames and beams are assembled. A contract for additional missiles her commanding officer. Commander E.S.F. Fegan. In stage two. among other work, the superstructure was signed by the Vice-President of was killed during the action with ADMIRAL SCHEER and frame is constructed, the hull plating is completed, the wave Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. piercing bows are added and the jet rooms are installed. AS of Norway. Mr Vidar Sandengen. The second ship to bear the name was the Australian The ship is then moved to stage three which is a dry and the Director General Helicopter Roll On. Roll Off Ferry formerly named MV dock facility. In this final construction stage the engine, and Guided Weapons. Mr Gunnar AUSTRALIAN TRADER, which was built in the gearbox, jet units, lifcrafts. electronic and electrical equipment are installed. In addition, fitout is completed Tuisk. in Canberra. Newcastle State Dockyard. She served in Bass Strait until commissioned into the and the ship is painted prior to the dry dock being flooded The contract for Phase 2 of the RAN as HMAS JERVIS BAY on 25 August 1977. In and the "launch". project follows the initial contract for addition to her primary role as the RAN training vessel, she Once in the water, each ship typically undergoes about $79 million signed with Kongsberg in was also used for military sea-lift tasks. 4 days of trials prior to delivery. Amazingly, the INCAT February last year which provides for HMAS JERVIS BAY (III) will supplement the current shipyard is building, in various production stages. 4-5 transfer of technology to Australian amphibious force element group that comprises HMAS ships at any one time with a launch every 10-11 weeks. Defence Industries to allow TOBRUK. the two amphibious transports (LPAs) and JERVIS BAY is constructed from marine grade manufacture of Penguin warheads in heavy landing craft (LCH). aluminium alloys and INCAT has insisted on the earliest Australia. With the availability of introduction of the rare 5383 - HI 16 alloy, which provides funds, the Phase 2 contract was significant marine and mechanical property improvements brought forward to take advantage of Design over the superseded 5083 range, for sheet and plate prices which will ultimately result in The wave piercing catamaran was developed by Incat in throughout the ship. The internationally accepted 6082 T6 savings on unit costs of Penguins. the early 1980's and it has undergone 15 years of alloy is being used for extruded aluminium while INCAT The missiles, with a range of refinement. The design is characterised by long slender communicates with suppliers about changing to the 5383 better than 30 km. will provide extra waterborne hulls: each subdivided into eight watertight series alloy. teeth' to the ANZAC Ships in compartments, which have very little buoyancy at the bow. addition to the Warfighting As each hull encounters a wave it tends to "pierce" Improvement Program (WIP) designed through, rather than ride over waves. Propulsion to upgrade their combatant ability. The concept is simple. At the bow the waterborne hulls The vessel is powered by four Ruston 20 RK270 "Penguins are currently in service are 10% immersed and contain 10% reserve buoyancy. The conventional medium speed diesel engines that develop in the United States and Hellenic remaining 80% reserve buoyancy for the wave piercing 7080 kW each. Each engine drives a fansom mounted Navies as well as the Norwegian. catamaran is held in the forward central hull, located above wateijet (Lips UI45D) through a Renk ASL60 reduction Swedish and Turkish Defence the loaded smooth water line. This results in a very gearbox. The custom designed Lipstronic jet control Forces". Mr Tuisk said after the versatile hull form which is sympathetic to a safe ride in all system provides, apart from steering and reversing, the signing, "but the missiles we are weather conditions and sea angles. Other high speed craft option of thrust vectoring and auto pilot is even more hull forms experience limitations in some conditions. appealing.

26 27 VOL. ft I NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 opened/removed to allow access to vessel services. also scope to use it in the provision of support for disaster Colbeck & Gunton have installed single leafed hinged fire relief operations within Australia. doors, single and double sliding fire doors, guillotine fire The Department of Defence has chartered the dampers, engine room fire dampers, fire hatches and catamaran for a two year period. smoke baffles throughout (he ship forming the best It will be based in Darwin from the end of June and structural fire protection system available for high speed commissioned into Naval service, with two crews of 20 aluminium craft. Navy and Army personnel. As mentioned training of the A marine approved Thorn Solid State Fire Detection crews took place at the Australian Maritime College. ii&v system which monitors a combination of smoke, break Launceston. Additional, onboard training will take place w.. - glass, heat-and flame detectors has also been installed. The under the supervision of an experienced check captain. three levels of fire extinction devices provided are listed "This charter represents a further investment by below: Defence in Australian industry and technology." said the • Portable hand held extinguishers: Minister for defence Mr John Moore "It increases the • Fire hydrants and fire hose reels: and. operational effectiveness of the ADF an.I boosts linkages • Overhead fire sprinkler system and C02 gas flooding between the Defence Force and local industry. It also system for the engine rooms. provides the ADF with an opportunity to trial and evaluate high speed, multi-hull technology for a range of military Conclusion applications, in a realistic operating environment." The United States Navy and Royal Navy are also The introduction of a high speed catamaran will considering the multi-hull concept for sea transport complement Australia's ability to move troops and operations and have expressed interest in Australian equipment in the most effective manner and will support catamaran designs. the increased levels of preparedness recently announced by "Australia is internationally renowned for advances in the Federal Government. the development of this type of vessel which offers an The new vessel will participate in a range of ADF innovative solution to current Defence requirements." Mr exercises including 'Crocodile 99' later this year. There is Moore said.

HMAS JERVIS BAY. recently commissioned by the RAN still in its civilian colours. Principal Dimension and Capacities

Superstructure Ride has also been enhanced by increasing the Length overall 86.62 ni waterline length of the ferry. For example, since the early Length waterline 76.41 m The aluminium superstructure is supported on vibration 74 metre car ferries the waterline length has been increased damping mounts and was configured to provide seating for by more than 17 metres (1). Beam overall (excluding fenders) 26.00 m up to 876 passengers and a crew of 24 people. Hull beam 4.33 m A full w idth wheelhouse is fitted with central and wing IX'pth (mid) 6.75 m control positions for docking. A variety of entertainment, Safety and Fire Protection Hull centreline to vessel centreline 10.83 m navigation, radio, control and monitoring equipment has JERVIS'BAY is equipped with four of the world's most Draft (U.S.K.) 3.60 m been provided to suit the owner and Classification Society advanced Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and six. 1(H) requirements. man lifcrafts. Fuel capacity (approx.) 4 x 15.250 1 The spacious air conditioned crew mess, located under The system, supplied by Liferaft Systems Australia, has Long range fuel capacity (approx.) 2 x 245.000 1 the bridge, can be accessed via a private stairwell leading proven itself under international scrutiny and is without Emergency genset fuel capacity (approx.) 2 x 857 1 from the bridge or alternatively, from the forward starboard doubt the fastest and safest available. The MES and rafts Fresh water capacity 5000 1 passenger ramp. filled ensure that 900 people can be evacuated in under 12 Sullagc capacity 5000 1 Access to the main passenger areas may be gained minutes - a time which is significantly less than thai Lubricating oil storage capacity through: dedicated passenger gates located aft: two all required by ihe IMO standard. Further, the system reduces 2 x 823 1 stairwells from the vehicle deck: or alternatively, two the full load minimum evacuation crew to 24 people. Passengers (9(H) maximum however, reduced to 800) 876 people forward ramps from the vehicle deck. Each MES can be operated individually by a single Crew 24 people crew member at a local evacuation station or alternatively, Vehicles 200 cars or a combination of cars and up to four coaches the entire system can be activated from the bridge. A Abbreviations: MCR = Maximum continuous rating Ride Control significant safety feature incorporated into the MES is that I = litres m = metres kW = kilowatt hour Passenger comfort has again been increased significantly when deployed, the liferaft (connected by the slide) is with the introduction of the 86 metre wave piercing securely positioned 12 metres out from the hull of the ship, catamaran. Part of the improvement can be attributed to the as opposed to deploying alongside. All MES units are Trial results enhancement of the Maritime Dynamics Inc. ride control removed, inflated, tested and reinstalled every year. The system now installed on 21 INCAT car ferries. 100 person rafts are fitted at the aft port and starboard Lightship 47.5 knots @94% mcr The system consists of an active trim tab mounted at escapes for use on the low level decks. Two way average speed (370 tonne deadweight) 42.19 knots @94<* mcr the transom of each hull, which provides trim and motion Advanced lightweight fire protection, developed by Typical Performance dampening. Interestingly, the operator can adjust the gain a Tasmanian company. Colbeck & Gunton. and Service speed (350 tonne deadweight) 43 knots on pitch, roll and heave motions to optimise the multinational Thermal Ceramics, has been used throughout Fuel consumption 212 grams/kW hour performance of the system for a specific sea condition, JERVIS BAY. Fuel consumption. 350 tonne deadweight, wave direction and speed. The optimisation obviously Significant features of the fire protection include per seat per mile @ 44 knots 0.21 litres results in enhanced ride characteristics. increased water resistance: it is robust and can be easily

VOL 61 NO t THE NAVY vol. 61 NO 3 21 Book Reviews AUSTRALIA'S NAVAL Editor's Note: Copies of Australia's Naval Inheritance may be obtained from Naval History Directorate. INHERITANCE Department of Defence (CP3-4-4I). Canberra ACT 26

VOL hi no * THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL 61 NO 3 23 same cosy situation may not always apply. Many of New "Peace" movement. In addition. Australia is about to Zealand's major markets are located in north-eastern Asia. undertake a SI Billion modification of its six FFGs. Japan. South Korea. Taiwan and China. The continuing diminishing commonality between the two navy's ships. It multi-lateral dispute over the Spratly islands, through is unlikely that the RNZN could afford to have their FFGs which much of the regions maritime traffic must pass, is an modified to the same standard as the RAN. example of an area in which future problems may lie. The final point is that the US may not be willing to sell In addition. New Zealand has been a contributor to UN FFGs to the RNZN. The after effects of the ANZUS treaty Maritime operations in the past and may be called upon to break may still mitigate against allowing such a large and do so in the future. Such operations require a vessel tangible sign of support as the sale of major warships to capable of making a meaningful contribution to the take place. Leasing F-16 fighters is one thing, major operation, and prudence dictates a reasonable level of self- warships are quite another. The PERRY class remaining in defence capability. US serv ice were commissioned from 1979-89. The waters of New Zealand's 200 kilometre Exclusive Another suitable vessel would be the Netherlands Economic Zone are home to KORTENAER class frigates. vast stocks of fish, and may Ten were built for the Royal support other resources such Netherlands Navy (RNLN) as seabed minerals. To patrol with two more completed for and protect these resources, Greece. An additional eight the vessels used must be were completed to a similar capable of operating in the design in Germany for the notoriously stormy waters then West German Navy. The off New Zealand. RNLN has commenced disposing of their ships, with Taken together, this four sold to Greece and two suggests that a replacement more to the United Arab for WELLINGTON and Emirates. The remaining four CANTERBURY should be a ships are expected to begin well-armed frigate design, of Tun Kortcnaer class frigates and a Wine De With class frigate, right of photo, during the I9XX Nasal Bicentennial Salute in Sydney (M. SchwcikcrtI at least 3.000 tonnes, with 1>y. T>pc 22 Batch 2 fngate HMS BEAVER during the l«WX Naval Bicentennial Paying off from 2004. which good sea-keeping qualities Saiuce in s>dne> iJtihn Monimeri would fit in well with the built to differing standards, most notably the last four were In summary , the RNZN is not able to carry its original and capable of operating a RNZN timeframe. built w ith substantially lengthened flight decks to handle a plans for a four Anzac ship navy. The recent announcement Super Seasprite sized helicopter. Secondary considerations The 3.600 tonne KORTENAER class was designed as Sea King or Merlin helicopter. that the RNZN w ill be a half Anzac and half prc-loved' would include interoperability with the Royal Australian general purpose frigates, with an emphasis on anti- If it is assumed that the two short flight deck ships are ship fleet should be good new s to many on both sides of the Navy, long range to patrol New Zealand's vast EEZ and submarine warfare. Intended for operations in the rough available for sale. New Zealand would be acquiring large Tasman. But with the ADF becoming more cash strapped reduced manning requirements compared to the waters of the Atlantic and North Sea. they possess vessels. 4.8(H) tonnes, designed to operate in the harsh as time goes on. friendly concessions and assistance to the LEANDER* 250 personnel excellent seakeeping qualities. Systems they are armed w aters of the North Atlantic north of the UK. The ships are RNZN's second hand ships may not be forth coming, The number of second-hand ships available that match with what would be new to the RNZN include an Oto- armed with two sextuple mounts for the Sea Wolf anti- making their choice and maintenance of these second hand the New Zealand requirement is limited. The fire sale Melara 76 mm gun. the non-vertical launch version of the aircraft missile, four Exocet anti-ship missiles, two triple ships that much more difficult. Although second hand ships earlier in the decade has cleared the majority of the excess Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missile, the Harpoon anti-ship anti-submarine torpedo tubes, four 30 mm and two 20 mm conjure up headlines such as 'rustbuckets' they can be a older ships, with those remaining hav ing many years of life missile and the Goalkeeper 30 mm close in weapon cannon. quick, cheap and simple means to boost one's naval left in them. Even so. the continuing downsizing of the system. A number of the radars and electronics systems are The advantages of the ships are that they are well capability for a fraction of the cost of ships that those w ho scoff at 'pre-loved' are destined to pay. larger Western navies is still releasing some vessels onto also not currently in RNZN use. as are the Rolls-Royce proven, with sister ships having seen service in the the market. Tyne and Olympus gas turbines. The hangar is large Falklands War and Gulf. The Royal Navy w ill continue to Ironically, whatever second hand ships the RNZN One source might be the American PERRY class enough to hold two Super Lynx helicopters but may need operate the remaining Type 22 frigates through to at least choses they w ill no doubt be a far more capable warship guided missile frigates, with examples sold to Turkey. modification to hold the taller Super Seasprite. 2015 if not longer, ensuring a ready availability of spare than the current 'fitted for but not with' Anzacs they have Egypt and Bahrain. Sister ships are in service with the The acquisition of the KORTENAER class has a parts and technical expertise. The Type 22 is well known in service now. Royal Australian Navy, providing a ready source of number of positive aspects. They have a manpower for its sea keeping characteristics, designed to operate in the stormy waters north of the UK in the Greenland- expertise across the Tasman. The introduction of FFGs requirement of 174. far lower than the lEANDER class, Iceland UK gap. and as such would easily cope with the would introduce a number of new weapon systems into the they are fitted for mixed gender crew arrangements and rough waters off New Zealand. In addition, the RNZN has RNZN. most notably the SM-I Standard area anti-aircraft several of the main radar systems are currently in use on a long tradition of operating RN ships, with all major missile and the 76 mm Oto-Melara gun. The frigates the LEANDER class. In addition the acquisition of ships warships operated being of UK design, with the notable displace some 4.100 tonnes and have a complement of 210 from the Netherlands, as opposed to the US. would exception of the Anzac class. in RAN service. probably prove less politically sensitive. The On the positive side they utilise a number of weapons KORTENAERs remaining in Dutch service were The major disadvantages of the Type 22 include a large systems, sensors, electrical and engineering systems which commissioned in 1981-83. crewing requirement (30 officers and 240 crew) and an are in service with the ANZAC frigates. The FFG can also The third possible supplier is the United Kingdom. The almost complete lack of commonality w ith machinery and operate two of the RNZN Super Seasprite helicopters. The Royal Navy plans to decommission a number of its Type electronics currently in RNZN service, or in service with FFG is in service with the navies of Australia, the US. 22. Batch 2 frigates, within a time frame compatible with the major navies that the RNZN operates with. The weapons fit is also completely new to the RNZN and has Taiwan. Spain. Turkey. Egypt and Bahrain and will easily the RNZN requirement. A specialist anti-submarine ship, nothing in common with the ships currently in service. A integrate into multinational or UN naval forces. the Type 22 class was built in three series. The first four lesser disadvantage is that the Type 22 is the largest ship of Negative points include the fact that the ships are larger ships, including HMS BROADSWORD, have been sold to the three possible LEANDER replacements, and may well and far more heavily armed than New Zealand's ANZAC Brazil. The second and third batches, incorporating attract even more criticism from the "peace" lobby than the frigates and may attract more of the same adverse criticism improvements from the Falklands War. number six and The USN still has some of its FFG-07 class frigates for sale. In RNZN hands ANZAC class did. as the ANZACs from the large and vocal New Zealand four ships respectively. The six Batch 2 ships have been they would provide a significant upgrade lo its naval capabilities. (USN)

24 vol. 61 NO. ^ THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL 61 NO 3 Observations

