ISSUE 128
JUNE 2008
Piracy in the 21st Century -Q&A About Legal Issues Marine ‘refugia’: the key to reef resilience The Sea is a Highway, not a Barrier Australia’s Involvement in the 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief
Ex-RAN vessels – long may they serve
Journal of the Welcome to the future of naval maintenance
Photos courtesy KBR's capabilities include ILS planning at of Defence the conceptual stage of a project
Applying commercial best practice to sustain complex maritime platforms and systems
Jointly providing integrated materiel services to the RAN’s amphibious and afloat support ships
Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: 1800 194 866
K0709 09/07
Welcome to the future of naval maintenance
Photos courtesy KBR's capabilities include ILS planning at of Defence the conceptual stage of a project
Applying commercial best practice to sustain complex maritime platforms and systems
Jointly providing integrated materiel services to the RAN’s amphibious and afloat support ships
Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: 1800 194 866
K0709 09/07 Issue 128 3 President’s Message Contents
rom the Annual General Meeting not have been able to achieve what we Piracy in the Twenty-first Century 4 Report… have. FIt has been a year of some progress The Corporate Sponsorship has - Questions About Legal Issues and some achievement. We were remained stable over the last 12 Front page photograph: involved in the King-Hall Naval History months and Council will be working Marine ‘refugia’: the key to 14 Conference through our sponsorship to ensure that this remains a ‘value for HMAS Adelaide reef resilience of Dr Eric Grove and the associated money’ proposition. I would like to departs for Sydney lecture program by him and the Sea formally thank our corporate sponsors, from Parkes Wharf, Power Centre’s Synnot Lecturer, Dr Raytheon Australia, EDS, Booz Allen The Sea is a Highway, not a Barrier 16 Fleet Base West for Gary Weir. We also conducted social and Hamilton, AUSTAL Ships, Kellog the final time. activities in Canberra and Sydney Brown and Root, Thales Naval, the and the Vernon Parker Oration was Australian Defence Credit Union, Australia’s Involvement in the 19 delivered by Mike Carlton at ADFA in LOPAC, SAAB, ATI, P&O Maritime 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief August, followed by the Annual Dinner. Services and Jacobs Australia; for their The Naval Warfare Seminar conducted continued support for the ANI over the President’s Message Continued… 26 in October at HMAS Watson was a last 12 months. great success and we intend to stage Headmark has continued to be this on an annual basis. produced and presents as a high quality Australia’s Secret War 28 On 31 January at the Sea Power journal. If I have one desire, and it – The Other Side Conference, we announced the seems it is an enduring desire of most winner of the 2008-2009 Maritime Presidents, it is that there should be Advancement Australia Award. more contemporary and, frankly, more Ex-RAN vessels 34 Through the sponsorship of the controversial articles. I should say – long may they serve Australian National Centre for Ocean that the Council and the Publications Resources and Security, Booz Allen Committee are addressing this issue Hamilton, Saab and EDS the Award and there is some thought to organising Colonel Count Claus Von 38 now stands at some $22,000 a year some ‘special topic’ issues, which may Stauffenberg and the 1944 Plot to Kill and is a substantial scholarship. be particularly valuable as Defence Hitler: an Exemplar of Moral Courage Vice Admiral Shalders, our patron, works to develop a new White Paper. presented the Award to Alison Jones, The Vice President will present the who will conduct a pilot study of new Strategic Plan in more detail later A look at leadership 42 marine ‘refugia’ in the Keppel region in the meeting but it is appropriate that of the Great Barrier Reef. More details I recap on some of the other changes Visions from the Vault 45 of Alison’s project and the Award will that have occurred over the course of be published in a future edition of my time as President. Membership Headmark. in an institute as small as ours is Book Reviews 46 While we are talking about friends something that occupies a great deal and sponsors, the support they provide of Council’s time. In the last three through their generous financial years we have had a net membership Style Notes for Headmark 47 sponsorship has continued to provide increase of 10% over the last three a solid financial base from which the years. This modest increase is our best ANI Events Program 48 ANI has been able to conduct many three year performance over the last 10 Issue Number 128 of the activities that I have previously years but is clearly not good enough. Printed by Everbest mentioned. Without our sponsors’ We have in fact had a larger number of ANI Online Guide 49 Printing Company support over recent years we would Continued on page 26>
Australian Naval Institute Info 50 ISSN 1833-6531 ATI - AUSTAL - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE CREDIT UNION - BOOZ ALLEN & HAMILTON FRIEND - EDS - JACOBS AUSTRALIA - KBR - LOPAC - P&O - Design & DTP: RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA - SAAB ANI Membership Application Form 51 Diane Bricknell [email protected] Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 4 Piracy in the Twenty-first Century - Questions About Legal Issues BDK y r eVIN aKER
“Pirates” and guilty of piracy. could be piracy. The matter revolves Whales in 2008 Claim and counter-claim of piracy around legal definitions and practices, in 2008 - the topic is clearly to the legal provisions that are not well- How contemporary is the topic of forefront of public discussion, but known in detail. Many if not most of piracy? The front page of theSydney how much of that discussion is fully- the population, certainly the sea-faring Morning Herald of 16 January 2008 informed is another question. population, would think they knew all described an incident between On the one hand, some would say that about piracy and measures that can be Japanese whalers and anti-whaler the actions of two protesters boarding a taken against pirates, but the issues are protesters in the Antarctic Ocean. whaler uninvited, solely for the peaceful not clear-cut at all. They deserve some Two men from the protest vessel pursuit of handing over a letter could airing and discussion. Steve Irwin boarded a Japanese whale not be construed as piracy. One the This paper attempts just such catcher, the Yushin Maru No. 2. The other hand, others could claim that a discussion of some legal issues Captain of the Steve Irwin stated that if the motives of the protesters were surrounding contemporary piracy. the men were trying to deliver a letter not just to hand over a letter (which A VBSS team, of protest and they had been detained they could reasonably foresee would A Brief Background to assigned to the and treated violently - the crime of not be acknowledged) but instead had Piracy in the Twenty- USS Carter Hall, kidnapping in the Captain’s view. A a motivation of interfering with the approaches MS Al- spokesperson for the Japanese Institute navigation of the Yushin Maru No. 2, first Century Kausar, an Indian of Cetacean Research said that the men which could be a crime (i.e. causing loss Piracy in all its black heart has been cargo dhow, to were being held under guard because of sea-time, hence revenue and profits common in the early years of the conduct a master consent boarding. they had committed an act of piracy. for the whaler) then they may indeed Twenty-first century. In May 2007, After gathering As background to the incident, a have been guilty of piracy. This would there was an incident that was clearly intelligence