By Geoffrey Evans The People Problem The writer learned to his surprise that events such as the Gulf War and the more recent "Balkans" operation, instead In a lengthy association with the RAN the writer has of attracting more recruits has had the opposite effect. It observed a great many changes, mostly but not always would seem that unless the Australian society undergoes resulting in a more effective navy. some fundamental changes and becomes less materialistic, One of the most important areas of change - perhaps less in need of constant entertainment and more conscious the most important - is that of personnel: the most of the world in which it is a geographically large but in sophisticated equipment is wasted without someone to other respects a small part, then it has a somewhat suspect decide how and when it is to be used - although it seems future. even decision-making is becoming a task for computers rather than humans. When the writer joined the navy during World War II Melbourne - Uncertain Welcome the destroyer in w hich he served had a complement of over The diversion of the American cruiser PRINCETON from 300 - all men of course. Her 1990 s frigate namesake, a Melbourne to Hobart earlier this year did not help the city's slightly larger and potentially more lethal warship, is reputation as a friendly place to visit. Quite the reverse. manned by little more than half this number - including The precautions necessary to protect the crews of women, restricted to dreams (and shore leave) by seagoing visiting warships alleged, without foundation, to carry sailors until recent times. nuclear weapons: (not forgetting the disgraceful episode A gradual move from steam to other forms of involving the British aircraft carrier ARK ROYAL, when propulsion and a very rapid advance in electronic tugs refused to enable the ship to berth) must surely have technology are among the changes that have reduced the inlluenced the thinking of hundreds of young men and requirement for seagoing personnel in all modern navies. women about Melbourne hospitality. In the RAN the demise of big-complement ships cruisers The precautions taken and decisions made to divert and aircraft carriers has also reduced the demand, ships away from Melbourne are no doubt warranted but it compensated in part by a need for increased shore based is not to the credit of the vocal groups that cause the training facilities and the necessity of more frequently HMAS COLLINS, even ihe bol equipment is worthless without the right personnel. (RAN) problems. upgrading the skills of personnel. The present RAN workforce is 13.6(H) men and women In the first place, the writer has reservations about the unwise to place undue pressure on the RAN to be a with a target of 14.000. a comparatively small number The SYDNEY Inquiry need to find the w recks, or indeed the desirability of doing provider as it is already stretched coping with today's measured against employment in many industries and This "Observer" does not pretend to have read every one of so. He has it in mind that one of the greatest maritime rather more pressing security problems. commercial organisations: it is reasonable to think that tragedies of all time, the loss of the TITANIC and over the nineteen volumes of submissions and statements made With regard to ways of commemorating the heavy loss recruiting would not be the problem for the navy - and the to the parliamentary inquiry into the loss of the Australian 1.500 lives has. since discovery of the wreckage, ADF generally that it has become. of life resulting from the SYDNEY-KORMORAN cruiser SYDNEY, following an engagement with the developed into a form of entertainment. Rather than be Interest, particularly among young people, in the armed engagement (recommendations nos. 16 and 17). the writer German auxiliary cruiser KORMORAN in November memorials, as proposed, over time SYDNEY and forces as a career or form of employment seems to have wonders if it is appropriate to select any particular ship to 1941. He did however, read many of the papers and in KORMORAN could well become objects of curiosity and declined from the late 'seventies onwards, a period during particular the final report issued in March 1999. itself a receive special attention: Many Australian sailors lost their which youth unemployment has remained fairly high. money-making in an increasingly materialistic world. si/eable document of over 200 pages. lives during World War II in a v ariety of circumstances, but Table I indicates the extent of the decline (see next page). Also, given the uncertainly surrounding the site of the The Defence Sub Committee, part of the Joint Standing Failure rates - enlistments as a percentage of engagement, any search will require resources and in the end no sacrifice can be said to be greater than Committee on Foreign Affairs. Defence and Trade which applications are due initially to inadequate numeracy and facilities likely to be costly. In this regard it would seem another. carried out the inquiry , states in the opening paragraph of literary skills followed by medical rejections as the its conclusion and recommendations that it is aware the recruiting process continues. report "may not put an end to the wilder speculations that While there are numerous factors influencing recruiting surrounds this matter". In this regard the writer is of the for the ADF. changes in society are without doubt the main opinion it would have been better to confine the report cause of problems and seem likely to continue. The quest Tabel I. to the 10 pages containing the conclusions and for material gain has become much more important, recommendations, each of which is supported with an authority tends to be distrusted or resented, "globalisation" 1978/9 W«7 1997/8 adequate explanation, and omit most if not all the 172 and nationalism compete and cause confusion, affluence pages elaborating on the reasons many of which repeat the ADF NAVY ADF NAVY ADF NAVY does not appear to have been matched by a corresponding "wilder speculations". Repetition would not appear a good Enquiries 92.599 25.593 desire to help the less-fortunate - or to serve the nation. 69.655 16.815 way to reduce the large number of theories which will no Pay and conditions: For "Old Navy " personnel both Applications 44.599 10.305 24.254 5.866 18.542 4.716 doubt continue to be argued. have improved almost beyond recognition, but even so pay Enlistments 8.058 1.779 4.412 1.560 3.409 1.201 is reported to be unattractive to would-be applicants as well The sub committee clearly accepts that the reason as ci of Applications 18 17.25 18.2 26.6 18 3 25.5 as causing retention problems in respect of those already in SYDNEY was placed in a position enabling her inferior the Services ("wastage" is the new word). Following a opponent (KORMORAN was well-armed but with Notes: 1998/9 figures to date follow a similar pattern limitations of a merchant ship) to cause her loss, will never lengthy inquiry extensive changes are taking place, too :The unemployment rate was lower in 1978 than at present. complex to discuss here, but designed to reward skills and. be known. It makes 18 recommendations of which those financially at least, to make the Services competitive with relating to a search for SYDNEY and KORMORAN (nos. civilian occupations. 10 to 15 incl.) are particularly important.

26 VOL. ft I NO. 3 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 3 27 Out of the Past HMAS LEEUWIN (II)

By Vic Jeffrey

At the mention of HMAS LEEUWIN (II). most people Patrol vessels from LEEUWIN (II) performed various immediately think of the new RAN Survey ship of that duties by both day and night including inner harbour name. Not so. patrols, patrols of the inner and outer harbour boom Patrol Vessels PETER PAN (nearest Camera), unidentified launch outboard." NAP vessel PANTOMINE (P 47) RANVR 1941-45. Originally owned by Percy HMAS LEEUWIN (II) was a World War II Naval base defence nets, patrols of prohibited areas used by USN with KIMRA and WINNILYA (outboard) astern al HMAS LEEUWIN (II). Taskcr. Based al HMAS LEEUWIN (II). (Royal Bay Yachl Club) (Pholo Courtesy of WA Newspapers via Vic Jeffrey) loeatcd several kilometres further up the Swan River then floatplanes. Gage Roads - where despatches, mail and HMAS LEEUWIN shore establishment at east Fremantle. relief crew ferried to naval v essels in the outer harbour, and on the Northern side of the river in Western Australia. sweeps as far as the South Passage and Garden Island. Commissioned on September 7 1942. By Commander Some of the privately owned vessels taken up by the C P Hearle (CO of HMAS LEEUWIN) the base was to act Naval Auxiliary Patrol were: ALTAR. AVALON. AVANT. as a tender to her larger sister. It occupied the premises of DOLPHIN. GLADMORE. GREEK. HALYCON. one of WA's most prominent yacht clubs. The Royal HIAWATHA. JAMES INNES. KIMRA. MARLIN. Freshwater Bay Yacht Club located at Keane's Point in the prestigious leafy Perth riverfront suburb of Peppermint MIAMI. PETER PAN. PINAFORE. SEAFARER. Grove. SIESTA. TEMERAIRE. WINNILYA and VLAMING. The Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club was the most Two of these vessels. SIESTA and GLADMORE were lost suitable and only position close to Fremantle that could be to fire during their NAP service. used for harbour and coastal patrol work. With a state of From June 1944 the NAP was reduced to a minimum as the war emergency in June 1942. the site was requisitioned modem patrol vessels entered service and the threat of by the RAN. attack diminished. A number of new buildings were added to house One of the relics, which still stands today, from that era personnel and maintenance workshops to service patrol NAP vessel KIMRA underway in the Swan River WA. in the 3.5-inch deck gun from the Dutch submarine K XI craft. The upstairs area of the yacht club housed the ratings which was decommissioned in Fremantle on 10 April 1945 who marched in July 1942. The downstairs area became after hav ing arrived on 22 March 1945. the officer's wardroom with the annexe becoming the Purchased by a Mr McMinn of the New York Junk Co. ship's office and spare quarters. through the Australian disposals commission. Captain The rallying of boat owners and other citizens Harold Tilly of Fremantle's company were contracted to considerably assisted the building of the small and efficient depot at minimal cost to the government. It was strip the submarine. commanded bv Lieutenant Commander Roland Smith, the With berths in Fremantle at a premium. K XI was former Commodore of the Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and towed to LEEUWIN (II) where she was secured to allow one of the driving forces behind its successful transition. stripping to commence. At 670 tons and a length of 180 ft Initially. 20 of the best and most suitable privately (60 metres), the K XI was the largest vessel to ever ascend owned launches and other craft from the waters of Perth the Swan under the Fremantle traffic and railway bridges. were taken over by the NAP (Naval Auxiliary Patrol) with A grateful Captain Tilley. a club member, was so the number expanding to 105 vessels with 419 service and appreciative of the cooperation received, allow ing him to civilian personnel operating in Western Australian waters erect tents for his workmen and allowing them to use the by late 1942. At that time there were 6.632 vessels and facilities, offered the submarine's deck gun to the club. The 3.185 personnel operating nationw ide. gun was subsequently removed and loeated overlooking An Australia-wide forces, it was first founded on 28 the Swan River where it still stands today. March 1938 as the Volunteer Coastal patrol and renamed The white ensign was lowered for the last time at the NAP on 25 June. 1941 LEEUWIN (II) when Commodore C. J. Pope, the Naval The object of the organisation was to utilise the private launches, y achts and fishing vessels, ranging in size from 6 Officer in charge of Fremantle. addressed the ship's to 20 metres. They were armed w ith machine guns. Lewis company and performed the 'paying off' ceremony on 6 guns, depth charges (of varying sizes and usually one per March. 1946. Thus closing another chapter in the RAN's boat), hand grenades and small arms. history. NAP Personnel on Parade 2K vol. VOL 61 NO. 3 Hatch, Match & Dispatch

This edition sees the addition of a new regular feature entitled H ATCH. M ATCH <& DISPATCH. Given the large number of ships due lo launen (HATCH), commission (MATCH), and decommission

STl'ART launching from Tenix's Williamslown facility (Kevin Dunn/l-lccilinei

The new minehunter NORMAN entering the water at ADI's Newcastle facility (ADI) The newly commissioned min.-hunter HMAS HUON. (ADI) The newly commissioned HMAS JERVIS BAY in her navy colours. (RANI

DISPATCH

The flag being lowered for the last time at the decommissioning ceremony for HAMS PLATYPUS (RAN) The former HMAS ONSLOW now forms part of the exhibits at The National Maritime Museum at Sydney's Darling Harbour following her recent Mrs Ivy Hayes, sister of Teddy Shechan. with our latest Collins class sub SHEEHAN being launched in Adelaide (Rann Communications) decommissioning (Jeff Mellefont. National Maritime Museum)

M) VOI. 61 NO * THE NAVY STATEMENT of POLICY

\,l\ \ I V.llllk- til \ilsli.ilia

The strategic' background to Australia's security has supported by strong research and design changed in recent decades and in some respects become organisations capable of constructing all needed more uncertain. The League believes it is essential that types of warships and support vessels and of Australia develops capability to defend itself, paying providing systems and sensor integration with particular attention to maritime defence. Australia is. of through-life support. geographical necessity, a maritime nation whose prosperity As to the RAN. the League: strength and safety depend to a great extent on the security • Supports the concept of a Navy capable of effective of the surrounding ocean and island areas, and on seaborne action off both Last and West coasts simultaneously trade. and advocates a gradual build up of the Fleet to The Navy League: ensure that, in conjunction with the RAAF. this can • Believes Australia can be defended against attack be achieved against any force which could be hv other than a super or major maritime power and deployed in our general area. that the prime requirement of our defence is an evident ability to control the sea and air space • Believes it is essential that (he destroyer/frigate around us and to contribute to defending essential force should include ships wi(h the capability to lines of sea and air communication to our allies. meet high level threats. • Supports the ANZUS Treaty and the future • Advocates the development of afloat support reintegration of New Zealand as a full partner. capability sufficient for two task forces, including • Urges a close relationship with the nearer ASEAN supporting operations in sub-Antarctic waters. countries. PNG and the Island States of the South • Advocates the acquisition at an early date of Pacific. integrated air power in the fleet to ensure that ADF • Advocates a defence capability which is deployments can be fully defended and supported knowledge-based with a prime consideration given from the sea. to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. • Advocates that all Australian warships should be • Believes there must be a significant deterrent equipped with some form of defence against element in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) missiles. capable of powerful retaliation at considerable • Advocates that in any future submarine distances from Australia. construction program all forms of propulsion, • Believes the ADF must have the capability to including nuclear, be examined with a view to protect essential shipping at considerable distances selecting the most advantageous operationally. from Australia, as well as in coastal waters. • Supports the concept of a strong Air Force and • Advocates the acquisition of an additional 2 or 3 highly mobile Army, capable of island and jungle Collins class submarines. warfare as well as the defence of Northern • Supports the development of the mine- Australia. countermeasures force and a modern • Supports the acquisition of AWACS aircraft and the hydrographic/oceanographic fleet. update of RAAF aircraft. • Advocates the retention in a Reserve Fleet of naval • Advocates the development of amphibious forces to vessels of potential value in defence emergency. ensure the security of our offshore territories and to • Supports the maintenance of a strong naval Reserv e enable assistance to be provided by sea as well as by to help ciew vessels and aircraft in reserve, or taken air to friendly islu.id states in our ;i'ca. up for service, and for specialised tasks in time of • Advocates the transfer of responsibility, and defence emergency. necessary resources, for Coastal Surveillance to the • Supports the maintenance of a strong Naval defence force and the development of the capability Reserve Cadet organisation. for patrol and surveillance of the ocean areas all The League: around the Australian coast and island territories, Calls for a bipartisan political approach to national including in the Southern Ocean. defence with a commitment to a steady long-term build-up • Advocates the acquisition of the most modern in our national defence capability including the required aimaments and sensors to ensure that the ADF maintains some technological advantages over industrial infrastructure. forces in our general area. While recognising current economic problems and • Advocates measures to foster a build-up of budgetary constraints, believes that, given leadership by Australian-owned shipping to ensure the carriage of successive governments. Australia can defend itself in the essential cargoes in war. longer term within acceptable financial, economic and • Advocates the development of a defence industry manpower parameters.

12 VOL (i I NO .1 THt; NAVY Did you know Navy nautical charts are available on CD?

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An FlA-18 Hornet flics over HMAS ANZAC during the ' * recent fCP 99 (Dems Horsey. DP AO) The Collins Submarine Capability Team

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1999 www netspace. net.au/ -navyteag VOLUME 61 NO.4

The Magazine of the Navy League of Australia

Rotary Wing Airpower The Clearance Solutions for Australia's complex operational acoustic environments THE NAVY Nh\;i\> I.cauue ot Vuslralia FKDERAL COUNCIL Volume 61 No 4 Patnm in Chief: His Excellency. The Governor (iencra) nfc Graham M Hans. RFD. K RADM AJ Robertson. AO. DSC. RAN (Rid): J.ihn Bird Contents CDREHJP Adams. AM. RAN (Rid) CAPT HA Josephs. AM. RAN (Rid) THE COLLINS SUBMARINE Hon Secirtary: l>wi Scbrapel. PO Box 135. WndvUfc. SA 5011. Telephone: (IK) 8347 1985 Fax: (08) 8347 3156 CAPABILITY TEAM NEW SOUTH WAIJCS DIV ISION By Rear Admiral Peier Briggs Page 4 Patron: I Its Excdlcncy. The Governor of New South Wales Ihvsident: R O Albert. AM. RFD. RD. ROTARY WING AIRPOWER lion Secretary: J C J JeppexnOAM. RFD GPO Box 1719. Sydney. NSW 1013 IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION Telephone: (02)9570 8415 Fa*: (02) 9132 8383 By George Kaplan Page 8 V ICTORIAN DIVISION Patron: His Excellency. 'Die (iovemor of Vicuna. THE CLEARANCE DIVING TEAM President: J M Wilkinv. RFD". Hon. Secrrtan: Gavan Bum. PC) Box I VH. Box Hill. Vic 3128 By David Wall Page 22 TelejVuwie (03) 9842 8570. Fax (03) 9842 8107 Email: quest?o/rmaiLcuinau THE RAN SEA TRAINING GROUP Membership Sccrrtary: ICDR Tom Kilbum MBE. VRD THE VITAL DAMAGE CONTROL LINK Telephone (03) 956 9927. PO Box 1303 Box Hill VIC 3128 By LEUT Jeff Goedeeke RAN Page 26 QUKENSI AND DIVISION Patnm: His Excelleiw. The Cioven** ol Queensland TWILIGHT OF THE BATTLESHIPS Prcadent: I M Eraser. OAM. By Kevin Dunn Page 29 Hon Secirtary: R D PouhonRFD. POBox 170. Cleveland Qkl 4163. Telcphine: (07)3345 2174.