by the judge of the Australian Federal Court especially be the case if there was some an act of piracy. Pirates captured a ship VBSS team there handed down a decision that the whale element of force in their boarding, carrying aid to Somalia - the MV Rosen were no indications hunt in the waters of Australia’s self- such as the protesting ship’s fire hoses - and after some weeks released the of piracy, terrorism, or smuggling and declared Australian Whale Sanctuary being used to keep the whaler’s decks ship and its crew after a ransom was the cargo dhow was illegal under the Environment clear to allow the boarding of the two paid. The incident was well-publicised was later cleared Protection and Biodiversity protesters. It could even be argued in various news outlets, with quips for its destination. Conservation Act, and the Humane that a close and threatening approach about modern-day pirates, but the (US Navy photo by Society International called for the by the protest vessel constituted the increasing prevalence of piracy was Photographer’s Mate arrest of any ship found to be whaling threat of force - hence the boarding not always as well-studied by media 2nd Class Michael Sandberg ) within Australian Antarctic waters. A spokesperson for the protest vessels claimed on a Sydney radio program that the protesters were themselves reacting against an act of piracy by the Japanese, and were exercising their right to oppose piracy under international law. However, as Japan (and most other countries in the world) did not recognise Australia’s claim to sovereignty over a slice of Antarctic waters, legal experts counselled that any ship interfering with Japanese whaling vessels in waters that all but a handful of countries recognised as international waters might itself be Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 5
commentators, nor the growing death The toll taken as seriously. strategic impact Pirates are the stuff of morning of piracy, let cartoon shows for children, or fancy alone the issues dress parties where cardboard swords that combating and eye patches and odd accents the modern get a laugh for a moment or more. menace entails, The adventures of Jack Sparrow have not been (a.k.a. Johnny Depp) have drawn big well-addressed audiences in movie theatres. It all by legislators looks swashbuckling and somewhat and analysts, romantic. with some In real life, piracy is a growing exceptions. problem that impacts upon the conflict In 2006, a against terrorist groups. Real pirates parliamentary are vicious thugs armed with Uzis or select Master at Arms AK47s or rocket-propelled grenade committee of the British Parliament What has been the official (naval) Seaman Kyle Kosanovich and launchers who strike when their was formed in reaction to increasing reaction? Many navies are increasing Master at Arms 2nd victims are weak and unarmed. They costs for British ships in insurance and their anti-piracy activities, in some Class Jose Cortez, murder people and bankrupt others. the like caused by piracy. They were cases recognising that they have to training facilitator, Large ships are targeted, as well as forced to admit that government action protect their trading interests even at of the visit, boarding, small - in 2002, off Yemen, a French to date had been “woefully inadequate some distance from home waters. For search and seizure (VBSS) team oil tanker was crippled by speedboats ... The government does not even know example, units of the Japanese Coast aboard amphibious loaded with explosives. Piracy is a the scale of the problem. That is failure Guard have been authorized to operate transport dock USS 1 particular problem in Australia’s not- by any measure.” out of Singapore to improve protection Shreveport watch too-distant neighbourhood, running The topic is a crucial one, for for the ships taking oil to Japan and the passageway in a broad swathe from the Philippines reasons spelt out at the 56th session her products to the rest of the world. while conducting to the South China Sea to Bangladesh of the General Assembly at the United For another example, the Philippines shipboard training. This training was to the Malacca Straits to the coast of Nations when a report entitled “Oceans government has ordered no less than conducted to prepare the Horn of Africa. These are all areas and the Law of the Sea” was considered. thirty new small patrol vessels just the VBSS team for where our ships regularly passage. That report encapsulated the problem: for anti-piracy work throughout its anti-piracy measures Take another recent example of the “Acts of piracy and armed robbery extended archipelagos. that may be peril of piracy that struck close to against ships represent a serious threat In 2008, it seems evident that encountered during home. In 2006, a large Australian to the lives of seafarers, the safety of the Royal Australian Navy may well deployments. (US Navy photo by Mass container ship bound for New Zealand navigation, the marine environment face increased challenges in regard Communication was taken by an armed gang of nine and the security of coastal states. They to contemporary piracy, whether Specialist Seaman men as the ship passed the Indonesian also impact negatively on the entire those challenges are well-recognised Recruit Chad R. island of Bintan. The captain and maritime transport industry, leading, or not. In determining a response to Erdmann ) crew of the Australian Star were for example, to increases in insurance the challenges, there are a number of lucky to escape with their lives after rates and even the suspension of trade.” issues that have to be considered, from the boarders had looted the ship and The topic is contemporary. The the logistic to the legal. Those issues crew of cash and valuables, for in other International Maritime Bureau will especially have to be faced by the cases ships’ crews had been cast adrift, reported in October 2007 that piracy “Johnny-on-the-Spot”, the frontline or in cases like the MV Erria Inge, was still increasing, and that maritime defence force officer, if he or she is shut up to die of hunger and thirst in pirate attacks worldwide increased in command of a unit attempting a compartment. The incident on the 14% in the first nine months of 2007 to apprehend a pirate vessel or of a Australian Star did not receive the compared to 2006. There were 37 unit involved in a confrontation with media attention it deserved in Australia pirate attacks in the waters of our near whalers and anti-whaler protesters. (probably because there was no good neighbour Indonesia during that period video footage of the violence). of nine months. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 6 Piracy in the Twenty-first Century - Questions About Legal Issues