Regular Features Cairns: A Cummeen PO Box 1009. Caimv Qld 4871) Telephone (07)4054 1195 From the Crow's Nesl Page 2 Towrnvflle: I McDougall. PO Box 1478. Townsvillc. Old 4810. Rash Traffic Page 13 Telephone: (07)4772 4588 Observations Page 20 Mackay: K Millw-.ud PO Box 5527. Qid 4741 Telephone (07) 4942 2965 Hatch Match and Dispatch Page 33 Bundaherg: I Luhse. It) Box 5141. Bundiberg Wot QkJ 4670 B(x>k Reviews Page 34 Telephme (07)4151 2210 Southport: IV Rrt. PO Box 946 StU^xrt. Qid 4215 Tdephnr (07) 5532 2447 League Policy Statement Page 36 SOUTH AUSTRAIJAN DIVISION l*atnm: His Excellency. Tbe Govern* ol South Australia. t he opinions or assertions expressed in "THE NAVY" art- those of President: Alan I'rusU-n. RFD. 15 Sleeps Hill Dnvc. Famranu SA SMI. the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Council of the Hon Secirtary : Miss J.F- Gill GPO Box 1529. Adelaide. SA 5001 Navy League of Australia, the Editor of "THE NAVY", the RAN Telephone: (08)8347 1985 or the Department of Defence. The editor welcomes correspondence, TASMANIAN DIVISION photographs and contributions and Mill assume that by making Patnm: HLS Excellency. The Govemi* of Tasmania submissions, contributors agree that all material may be used free of charge, edited and amended at the editor's discretion. Hon Secirtary: Mr. J.M. Cooper. 42 Amy R.ud. ljunarstm. T*>. 7150 Ibkphme and Fax: (03)6344 1531 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the Stale Branche.: permission of the editor. Dcv import: P O'Leary. 11 Tasman Place. Dcvmport. Tas 7310. Telephone: (03) 6424 5061. Bumie: (i Davis. 40Cheny Street Bumic. Tas 7320 Telephone: (03) 6431 4013. Front Cover: HMAS WALLER leaving Darwin Harbour I -aumWim: Mrs J. M. Cu^wr during the recent KAKADU '99 exercise. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN DIVISION (LAPH Erik Kennedy RN) Patnm: I lis Excellency. Tbe Cioven** of Western Australia. Pn-ident: A.H Hewitt. JP Hon Secirtary : Mr. G Hewitt 13 Lawler Road Attadalc. WA 6156 The Navy Telephone (08)9330 3600. All letters and contributions to: State Branches: (ieraldton: E Bcckwith. 2 ftsdrll Street Rangewav. WA 6530 Mark Schweikert Telephone (08)9921 3768(H)(08)9921 1200(B) Editor. THE NAVY Allauiy: D Bray. Lot 46 Frederick Street Gledhow. via Alhany. WA 6330. 1/5-9 Federal Avenue Telephone: (08)9841 6541 Oueanhcvan NSW 2620 FEDERAL ADVISORY COUNCIL F Cicoflrey Evans. OBF. VRD. Chainnan E-mail to: mark (^Canberra, teknct.net.au Neil Baitd Chaimun Baitd PuNic^ms Wm Bolitho. AM. Subscriptions and Membership enquiries to: Admiral Michael W Huds»«. AC. RAN (Rid) The Hon Secretary. Vice Admiral Duvid l-each. AC CBE. LVO. RANEM Navy League of Australia. NSW Div ision Vice Admiral Sir Richard Ptek. KBE. CB. DSC. RAN (Rid) John Strang. Chairman Strang International Pty lJd GPO Box 1719. Sydney. NSW. 1043

Advertising enquiries to: >77iVf ] ZWflTJ KM] Corporate Members Peter Jordan. Baird Publications The Australia Shipowners' Association Telephone: (03)9645 0411 Hawker Dc Haviland Limited Fax: (03) 9645 0475 Computer Science of Australia Pty Ltd BTR Aerospace Australia Deadline for next edition 5 November, 1999 Strang International Pty Ltd

THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO 4 I THE FUTURE 127 mm ERGM (Extended Range Guided Munition). Land I KOVI I III ( ROW S M SI Attack Standard Missiles and UCAVs (Uninhabited As the new millennium approaches the RAN finds itself Combat Air Vehicles). To achieve such a capability one In this last issue for the 20th century THE NAVY examines Despite this handicap, the media's reporting of the on the verge of a significant capability replacement, would have to recognise that government finance the most talked about program in defence, the Collins class minehunters. Anzacs. LPAs. submarines etc. Whilst Collins story could only be described as a frenzied, ill- committees look at platforms and make funding decisions submarines. We present an article from the man tasked necessary it unfortunately demonstrates that the informed. irresponsible attack. Radio commentators, news based on the item, not its effect. This could be seen in the with fixing the Collins submarines. Rear Admiral Peter replacement syndrome is alive and well. It is time Navy reporters, retired politicians even local community papers aircraft carrier debate in Australia during the 1980s. Briggs. as well as an update of the submarine's concentrated on effects not platforms and took ownership all engaged in this sensationalism. Their concern that the Detractors concentrated on the platform or item, not its achievements. We also hope to have RADM Briggs write of the maritime and iittoral environment. Naval defence of the nation is at stake' is highly questionable. effects. a regular update for the magazine. technology is currently providing opportunities and Where were these conscionable pillars of the fourth estate George Kaplan examines Rotary Wing Airpower in the capabilities in areas previously the domain of other Whilst being a very lateral thinking exercise it should Asia Pacific Region and details the number of very capable when defence's budget kept falling, when ships were being services. We should not look at a class of ship due for be practised and developed now as our defence budget is aircraft being employed by our neighbours from relatively fitted for but not with and when we rejected the offer of replacement w ith another class of ship but w hat effect can unlikely to alter significantly in the future. Lateral thinking small ships. four Kidd class DDGs from the US? we impose over a wider area using different means. For about technology and its relevance to our future naval force example, a fixed wing land attack capability could be Many are aware of the Navy's Clearance Div ing Teams One radio commentator, in a regular newspaper structure may be the only means to maintain our current achieved from a surface ship (bearing no resemblance to naval capabilities and simultaneously enhance them. (CDTs) role in peacetime, i.e. general diving work and column, even w ent so far as to attack tine of the submarine an aircraft carrier) employing cruise missiles, the new explosive ordnance demolition. What most are unaware of Mark Schweikert project's directors after he wrote a letter to the editor of that is the CDT's wartime role and how it contributes to the newspaper correcting many of their false claims. It would Special Forces mission. David Watt recently spent an appear fact docs not sell, or attract paid favourable afternoon with Al'SCDT ONE and examines this issue. I KOM Ol R Kl \l)l Us The recent fire in a gun mount onboard HMAS comment in today's general media. BRISBANE during KAKADl" 99 highlighted the need for The journalists whom defence trusts and those who are damage control drills to be as effective and proficient as informed have favoured Collins and support the whole IK?? Again!?! K? KORMORAN's choosing she was a match for SYDNEY II. KORMORAN carried enough mines to sink a squadron possible It is bv coincidence that this issue carries an program. They see that in five years the Collins Dear Sir. of cruisers making her more than a match for the lone article on the RAN's Sea Training Group and how it drills submarines will be as indispensable to the ADF as the With reference to LEUT Gillard's helpful letter cruiser in waters that were thought to be "beyond minable the navy in battle procedures and damage control. In 1987 F-l 11 is today. During its introduction many in the media regarding K.W. Austin's query about IK time. I feel that depths". In the early 1940s the allies suffered for the frigate I'SS STARK, the same class as HMAS did to the F-111 then as they are doing to the Collins today some further information may clarify the position. misconceptions about the enemy which the enemy took MELBOURNE which recently returned from The Gulf, The two letters dropped from the time alphabet are O advantage of. but could anyone criticise the F-111 today or see the ADF was struck by two Iraqi Exocet missiles while on patrol in and J. surprisingly not I. However, the Eastern Standard In the Indian Ocean near Australia in November 1941 w ithout them ' The F-111 is so indispensable it is expected that region. Damage control procedures were vital in Time normally kept by the four eastern States is Kilo time the German Captain w ould have had the defeat of EM DEM saving the ship and should serve as a reminder that battle to remain in service until 2020 at least. That would be the in zone -10 on his mind and the belief of allied cruisers were in the procedures and damage control are even more important same as operating a Spitfire or Hurricane today in an South Australia or central time is normally half an hour area. Consequently, he would have been prepared to meet now as they may be called upon at any time and any where. indispensable front line role. The F-l 11 is the region's behind E.S.T. and is the mean of I and K times hence the the enemy and unable to be "surprised". Did SYDNEY II l/K. Thus BARCOO grounded at 0507 IK or 0537 K. face two dangers, a dedicated Captain Detmers and a Many in Australia w ill remember the sight of the Iowa premier strike asset and one which the USAF has openly The uniform time system is covered in the admiralty blundering naval HQ in "impregnable" Singapore? class battleships when they visited. What many are stated it misses in its frequent UN sanctioned operations. navigation manual Vol. I 1964 on pages 358-9. Mr Fred Weyerman unaware of is the current fate of the lowas. We examine When fixed, the Collins class will represent a potent Articles such as BARCOO's stranding are of Erankston, Victoria this w ith a view to the future of naval gunfire support and deterrent to any enemy's naval operations. The same sort considerable interest and there must be many reports of answer the question where are the lowas now? proceedings available covering situations worthy of of deterrent that Argentina felt at the thought of RN nuclear Editor: Our inv estigation of the referral back to the UK As well as our regular features this edition of THE publication. has uncovered the only relationship between SYDNEY and powered submarines during the Falklands conflict despite NAVY sees some style changes which we hope our readers I.CDR Ted Bryden-Brown RED, VRI), RANR Ret. the material is the time period. Unless the author of the will appreciate. Australia's submarine arm being diesel electric. However, article had seen the material he is only guessing it directly technology is already indicating that submarine diesel Mark. related to SYDNEY II. electric propulsion systems will be obsolete and replaced in Just flicking through your Jul-Scp edition and noticed a The referral of foreign originated material back to COLLINS REPORTING letter from Stephen Gillard LEUT RANR regarding the 10 years with AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems. source governments for permission to release the time zone l/K. Sometime ago when HMAS FARNC'OMB dispatched information is standard practice, not only in Australia but An AIP Collins will have the same underwater capabilities In fact. I and K are not combined to reduce the number TORRENS w ith a Mk-48 torpedo many in the media made internationally. The two signals concerned covered a presently enjoyed by the French Amethyst and Rubis class of letters in the alphabet, they are in fact two separate time myriad of subjects which required referral back to the host. w ild claims about hidden explosives in the hull and that it SSNs making them true hunter killers. zones. I/K (-9.5 hrs) is the time zone used in the Darwin Australia has a reciprocal arrangement with all other was just a public relations stunt. While incorrect it also area and is midway between time zone India (-9) and Kilo countries its shares information with. served to highlight the media's 'military illiteracy". The TORRENS sinking re-iterated the fact that the (-IO).Time zone O does in fact exist (over Greenland) J is The author of the article in Sunday's Herald Sun is well torpedo is still the premier ship killing weapon employed Whilst many journalists forget their duty to report the the only letter that does not appear, and M and Y are only known for his own theories on SYDNEY II and provided facts free of the notion that controversy will attract ratings, by navies. After all. it is easier to sink a ship by letting 7.5 degrees rather than 15 degrees. substantial input to the Inquiry thus bringing into question sales and commercial gain, they are somewhat water in the bottom than air in the top. Given the Pete Davis his motives for this article. handicapped in that defence has. for a long time, veiled destructive power of one torpedo, and that Collins carries As a prominent naval historian recently told me. itself in secrecy. When a journalist catches Defence out it 23. spells devastation for any Carrier Battle Group or The Sydney Inquiry SYDNEY'S Captain may have been in bed with is news in itself and supports the old adage 'one dog barks appendicitis at the time of the encounter. The point is we Surface Action Group. at something, the rest bark at him". In his opening Dear Sir. will never know what happened. However. I believe many Despite the problems with the class, the three Collins' statement to the Collins Submarine Industry Brief. RADM The "categorical rejection of a government have lost sight of the real issue. That is that 645 men lost concealment or withholding evidence of SYDNEY II" was their lives in this tragedy. The constant conspiracy theories Peter Briggs indicated that part of the blame, for why the presently have the underwater capability to close off half put in doubt by a Sunday Herald Sun report. 20/7/99. that do nothing for their memory or the notion of rest in peace. media is so militarily illiterate, must be bom by the the sea lanes in the Indonesian Archipelago. Collins will relevant documents were recently spirited towards London The lesson that should be learned from the SYDNEY II military for not educating the media or providing the go dow n in history as the most potent weapon system ever (where 70 year secrecy can apply)! So much for the non tragedy is that this should never happen again at any level transparency needed for accurate reporting. employed by Australia. conspiratorial hypothesis. In a time and place of or at any time in our maritime security .

NO. 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 Therefore a two pronged approach has been Report Card on the Submarine formulated: • Fast track, to provide two operationally ready Project submarines by December 2000 with the current On 3 June 1987. a contract was signed w ith the Australian capability of the Oberons as the minimum standard, Submarine Corporation (ASC) for the design and and construction of six submarines and associated supplies and • Longer-term, start to provide a higher level of services for the RAN. The submarines arc based on the capability in approximately two to three years plus Kockums (Sweden) design fitted with combat systems examining through life issues for a modern supplied by Boeing Australia Ltd. formally Rockwell submarine. Systems Australia (RSA). The immediate task is to submit, by 30 September The current shareholders in ASC are Kockums 49*. 1999. a report for Cabinet consideration which includes AIDC 48.45* and RCI Limited, a wholly-owned feasible options, an order of cost and schedule, and a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries Limited. 2.55*. recommended way ahead to achieve a fully operational The first submarine. HMAS COLLINS, was formally submarine capability. delivered on 15 July 1996. The second submarine. HMAS As well as operational capability, high on the priority FARNCOMB was delivered on 15 December 1997 and the list is personnel issues. Issues such as watch keeping third HMAS WALLER was delivered on 30 April 1999. regimes, a completion bonus, provision of a trials crew and DECHAINEAUX is mid-way through contractor sea trials. the future location for depot level maintenance arc SHEEAN was launched at ASC on 1 May 1999 and setting receiving high priority. As a start, the Maritime lo work systems and equipments prior to commencement Commander at my request is conducting a trial of a three- of sea trials later in the year. The final submarine RANKIN watch regime. is 94* structurally complete, coming together in ASC's In order to provide a framework to accomplish outfitting hall and scheduled for launching mid 2000. the team's mission. I have established the hierarchy of In excess of 70* of the platform work and 45* of the forums to coordinate agreed actions and to monitor combat system work has been undertaken in Australia. A progress. 30* offsets obligation applies to the imported element of The recently commissioned HMAS WALLER on the surface in Darwin Harbour with HMAS ARUNTA in the background during KAKADl' W At the top of this hierarchy is the Submarine Alliance the combat system. (Erik Kennelly RNi Board (SABI. The SAB brings together key Defence and The total approved project cost in December 1998 H\ Rear Admiral Peter Brings. AO. CSC RAN j Industry representatives at Board level, to manage the prices is SA5074.7 million. S4424 million of this resolution of issues that have been identified as hav ing a represents the current price of the contract w ith ASC and The recently appointed Submarine Capability Team's (SMCT) mission is to achieve a fully operational and sustainable significant impact on the achievement and supportability the remainder represents the cost for other project elements submarine capability for Australia as quickly as possible and within approved resources. of Submarine Capability. such as integrated logistic support, administrative support, The Board is comprised: the provision of Australian Government resources (eg. Collins is our submarine future and although there are RADM PD. Briggs HSMCT (Chairman) trials crews and equipment) and contingency. Changes in problems. I am confident that together with industry we RADM J R. Lord MCAUST the total project cost since contract signature in 1987 arc are going to fix them. This will be achieved as quickly as RADM R. Lamacraft HSA (M&G) attributable solely to inflation and exchange rate variations. possible to provide Australia with the submarine RADM W A G. Dovers SPTCOM(N) The submarines are being assembled at the Australian capability it needs. RADM G Smith DCN Construction Facility at Port Adelaide w hich was officially The Collins mission can only be achieved by carefully DR B. Schofield DAMRL opened in November 1989. focusing, orchestrating and directing the activities of all Mr Tomy Hjorth MD Kockums Pacific The contract with ASC requires work amounting to agencies that have responsibility for different parts of the Mr H Ohff MDASC SA3I62 m (December 1995 prices) to be placed in total submarine requirement. Mr M Irv ing Chairman AIIX' Australian industry. SA3204 m (December 1995 prices) The Submarine Project, run by Commodore Eoin The SAB will provide direction, review progress and worth of Australian work has already been committed Asker is bearing a major portion of this load. However the marshal resources within Defence and Industry to achieve which exceeds the contractual commitment. team also includes CASS and V1HQ within Navy, the the mission. Over KMX) new jobs were created at ASC but lack of Acquisition Organisation. Support Command. Defence The remainder of the hierarchy consists of five forums f urther orders or new work means that some of these have Headquarters including Capability Development and covering operations, personnel, combat system, platform begun to be laid off. Personnel Executive. DSTO is playing a major role in systems and in-service Several thousand other identify ing the root cause of the problems and developing support. Forum's Australians also gained solutions. Various industry participants are involved. We membership is work through are receiving outstanding support from the USN and their representative of all the research organisations in pursuit of improvements to noise subcontracts. key areas needed for the and combat system augmentation. More than 100 Australian mission's success. companies arc participating To ensure the widest consideration of options as There has already in the program. The work possible, industry was briefed on July 23 and has been a considerable being done in Australia has been asked to respond to the Project by August 15. change of attitude as introduced significant new I was pleased to see so many ex-submariners at a result of the skills to Australian industry this briefing day - it felt more like a submariners Mclntosh/Prescott Report. such as specialised steel re-union. A collaborative effort is HMAS WALLER underwav for her first deployment to exercise KAKADl W production. complex Australia places great importance on the continuity of from HMAS STIRLING (I.SPH Danen Yates) underway with ASC and welding, fabrication and an operational submarine capability and. with this in Defence, and the pace to machining techniques, mind. Defence will pull out all the stops to achieve this. The team is aware that some problems would be identify and fix problems software development. The Government's acceptance of the Mclntosh/Prescott overcome relatively quickly, while others could take a has increased dramaticallv. HMAS COLLINS'* fin has been redesigned at the front foot and rear of the conning report also reflects this commitment. number of vears to rectify. lower lo help reduce underwater flow noise. (Rann Communications)

VOL ft I NO 4 THK NAVY VOL ft I NO. 4 5 Before and after. Note the new more pointed after hull casing modilication on HMAS COLLINS compared to HMAS WALLER tleft). This is hoped to further reduce flow noise and cavitation around the propeller. if.APH Erik Kenncll) RN & Rann Communications)

and processes associated with prinlucing electronic and success. They are designed specifically for Australian electro-optical systems. operating conditions and illustrate how the RAN. DSTO Work ai HMAS STIRLING in WA on a Magnetic and industry are capable of working together to produce a Measurement Range. Magnetic Treatment Facility and an first class product. 1'nderwater Tracking Range, is complete. These facilities Steel Development. Predion and wading, Although are now available for the conduct of Collins Class trials based on a Swedish formula, the steel in the Collins class and to support the submarines and other RAN Ships has been locally developed and produced. It has taken the through life. production and welding of high strength steel in Australia Other facilities associated with the program, including to new. and higher levels. From a Quality viewpoint the a Submarine Training and Systems Centre in WA and a welding carried out by Australian welders at ASC has a Land Based Test Site and Combat System Simulator in HMAS COLLINS on the ASC Shiplift. 1993. (RANl HMAS WATSON, in Sydney, are also complete and in use rework rate of between 0.1 and 0.3 percent against an for proving systems and for conversion training for the industry standard of 3**. Australian welders are performing The new submarines have been named for past distinguished officers and sailors of the RAN. between 10 and 30 times better than their overseas crews of the new submarines. Name Number Keel l^iyed Launched Delivered Whilst accepting the significant number of counterparts. COLLINS SSG 73 1990 1993 199ft shortcomings and problems to be fixed, the news is not all Australian Industry Involvement, (All), Prior to this FARNCOMB SSG 74 1991 1995 1997 bad - there are a number of successes and technological project, the All level in major defence projects seldom WALLER SSG 75 1992 1997 1999 achievements that have been realised through this project, exceeded I2-I59r. The initial goal for the Submarine DECHAINEUX SSG 7ft 1993 I99X such as: Project was 60<£. Defence contracted for 70and have SHEEAN SSG 77 1995 2000 actually achieved some 72^f. Collins Statistics manoeuvrability of ihe submarine exceeds the contracted SL'BSAFE Program. Based on the US system but Surfaced Displacement: 3050 tonnes requirements in many areas. The Collins dives deeper, goes further developed to meet Australian requirements, the Dived Displacement: 3350 tonnes faster and turns quicker than any known submarine of its Australian SUBSAFE program, introduced for the Collins Length overall: 77.8 metres type. Class, is probably the most comprehensive and well Beam 7.X metres Integrated Ship Control Managvmcm and Monitoring documented system of its type in existence. Draught: ft.X metres System (ISCM.MS). The ISCMMS. software based ship Industry Quality Standards. Many industries that were Diving Depth 1X0+ metres management system, regarded originally as one of the Speed: forced to raise their quality control and assurance to higher risk areas, has been a success. It is the only known, Surfaced 10* kls international standards in order to participate in the project fully automated ship control system in existence: it works Snorting 104 kls are now finding that their quality accreditation has resulted well and a great deal of interest is being expressed in it by Dived 20+ kls our allies. in their winning competitive tenders on the world markets. Machinery: Diesel electric: 3 Hcdcmora VB 210 IX cylinder dicseK 5.4 MW. Jcumont Schneider main motor: single shaft. Range 9000+ nm at 10 kls Habitability. The habitability standards of the Collins The Australian technology knowledge base has Complement 42. plus 5 trainees Class are equal to or better than any other conventionally received a boost through this project. The skills and Weapons: ft forw ard tubes for Mk 4X torpedoes and Sub Harpoon missiles. powered submarine. technologies now embedded in Australia as a direct result Combat System: Rockwell Advanced Combat System (now Boeingl-Scylla sonar suite by Thomson Sintra. Anechoic Tiles. The anechoic tiles developed by DSTO of the project are invaluable both for new projects and in- in co-operation with ASC have so far proved a great service support of Collins.