What is the legal definition include robbery on board persons or property in a place outside definition of piracy? ships that may be hove to, or stopped, the jurisdiction of any State; (b) any but not in a harbour? Are aircraft act of voluntary participation in the Consider first the parameters of covered as well as ships? What if the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with what we are discussing. What are robbery is carried out by rogue officials knowledge of facts making it a pirate the definitions - popular and legal acting under the guise of statehood, ship or aircraft; (c) any act of inciting - of pirates and piracy. TheOxford for example as the arm of officialdom or of intentionally facilitating an act Dictionary states that piracy is in a failed state, such as Somalia is described in subparagraph (a) or (b).”2 “the practice or an act of robbery sometimes held out to be? We need Another quasi-official body, the of ships at sea” (and then refers to a more precise definition than a International Maritime Organisation “the infringement of copyright by dictionary offers. (IMO) sought to cover such crimes unauthorised reproduction ... “ - clearly We can find such a definition when they were committed against Members of a Visit, Board, Search and a form of piracy that does not concern promulgated by no less than a vessel not in international waters, but Seizure (VBSS) us here.) This popular definition, one convention of the United Nations. in the territorial waters of a state. The team, assigned to with which most people would surely The 1982 Law of the Sea Convention International Maritime Organisation the dock landing agree - that pirates are “robbers” - is a (LOSC) defined piracy as “... any of was established under the aegis of the ship USS Carter Hall, simple one, and does not have the legal the following acts: (a) any illegal acts United Nations to co-ordinate the assemble on the boat nuances that are necessary to suit all of violence or detention, or any act of efforts of maritime nations to improve deck to establish communications occasions. For example, what is meant depredation, committed for private the safety and security of navigation prior to conducting by the word “ships” - does it include ends by the crew or the passengers of at sea, and hence its pronouncements a master consent boats such as cruising yachts? What is a private ship or a private aircraft, and are well-accepted in official and semi- boarding onboard an meant by “robbery” - are other crimes directed: (i) on the high seas, against official quarters. The IMO introduced Indian cargo dhow. such as blackmail and kidnapping of another ship or aircraft, or against the term “armed robbery against (US Navy photo by ships and crews included within the persons or property on board such ship ships” to cover attacks within a state’s Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael broad meaning of this term. Does the or aircraft; (ii) against a ship, aircraft, jurisdiction as well, and defined that Sandberg )
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 7
as “any unlawful act of violence or reviewed if, detention or any act of depredation, however, the or threat thereof, other than an act protesters’ ship of piracy, directed against a ship or used equipment against persons or property onboard such as water such a ship, within a state’s jurisdiction pumps to force over such offences”.3 the whaler’s crew We can look to a semi-official off the open deck- body for another definition. The areas of their ship International Maritime Bureau (IMB) to permit the is a non-profit making body, an arm boarding - that of the International Chamber of could indeed be Commerce, and recognised as a source the element of of expertise on contemporary maritime force that could issues and research. Its definition of up the ante of piracy is: “Piracy is the act of boarding the protesters’ The US Navy’s Arleigh any vessel with an intent to commit actions and start to shade their act as have a flag and official registration, can Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS theft or any other crime, and with piracy. Under the IMB’s definition, it be considered a “pirate” vessel? What Winston S. Churchill an intent or capacity to use force in the protestors could be seen to have if that vessel is a very small one, i.e. as follows a suspected furtherance of that act.” This definition the “capacity to use force” to carry out small as seven or eight metres? pirate vessel in the broadens the intent of boarding to an “act of depredation” - especially if The question of who can apprehend Indian Ocean. After include a range of crimes, not just one of the protesting vessels has been pirates is also subject to debate. On receiving a report robbery, and adds the element of modified to be able to ram and damage the high seas, according to LOSC, of an attempted act of piracy from force or violence being used in the act. whaling vessels. The argument may any “state may seize a pirate ship or 6 the International Implied in the definition is that at least come to revolve around what is “force”. aircraft”, but who are the officers of a Maritime Bureau in two vessels will be involved in the act. state who are empowered to carry out Kuala Lumpur, the The definition also includes boarding D o the legal definitions that seizure? Churchill and other by rogue officials, as officials acting The question of dealing with piracy, US naval forces in create problems? the area located this properly according to the direction of especially as anti-piracy patrols often vessel controlled by their state’s laws and regulations would Although the legal definitions stated involve dealing with suspected small suspected pirates not be boarding “with an intent to above are good and workable, there pirate boats operating on the fringes of and reported its commit theft or any other crime.” are still gaps and issues unstated. For coastal waters of other nations, raises position. After some These three definitions encapsulate example, the definitions do not spell a whole host of other issues. Many of aggressive action by all the elements associated with piracy out what exactly is a “ship”4 and we are these issues have not received a lot Churchill, US Sailors later established - boarding a vessel at sea from another left with the question about whether an of attention, probably because legal communications and (pirate) vessel, using force, intent to attack upon a private yacht, or a small and practical issues related to piracy boarded the vessel. commit a crime against people or refugee boat for that matter, is “piracy” have not yet been flagged as urgent (US Navy photo by property on the vessel. within the officially-accepted meaning topics. Some legal issues concerning Chief Information Incidentally, based on these legal of the term. contemporary piracy include questions Systems Technician Kenneth Anderson ) definitions, the actions of the two men There is also a question about such as: who boarded the Japanese whaler whether all vessels have to be registered What is a pirate vessel - revisiting Yushin Maru No. 2 were probably and sail under a national flag, even a the legal definition in 2008? not guilty of piracy. Technically, they flag of so-called “flag of convenience” How far can a naval party go in may have impeded the navigation states such as Panama or Liberia. The pursuit of pirates, for example, do the of the whaler, and even intended to preamble of the United Nations Law of crew of an Australian ship’s zodiac (i.e. inconvenience the whaler’s crew and the Sea Convention states that all ships a “rhib”7) have a legal right to pursue a thereby cause some loss, but unless must have a national flag, not least to pirate vessel? they used force or the threat of force, ensure that ships are surveyed to be Who can be authorised to confront they could be not considered pirates. safe on the high seas and no threat to pirates? That assessment would have to be other navigators.5 If a vessel does not When and where can deadly force Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 8 Piracy in the Twenty-first Century - Questions About Legal Issues
be used? suspected pirate What are technological issues vessels. related to piracy patrols? This issue Discussion on these questions looks deceptively could go on at length. The questions simple, for surely are relevant, for if Australian warships international law become more involved in anti-piracy covers the matter. operations, it is likely that commanding However, it seems officers may become closely involved that the law is never in the apprehension of suspect simple (that may be piratical vessels - and even relatively why top legal people junior officers may have to face hard earn much more than decisions, for pirate vessels are very top defence people). often small boats which have to be Can a rhib legally apprehended by ship’s boats such as As n wering Some There are related sets of questions pursue and arrest rhibs. Questions About - who can command a “warship”? The a suspected pirate There have been a series of simple answer may not be as simple vessel? recruiting advertisements for Definitions in law when complex situations arise. Australia’s defence forces. The ads set Surely the above questions also have a Who is the legal commander of a rhib scenarios, and then ask a question simple answer - suspect vessels can be dispatched to investigate a suspect along the lines of, “What would you apprehended by commissioned naval vessel? Who is the legal commander of do next?” If, say, an aspiring junior officers in national warships. But what a craft such as a seaplane operating in officer finds him or herself suddenly on makes a “warship”? For that matter, conjunction with a warship? the trail of suspected pirates, who are what makes a “ship” or a “vessel”? Is a Before considering what is a endeavouring to escape in a maze of hovercraft a “vessel”? Is a seaplane a “warship” entitled to engage or pursue small islands that are in the territorial “vessel”? Is an offshore drilling platform pirate vessels, first consider what makes waters of another nation, what should a “vessel”? Is a rhib a “vessel”? a “ship”. 8 they do next? Importantly, what are the A “warship” also requires definition, The Convention on the Law of the consequences of their actions? What especially in times when contractors Sea distinguished between classes are they allowed, indeed required, are used for surveillance in non- of vessels, defining warships,9 but to do? How far can they chase the commissioned craft and vessels and incorporated no broad definition. suspected pirates? Who is allowed to may be involved in the interception of The English text alternated between arrest the suspects if they are caught? pirate vessels. “ship” and “vessel”. Legal definitions These could be real questions that Does it matter what makes a vessel of what is and what is not a “ship” or even a sub-lieutenant may face. The or a ship? The answer is “yes”, because Can Oceanic junior officers of a rhib of a Royal the business of intercepting pirate Viking arrest Navy destroyer in the Arabian Gulf vessels on the high seas and pursuing suspected found themselves at the centre of an then apprehending them can be a pirate international incident when inspecting legal minefield as costly as a sea-laid vessels? a merchant vessel near Iranian minefield. waters - an incident that blew up with Can the following different surprising speed. It is not unlikely ships and craft legally apprehend that junior Australian officers could a pirate vessel - Can a rhib arrest a What suddenly find themselves confronted pirate vessel? Can a helicopter that makes a “warship”? with situations they have not prepared is equipped with floats do so? What for in regard to suspected pirate craft. about a ship’s helicopter operating off This discussion will focus on just a helideck? Can a surveillance aircraft one key issue of the smorgasbord of commanded by a contracted civilian on issues on offer. It will consider who maritime patrol intervene with force or and what can apprehend or pursue pursue a pirate craft? Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 9
even a “vessel” vary widely between the Some European definitions appear in law? Is a ship less a ship if it is no longer floating? Some legal systems of national states. There to be even broader than the UK one. would say of course it cannot be considered a ship any exists a broadly applicable definition For example, in Belgian law, even longer, others might hesitate if there were legal questions which has been put forward by the planes can be ships. Article 169.2, about the value of the sunken object and her cargo. If a American Branch of the International General Customs and Excise Act 1977 sunken ship is still a ship, what about long-gone ships, Law Association. This definition (Belgium) states: “For the purposes Spanish treasure galleons and the like? This question has states that a ship is - “A vessel of any of this Article, the word ‘ship’ shall be also arisen in law in recent times, with the controversy over type whatsoever operating in the taken to mean any vessel or any piece who owns the gold salvaged from ships that went down five maritime environment, including of equipment of any kind, including hundred years ago and more. hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles, flat-bottomed launches and seaplanes Definitions created by statute in some Pacific Island submersibles, floating craft and used or capable of being used as a states not surprisingly make provision for very large canoes floating platforms.”10 What about means of transport on water, and fixed to be considered “ships”: Tuvalu’s laws imply that anything other definitions? In Australia, the or floating platforms.” This definition over seven metres can be a vessel, even if propelled by definition of a Ship “means any kind of apparently leaves it open for punts and paddlers, and not an engine - Vessel excludes “a sailing vessel capable of navigating the high river ferries to be considered ships. boat or paddling canoe of native design or a boat, punt seas and includes: a) a barge, lighter Even an oceanic oil rig, though firmly or barge having an overall length of less then 7 metres, or other floating vessel; b) a structure attached to the sea bottom in some whether powered by an engine or not.” (Section 2, Fisheries that is able to float or be floated. . .; cases, could be a “ship”, in Belgian law Ordinance 1978 (Tuvalu)) Niue’s definition is even broader and c) an air- cushion vehicle, or other (as in Australian law). than some of those above, implying that anything longer similar craft, used wholly or primarily Croatia says that “boats” can also than five metres can be considered a vessel, and like Australia in navigation by water.” (Section 3, be “ships” in some circumstances: also includes hovercraft as “vessels”. Niue’s law states that Shipping Registration Act 1981 (Cth)). “The provisions ... concerning ships a vessel, in law, “means any vessel, aircraft, hovercraft, An alternative definition reads: A ship shall apply also to boats only if submersible craft, or other craft, of whatever size... but shall “means any vessel used in navigation, expressly so provided.” (Article 2, not include any vessel that is five metres or less in overall other than air navigation, and includes: Maritime Code 1994 (Croatia). Spain length” (Section 2, Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic (a) an off-shore industry mobile seemingly excludes warships from its Zone Act 1997 (Niue)) unit; and (b) a barge, lighter or any legal definition of a ship, but almost The breadth of some of these definitions has provoked other floating vessel.” (section 245A, everything else is included: ship “means controversy. One analyst, J. E. Noyes commented on the Migration Act 1958 (Cth)). any craft, platform or floating device definition of the American International Law Association: By these Australian definitions with or without displacement, which “It may be nonsense to consider fixed platforms as vessels in law, it appears that the stalwart is suitable for navigation and not when one is concerned with a rule... that contemplates a kayakers who paddled their way from intended for national defence.” (Act No, vehicle capable of self-propulsion.”11 If discussion is limited Australia to New Zealand in 2007/2008 27/1992 Concerning National Ports to floating, self-propelled craft, another writer, G. Lazaratos were navigating not just a “kayak”, but and Merchant Shipping (Spain)) suggested that a critical feature of a “ship” was that