6 VOL ft I NO. 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL ft I NO. 4 7 Rotary Winfl&ir Power n the Asi^agfic Region

An Indian Navy KA-28 Helix The new Indian ALH-3 will replace Ihc Alouette in Indian Navx service and will he armed with ASMs. torpedoes and ASW sensors

carrier MELBOURNE) and India (Alouette. KA-25 The pay ing oft of ihc VIKRANT has left the Indian Hormone. KA-27 Helix and Sea King from frigates and Navy with a single carrier. VIRAAT (ex-HMS HERMES), aircraft carriers). The other nations in the Asia Pacific have however, it was recenlty announced that the Russian carrier lagged behind in the use of embarked helicopters, however, GORSHKOV would be acquired and uuHlificd to operate this is changing. the MIG-29. India has also announced the construction of In recent years more navies have undertaken the a 32.000 tonne carrier to be built in India also using MIG- acquisition of modern, multi-role helicopters, including 29. VIRAAT normally operates 12 Sea Harriers (20 are in Malaysia. South Korea. Taiwan. China and Thailand In service) and a mix of seven helicopters (Sea King and KA- addition, many of the established helicopter operators are 27 Helix) however, it has the capacity to operate a mix of expanding and modernising their helicopter fleets. Given up lo 30+ aircraft. the scope of these activities a short review of each Navy's The Indian Navy operates a force of 15 helicopter aviation capabilities may be in order. capable frigates and destroyers, with several more under construction. The majority operate the Sea King, of which there are more than 30 in service of different marks, while JAPAN VIRAAT and the Russian-built RAJPUT class operate the An SH-2 Seaspnie helicopter about lo touch down on the deck of an FFG (Kamani Japan has the most modern and capable fleet in the Asia Kamov KA-27 or variants. Sonic 20 are in service with a Pacific region. The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force number of the Airborne Early Warning variants on order. operates a large fleet of frigates and destroyers, numbering For training and utility work, and operation from offshore In the decades since the first use of helicopters at sea. their roles and capabilities have grown immensely. Looking at more than 50. is supported by a capable submarine force patrol vessels. 23 of the Alouette III (locally known as the the pioneering helicopters of the 1940s and 1950s, it is hard to imagine that they were the beginning of a path that and a large and sophisticated maritime aviation arm. The Chetak) are in service. To replace the aging Chetak. the would lead to today's multi-tonne, multi-million dollar helicopters. JMSDF operates large numbers of heiicopter equipped indigenously designed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Today's Seahawk. Super Lynx and Super Seasprite Island demonstrated. There was no glorious battle, destroyers, equipped with the SH-60J Seahawk helicopter is being developed, which will be fitted with locally helicopters contain some of the most complex computer the missile and strike craft of the Iraqi Navy were which has replaced the SH-3A Sea King. A total of 54 designed sensor suite and either anti-submarine or surface weaponry. Five are already flying. technology to ever fly and are as expensive simply caught on the water and wiped out for no coalition Seahawk and 39 Sea King helicopters are in service (the as front line jel lighters. The capabilities they offer losses. latter now operating from shore bases). The large destroyers have revolutionised naval combat, extending the The larger missiles such as Sea Eagle. Exocet and of the SHIRANE and HARUNA classes each operate three AUSTRALIA reach of even quite small naval vessels beyond Harpoon can be carried by larger helicopters such as the Seahawk helicopters, with most others operating a single the horizon and acting as the quintessential 'force Super Puma and Sea King, and have proved their lethality Seahawk. In addition ten large Sea Dragon minesweeping The Royal Australian Navy is currently undertaking an multiplier' in the Falklands conflict and the actions in the Persian helicopters are in service, and can be embarked from the expansion of naval aviation. In addition to the Sea King. It is a truism that no part of a warship's armament Gulf. Major warships have been crippled and sunk by new OSUMI class amphibious ships. Seahawk. Squirrel and B206 helicopters currently in receives as much use as its embarked helicopter. In war and these missiles, and the future promises to introduce even The JMSDF operates a fleet of more than 90 land-based service, the Super Seasprite helicopter is on order to peace, the ship's flight is an indispensable part of maritime faster, longer ranged and deadly ship-killers. P-3C Orion aircraft while a small number of Shin Meiwa provide an enhanced anti-surface warfare capability. The operations. Over the hori/on targeting to search and rescue, US-1A flying boats remain in service. While there is no RAN for many years relied on the carrier MELBOURNE mail runs to surveillance, personnel transfers and anti- THE REGION intention at this time to operate fixed wing aircraft at sea. for maritime aviation operations, and her retirement in the submarine warfare, all are part and parcel of the naval it has been noted that the OSUMI class could be fitted with 80s left a substantial gap in capability. The Sea Kings were helicopters career. Such is their utility that strenuous The navies of the Asia Pacific have, w ith several notable a ski-jump to assist in the operation of VSTOL type too large to operate from the unmodified FFGs. leav ing efforts are made to incorporate a helicopter into even the exceptions, been slow to take up the challenges and aircraft. them to operate Bell 206 and Squirrel utility helicopters smallest of new warships. capabilities of embarked helicopters. The blue water navies until the introduction into service of the Seahawk in time Adding to the capabilities of even the smallest of of the United States. Canada and Japan have been INDIA for the Gulf War. embarked helicopters are the lethal ant-ship missiles they enthusiastic helicopter operators for decades, with Canada The RAN inventory includes 16 S-70B-2 Seahawks can carry. Small missiles such as Penguin. Sea Skua and and Japan pioneering the operations of large Sea King India has operated fixed wing aircraft and helicopters from operating from the six ADELAIDE class frigates and the Maverick, carried by the Super Lynx. Seahawk and Super helicopters from destroyer and frigate sized vessels. Other aircraft carriers for several decades. In addition it operates first two ANZAC class frigates, seven SK50 Sea Kings, of Seasprite. are deadly to smaller vessels such as patrol boats regional navies with a long tradition of embarked a mix of Russian and western helicopters from several which one periodically embarks in the replenishment ship and fast attack craft, as the destruction of a large part of the helicopter operations include New Zealand (Wasp). classes of frigates and destroyers of Russian, western and SUCCESS, six AS350 Squirrel utility helicopters which Iraqi Navy at the facetiously named Battle of Bubiyan Australia (Scout. Bell 206. Wessex and Sea Kings from the indigenous design. embark on the ADELAIDE class and a small number of

VOL 61 NO 4 THE NAVY VOL 61 NO 4 v B206 light utility helicopters which were operated from the conversion is completed. These are most likely lo be aviation has also benefited from this expansion. The three fleet of amphibious ships, the Air Force operates 14 variants now decommissioned survey ship MORESBY and are now UH-I troop transport helicopters. aging WW Il-era GEARING class destroyers have been of the Thunderhawk. the S-70B/C. in Search and Rescue used Cor fleet training and liaison duties. modified to operate a helicopter, while the latest frigate and troop lift roles. The RAN has several major programs underway which MALAYSIA design, the OKPO class, are designed from the outset to w ill have a major effect on the Fleet Air Arm. These are the operate a single helicopter. A number of auxiliaries are CHINA decision to acquire 11 Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite Malaysia operates a small force of five aging Wasp fitted with a platform but have no facilities to hangar or helicopters lor operation from the ANZAC frigates, the helicopters, which are embarked on board the two maintain a helicopter. Across the straight that separates Taiwan from the construction of two large survey ships, each of which will KASTURI class corvettes while the elderly S-61 Nuri is The Republic of Korea Navy operates six aging mainland, the Peoples Liberation Army Navy has operate a utility helicopter, and the conversion of two ex- operated for Army support, most commonly for support of Aerospatiale Alouette III in the utility role, however, these embarked on a major expansion, w ith a large number of new frigates and destroyers under construction. All of these USN tank landing ships into a\ iation capable amphibious amphibious operations. The remaining helicopter capable are rapidly being replaced by the Westland Super Sea Lynx. new classes are designed to operate helicopters, most ships. Ihe last has taken substantially longer than initially ships in the fleet are only fitted with platforms, and lack 17 of which are in service, with another 13 on order. Of the commonly the Harbin Zhi-9A Haitun (a licence built expected and cost a great deal more than anticipated. hangars and maintenance facilities. helicopters in sen ice. six are of the anti-ship version armed version of the French Dauphin 2). At least twit are in serv ice Another complication is that the Army is reluctant to Two new frigates, the LEKIU and JEBAT are being with four Sea Skua anti-ship missiles and surveillance and and more will be required for the ships under construction. operate its non-marinised Black Hawks from the vessels, delivered by Yarrow in the UK. and to replace the Wasps, tracking radar, while the remaining II are equipped with The most recent classes of destroyer operate two citing numerous reasons why extended operations from the for operation on both the KASTURI and LEKIU classes. anti-submarine torpedoes and sensors. The 13 additional on helicopters, with the frigates operating a single Haitun ships are not feasible This may require the RAN to provide Malaysia has selected the Westland Super Lynx. Initial order are of the anti-submarine version, not surprising given helicopter support from the ships with the Sea King fleet, deliveries are due to commence in late 2(KM) and there is a the repeated incursions by mini-subs from the North. In addition, the PLAN has brought into service an aviation-training vessel, the SHICHANG. which is capable which is currently loo small to do the job and would need requirement for at least six aircraft to replace its five Wasp. Shore based aircraft include eight Grumman Tracker of embarking two Haitun. and which will be essential lo to be expanded. aircraft for anti-ship and anti-submarine operations, train pilots for the continuing expansion of naval av iation. supplemented by eight of the vastly more capable P-3C SOUTH KOREA This vessel, which resembles a modified container ship, is Upgrade III Orion. It is intended to eventually replace the NEW ZEALAND a major step forward in providing the PLAN with The South Korean Navy is actively engaged in continuing Trackers with an additional eight Orion's, however, no experience in simultaneous helicopter flight operations. The Royal New Zealand Na\y has finally taken delivery of defensive operations against hostile incursions from the order has yet been placed. This is considered essential if China is to proceed ahead four interim SH-2F Seasprite aircraft, pending the delivery North. In recent years media attention has been drawn to with its long anticipated plans to build a larger aviation of five SH-2G Super Seasprites in 2000-2001. This has several incursions into South Korean waters by North ship, along ihe lines of the VSTOL carriers of Spam. allowed Navy to pension off the Wasp helicopters. The Korean mini-submarines, together with surface craft TAIWAN Thailand and Italy. Seasprites operate from the two ANZAC class frigates, the attempting to land commandoes on South Korean beaches. Taiwan, facing a substantial threat from mainland China, In recent years China has purchased substantial two LEANDER class frigates and occasionally from the To deal with this growing threat the Korean Navy has operates a large and diverse Heel of ships, many of w hich are replenishment ship ENDEAVOl'R. The military sealift amounts of Russian hardware, including KILO class expanded in the last decade, building submarines and helicopter capable. The bulk of the fleet is made up of ship CHARLES I'PHAM has the capacity to provide a submarines and SU-27 Flanker aircraft. Amongst the frigates, with ambitious plans to build larger Aegis-style extensively modified and upgraded GEARING. FLETCHER platform for two medium helicopters after her full purchases were two SOVREMENNY class destroyers, destroyers for improved air defence at sea. Maritime and SUMNER class destroyers dating back to WW II. Nine each equipped lo operate one Kamov KA-2H Helix ships are fitted to operate the small MacDonnell Douglas helicopters. China had previously acquired Iwo Helix for MD500 which carries rudimentary ASW sensors and a evaluation purposes and more should be acquired in due search radar, and can be armed with a torpedo or depth course. charges. A total of nine MD500 aircraft are in service. AEROSPATIALE SA-32IG Super Frelon helicopters More modern frigates such as the CHENG KU'NG undertakes heavy lift. ASW and support missions. The (seven modified US PERRY classi and KANG DIN initial purchase of nine has been supplemented by French LA FAYETTE class I are fitted to operate the additional licence built versions designated Zhi-K and it is S-70C(M) Thunderhawk. a v ariant of Ihe Seahawk. nine of believed that total numbers in service are 15. As well as which are in service with II more on order. The eight operating from shore bases, the Zhi-K is embarked on former USN KNOX class frigates transferred to Taiwan in replenishment ships, submarine rescue ships, transport the mid 1990s are too small to operate Ihe Thunderhawk. ships and research vessels and thus 12 ex-USN SH-2F Seasprite helicopters are being proposed for acqui/ition. For operations from the small THAILAND The Thai Navy seemed poised for a major expansion of naval aviation, with the delivery of an aircraft carrier anu other new acquisitions planned. The Asian economic meltdown put paid lo those ambitious plans and today the Navy is busy just keeping its head above water. The acquisition of the Spanish-designed 11.500 tonne aircraft carrier CHAKRI NAREUBET signalled a major new step for ihe region's navies. It was the first aircraft carrier to be commissioned into a South East Asian Navy since the Indian acquisition of the former HMS HERMES in 1986 and the first new carrier lo enter service in the region since HMAS MELBOURNE. Built by the Spanish shipyard that built Spain's PRINCIPE DE ASTURIAS. the new carrier is generally similar in layout and is fitted to operate six Harriers and six A PLA-N Harbin Zhi-9a Haitun (Dauphini helicopter (Brian Momson/Warships Seahawks. Unfortunately the economic crisis has severely n of ihe Super Lynx, the Mk X. Super Lynx is used by many regional navies (Westlandi. and Marine Corps Museum Int. I restricted the amount of lime that the fleet spends al sea

VOL. ft I NO 4 THE NAVY VOL ft I NO 4 II and limited Navy 's development of operational experience range of other ordnance. They can provide air defence over with carrier operations. Seven single seat and two tw in seat the Heel or act in a maritime strike role. Surveillance is the ex-Spanish Navy Harriers (known in Spanish service as prov ince of two P-3T Orion, five Nomad Searchmaster's. Flash Traffic Matadors) were acquired as part of the purchase of the five Maritime variants of the Fokker F-27 passenger ADI has already awarded might be either to switch on the radar CHAKRI NARElBET and will provide a framework for aircraft and six Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft. The $897 Million frigate Thomson Marconi Sonar (TMS) a S66 or to rely on a passive ESM system. expansion onto more modern aircraft when the financial Orion and Maritime aircraft can be fitted with anti- upgrade contract million contract to provide the Ducting also has implications for situation improves. submarine torpedoes or Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Spherion medium frequency sonar, a ADI has won an $897 million communicating with other vessels or Other helicopter-capable vessels include two Chinese derivative from the Spherion B sonar contract to upgrade the RAN's six aircraft." he said. built NARESUAN class frigates lilted with a hangar for a already in the Anzacs. CONCLUSION Adelaide Class Guided Missile Ducting is a very common single helicopter, two ex-USN KNOX class frigates and TMS will also be providing the Frigates (FFGs). phenomenon in the first few tens of the replenishment ship SIMILAN (two helicopters). A The Asia Pacific has witnessed substantial growth in the Petrel mine, obstacle avoidance sonar. The FFG upgrade project aims to metres over the oceans surrounding number of other vessels are lilted w ith a platform only. nav ies of the region, and this growth has been reflected in This is the first time Petrel has been provide major improvements to the Australia. In addition, elevated ducts The Navy operates a number of different types of the numbers and capabilities of the helicopters operated. ordered which was designed in ability of the frigates to defend commonly occur at heights of helicopters, in addition to a surprisingly strong land-based The operation of helicopters is major step forward for conjunction with the DSTO and Navy. themselves against modern anti-ship hundreds or thousands of metres lived wing strike and reconnaissance force. In addition to smaller Navy's, opening up a new range of tactics and missiles introduced after Australia's above the surface. the nine Harriers and six S-70B7 Scahawks. a force of roles. Whilst the costs of operating a professional, FFGs had entered service. DSTO helps Navy see Maximum radar detection ranges eight Bell 212 transport helicopters are in service for troop proficient and capable fleet air arm are considerable, the "After an exhaustive evaluation against low Hying targets, such as sea- transport and support duties, while six S-76B helicopters benefits are substantial, and this has obviously been process which considered capability, threats skimming missiles, are strongly were acquired in 1996 for maritime surveillance and utility realised by the Navy's covered in this short article. value for money, through-life support, A Defence Science and Technology influenced by the heights of both the roles. The realisation that the KNOX class is too small to The introduction of new aircraft may hav e been slowed greater training self-reliance and Organisation (DSTO) developed radar and the target in relation to the embark the Seahawk led to an order for up to 10 SH-2G in many countries in the region by the recent economic involvement of Australian industry in software system will allow the RAN height of the duct. Electronic support helicopters however the status of this order remains difficulties, but the acquisition plans and aspirations the project. ADI Limited was selected to optimise the performance of measures (ESM) systems are also uncertain in the current economic climate. remain, as do the requirements. For those countries not so as the preferred tenderer." Defence its radar and communications affected in a similar way. Most ships For land based operations, the Thai Navy acquired IK affected, new aircraft continue to be acquired and will Minister Mr Moore said. systems when confronted with have several radar and ESM systems ex-US Navy A-7F Corsair lighter-bombers in 1996. These continue to become an ever more crucial part of naval "I am very pleased to see that mclcorological conditions known as capable of detecting an incoming sea- are armed with air to air missiles and can be lilted with a operations into the foreseeable future. Australian industry involvement in this ducting. project will exceed 60 per cent of the Ducts can cause radiowaves to skimming missile. Since these contract value. propagate to anomalously long or systems are generally fitted at "A substantial amount of the work short ranges. DSTO's Surveillance different heights above sea level and to be undertaken by Australian industry Systems Division (SSD) recently operate at different frequencies, they will include high technology work handed over the software, known are affected differently by given as the Tropospheric Refractive associated with improved combat ducting conditions. Consequently, for Effects Prediction System (TREPS). systems for the ships and local the warfighters aboard RAN ships. to Navy in a ceremony that manufacture of the combat system. TREPS can determine which radar or marked the end of the development other system aboard ship is best suited "The Australian Industry Program project. for the FFG Upgrade will place to detecting and tracking targets TREPS exploits atmospheric Australian companies in a good meteorological information, such as position to prov ide through-life support air pressure, temperature and for the ships and importantly, the ability humidity. to model where Tomahawk to maintain a local shipbuilding and atmospheric ducts occur and how overhaul capability." Mr Moore said. strong they are. The software uses this demonstrates Y2K All six FFGs will be upgraded at ducting information to predict the ADI's Garden Island Facility in effects on microwave propagation and compliance Sydney, and associated w arfare support the performance of radar and other A U.S. Navy Tomahawk cruise and training centres will also be microwave systems. missile demonstrated year 2000 upgraded. The significance for defence is (Y2K) readiness recently in an The project includes: that radio waves, such as radar, can be operational test launch from the Naval • Better defences against anti-ship trapped in a duct and propagate along missiles, torpedoes and mines; a path following the curvature of the Air Warfare Center Weapons Div ision earth's surface, instead of travelling in • Enhancements to overall reliability sea range off the coast of southern a straight line. This bending of the of the ships, making them more California. USS SAN FRANCISCO radio wave path is caused by the cost-effective to operate, maintain (SSN 711). a submerged Los Angeles refractive properties of the and support: and atmosphere and sometimes results in class submarine, launched the • Improvements to living conditions waves bouncing along the sea surface Tomahawk. The missile flew a land on board. for long distances. attack mission profile to the Naval Air The first ship. HMAS "This software system allows Warfare Center Weapons Division ADELAIDE, will begin the upgrade officers aboard ship to understand land range at China Lake. Calif. in mid-2002 following a three year how ducting is influencing the various The test is one of several detailed design and equipment systems on board and how to get best acquisition phase. The final FFG use out of them." DSTO's team leader conducted this year that has A USN SH-60 Seahawk fires a Penguin ASM. Seahawk is used by four regional countries, none of which use the Penguin except Australia but from its SH-2G Super should complete upgrade in late 2005 Dr David Phillips said. "For detecting demonstrated Tomahawk's readiness Seasprites (USN). or early 2006. a sea-skimming missile, the decision for the year 2000.

12 VOL. 61 NO. 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 13 During the test, all clocks keep them in service until a British Defence Procurement and then moving toward a graduated RSN launches two acquisition programme. "Submarines associated with the launch process replacement can be found. Minister Baroness Symons said: "The series of training activities, weapons represent one possible solution for were advanced to Feb. 29. 2000. The The RN was planning on PAAMS missile will provide our new firings and a structured freeplay more subs harnessing technology to meet our replacing the Type 42 at the turn of Type 45 destroyer with the best air period. The objective of KAKADU defence needs. They require relatively test mission was tired the next day The second and third submarines of the century but now must press the defence capability, and will be 99 was for both Australian and small but highly trained crews, w hich with all system clocks indicating the Republic of Singapore Navy ships into at least six more years of effective well into the next century. foreign naval units to improve their fits our manpower profile in March I. 2000. Although all (RSN). RSS CONQUEROR and service. The system's advanced technologv operational effectiveness in a Singapore. Submarines have the equipment has been individually CENTURION, have been launched at concentrated training environment. potential to form a key component of tested and certified Y2K compliant in Kockums Shipyard in Karlskrona. LIST OF PARTICIPATING UNITS: the Republic of Singapore Navy's a laboratory environment, this was Sweden. AUSTRALIA overall strategy of building a the first beginning-to-end Y2K RSS CONQUEROR and RAN balanced, capable and technologically demonstration of the weapon system CENTURION, like their predecessor. advanced Navy." culminating in an actual launch of a HMAS BRISBANE. DARWIN. RSS CHALLENGER which was Tomahawk from a Fleet submarine. SYDNEY. ANZAC. ARUNTA. launched earlier on 26 Sep 97. will FARNCOMB. WALLER. GAWLER. undergo further refurbishment and CESSNOCK. AUSCDTI Explosive tropicalisation to extend their Two carriers for TE KAHA to the Ordnance Disposal element. HS8I6 operational life span. India SQN 2 x S-70B2 Seahawk The submarines will be operating Gulf The Indian Security Cabinet helicopters. 723 SQN I x HS748 in different conditions when they Committee has approved the plan for The NZ Government has agreed to electronic training aircraft. TARGET return to Singapore. Warm tropical the construction of a 32.000 tonne contribute the new frigate HMNZS SERVICES GP 2 x GAT36 Learjets waters around Singapore are more "Air Defence Ship" (ADS) to be built TE KAHA to the United Nations RAAF conducive to active growth of marine at Cochin Shipyard for approximately mandated Multinational Interception 75SQN RAAF TINDAL 10 x F/A-18 barnacles on metal surfaces. The high Rs20 Billion (USS476 million). Force (MIF) in the Gulf. Hornet fighters. salinity of the waters also makes the The Type 42 DDG HMS GLASGOW leaving Sydney Harbour The Type 42 will mm serve much longer than The Indian Chief of Naval Staff The MIF assists in policing and aniicipalcd requiring an upgrade (Brian MurrisonAVarships and Marine C<»rps Museum Intl. I and 6 SQNS RAAF AMBERLEY pipes and valves in the submarine said that the ADS was the number one 3 x F-1II strike aircraft. more susceptible to corrosion. These enforcing the UN sanctions on Iraq. construction priority for the Indian The sanctions are in place to Differences over the configuration w ill create or sustain around 300 jobs 10 SQN RAAF EDINBURGH 2 x P- problems can be addressed by in the UK. and help to keep this 3C Orion aircraft. Navy. encourage Iraq to comply with UN of the final Horizon design, and the replacing the steel pipes and valves country in the front rank of the NEW ZEALAND: The ADS. aircraft carrier, will resolutions requiring the dismantling industrial program to build them, w ith copper nickel iron ones to reduce incorporate modular building aerospace and electronics industry." RNZN of its weapons of mass destruction. resulted in the project's collapse. Work on the UK warship HMNZS TE KAHA. TE KAHA sailed on June 28 for A Spokesman for the MoD said programme, the Type 45 Destroyer, is CANTERBURY. ENDEAVOUR. 2 x Darwin where she took part in that Britain will go it alone and being taken forward by an MoD SH-2F Seasprite helicopters KAKADU 99. The frigate then replace the Horizon project with its Integrated Project Team working RNZAF deployed to Singapore to take part in own national program, the Type 45 closely with industry. Smart No.75 SQUADRON 8 x A-4K the FPDA exercise STARDEX. destroyer. Under this program Britain Rp Procurement principles are being Skyhawk. No.5 SQUADRON 2 x P- Following that exercise TE may purchase up to 12 Type 45's followed to ensure that the warship 3K Orion aircraft KAHA deployed to East Timor but is using the Horizon project's Primary will be available to deploy the SINGAPORE: still expected to spend eight weeks on Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). PAAMS system at the planned in RSN Jpgajsj' j^j] duty with the MIF in the Gulf. The national program to replace the service date in 2007. RSS VALIANT (P88). VALOUR The RNZN has contributed to the Type 42 is expected to cost up to six (P89) Victory-Class missile corvettes MIF on three earlier occasions: billion pounds. RSAF HMNZS WELLINGTON in 1995/96: While Britain has abandoned the EX KAKADU 99 6 x T/A-4SU Super Skyhawk The Russian Carrier ADMIRAL GORSHKOV soon to be acquired by India after modification for MIG-29Ks. CANTERBURY in late 1996 and then Horizon project it remains wedded to fighters in late 1998 a six-man boarding team the PAAMS ptogram and the Sylver KAKADU 99 was the largest I x F50 MPA Maritime Patrol corrosion. A marine growth protection techniques from DCN of France in order to cut construction from nine which deployed from USN ships Vertical Launch System tor the Aster concentration of maritime units in Aircraft system will also be installed to years to six. assigned to MIF duties. family of missiles which forms the Australian waters this year. The INDONESIA: minimise the growth of marine It is designed to operate 16 "This latest deployment further core of PAAMS. KAKADU exercise series is TNI-AL barnacles on the submarine surface. combat aircraft and 20 helicopters. It underlines New Zealand's Recently The United Kingdom. conducted every two years and KRI NALA(FFG 363) RSN submariners, who have been will utilise the Short Take Off But commitment to meeting its France and Italy placed a £l.3bn provides a unique and valuable PAPUA NEW GUINEA: undergoing training in Sweden since Arrested Recover) (STOBAR) obligations as a good international contract for the PAAMS surface-to- opportunity to progress RAN PNGDF (ME) 1995. have made good progress. system using a ski jump to assist in citizen", the Minister of Defence air missile system, which will form preparedness whilst enabling HMPNGS SEEADLER (PC03) Second Minister for Defence RADM take off and an angled flight deck and commented. the heart of the air defence of their interoperability with our regional BASILISIC (PC04) Pacific-class (NS) Teo said, after witnessing a arrester wires for recover)'. three navies. navies. This year the RAN invited Patrol Craft torpedo firing demonstration against a PHILIPPINES: It is expected that the carrier will The French Defence Contracting eight regional countries to participate target ship on 27 May. "I'm very PN operate the MIG-29K Fulcrum to give Type 42 upgrade Agency placed the contract for the in KAKADU 4/99 for naval training satisfied with the way that the crew BRP BACALOD CITY(LC 550) it commonality with India's other engineering development and initial activities and manoeuvres in the performed. This is a new capability announced, T^pe 45 Logistic Support Vessel. BRP recent carrier acquisition decision, the production, on behalf of the three Timor Sea over a ten day period from for us. We started practically from RICARTE (PS35) Peacock-Class former Soviet Kiev class carrier DDG planned collaborating nations. with 2- 12 August 1999. scratch and they have come to what I Offshore Patrol Vessel ADMIRAL GORSHKOV. EUROPAAMS SAS. an industrial consider reasonably good standards." With Britain's withdrawal from The KAKADU exercise OBSERVERS: Negotiations are underway consortium formed by Thomson-CSF. RADM (NS) Teo. who officiated the European Horizon collaborative commenced with building up THAILAND between India and Russia after India Aerospatiale. Matra BAe Dynamics, at the launching ceremony, frigate project an upgrade to its Type individual ships' performances in a SOUTH KOREA agreed to the purchase the 44.500 commented on the RSN's submarine 42 class DDGs is now warranted to and Alenia. realistic, multiple-asset environment MALAYSIA tonne ADMIRAL GORSHKOV. The

14 VOL. 61 NO 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 15 Russian's arc offering the ship for the It is expected thai within the next FI6U would be Thailand which The cost of the repair job was decommissioned by the RNZN earlier corvettes. 28 Saab Grippcn fighters. price of its refit. US$750 million, but two years another destroyer and already has six Chinese built ships w ith born by the ship's builders Tenix. this year. 24 BAE Hawk lead in trainers. in Russian shipyards. The refit will frigate will also be retired into reserve two of them having be filled with Both ships are now capable of Potential bidders have shown 40 Augusta A-109 helicopters and convert the carrier to the STOBAR effectively halving the Navy's western weaponry and sensors. operating on their gas turbines at full interest in using ihe former frigate as four Westland Super Lynx helicopters. system with a ski jump on the bow. strength. speed. a floating naval museum, a nightclub, requiring the removal of its missile To combat this naval officials a Hotel or a diving wreck. It could batteries, and arrested recovery gear from Chile have signed a AEGIS radars on also be sold for scrap. Spanish Navy Indian Navy conducts In other RNZN Type 12 frigate to operate the MIG-29K Memorandum of Understanding way out growing No dates have been given for (MoU) with the Argentine Navy to exercise near Pakistan news, the frigate CANTERBURY introduction of both carriers into hold joint training exercises and A study on the future radar has finished modifications to allow The Spanish Navy has achieved service. undertake joint procurement of requirements of the USN has found In an unprecedented move the Indian herto operate an SH-2F helicopter two significant milestones recently surface vessels. the US must take the next step in Navy has changed its traditional naval from her flight deck. The rebuild w ith the launch of the second Galicia class amphibious transport and Under the MoU the countries w ill radar evolution from ihe SPY- the keel laying of ihe new F-100 Israeli suh found establish a team to manage the I/AEGIS radar system. frigate. after 31 years construction of warships as well as The call comes as the current negotiate shipbuilding contracts to generation of SPY-1 radars is not The LPD CASTILLA is Having been missing for 31 years the reduce cots through larger orders. expected to meet all future scheduled to begin sea trials shortly and expected to commission in June Israeli submarine INS DAKAR has If successful. this new requirements for future warships. A 2 Kashin II class DIX» transmission was received on 25 hori/on. VSR is a radar that can January 1968. 16 days after leaving detect air targets at longer ranges. training area on the east coast to the consisted of upgrading the hangar Portsmouth. England, on her maiden China unveils export USN officials believe the MFR west coast near the bt rder of and deck handling equipment. voyage lo the Israeli port of Haifa. It approach to future radar requirements Pakistan. The naval force being CANTERBURY deployed to moved for "training exercises" was widely speculated that she had frigate w ill also reduce costs however, many KAKADU 99 with her Seasprite. been attacked and sunk by enemy consists of Kilo class submarines, At the recent Middle East IDEX in the AEIC.IS/SPY-1 camp believe craft. destroy ers and frigates. defence exhibition, the China that this new radar system is a The DAKAR, formerly the RN Shipbuilding Trading Company, rejection of the 25 years already Although said to be routine by South Africa to buy WWII Triton class submarine HMS senior Indian Navy officials, many unveiled an export design for a new invested in the SPY-1 radar. They are TOTEM, was launched in 1942. One believe the ships were moved lo the German Submarines 1.600 tonne guided missile frigate. also promoting the idea of a SPY-1E of three submarines ordered by Israel, west coast to provide a ready strike The design is believed to be aimed version for future warships. The South African Minister for it was fitted with specialised force against Pakistan and to be close at Pakistan as a counter lo the Indian defence has approved the acquisition underwater commando launch and to any possible war zones. Navy's Delhi class DDGs. improved of three Type 209 submarines from recovery equipment. Tensions have been rising since Krivak III FFGs. and the Project I6A The German Submarine Consortium. Images of the wreck obtained by Anzacs back at full both countries tested nuclear weapons and 25A vessels, all representing a very The three submarines will cost R4.5 remote underwater robots have shown speed and more recently with border Billion (USS730 million), with the powerful striking force of 11 ships. incursions and fighting in Kashmir the boat broke in two. possibly from first scheduled for delivery five years Weapons shown on the design are The Gas Turbine problem plaguing and the downing of a Pakistani impact with a passing ship and high after the contract has been signed. The of a western origin indicating the vessel the first two An/ac class frigates has Atlantic Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The pressure ai great depth. However, two remaining subs will follow at is designed for export. The FI6U been rectified. Whilst awaiting repair Indian carrier VIRAAT is said lo be malfunction or human error cannot be annual intervals. multipurpose frigate was shown to be of the Gas Turbine both ANZAC and ruled out. It is hoped that further study on a weeks notice for sea with a full An artist's depiction of the Spanish Navy's new F-I(K) The submarines are but one of six of the wreck will reveal more. All 69 armed with: a 32 cell VLS: eight SSMs TE KAHA had to rely on their two complement of Harriers in case of frigate with an AEGIS comhat system. major defencc equipment acquisition crew members of the DAKAR died. (Harpoon. MM 40 Exocet or SS-N- diesel engines only. trouble despite being in refit. The decisions made by South Africa in 25): a 76 mm OTOBreda gun; two The problem was first discovered Indian's have also increased The 13,815 tonne LPD can carry recent times. Others include four Chinese 37 mm guns: and a Signaal last year. The blades of the turbines surveillance flights over the region four NH-90 helicopters or six 30 mm Goalkeeper CIWS. expanded with heat and started lo using Tupolev Tu-142 'Bear' and medium sized helicopters. It has a Chilean fleet size llyshiun |l-38 'May' aircraft. crew of approximately 190 and can Other features included a bow score Ihe turbine cy linder. embark 468 marines. plummets sonar, twin screws, a Dauphin In order to fix the problem a hole The 5.760 tonne F-100 frigate. At the end of last year the Chilean shipboard helicopter, a 3D radar, had to be cut on the port side of No. I ALVARO DE BAZAN has had its Navy retired two of its eight major chair/flare launchers and an infra red deck and a plate lifted to expose the Frigate for sale official keel laying ceremony with the surface units into reserve. LATORRE search and '.rack sensor. machine compartment. Turbines The former RNZN frigate WAIKATO ship expected to be launched in (ex-HMS GLAMORGAN. County The frigate is expected to be 103 m awaiting instalment into other Anzacs is for sale by tender. Built in Belfast October 2000 with a commissioning class destroyer) and GENERAL long, have a beam of 10.8 m and a draft still building were used to replace the and launched in 1965. the ship was date of September 2002. BAQUEDANO (Ex-HMS of 3.2 m w ith a top speed of 30 kts. faulty LM-2500s with the faulty An anist's depiction of the corvette design recently ARIADNE. Lcander class frigate). Another potential customer for the turbines sent back to the US. purchased by South Africa.