it be indeed a “ship”. Some jurisdictions ensure that ocean-going.12 The practice of states in granting the right to A definition from the law of the submarines are not forgotten, but fly their flag13 would support this limitation. Whatever the United Kingdom would state that to also are legally ships: Ship “means a debate, it seems clear that a definition of a ship can cover a be legally a “ship”, the vessel would vessel, boat or sea-craft of any kind broad category of waterborne craft. be anything which “includes every and includes a submarine.” (Section 2, Having disposed with this discussion about what makes a description of ship, boat or other Maritime Zones Act 1999 (Seychelles)). ship, consider now what constitutes a “warship”. The Law of floating craft.” (section 7, Territorial Malaysia puts forward a similar the Sea Convention details clearly what it is that makes a ship Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (UK)). definition, but seems to leave open a “ship-of-war” or “warship”: membership of a State’s armed This definition may be to broad - it may the possibility of a sunken structure forces, the bearing of the external marks distinguishing such even catch up one of the floating craft being legally a “ship”: Vessel “includes ships of its nationality, command by a duly commissioned in the author’s garage, i.e. a 3.6 metre every description of ship or floating or officer whose name appears in the relevant service list and model of an escort aircraft carrier. It submarine craft or structure.” (Section manning by a crew under regular armed forces discipline.14 would be absurd to call that a “ship”, 2, Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 However, a complication arises that is not addressed by these but sometimes the law can encompass (Malaysia)). This latter definition does definitions - namely, how big does such a craft have to be absurdities, for sometimes the law is have its legal purposes - for example, before it becomes a “warship”. When Captain Bligh sailed an ass. how should a sunken vessel be treated the Bounty’s cutter to Batavia after the well-known mutiny, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 10 Piracy in the Twenty-first Century - Questions About Legal Issues
he apparently met all these criteria, but arrangement for which Australia What about the role of the commander in law? There can was he commanding a “ship of war”? paid.18 Does this mean that a state can be potential major problems over who is in command Small craft are not usually granted have (very) temporary warships on and is the command lawful when, for example, Australian the right independently, nor is it a short-term (i.e. in terms of days or vessels are put in a position of cooperating with vessels from typical of states to list small auxiliary hours) commission? another nation. In the case of the apprehension of the vessel craft as military vessels. The smallest Some writers deal with the issues of allegedly involved in illegal fishing that has been mentioned craft listed is generally of the motor warship definition. N. Poulantzas, for above, the Viarsa I, it was reported that a “combined patrol boat or cutter class.15 The example, argues that “warship” has [South African] government and private security team” published list of RAN “ships” contains a ‘’broad scope”, including any vessel was embarked in the South African vessel that eventually only commissioned, independent (or aircraft) “irrespective of size, type” made the arrest, although it was an Australian vessel that platforms.16 What would appear to be and the armed force to which they was initially involved and actually commenced the pursuit. the determining factor in state practice belong.19 “Fleet auxiliaries,” however, There was a suggestion that the boarding party itself was is whether the purported “ship” is require a special commission. The composed of South African personnel.21 The crew of the able to, or intended to, operate as an exclusion of fleet auxiliaries infers South African vessel have alternatively been reported as independent fleet unit. that Poulantzas is suggesting that only armed officials from the South African Department of A second issue is that of a warship’s vessels of an overtly military character, Marine and Coastal Management, and not commissioned “external markings.” Carrying armed and with a directly military members of the national armed forces.22 It is said to be markings clearly and permanently purpose, are “warships.” Yet, it is not South African practice to swear in private security forces as marks the vessel as an authorised required by Article 29 of the Law of temporary government officials before any such mission.23 state instrumentality and it can the Sea Convention that a warship These practices could be the source of debate in legal circles. always be identified as such. A strict be armed.20 The vessel chartered by Given the purpose of ensuring state responsibility for the interpretation of this provision would the Australian government for patrol apprehension of vessels involved in suspected criminal however question the nature of typical purposes in the Antarctic, Oceanic activity on the high seas through proper authorisation, this markings, which vary across navies Viking, has been armed with machine might have significant implications in the case of incidents - commissioned vessels of the Royal guns, but not even this largely-token involving Australian vessels and the vessels of other nations. Navy tradition, for example, fly their armament is needed to enable the It could be that Australia might find itself responsible for respective ensigns, display a ship’s crest vessel to be considered a formal the actions of untrained and possibly improperly authorised near the bridge area and are marked warship (although it reinforces its role foreign personnel. The result could be that Australian with a unique recognition number is of an “overtly military” character). servicemen and women could be liable for an illegal action. on the bows.17 Vessels of some Asian Who can apprehend a pirate vessel? Return to some of the sample questions raised earlier navies carry their names in large Authorisation is significant to satisfy about whether various craft could be “ships” under various characters on their sides. The colour of requirements for an arrest on the high legal jurisdictions. the vessels is not significant. However, seas. It is important in law that those Can a rhib arrest a pirate vessel? If it is under the command is it the intention of Article 29 that responsible for apprehending criminals of a commissioned officer - maybe, but maybe not. In the any particular vessel carry all typical on the high seas be appropriately case of the apprehension of a fishing vessel named the external markings? Probably not. As a authorised and commissioned officers South Tomi, the eventual arresting action was made by a minimum the vessels must carry the of a state’s armed forces, with their South African-owned rhib, launched from a South African national naval ensign and some other names recorded in relevant lists as vessel a short distance from South Tomi. However, it was identifying number or letter. noted above. Does the concept of flagged with the RAN ensign when launched, commanded Thirdly, the term “belonging” would “armed forces” include the army, the by an RAN officer and manned by an RAN crew who had appear to impart some notion of navy and the airforce? Certainly. Is been embarked in the South African vessel. But was this a permanence. That may take the form Coast Guard vessel part of the “armed legitimate arrest? There are legal arguments that the rhib was either of legal and beneficial ownership, forces”? Yes. Is a customs vessel part not a ship, and therefore not a warship, and even if it was a probably the most indisputable of the “armed forces”? Probably. Is a ship, it was still not a warship, for it failed the definition of evidence of belonging, or of regular government vessel such as a pilot boat the Law of Sea Convention. use, for example under a long-term part of the “armed forces”? Probably What about the case of a rhib acting in concert with the charter. In the pursuit of the suspected not - but what if there are customs warship that dispatched it? Then the primary vessel and illegal fishing vesselViarsa I, the officers on board? The question of its boats would be considered to be acting together - the involvement of South African vessels definitions can make the waters of mother-ship would be the instrumentality at law. There is was explained as a temporary charter discussion murky indeed. substantial writing on these matters.24 In the South Tomi Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 11