16 VOL. 61 NO 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 17 The new frigate is equipped with a designed by The German Submarine Lockheed Martin SPY-ID Consortium (Howaldtswerke-and multifunction radar and is the first Thyssen Nordseewerke) and ship in Europe to use the AEGIS system. The ship is also armed with a modified to Italian requirements. 4K cell Mk-41 Vl.S lor Standard SM Four Submarines are planned with Ihe 2MR Block 111A and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM). Along first expected to be launched in late with eight Harpoon, a Mk-45 naval 2002. gun and four 323mm torpedo The 56 m submarine has a surface launchers she will also embark a displacement of 1.450 tonnes, a crew Meroka 20mm CIWS. The inclusion of 24 and will be equipped with a of this weapon represents a hybrid fuel cell/battery propulsion continuing endorsement of gun CIWS despite many navies doing away with system based on the Siemens PEM this system and relying solely on fuel cell. This is expected to provide ESSM. an underwater endurance four times greater than normal batteries.

Construction of the German Die Boeing Super Homei i\ lipped as the USN's new EW aircraft to be known as the F/A-I8G (Boeing). USN EW Crisis variant is expected to start soon with and. in one case, shoot down stealth and said how fast can you give us a The USN is asking for US$361 an order for four submarines with an low cost version of the E/F to do the million in emergency funds to keep aircraft. After the loss of a F-117A. expectation of four more. the US Military's only EW which Pentagon Officials unofficially EA-6B mission, using systems in use (Electronic Warfare) jamming aircraft credit to a modified SA-3 SAM on Ihe aircraft or eyed for the flying. system, every stealth mission EA-6B". US approves more Boeing is hoping to have an aircraft produced and operational by ship transfers 2006. The Israeli submarine DOLPHIN during constructor's trials in Germany. Egypt. Greece. Turkey and Taiwan Current shortages of EA-6Bs are so acute that recently the USS are some of the countries shortlisted The fitting of a Pegasus 11-61 Several modifications are CONSTELLATION went to sea to receive ex-USN ships at little to no engine, filled to the RAFGR.7. would expected lo be made soon including without EW aircraft support. The cost by the US House of carriers EA-6Bs self deployed to provide an extra 3.000lbs of thrust and the ability to fire a nuclear tipped Representatives. South Korea rather than waiting to be require some airframe modification. cruise missile for a second strike or deployed to the region by the carrier. The need lor more power comes retaliation capability. The naval vessel transfer from operational experience in the Two other submarines. INS legislation is part of an annual US Persian Gulf. Temperatures above 40 LEVIATHAN and TEKUMA. are disbursement of free or cut rate surplus More power for Sea degrees effectively ground Sea Harrier also testing in the Baltic and expected military equipment known as the Harrier operations due lo the safety to be in Israel by mid 2000. Excess Defence Articles (EDA) implications of reduced engine output. The RN has received authorisation to program. From 1990 to 1995 Ihe US study the need for an engine retrofit for transferred nearly US$7 billion of some of its FA.2 Sea Harrier fighters. Type 212A submarine excess military equipment under the DOLPHIN arrives in A USMC EA-6B Prowler EW aircraft taking off for a mission over Kosovo during operation "Allied Force'. The Sea Harrier's current Pegasus EDA program. 50 of the US military's 90 EA-6Bs were deployed stretching the military's EW resources (USN). Mk 104/106 engine experiences a Haifa started in Italy sharp decline in performance in hot The following countries have Construction has begun at During the recent operation required EW support from the EA-6B and humid conditions. This narrows Israel's newest sub. INS DOLPHIN recently been approved for grant Fincantieri's Muggiano Shipyard on Allied Force' 50 of the USN's 90 fleet, one aircraft usually but vertical recovery safety margins to a has arrived in the Israeli port of Haifa transfers of warships; Greece, the EA-6B Prowlers were deployed to the • sometimes two for a B-2 mission. critical degree when ordnancc is after its maiden voyage from the the first Type 2I2A SSK for the Knox class frigate CANNOLE. brought back. German builders Howaldlswerke- region to provide the NATO operation Realising that the EA-6B fleet has Italian Navy. The submarine was Poland, the FFG-07 class frigate Deutsch Werft AG (HDW) and w ith EW support. The use of over half a limited service life left and that the CLARK; and Thailand, the Knox class Thyssen Nordseewerke (TNSW). the force has strained crews, systems current shortage will continue, the frigate TRUETT. Started in 1992. she has conducted and aircraft maintenance schedules so USN has approached Boeing and two years of sea trials including deep Cut-rate vessel sales of warships much that the USN has asked for asked them to design and build an diving tests and other testing in the include; Egypt, the Newport class funds to not only keep the EA-6Bs EW version of the Super Hornet to be Baltic sea with the German Navy. LSTs BARBOUR COUNTY and flying but to upgrade a number of designated, if produced, the F/A-I8G. The submarine has four 650 mm PEORIA; Mexico, the Newport class training aircraft for operational use. The two seat G model would be fitted and six 533 mm torpedo tubes for LST NEWPORT and the Knox class Part of the reason for the with much of the same EW STN Atlas DM2A3 torpedoes and sub frigate WHIPPLE; Taiwan, ihe extensive use of the EA-6B was the equipment of the EA-6B but with Harpoon missiles. A total of 16 Newport class LST SCHENECTADY; realisation that Russian electronics greater automation. weapons can be carried with these An artist's depiction of the German Type 212 SSK and Turkey, the FFG-07 class frigates engineers had provided upgrades to Boeing's vice president of F/A-18 A RN FA.2 Sea Hanicr returning from a mission. New- supplemented by mines. engines w ill mean safer recovery limits in hot and similar to the Italian Type 2I2A. FLATLEY and JOHN A. MOORE the Serbs which allowed them to see programs said that "the Navy came in humid climates.

VOL. AI NO. 4 THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 19 Observations By Geoff Evans The Collins Class Submarine Also surprising was the extent of problems that had developed in the diesel propulsion system - aftei all. Project diesel engines have been functioning satisfactorily in Since World War II a number of Australia's major Naval vessels including submarines and in merchant ships defence equipment proposals and projects have attracted for many years. While the investigators expect most problems including faulty periscopes, cracked propellers, publicity and criticism, not least the Navy's unsuccessful communications shortcomings, noise and mechanical attempts to retain a carrier-based Navy and the failures to be solved, they state deficiencies "...will eventually successful plan to acquire a sophisticated require vigorous management if they are to be remedied aircraft, the F-111. No project however, has attracted as in a more timely fashion than has occurred to date". much attention as Australia's first major locally-built The principal problem concerns the combat system submarine programme. which, with a unique military specification was included In April this year Defence Minister John Moore - mistakenly in the opinion of the investigators - with called for a report on the slate of the Collins class the platform (i.e. the**hull. machinery etc.) in a single submarine project. This was made public on 1st July and prime contract. While the USA and UK had done much proved to be highly critical of several aspects of the the same thing with their combat systems they had project: further, it was followed by very unseemly recognised a problem, cancelled that route and according happenings involving the Defence Minister and the to the report moved to "a much more reliable route based civilian head of his Department (Mr. Paul Barratt) which on commercial, off-the-shelf technology". Australia at the time of writing remain unresolved. however, had persisted and tried, unsuccessfully in the Shortly after the report was released the writer was event, to make the system work. asked to comment upon it by the editor of NEWS With the aid of the USN it is now intended to install WEEKLY: the text of an article subsequently published a combat system utilising commercial technology. in the paper follows: Concern is expressed in the report about difficulties "Early this month, a report by Dr. Malcolm thai arise with fixed-price contracts for very long lead- The guiited-missile frigale HMAS MELBOURNE (FFG-05) entering the Hon of Fremantlc on August 26 for a fi»ur day visit on her return to Australia after a four month Arabian Gulf deployment as part of the United Nations Multinational Maritime Interception Force. (Vic Jeflcry I Macintosh, former head of the CSIRO and John Prescott. time defence projects such as ships and aircraft. During former head of BHP. into the troubled Collins Class the period of the contract strategic circumstances and submarine project was released by the Defence Minister. missions may change while technological advances are a John Moore. The report raised important questions virtual certainty requiring, for example, a different relating to Australia's defence acquisitions, which are weapon fit. Included in the recommendations of the discussed here by Geoffrey Evans. Former President of investigators is provision in contracts for periodical the Navy League of Australia. reviews so that changes can be made satisfactory to both The report to the Minister for Defence (Mr. John contractor and buyer. Moore) on the Collins class submarine project makes it It is noteworthy that the investigators consider the clear an examination of the project was not so much Collins class submarines to be in the words of their timely as overdue. report "probably Australia's most important strategic asset for the decades starting 2000..." and like the F-l 11 One could expect the report of an experienced public aircraft, to possess significant deterrent capabilities servant and the former CEO of a major industrial enabling Australia to have a stabilising influence in the ILVA organisation on what had become a controversial project The Magazine of the Navy League of Australia region. It is therefore considered important for the faults & would be thorough and constructive even if it meant to be remedied and the submarines brought into service placing on record past failures and/or incompetence. Dr. PUT YOUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN FRONT as soon as possible. Malcolm Mcintosh and Mr. John Prescott have produced Dr Mcintosh and Mr. Prescott do not dwell unduly on OF THOSE WHO COUNT: such a report. the past other than try to identify those areas where Although some of the difficulties associated with the ® Naval Chiefs, Officers and staff failures have occurred and corrections must be made if project had been public knowledge for some time, it was further costly defencc acquisition problems are to be surprising to learn of the lack of co-operation between ® Coastwatch and Customs avoided. They do suggest that in selecting an unfamiliar © Defence Force Chiefs in Australia and Overseas the main parties involved - the Defence Department and contractor to build submarines for Australia, a unique Navy, the prime contractor (the Australian Submarine project, it would have been wise to have sought experts ® Defence and Acquisition Decision Makers Corporation, jointly owned by the Swedish firm from the USA or UK to advise on practical aspects and Kockums and the Commonwealth, the former being the act as "buyer's friend" (both the US and Britain have a © Naval Cadets tf major shareholder) and various sub-contractors including history of successful submarine design: The RAN is an America's Rockwell/Boeing. A threat of legal action experienced operator but design and construction are © And Manv More co«acrPeifffcrfm atbairdpublications hanging over the project seems much more likely to different matters requiring particular skills). I'll: (03) '>645 041 I • IX: KM) 'Jft-45 »475 • I imiil: marinl<>(" liaird.ciini.aii aggravate rather than improve relations between the A chapter in the report is devoted to a summary of the parties. measures considered necessary to make the Collins class

20 VOL. 61 NO. 4 THE NAVY THE NAVY VOL 61 NO. 4 operationally useful. Also proposed are changes to While the regrettable deterioration in relations remedy deficiencies in the defence procurement system: between Minister and Departmental Head has captured those will require a much closer association with the headlines, the newly appointed Submarine Project commercial organisations and procurement projects Director. Rear Admiral Peter Briggs. an experienced together with stronger management and greater submariner, has tackled his difficult task energetically acceptance of responsibilities at all levels in the and hopefully our new submarines will be heading for Commonwealth instrumentalities involved. calmer waters than exists at present. Defence Minister Moore has already taken steps to implement a wide range of measures recommended in An Undiplomatic Gesture the Mclntosh/Prescott report. It needs to be said however, that the Armed Forces and their administrating True or otherwise, media reports in July that Defence department have been in a state of almost constant Minister More wanted to replace Defence Department change since 1975 when the separate service Secretary Barratt and that the latter had been offered the departments were integrated into a single Department of post of High Commissioner in New Zealand, was not Defence. It has taken years to rationalise rivalry between flattering to the New Zealanders. Navy. Army and Air Force - usually for limited funds - Mr. Barratt would most likely be an excellent and for the uniformed and civilian elements to better representative for Australia in New Zealand or anywhere appreciate their inter-dependence, it is to be hoped a else, but such an appointment in the prevailing period of stability follows the latest changes." circumstances could only be seen as very undiplomatic.

Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

of Clearance diver, have numerous and public peacetime duties hut also have covert wanime missions to perform. (KAMI.

THE NAVY LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA BY David WALT* will be held at the Brassey Hotel, Belmore Gardens. Barton. ACT Spending an afternoon with the CO of AUSCDT ONE. LCDR Jonathon Peacock, dispelled Mime myths and preconceptions of the role CDTs play in peace and war. On Friday. 12 November. 1999 at 8.00 pm In a most appreciated tour of AUSCDT ONE's facilities operationally commanded by Maritime Commander and equipment, and in a frank an infonnative discussion. Australia. The clearance diving teams have the flexibility to LCDR Peacock demonstrated that Clearance Divers are not combine elements from AUSCDT ONE and AUSCDT BUSINESS so much 'Special Forces' as commonly displayed by FOUR for operations - such as where the scale of the task Hollywood, but rather a group of highly skilled underwater 1. To confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in Canberra on Friday. 13 November. 1998 require a large concentration of forces including Vietnam specialists called upon to undertake selected high-risk tasks. and the Gulf War in 1991. Additionally, clearance divers are 2. To receive the report of the Federal Council, and to consider matters raised therefrom Their "enemy" is less an adversary 's soldiers and bases, as posted on rotation to fleet units for example the - the Mine 3. To receive the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 1999 the bombs, mines and obstacles he throws against the ADF. Hunter Coastal have six CD personnel embarked to locate, The visit also emphasised to me that the CDTs are not recover and render safe mines for exploitation if required. 4. To elect Office Bearers for the 1999-2000 year as follows. just about (raining for war - they have demanding peacetime These personnel arc cither used in addition to or in - Federal President responsibilities that keep them alert and prepared - all conjunction with the ships fitted remotely operated mine - Federal Vice-President AUSCDT operational elements are at very short notice to disposal vehicle. - Additional Vice-Presidents (3) deploy within Australia and overseas in support of Nominations for these positions are to be lodged with the Honorary Secretary prior to the commencement operational and civil contingencies. The roles of CDT elements of the meeting. The Mine Countermeasures (MCM) element consists of 5. General Business: CDT Structures around 16 sailors and is responsible for the location and -To deal with any matter notified in writing to the Honourary Secretary by 2 November. 1999 There are currently two Clearance Diving Teams in disposal of mines in shallow depths where mine hunters To approve the continuation in office of those members of the Federal Council who have attained 72 years service in the Royal Australian Navy. AUSCDT ONE. based cannot operate effectively, airborne disposal of drifting of age. namely Gwen Hewitt (WA). Arthur Hewitt (WA) and Joan Cooper (Tas). at HMAS WATERHEN in Sydney, and AUSCDT FOUR, mines, and the recovery and rendering safe of enemy mines based at HMAS STIRLING in Western Australia. Each for intelligence purposes. Once mines are found, the CDs team consists of four officers. 9 senior sailors and 36 junior determine whether to raise to surface, tow ashore and then ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND sailors, divided into three operational elements: Mine render safe for intelligence purposes, or if not wanted for Countermeasures (MCM). Maritime Tactical Operations exploitation. CDs can place charges and dispose of or mark of By order the Federal Council (MTO). Under Water Battle Damage Repair (UBDR). plus a the mine and report its positions to higher command. The Don Schrapel, Honourary Federal Secretary, PO Box 309, Mt Waverley VIC 3149 headquarters and training element. MCM element has the capability to provide limited self Each team is administered by Commander Australian protection in operations - but generally operate in a Telephone (03) 9888 1977 Fax (03) 9888 1083 Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Forces, but is permissive environment. If there is a higher level of threat

VOL 61 NO 4 THE NAVY VOL 61 NO. 4 ihey will generally conduct their operations in conjunction reconnaissance to identify the slope of the beach, the depth have met tlx.* minimum requirements for promotion are given the opportunity to participate and advance thnxigh the Intermediate with other ADF asset support. of the water, underwater obstacles, sea conditions and Clearance and Advanced Clearance Div ing Courses CDs check target areas by searching the seabed enemy defences. Because of the higher threat inherent in Similarly. Officers are ;ibk* to undertake a CD Officers methodically using the Jackstay method involving the laying such operations, the MTO element is required to maintain a Selection Test on successful attainment of a bridge of two lines of wire jackstay attached to lead sinkers forming clandestine posture (including the l.AR-V oxygen rebreather watchkeeping certificate on a major licet unit and completion of a grid on the seabed. Divers slowly swim parallel to each set producing no bubbles i. and are armed lor self-defence the SAD course. Officers then undertake a 43 week div ing and other, dragging a snagline between them. An alternate and w ith an array of appropriate weapons, but only used if the EOD c«Hirse followed by a i2 week Mine W'artiire course to often preferred starch method is the use of an underwater mission is compromised. Beach landing areas are marked qualify as Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officers. On handheld sonar to locate and identify targets of interest. using IR strobe markers, and. if required, the MTO element completion of the course Officers serve in AUSCDTs followed will prepare breaching charges on bstacles to be set off All diving equipment used for MCM must have a low by the new Mine Hunter Coastal. immediately prior to the landing. magnetic and acoustic signature - right dow n to the spanner Clearance divers can also conduct reconnaissance of beaches (RAN). CD training undertaken focuses on the three main areas: used to work on the mine - so as not to detonate the modem The Underwater Battle Damage Repair (UBDR) element for all ordnance found in a maritime environment be it • Maritime skills such as advanced diving, underwater range of underwater explosive devices. CDs use a derivative prov ides div ing support to Reel Units and defence agencies shipbome. underwater or naval ordnance. This 24hour/7 day navigation, underwater medicine ;uxl salvage. of the I'SN Mark 16 semi closed circuit re breather called the such as DSTO. The element is capable of underwater ship duly watch is called out many times each year during • EOD and MCM training related to It vat ing. raising and A580D. The set. w hich prov ides a nitrogen/oxygen mixture maintenance activities - such as propeller cleans and hull peacetime and while they have had false alerts tsuch as rendering safe mines, and explosive ordnance disposal, and to the diver with a constant partial pressure of oxygen, surveys; underwater ship repair activ ities - such as propeller having to dispose of "suspect" boxes of business cards) • Maritinx* Tactical Operations training such as small unit prov ides optimal bottom time to the diver during search and changes, and stabiliser changes: underwater salvage such as many old munitions have been found. This core capability infantry tactics, patrolling, surv ival, the tactical use of insertion recovery operations. The capability to dive on a helium and that performed on the RAAF 707 that crashed of East Sale can be used in war to provide commanders with flexibility craft, and weapons handling oxygen mixture to greater depths is currently under in 1991 and support for submarine rescue operations. These for bomb disposal past the beach landing. CDs leam reconnaissance, communications, photographs. development. skills also enable the element to be employed in a threat area n>ping. sabotage, escape and evasion finishing with resistance to The Maritime Tactical Operations (MTO) element, to conduct repairs on ships such as damage from propeller Development Issues interrogation. CDs train in helo-casting and fastroping from comprising around 14 sailors. Performs a number of strike or battle-damage from enemy ordnance. The UBDR RAN helicopters. Australian CDs maintain a technological improvement clandestine missions in support ol amphibious advanced element maintains an extensive suite of equipment to On tlxr job training in each team improves these skills program among the best in the world. CDTs work force operations including clandestine beach perform the aforementioned tasks. further, and is tested on many combined exercises with oilier extensively w ith the DSTO to maintain know ledge of mine ADF units and overseas with forces such as the US EOD Divers. reconnaissance, underwater survey, and obstacle clearance. The disposal of Explosive Ordnance and Improvised development and techniques for disposal and these are Explosive Devises are core skills performed by all SEALs and Singapore Naval Div ing Unit. The reconnaissance of prospective beach landing sites is incorporated into team training activities. Navy's 1999/2000 operational elements. AUSCDT ONE provides EOD a major task for the CDs w ith the information essential to the Forward Prixrurement Plan identities a number of items that (Explosive Ordnance Demolition) and IEDD (Improvised Conclusion success of amphibious landings. Prior to a joint or combined will enhance the CD capability including: Explosive Dev ice Disposal) support on the Eastern Seaboard amphibious advance force landing the MTO will conduct • The Clearance Divers' Tactical Communications. The role played by Australian Clearance Divers in • The Underwater Searched Area Marking System. support of maritime and joint operations in peace and war • The Mine Counter Measures Underwater Computer means that these units are at the highest levels of training System to provide computerised data logging capability for and readiness. Putting CDs into dangerous waters - either divers. exposed to enemy trtxips or enemy mines - demands the I best people. Fortunately it appears we have them in place. The latter system will eventually allow CDs working • • It was recently announced by Brigadier Phil underwater to have access to computerised databases and an McNamara. Commander ADF Special Forces Group, that interface with a GPS system that will allow mines once the CDTs w ill be used in the Counter Terrorist role during located to be identified and marked. The information w ill the 2000 Olympics, making any terrorist use of the water then be dow nloadcd to other ADF command systems for use highly problematic. by commanders and those planning activities such as an amphibious landing. 'Duvid Willi i\ a former Arm\ Intelligence Coqts Major with a Special Longer term. DSTO and the CDTs will examine other hmr.\ Haikgnnaul. Hi\ lau posting ««' Hr AUSCDT FOUR. CDs who An RAN Sea King hovers near a fli»ating mine and launches two CDs who will either mark it. attach explosives to it for demolition or render il safe for intelligence purp« The hazards are not only underwater but above il. A Clearance diver lakes aim (RAN) with his 9 mm Browning pistol. (RAN)

24 VOL. ft I NO. 4 THE NAVY VOL. ft I NO. 4 The RAN's Sea Training Group The Vital

The USS STARK after being hil by two Iraqi Exoccl missiles in 1987. The list ;> from the crew using too much water lo light the lire. (USN)

The arrival of The Royal Australian Navy's Sea Training Group aboard HMAS MELBOURNE was accompanied by a sense of foreboding from those on board.

At 0630, universally clad in green coveralls, the 45 strong qualified team of trainers and this provides the basis of group boarded the Frigate in Jervis Bay The Ship's STG's reputation. Each member of the group is Company knew too well they were about to be subject to a experienced and highly proficient in their area of expertise, gruelling 36 hours of Warfare. Damage control i*nd be it tactical operations, engineering, logistics or medical. boarding operations to determine their Operational Level Despite the general perception to the contrary. STG have of Capability... adopted the catch-cry "we're here to help", providing "Hands to Minefield action stations. Hands to assistance, advice and evaluation of ships' teams in every Minefield action stations..." rang out over IMC. department on board. MELBOURNE'S main broadcast system The PWO All RAN major fleet units are subject to workup explained to the Ship's Company that shortly they would training guided by Sea Training Group. This is typically a be conducting a minefield transit to exit the bay and all five-week period following post refit sea trials and the Self-Protective Measures were to be put in place. All of combat system qualification period. Ships are "worked up" MELBOURNE'S Ship's Company should by now be well in a graduated series of exercises that build up from versed in these requirements, designed to reduce the relatively low-level, stand-alone serials, and graduate to likelihood of accidental actuation of a mine in a mine more complex, whole ship scenario? incorporating warfare danger area as well as minimising the effects of injury to and damage control. This process is designed to develop, personnel and damage to the ship, should a mine strike improve and hone the efficiency of individual ship's eventuate. departments and to inspire the ship to operate as a team. This of course is an exercise, though with Sea Training The ships' teams are critically evaluated twice in this Group on board, events are very real to MELBOURNE'S period, the first towards the end of Week Two in a Work Up Ship's Company. Sea Training Group (STG) comprises up Progress Evaluation (WUPE). The WUPE is designed to to 60 sea-riding personnel made up primarily of Lieutenant identify, at an early stage, which areas the ship will need Commanders and Warrant Officers. It is a daunting additional STG coverage to eventually achieve the prospect for many to be under the scrutiny of such a

THE NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 27 required standard. The Operational Readiness Evaluation visited 11 major fleet units for training and assessment. (ORE) is the final assessment for the ship to determine if Though classed as a 'shore' posting, it is not uncommon for they have achieved an appropriate level of operational STG personnel to spend more time actually at sea than capability. All ships are also periodically "Sea-checked" by many serving in sea going ships. Whilst they do accrue STCi during their operational cycle lo ensure they maintain some extra leave due to lime spent at sea. STG are not their proficiency. currently entitled to sea going allowance. Fleet Concentration Periods and major exercises provide the most efficient forum for STG to visit and Compartment searches forward found another spot fire evaluate the most number of ships in one period. The group in the Bosun's Store. As personnel were spared to attempt will frequently be split inio specialist teams and transfer to to control that development, the PO Medic reported two and from ships by helicopter, jackstay or boat transfer. casualties required urgent medical assistance and required Generally, personnel are transferred by boat 8-10 at a time, a medevac. The decision was made to recall the S-70B-2 often in difficult seas. Even the most seasoned of STG Seahawk from a surface search mission, to land on. and members look toward the hazards of boat transfers on the evacuate the casualties. Spanan conditions lor the members of the STG w hen aboard ship. Here the STG high seas with some trepidation! are accommodalcd on army style camp beds in HMAS MELBOURNE'S empty During their temporary slay on board. STG are helicopter hangar. (Jeff Goedecke. RAN) When not ai sea. the STG reside primarily at Maritime The STG also test operations in anli-air and ASW drills. (RAN) Headquarters. Focussed on improving efficiency and accommodated in the empty hangar that quickly resembles maintaining standards for the RAN fleet, the responsibility next event was not what the command team expected. an Army-like tent city". They are provided sleeping bags and workload entrusted to the STG members is extremely Shattering the silence and concentration was a pipe from on canvas stretchers that lie close to each other in what demanding. The little time spent ashore is consumed with the Officer of the Watch: "Mine on ihe starboard bow. all little rixmi there is for over forty people. This space is also positions BRACE BRACE BRACE.' Unfortunately the paperwork, conferences and meetings necessary to keep used for STG briefings prior to major "incidents", as well ship manoeuvred too late. "Explosions" were heard the training doctrine current. This ensures the RAN's as a working area for report writing and discussion. In non- sea going fraternity are receiving the most efficient forward, then shortly after, frantic damage and casualty air capable ships, ihe accommodation quandary is more guidance and advice on developing technologies and reports began flooding into the Operations Room and complex, with Executive Officers necessarily scattering improvements. Damage Control Central (DCC). STG throughout the ship in any available lodgings. Earlier this day. Commander Sea Training briefed his The component of STG who orchestrate the DC team of sea-riders on the programme for the next 36 hours scenarios are aptly known as the 'wreckers'. They MELBOURNE'S Ship's Company managed to control of the ship's ORE. MELBOURNE'S Commanding Officer comprise mainly Warrant Officers who initiate engineering the minefield incidents and maintain their operational knew only thai the ship was lo conduct an operational casually scenarios, and umpire the damage control and posture but they had only survived the first ninety minutes patrol in fictional Beulahn waters, to support that country firefighting events in the affected compartments. Smoke of their ORE. The long day and night ahead saw the ship "bombs" are used to add realism to the fire scenarios and a against acts of aggression from the zealot Avalonians. called upon on several occasions to board and search host of other training aids are used to simulate damaged enforcing UN sanctions as required. Avalon is an historical merchant vessels for contraband cargo, while being rival believing Beulah should be under their equipment and fittings. The "mine strike" set the wreckers mindful of the ever present mine danger, as well as reacting administration. Another regional military power is to work with smoke billowing out of the forward Junior to the continual probing and surveillance by Avalonian Hesperides. a neutral country who have military and Sailors' mess deck and a fast flood in the Auxiliary political links lo Avalon. Propulsion Unit room. Initial attempts to extinguish the fire aircraft. As the threat would seem to ease, complications were unsuccessful, necessitating the two sailors dressed in specific to the ship would keep the crew busy with As the ship entered the swept channel, an intelligence breathing apparatus and protective clothing to withdraw report was received indicating a possible raid of Avalonian machinery breakdowns, loxic hazard incidents and from the compartment and secure the hatch on the deck Mirage F-l fighters, carrying the Ext>cet anti-shipping occasionally a "man" falling overboard, all of which was above. Their only option was to cool the compartment missile, preparing to take off. The ship's Anti-Air Warfare designed to test the ship's organisation to the limit. boundaries until a full support team arrived to enter the teams were brought to a higher stale of readiness looking compartment and attack the fire. Meanwhile, personnel With tutelage and guidance from the STG. for further indications of the potential fighter attack. The were working desperately in the APU room to contain a MELBOURNE passed their ORE. Despite the anxiety and fast flood caused by a large hole in the hull. They will have fatigue resulting from the scrutiny of the green-clad troupe, to erect shoring (which must remain assembled throughout the Ship's Company responded with enthusiasm and the ORE with a sentry present) to stop the ingress and then applied themselves assiduously to the challenges and pump the water out of the compartment. Further opportunities offered. With the evaluation over and a sigh complicating these problems were casualties resulting of relief, the ship finally farewelled STG - until next time. from the mine detonation. Five sailors were 'killed' and a further seven injured, with afflictions ranging from gashes Armed with the knowledge thai the sea trainers are not and burns, to concussion and smoke inhalation. They all quite as pernicious as rumour would tout them, they should have to be evacuated from the damaged and smoke filled welcome their next encounter - after all. Sea Training compartments and alien id to promptly. Group is here to help.

The focus of STG has changed somewhat in recent years. Training, rather than intimidation, has become the core business of the group, utilising the vast knowledge Shortly after this workup, MELBOURNE deployed to base of the experienced officers and senior sailors within the Middle-East in support of the multi-national STG to prov ide the best possible guidance to those at sea. interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile This corporate knowledge and experience is in great Sea Training Group continued the post work up cycle of demand with most elements of STG at sea nearly every major fleet units and was actively involved in the major A view of the dam.icc suffered by the USS STARK. Note the extent of Ihe Damage Control practises are critical if the ship and crew are lo survive thus week between February and May this year, having already damage by the officer off to the left on the main deck. Damage Control constant training an J exercises arc vital. (RAN) international KAKADl' 99 exercise. cxcercises are vitnl to ship and crew survivability. (USN)

36 VOL. 61 NO. 4 THE NAVY all the 40 mm and 20 mm mounts were removed, air locations throughout the States. The most notable plan defence being carried out by the secondary armament and being to place USS MISSOURI in 'Battleship Row' at Twilight of the Battleships four Vulcan Phalanx, as well as losing two twin 5 inch/38 Pearl Harbor joining USS ARIZONA. The symbology mounts as a space saving measure upon the addition of the evident, attesting to the commencement of the war in the Tomahawk Armoured Box Launchers. Pacific and the end of the war. the formal instrument In the almost sixty years since their launch these Surrender' having been signed on USS MISSOURI'S fore- impressive vessels have seen action regularly in every deck in Tokyo Bay. These decisions having been made, all armed dispute involving the USN: Korea. Vietnam. Desert four lowas were struck from the Naval Vessel Register in Storm and also in the shelling of Lebanon. January 1995. However, they have spent far more time laid-up in The ensuing outcry from various battleship proponents reserve than in operational use. This is primarily due to the commenced when it was realised this was more than just heavy manning levels required which varied throughout "being placed in reserve". This was the end of the line for their careers from nearly 3.000 in World War II to just over the four giants, their re-activation would be near 1.500 in the eighties. During peacetime they were used impossible after this step was taken. primarily in the training role. In times of conflict, escort Concurrent with the debate were the voices of the many and more importantly the shore bombardment role. cities and veteran societies around the US. which wished to Their most recent use was during "Desert Storm" obtain all four for preservation. Two Senate committees where MISSOURI and WISCONSIN were used as turned their attention to these emotive arguments. The platforms for the launch of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). which must (hough only carrying 32 Tomahawks each, they played a formally approve Pentagon decisions, argued that they very active part in the conflict by way of conducting shore should be retained and be placed back inlo the reserve fleet. bombardment. The two ships fired a combined total of 976 The other being the Senate Defense Appropriations 16 inch projectiles (a mixture general purpose and armour Subcommittee, these being the keeper of the purse strings, piercing) on Iraqi targets. opposed the use of ever dw indling Navy funds, should the With the ending of the cold war came the scaling dow n Navy wish to return the ships to the mothball fleet and or "rightsizing" of the USN. It was decided that their time retain the logistics support required by the battleships had come to retire gracefully, de-commissioned, placed in (spare parts, ammunition storage, etc). reserve with the rest of the mothball fleet. They were to be Concurrently with this was a Hurry of peripheral disposed of quietly, not into razorblades like so many of activity mostly dealing with ways of justifying and their kind but donated to maritime museums at various retaining these ships, searching for other roles, new ways

The USS NEW JERSEY is manoeuvred inlo position al Sydney's Garden Island during the ll>KK Naval Bicentennial review. (RANI

Launched in the midst of World War II as a direct counter The lowas are powered by eight oil fired boilers to the Imperial Japanese Navy's super battleships Yamato powering through four double reduction geared turbines, and Musashi. the Iowa class battleships have been used rated at 53.000 shaft horsepower each. Four propellers drive these vessels at a reported speed of up to 35 knots, the repeatedly over the intervening years in every major fastest battleships ever built. The boilers also power eight conflict up to and including the Gulf War. What now for turbo generators prov iding electrical power (10.000 kw) to these veterans, which having been placed in reserve since over 9(H) electric motors aboard. 1992. cause many an emotive discussion amongst naval Protection aboard consisted of 12.2 inches of armour circles, veterans and the public? along the belt (17.3 inches of armour on the turret faces), Originally planned as a class of six. weighing in at 45,000 angled to increase resistance to incoming shells. It is hotly tons a piece (57.(XX) full load displacement), all the lowas debated whether this armour could withstand the 18 inch were laid down between June 1940 and December 1944. shells from their chief WW II adversary. The comparative They were USS IOWA (BB-61). USS NEW JERSEY (BB- lightness of the armour being a direct trade for speed, 62). USS MISSOURI (BB-63). USS WISCONSIN (BB-64). which was considered more valuable across the expanse of USS ILLINIOS (BB-65) and USS KENTUCKY (BB-66). the Pacific. The ILLINIOS was scrapped while on the slipway in The lowas are crammed with the most impressive statistics ever assembled in a fighting ship. All for one August 1945. KENTUCKY was finished up to the bare purpose, to mount nine massive 16 inch/50 calibre guns, hull stage which enabled her to be launched the most powerful guns ever mounted on a US ship, able to unceremoniously in January 1950. The latter's bow fire 2.7(H) lb projectiles over a distance of 22.8 miles (36 becoming very handy as a replacement when USS kms) every 30 seconds. Combined with this are sixteen 5 WISCONSIN damaged hers colliding with USS EATON inch/38 guns as secondary armament as well as numerous (DDE-510) in 1956. KENTUCKY was eventually 40 mm and 20 mm mounts for air defence. scrapped in 1958 her engines being utilised in the building As history shows these ships never went head to head of the fast replenishment ships SACRAMENTO and with their expected foes as airpower soon became the CAMDEN. deciding factor in the Pacific war. As refitted in the eighties