ship or aircraft if it is intended by the persons in dominant control to situation, the rhib could be considered issues) meant to be an exhaustive be used for the purpose of committing one of the acts referred to in as one with the South African vessel listing of important matters to discuss. article 101. The same applies if the ship or aircraft has been used to commit any such act, so long as it remains under the control of the from which it put out, but that vessel Nor is it a fact that these and other persons guilty of that act.” was not Australian although the rhib legal issues related to contemporary 5 Articles 91 to 94. 6 Article 105. was purported to be an Australian piracy are clear-cut, and that is the 7 Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat craft. It is not clear whether the boats reason why not all the questions raised 8 Various international definitions are brought together by Lewis, themselves must exhibit independently are answered definitively. A.M., in an unpublished paper , Wild West: Hot Pursuit and Twenty- First Century Maritime Law Enforcement. the same characteristics required of The conclusions of some of the 9 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, Article 29. their mother-ship. The defence in one considerations are tentative, but the 10 Walker, G., “Definitions for the 1982 Law of the Sea legal case submitted that they did, broad issues need discussion. The topic Convention” 33 Cal.W.Int’l Law Jnl (2003) p218. 11 J.E. Noyes, “Definitions for the 1982 Law of the Sea especially if the mother-ship is not of piracy is both crucial and imminent. Convention and the Importance of Context: ‘Ships’ and Other visible (e.g. at night).25 Even if there were not strong links to Matters (2003) 33 Cal. W. Int’l L.J. 318. What about a helicopter with floats the conflict on terror, there are good 12 G. Lazaratos, “The Definition of Ship in National and International Law” (1969) Revue Hellenique de Droit International et - it is probably a legal “ship”, because it reasons for us to help “keep the house Etranger 57, at p92. is a water-borne craft, and therefore it in order”, and it is surely likely that 13 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, Article 91. 14 Article 29, essentially the same as Article 8(2),1958 Convention could legally carry out an apprehension Australian defence force personnel will on the High Seas. (although of course the practical have to confront some of these issues 15 In Jane’s Fighting Ships of World War II, Studio Editions, difficulties would be huge). in the foreseeable future, in difficult London, 1989 (originally published by Jane’s Publishing Co, 1946-7), the Thornycroft motor patrol boat is usually the smallest vessel What about a ship’s helicopter - situation like those in the Antarctic included in the navy lists; in Jane’s Fighting Ships 1962-63, Jane’s it is probably not a legal “ship” but Ocean. � Publishing Co, London, 1963-3, the smallest craft is of the nature ofa cutter, for example Liberia’s two 40-foot patrol boats (p.161). provisions of the LOSC allow aircraft 16 RAN list of ships, http://www.navv.gov.aulships/alphalist.htm to carry out pursuit - provided they are 17 See column two of the table at http://www.navv.gov.au/ships/ clearly marked as officially-sanctioned alphalist.htm 18 ‘’High Seize,” Bulletin, 5 November 2003. The word “hired” was craft. used in Ed Stoddard’s press release for Reuters, “South African Ship What about surveillance aircraft Catches Up with Toothfish Smugglers,” Johannesburg, 27 August 2003. commanded by a contracted civilian 19 Poulantzas, N.M., The Right of Hot Pursuit in International Law, - they probably could not lawfully 2nd edition, Kluwer Law International, The Hague, 2002 pp195-6. apprehend or pursue a pirate vessel 20 R.H. Oxman, “The Regime of Warships Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea” (1984) 24 VJIL 809, at unless within sight of an authorised p813. warship, and acting in concert 21 “High Seize,” Bulletin, 5 November 2003; “SA Arms Enforce High-Seas Justice,” Sunday Times (South Africa) 31 August 2003. with it, under the command of a 22 “SA Arms Enforce High-Seas Justice,” Sunday Times (South commissioned officer. However, an Africa), 31 August 2003. aircraft clearly marked as belonging Kevin Baker is Visiting Fellow at ADFA. 23 “High Seize,” Bulletin, 5 November 2003. 24 Article 111(4); The Araunah[1888] Moore’s Arbitrations 824; to a government, can arrest a vessel He has completed Master’s degrees in The Grace and Ruby(1922) 283 Fed. 475 (District Court of Alaska); suspected of criminal activity, although Economics and Theology, and a Ph.D The Henry L. Marshall(1923) 292 Fed. 486 (a case where boats not belonging to the arrested vessel were being used). A more recent what those markings should be is not (1994). He has since filled academic case, similar to The Henry L. Marshall,is R v Mills and Others, (1995, clearly defined, and it is also likely Croydon Crown Court, unreported); O’Connell, The International posts in China and Germany as well Law of the Sea, Volume 2, at pp124; and R.R. Churchill and A.V. that to conform to legal requirements Lowe, The Law of the Sea,3rd Edition, Manchester University Press, a commissioned officer of the state as Australia. His published books Manchester, 1999, at pp 214-16. should be on board the aircraft. range from Naval Insurrection (with 25 W.C. Gilmore, “Drug Trafficking At Sea: The Case of R v Charrington and Others” (2000) 49 ICLQ 477, at pp 487-8 Tom Frame) to History of Sedition in Australia. C onclusion
The issues discussed above are (Endnotes) 1 Reported in The Guardian, June 12, not intended to be comprehensive 2007 discussions of the issues of definition 2 Article 101. of pirates and who can arrest them on 3 IMO resolution A.922(22). 4 Article 103 does define a “pirate ship”, the high seas, nor is the selection of but its definition is a somewhat circular one, just a few issues (and several associated viz.: “A ship or aircraft is considered a pirate Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 12
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 13 Marine ‘refugia’: the key to reef resilience