30 VOL. It was declared however, at the time of their de- Future NGS commissioning that all four were fit for further service. The material condition of USS IOWA was considered bad and Since the instruction that they must be retained until such that combined with the damage from the April 1989 turret time as the fleet can provide sufficient fire support to explosion ruled her out. The decision was made to re- amphibious operations, we need to examine what is instate both USS WISCONSIN and USS NEW JERSEY lo happening in this direction. The USNs primary effort in the register. This is despite NEW JERSEY'S poorer this area is to assist in the development of an improved condition and the fact the Navy had already commenced method of delivery of ordinance on target from their ships. demilitarisation, having already welded down the training This has concentrated on the ERGM program (Extended mechanisms of her 16 inch guns. Range Guided Munition). It took a further two years for the Navy to re-instate Back as far as the mid 80s experiments were carried out both WISCONSIN and NEW JERSEY to the register. Due at the Army range in Yuma Arizona, where a functioning 16 in part to the earlier prohibition of funds. Upon the inch/50 gun is located, with a radical 13 inch projectile prohibition expiring the following year the Navy did little fired through the gun with use of a discarding sabot. This other than suspend demilitarisation and disposal of parts. proved highly successful in extending the range from 22.8 Upon re-instatement in February 1998 the chosen two were miles to over 36 miles. Not only that but 13 inch projectiles to receive the highest reserve maintenance category using two sabots can fire out to the 75-100 mile mark with ("B") which includes limited weather protection, great accuracy utilising a variety of guidance systems. dc-humidification of the interiors, the installation of fire GPS. infra red and laser designation. and flood alarms and electrical protection of the hull to help prevent corrosion. The cost to the US taxpayer comes These systems originally designed for use on the Iowas to about $US200.(XX) per ship, per annum. have now developed into the solution the Navy needs to The second requirement, retaining logistical support for finally dispose of the battleships. the battleships, is often overlooked. This consists of both Raytheon Systems Co. together with the Navy Surface technical manuals, spare parts, repair facilities, Fire Support Office is specifically developing ERGMs manufacturing capability of expendables (i.e. ammunition) designed lo operate with the USNs new range of 5 inch/62 and a thousand other considerations. Some reservations calibre guns. They are precision guided projectiles with a were expressed regarding the availabilily of the giant range of 41-63 nautical miles, in essence a rocket assisted hammerhead cranes needed for repair work (the IOWA shell, complete with GPS as well as internal navigation. turret). As a result the majority of spare parts and the They will be fitted with a variety of warhead types, from technical manuals have been consolidated and stored A lull nine gun broadside demonstrates the firepower ihese sh possessed and why they will be retained for a little while yet. (RAN) armour piercing to anti-personnel submunitions. within the climate-controlled hulls of both NEW JERSEY This new ordnance is destined lo be adopted by many lo keep them from their eventual fates. One of the more (MISSOURI and WISCONSIN) in ready reserve and and WISCONSIN. Other additional parts arc being stored navies worldwide, the RAN is awaiting developments with radical being to convert them into STOVL (Short Take Off dispose of the two in poorer condition (NEW JERSEY and at various naval facilities across America, primarily and Vertical Landing) platforms by building a hangar over IOWA). This became the official stance of the SASC. This a view to adoption of the system for its vessels. This California. Washington and Crane Indiana. the rear turret position with lifts to its roof to enable was followed very quickly when the Defense technology is expected to come on line sometime in 2002- Of interest are 26 16 inch gun barrels (in Nevada and helicopters and/or AV-8B Harriers to take off. Appropriations stated in their funding policy for the USN 2003. In conjunction with this is the development of the Another suggestion being to convert their hulls to in November 1995 "None of the funds prov ided by this act Virginia) and 15.(XX) rounds of ammunition and propellant Land Attack Standard Missile. resemble the ill-fated 'Arsenal Ship" project as a massive shall be available to either return or to support logistics to charges being stored by the Army (Indiana and Nevada). mobile Tomahawk launcher. As far fetched as these return Iowa class battleships to active service". In direct The Nevada facility still maintains a 16-inch ammunition With these new weapons, combined and adopted. Navy seemed, they all contained some validity. With the USN's opposition to this Congress directed through the National repair and renovation capability with operable propellant officials consider this will meet the needs for fire support adoption of "From the Sea" and "Forward from the Sea" Defense Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 1996. that the mixing and stacking machinery. Production of the that the USMC seek and as such fulfilled the requirements with its associated concentration on littoral warfare as its Navy was to: projectile bodies could re-commence within a couple of of the initial directive. The USN expects to make the doctrine, it was very apparent to the USMC that the Navy • List and maintain at least two Iowa class battleships, months if needs arose at an estimated cost of $US7.000 per required certification between 2003-2008. then will was incapable of prov iding adequate fire support for their those, which were in the best condition on the Naval Vessel item. Add to that the expected cost of the explosive amphibious operations. The Marines demanded that the remove the two remaining Iowas from the NVR. Register. Navy retain the big guns' as the standard US naval gun. pressing and fusing (another SUS3.000). The storage of the Mk-45 5 inch gun of the Spruance and Ticonderoga • Retain the existing logistical support to keep these current reserves of these munitions runs out to about Conclusion class ships was discovered in the Gulf War. unable to get two battleships in active service, and SUS431.000 per annum. • Keep them on the register until the Navy certifies close enough to shore (due to minefields) to be effective in The third requirement may prove even more These magnificent vessels have been occasional visitors to the bombardment role. that it has within the fleet a surface fire support capability interesting, how long docs the Navy plan to hold the our waters and cities, both USS MISSOURI and USS Another factor being the newer ships are very which equals or exceeds that capability that the Iowa class remaining Iowas in reserve? Just last year MISSOURI was NEW JERSEY having visited Fremantle. Hobart and vulnerable close to shore to missile attacks, as proponents battleships would be able to provide to the USMC. towed to Fearl Harbor. In January this year the status on Sydney prior to their final decommissioning. One cannot are quick to add the battleship's armour protects them from The above requirements were however, amended to NEW JERSEY was altered to de-list her and re-list IOWA but be impressed with their sheer size and beauty, the almost all expected missile types in use. read instead of "best condition" to "good condition". This Eventually around July 1995. it was suggested a was to allow the Navy to continue with the preparations to as one of the two being held. The reason, there are moves likes of which we will certainly not see again in an compromise be reached, retain the two in best condition donate USS MISSOURI due to her historical value. afoot to donate NEW JERSEY to her home city. Australian port.

32 VOL 61 NO. 4 THE NAVY NO. 4 33 Hatch, Match & Dispatch Book Reviews Given the large number of ships due in launch (HATCH), commission (MATCH), and decommission (DISPATCH), we decided lo create a photo record of Blind Man's Bluff the loss of the USS Cochino) through to submarine ihese evcnls as a regular feature, when we can. We hope >«HI enjoy it. collisions in the I990's. after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I Review by Mike James I The details of some of these missions fall almost into MATCH WALLER. ABCK Braddon Cooper (17) cut the traditional the realm of comic opera, such as the case of the failed CIA commissioning cake. Ironically the day was the 60th attempt to raise a sunken Golf class ballistic missile The Australian Submarine Squadron celebrated the Royal anniversary of the Commissioning of the light cruiser submarine using the infamous Hughes Glomar Australian Navy's 88th anniversary of its formation in the HMAS PERTH I (ex-HMS AMPHION) at Portsmouth. Explorer. Others arc tales of desperate peril or finest possible way with the commissioning of HMAS England, on July 10. 1939. triumphant seamanship such as the ultimately successful search for the wreck of the USS Scorpion, WALLER (SSG-75) on Saturday. July 10. Captain Waller was lost with PERTH in the Battle of located in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Commissioned beneath sunny skies at HMAS Sunda Strait in a gallant action on the night of February 28/ One chapter deals with the first successful trialing STIRLING. WALLER becomes the third COLLINS-class March I. 1942 when in company with the US heavy cruiser of the then-new Russian Yankee class ballistic submarine to join the Fleet and marks the half w ay point of USS HOUSTON. missile submarine by an American submarine. In an this massive Australian industrial undertaking. There was little rest for the new ly commissioned HMAS epic feat of seamanship the USS Lapon maintained Guest-of-honour for the Commissioning was Mrs Diana WALLER as it sailed from Reel Base West on July 13 for a contact with the most silent submarine the Soviet Waller, wife of Michael, the eldest son of the late Captain five month south east Asian deployment, leaving from the Navy had yet to put to sea for an uma/.ing 47 days, H.M.L. (Hec) Waller. DSO and Bar. RAN. who along with same waters from which Captain Hec Waller departed w hen most spent less than 3000 yards astern. HMAS PERTH sailed from Australia for the last time. his y ounger brother John was present at the commissioning. The chapters dealing with the tapping of Soviet Captain Waller sailed from Victoria Quay in nearby Among the VIPs attending were Senator Eric Abet/ undersea telephone cables in the Sea of Okhotsk span Fremantle Harbour at 0030 on February 14. 1942 (thus representing the Minister for Defence. Leader of the eleven years from 1971 to 1982. and reveal the avoiding sailing on the 13th). Two weeks later after Opposition Mr Kim Bea/ley. new CN VADM David dangers associated with this blackest of submarine surviving the Battle of the Java Sea. the ship, hit by four Shackleton. Commissioning host MCAUST RADM John operations, together with the almost unbelievable torpedoes and countless shells, went down with Waller and Lord, and COLLINS Project Leader RADM Peter Briggs. secrets that were snatched from under the Soviet many of his gallant crew in the Sunda Strait. Fittingly a number of HMAS PERTH survivors who Navy's nose. The operation was eventually sailed with Captain Waller were in attendance. compromised by the actions of the Walker spy ring, The ceremony commenced with WALLER's CO. bv Vic Jeffery which alerted the Soviets to the undersea wire- CMDR Mel Jones, reading the commissioning order before tapping. Senior Chaplain Brian Rayner. and Chaplains Robert A welcome addition is a chapter on the view from Hosken and Graham Pitman conducted the commissioning In our next edition of Hatch. Match & Dispatch the Russian side, including interviews with service and the blessing of the submarine. MANOORA re-joins the fleet. submariners who faced the technologically superior US boats in the world's most unforgiving Mrs Waller and the youngest sailor serving in HMAS PERTH decommissions. battleground, year after year. Blind Man's Bluff is a fascinating expose into a world that was once amongst the blackest of "Black Ops", revealing many operations for the first time outside the closed worlds of intelligence and submarines. If there is a complaint it is that the book only whets the appetite for more. A number of operations and incidents arc relegated to footnotes, and many could make the basis for further chapters in their own right. BUND MAN'S BLUFF. Random House Australia. 352 pages. $24.95

The Untold Story of Cold War Submarine Espionage Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew with Annette • Lawrence Drew It has been said that the difference between a fairy tale and a submarine story is that a fairy tale begins with "once upon a time" while a submarine story begins with the words "no shit. but...". n Many of the stories contained within this book could impartcorporation well be mistaken for fairy stories, or the latest techno- thriller from Tom Clancy, except for the detailed references and notes at the end of the book in which the authors IMPARTING K JOWLEDGE outlined how they obtained their information. THROUGH TF ~HNOLOGY Blind Man's Bluff relates many of the most secret operations of the US Submarine Service during the long cold war. from the first, tragic mission in 1949 (leading to www.lmiMit.com.au Australia's third Collins class submarine. HMAS WALLER, during the commissioning ceremony at HMAS STIRLING. (LSPH Darren Yates)

VOL.61 NO.4 THE NAVY THF. NAVY VOL. 61 NO. 4 The target ship TORRENS. This image shows the torpedo's shock wave lifting the vessel out of the water STMT Ml VI oI l'OI l( \ and weakening the ship's hack. (RAN) \.i. 11 \n»ii.iii J I ** . The strategic background to Australia's security has supported by strong research and design —• jnv. changed in recent decades and in some respects become organisations capable of constructing all needed . to _ more uncertain. The League believes it is essential that types of warships and support vessels and of 4_ i r~ff~ QUE ' i Australia develops capability to defend itself, paying providing systems and sensor integration with particular attention to maritime defence. Australia is. of through-life support. geographical necessity, a maritime nation whose prosperity As to the RAN. the League: strength and safety depend to a great extent on the security • Supports the concept of a Navy capable of effective of the surrounding ocean and island areas, and on seaborne action off both East and West coasts simultaneously trade. With the shock wave and advocates a gradual build up of the Fleet to dissipated the pressure wave The Navy League. follows penetrating and ensure that, in conjunction with the RAAF. this can • Believes Australia can be defended against attack cutting ihe ship in half be achieved against any force which could be by other than a super or major maritime power and through the already deployed in our general area. weakened hull. (RAN) that the prime requirement of our defence is an evident ability to control the sea and air space • Believes it is essential that the destroyer/frigate around us and to contribute to defending essential force should include ships with the capability to lines of sea and air communication to our allies. meet high level threats. • Supports the ANZUS Treaty and the future • Advocates the development of afloat support reintegration of New Zealand as a full partner. capability sufficient for two task forces, including • Urges a close relationship with the nearer ASEAN supporting operations in sub-Antarctic waters. countries. PNG and the Island States of the South • Advocates the acquisition at an early date of Pacific. integrated air power in the fleet to ensure that ADF • Advocates a defence capability which is deployments can be fully defended and supported knowledge-based with a prime consideration given from the sea. to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. • Advocates that all Australian warships should be • Believes there must be a significant deterrent equipped with some form of defence against element in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) missiles. capable of powerful retaliation at considerable • Advocates that in any future submarine construction distances from Australia. program all forms of propulsion, including nuclear, • Believes the ADF must have the capability to be examined with a view to selecting the most protect essential shipping at considerable distances from Australia, as well as in coastal waters. advantageous operationally. • Supports the concept of a strong Air Force and • Advocates the acquisition of an additional 2 or 3 highly mobile Army, capable of island and jungle Collins class submarines. warfare as well as the defence of Northern • Supports the development of the mine- Australia. countermeasures force and a modern • Supports the acquisition of AWACS aircraft and the hydrographic/oceanographic fleet. update of RAAF aircraft. • Advocates the retention in a Reserve Fleet of naval • Advocates the development of amphibious forces to vessels of potential value in defence emergency. ensure the security of our offshore territories and to • Supports the maintenance of a strong naval Reserve enable assistance to be provided by sea as well as by to help crew vessels and aircraft in reserve, or taken air to friendly island states in our area. up for service, and for specialised tasks in time of • Advocates the transfer of responsibility, and defence emergency. necessary resources, for Coastal Surveillance to the • Supports the maintenance of a strong Naval Reserve defence force and the development of the capability Cadet organisation. for patrol and surveillance of the ocean areas all around the Australian coast and island territories, The League: including in the Southern Ocean. Calls for a bipartisan political approach to national defence with a commitment to a steady long-term build-up • Advocates the acquisition of the most modern armaments and sensors to ensure that the ADF in our national defence capability including the required maintains some technological advantages over industrial infrastructure. forces in our general area. While recognising current economic problems and • Advocates measures to foster a build-up of budgetary constraints, believes that, given leadership by Australian-owned shipping to ensure the carriage of successive governments, Australia can defend itself in the essential cargoes in war. longer term within acceptable financial, economic and • Advocates the development of a defence industry manpower parameters.

36 VOL. 61 NO. 4 THE NAVY The target ship TORRENS. This image shows the torpedo's shock wave lifting the vessel out of the water STATEMENT ol I'OI.IO and weakening the ship's hack. (RAN) . I ... 'II...•! \ii-H .11 J The strategic background to Australia's security has supported by strong research and design •«• * * V to . -rtAM _ ^ changed in recent decades and in some respects become organisations capable of constructing all needed V 53 . , . r~r nrmi? • i more uncertain. The League believes it is essential that types of warships and support vessels and of I Wll 1 II T - 1 1 J.... nil Australia develops capability to defend itself, paying providing systems and sensor integration with | • . particular attention to maritime defence. Australia is. of through-life support. geographical necessity, a maritime nation whose prosperity As to the RAN. the League: strength and safely depend to a great extent on the security • Supports the concept of a Navy capable of effective of the surrounding ocean and island areas, and on seaborne action off both East and West coasts simultaneously trade. With the shock wave and advocates a gradual build up of the Fleet to dissipated the pressure wave The Navy League: follows penetrating and ensure that, in conjunction with the RAAF. this can • Believes Australia can be defended against attack cutting the ship in half be achieved against any force which could be by other than a super or major maritime power and through the already deployed in our general area. weakened hull (KAN) that the prime requirement of our defence is an evident ability to control the sea and air space • Believes it is essential that the destroyer/frigate around us and to contribute to defending essential force should include ships with the capability to ' r t lines of sea and air communication to our allies. meet high level threats. • Supports the ANZUS Treaty and the future • Advocates the development of afloat support reintegration of New Zealand as a full partner. capability sufficient for two task forces, including • Urges a close relationship with the nearer ASEAN supporting operations in sub-Antarctic waters. Vwlv _ ;; ^jj countries. PNG and the Island States of the South • Advocates the acquisition at an early date of Ik**. —ms- Pacific. integrated air power in the fleet to ensure that ADF • Advocates a defence capability which is deployments can be fully defended and supported knowledge-based with a prime consideration given The remains of TORRENS after the stern from the sea. section had sunk. The sinking reiterated the to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. • Advocates that all Australian warships should be power of the torpedo as the premier ship • Believes there must be a significant deterrent equipped with some form of defence against killing weapon. (RAN) element in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) missiles. capable of powerful retaliation at considerable • Advocates that in any future submarine construction distances from Australia. program all forms of propulsion, including nuclear, • Believes the ADF must have the capability to be examined with a view to selecting the most protect essential shipping at considerable distances from Australia, as well as in coastal waters. advantageous operationally. • Supports the concept of a strong Air Force and • Advocates the acquisition of an additional 2 or 3 highly mobile Army, capable of island and jungle Collins class submarines. warfare as well as the defence of Northern • Supports the development of the mine- Australia. countcrmeasures force and a modern • Supports the acquisition of AWACS aircraft and the hydrographic/oceanographic fleet. update of RAAF aircraft. • Advocates the retention in a Reserve Fleet of naval • Advocates the development of amphibious forces to vessels of potential value in defence emergency. ensure the security of our offshore territories and to • Supports the maintenance of a strong naval Reserve enable assistance to be provided by sea as well as by to help crew vessels and aircraft in reserve, or taken air to friendly island states in our area. up for service, and for specialised tasks in time of • Advocates the transfer of responsibility, and defence emergency. necessary resources, for Coastal Surveillance to the • Supports the maintenance of a strong Naval Reserve defence force and the development of the capability Cadet organisation. for patrol and surveillance of the ocean areas all The League: around the Australian coast and island territories, including in the Southern Ocean. Calls for a bipartisan political approach to national defence with a commitment to a steady long-term build-up • Advocates the acquisition of the most modern armaments and sensors to ensure that the ADF in our national defence capability including the required maintains some technological advantages over industrial infrastructure. forces in our general area. While recognising current economic problems and • Advocates measures to foster a build-up of budgetary constraints, believes that, given leadership by Australian-owned shipping to ensure the carriage of successive governments. Australia can defend itself in the essential cargoes in war. longer term within acceptable financial, economic and • Advocates the development of a defence industry manpower parameters.

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