he seemingly inevitable impacts convert CO2 and calcium from seawater refuges may be the key to ensuring Tof climate change induced by into internal calcium carbonate that reefs in the Keppel region are human greenhouse gas emissions now skeleton. Branching reef corals provide resilient to climatic disturbance like threaten coral reefs globally. Inshore habitat and food for a variety of marine flood, bleaching and sedimentation. reefs running along the coastline life and declines in the abundance of Identifying and mapping these ‘refugia’ of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef corals on a reef can cause concurrent is an important step towards building may be some of the most vulnerable declines in the abundance of other reef resilience. due to their shallow nature and their species [4-6]. Identifying, mapping and This project will result in detailed tendency to warmer than average sea protecting coral ‘refugia’ or pockets GIS maps of coral cover, SST, light, temperatures. Sea temperatures only of coral biodiversity that are resistant ocean currents and symbiont The concept of 1-1.5°C above the normal range can to climatic disturbance biodiversity around the marine ‘refugia’ cause bleaching severe enough to kill may be the key for Keppel islands in the is not new. reef corals [1]. However, a glimmer of ensuring coral reef southern section of Marine reserves, hope lies in the paradox that coral reefs regeneration in the GBR. Areas have survived for thousands of years in the future. that may be where all fishing spite of periodic climatic upheavals far The Keppel resistant to is prohibited, greater than those currently predicted region of the bleaching, have developed by climate change scientists [2]. The Southern flood or as a fisheries capacity of some corals species to Great Barrier sedimentation management tool adapt by changing their population of Reef lies at damage and endosymbiotic zooxanthellae when the mouth of inter-reef areas in countries all environmental conditions change may the Fitzroy River that are important over the world. be part of the answer to the paradox of Catchment (Lat. 23.1°S, for connectivity will be coral reef resilience. The extent to which Long. 150.9°E). The region identified and their location they adapt may depend on how we is made up of extensive fringing inshore and physical characteristics published manage the changes that will occur as coral reefs around 15 continental as a management tool. Molecular climate change takes effect. islands east of Rockhampton in Central identification of population differences The concept of marine ‘refugia’ is Queensland. The Keppel region has will result in a better understanding of not new. Marine reserves, where all a history of multiple disturbance the general patterns of connectivity of fishing is prohibited, have developed regimes in the past including coral reefs in the Keppels. The results of this as a fisheries management tool in bleaching and flood [7, 8]. In spite of study will improve our understanding of countries all over the world. Preserving these disturbances, the recovery of the adaptive capacity of reefs to recover pockets of marine ecosystems where reefs in the region has been dramatic from climate change-induced damage. fish can reproduce and multiply in contrast to that of reefs in warmer, without human disturbance is northern regions. Part of the reason for About Alison Jones: seen as an insurance policy against this high coral reef recovery potential I first fell in love with Great Keppel fisheries management failure. Marine lies in the 2-5 times greater growth Island and its reefs after moving there reserves are seen as a tool to maintain rate of staghorn (branching) corals in to recover from a serious illness. It biodiversity and ecosystem structure the Keppel region (Ray Berkelmans, was while living on Great Keppel and an enhancement to tourism [3]. personal comm.). Another reason for Island that I learned to SCUBA dive However, the concept of marine refuges the high rate of recovery could lie in which opened up a new world for me. is not limited to the preservation and the existence of coral ‘refugia’ which I grabbed any chance I could to go sustainability of fisheries. The existence survive to re-seed the impacted reefs diving while I worked in the local dive of pockets of marine life that are low following disturbance. If they exist, the shop. I gradually began to feel that I in abundance but high in biodiversity refuges would potentially have cooler should be doing something to protect could be the key to sustainability of waters, lower light levels and be near the magical places that I saw while marine ecosystems in general against strong currents which would carry diving. I had a very ancient Chemistry climatic disturbance. Reef-building or coral propagates and fish larvae to re- and Biochemistry Degree from James ‘scleractinian’ corals form the structure seed nearby reefs. These potentially Cook University and I decided to use of coral reefs due to their capacity to small patches of deeper water coral it to learn more about the reef. I didn’t Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 14 Marine ‘refugia’: the key to reef resilience
specifically choose a PhD in corals. It Alison Jones, Central Queensland 153(2): p. 119-127. more or less chose me in the form of University/Australian Institute of 5. Graham, N.A.J., et al., Dynamic fragility of oceanic coral reef ecosystems my supervisor Dr Ray Berkelmans from Marine Science/Doctor of Philosophy Proceedings of the National Academy of AIMS who was already doing some candidate. Sciences of the USA, 2006. 103: p. work in the Keppels. He already knew 8425-8429. 6. Bellwood, D.R., et al., Coral bleaching, what I was beginning to realise: that the reef fish community phase shifts and the reefs around Great Keppel Island are resilience of coral reefs. Global Change Biology, 2006. 12(9): p. 1587-1594. one of the best kept secrets in the whole 1. Berkelmans, R. and M.J.H. van Oppen, of Australia. I believe that places such The role of zooxanthellae in the thermal tolerance of corals: a ‘nugget of hope’ for coral 7. Byron, G.T. and J.P. O’Neill, ‘Flood as the Keppel Islands and reefs should reefs in an era of climate change. Proceedings Induced Coral Mortality on Fringing Reefs be protected from over-development of the Royal Society of London. Series B, in Keppel Bay, in Workshop on the Impact of Biological Sciences (1934-1990), 2006. Flooding. 1992, Great Barrier Reef Marine at all costs as they are one of the last of Park Authority: Townsville. 2. Stanley, J.G.D., The evolution of modern the ‘wild’ places. And people need wild corals and their early history. Earth-Science 8. Furnas, M., Catchment and Corals: Terrestrial Runoff to the Great Barrier Reef. places to go to. � Reviews, 2003. 60(3-4): p. 195-225. 2003, Australian Institute of Marine Science: 3. Russ, G., Marine Reserves as Reef Townsville. Fisheries Management Tools: Yet Another Review. Coral Reef Fishes, 2001. 17(16): p. 421-437. 4. Graham, N., Ecological versatility and the decline of coral feeding fishes following climate driven coral mortality. Marine Biology, 2007. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 15 Australian Naval Institute ‘Maritime Advancement Australia Award’
am delighted to be able to inform of his completed report in a future AO, CSC, RAN, Chief of Navy and members of the results of this edition of Headmark. Patron of the Australian Naval Institute Iyear’s competition for the ‘Maritime at the Final Session of the Sea Power Advancement Australia Award’. As 2008-2009 Award Winner 2008 Conference, on 31 January 2008 at you are aware, the ANI, conjunction The 2008-2009 Award winner is Alison the Sydney Convention and Exhibition with the Australian National Centre Jones, of the Central Queensland Centre at Darling Harbour. Admiral for Ocean Resources and Security University. Alison has recently Shalders also presented the Certificates (ANCORS) at the University of completed her doctorate of philosophy of Merit to our other winners. It was Wollongong, makes the ‘Maritime studies and her project for the Award great to see them all on the day and Advancement Australia Award’, will be ‘Marine “refugia” in the Keppel the ceremony was the source of much sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton region of the Great Barrier Reef: a pilot interest to conference attendees. Australia, EDS and SAAB Systems, on study aimed at identifying, mapping I want to take this opportunity, a biennial basis. and protecting marine “refugia”: on behalf of both the ANI and the The Award is in the form of a two pockets of diversity that can survive ANCORS, to express our gratitude year grant for research or development extreme environmental disturbance to Booz Allen Hamilton Australia, in an Australian maritime activity. and seed coral regeneration on EDS and Saab Systems for making $22,000 each year is made available impacted reefs.’ this award possible, demonstrating to the winning project. The grant Further information about their own strong commitment to the is awarded to the most promising Alison and her project are in the advancement of Australia’s maritime research or development proposal from accompanying article. The ANI, activities. any of the various fields of maritime ANCORS and our sponsors are endeavour, including science, the confident that she will do the Award JAMES GOLDRICK environment, maritime law and policy, proud in her work in the next two defence, commerce, shipbuilding and years. maritime industry. The intent of the award is that it be available to the Certificates of Merit widest range of potential researchers The selection committee was very and innovators, rather than just one encouraged by the increased number sphere of maritime endeavour. and quality of the applicants by comparison with the first round of the The 2006-2007 Award Award in 2006. A number of those This is the second award. The winner applicants were considered to be of a of the inaugural award for 2006-2007 quality that also merited recognition. was Christopher Skinner, whose Certificates of Merit were therefore research topic was ‘TheCollins Class presented to Emeritus Professor Submarine – Analysis of National Lawrence Doctors of the University Benefit and Costs’. Chris’ project has of New South Wales for his proposal brought new understanding to the ‘A High Efficiency, Environmentally- impact of the Collins class submarine Friendly River Ferry’ and to Dr Mateus projection on the Australian economy Mangala for ‘Sustaining Supply Chains and highlighted key lessons about in an Energy Constrained Future the significance of such activities for and, in conjunction with Mr Adrian national development, as well as the Sammons, ‘A New Approach to Port lessons to be learned for the future. Choice Modelling’. Chris presented his findings during the Sea Power Conference session Presentation Ceremony immediately preceding the award and The award was presented to Alison we are looking forward to a summary Jones by Vice Admiral Russ Shalders Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 16 The Sea is a Highway, not a Barrier B y “GiRGIS”
The United States (US) Navy, Marine and conduct operations involving a full Corps and Coast Guard recently range of maritime tasks. These include released A Cooperative Strategy for 21st many diplomatic and constabulary Century Seapower, which states: activities in addition to military ones. The oceans connect the nations of The military role is also not limited the world, even those countries that to sea denial but includes sea control, are landlocked. Because the maritime and power projection. Such operations domain - the world’s oceans, seas, bays, do reflect Defence 2000’s lesser Australian Army Engineers prepare to estuaries, islands, coastal areas, littorals, requirements ‘to maintain the ability lay portable track over a beach landing and the airspace above them - supports to support Australian forces deployed site to enable heavy equipment to move 90% of the world’s trade, it carries the offshore’ and ‘to contribute to maritime over soft ground. lifeblood of a global system that links security in our wider region’. However every country on earth. Covering three- such statements tend to minimise the quarters of the planet, the oceans make RAN, and often the wider Australian neighbours of people around the world. Defence Force’s, involvement in global They enable us to help friends in need operations. It has been suggested that and to confront and defeat aggression far Australian contributions are small, from our shores. primarily symbolic and limited to niche Australia, like the US, is a maritime capabilities. However such assessments An Australian Army Landing Craft nation that should consider the sea as a tend to underplay the extent of our Medium in transit to Banda Aceh, highway of opportunity, rather than as global commitments. With maritime Indonesia, during the Operation. an artificial barrier. The sea acts neither forces, the Australian Government has as a fence along the Australian shoreline; the ability to deploy adequate forces nor as a defensive moat, and our rapidly where required, to act as a adjacent seas do not constitute an air-sea deterrent where possible, but to be on gap in any real military, economic or hand with the option to ramp-up if the strategic sense. The theoretical construct situation escalates. Maritime forces that Australia should be defended by an may be deployed in Australian waters, air-sea gap to our north was developed in our region or across the globe. They during the 1970s and 1980s by are inherently flexible and mobile, while HMAS Kanimbla anchored off Banda academics often labelled as the ‘Defence ships are unique in their ability to move Aceh, Indonesia, during Operation of Australia’ school. Although the highly capable military force over great Sumatra Assist. Australian defence debate has moved on distances. Australia’s National Security: (Photos courtesy ADF) since those times, many commentators A Defence Update 2007 has partially have remained in the ‘gap’ mindset. recognised these aspects of the practical The RAN operates in places that Defence 2000: Our Future Defence application of Australia’s maritime most Australian’s would rarely if ever Force essentially limited Australia’s strategy. visit. If we live near the coast we may defence policy to sea denial: Flexibility is an essential requirement. visit the beach or marvel at the sea The key to defending Australia is to A Sea King helicopter from HMAS views, or when travelling overseas we control the air and sea approaches to fly over great expanses of ocean, but we our continent, so as to deny them to rarely, if ever, reflect on the importance hostile ships and aircraft, and provide of the sea to our security and way of maximum freedom of action for our life. The reality, which has not changed forces. since the first British fleet arrived in But the authors of the Defence 2000 1788, is that most goods move by sea appear to have misunderstood the and most people in the world live within nature of modern maritime strategy. Kanimbla transports trailers and easy reach of the sea. Australia is one of In practice the Royal Australian Navy equipment to Banda Aceh, in support a number of maritime nations that are (RAN) has, and continues to plan for, of Operation Sumatra Assist 2005. fundamentally reliant upon the sea. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 17
The sea remains the primary and items that fill our shopping centres are fundamental to many of the structures the most cost-effective means for the transported by sea from nations on of Australian society and culture at the movement of international trade. In the other side of the world. It is hard to time. Australian democratic culture Australia’s case, about 75 per cent by conceive of an Australia cut-off from its could not have survived in a world value of our total exports and imports international imports for very long, as dominated by Germany. Clearly, to go by sea. In terms of weight, nearly it is also in the interests of the exporter protect Australian interests and values, 100 per cent is transported by sea. For that the goods get through. So threats it was necessary for Australians to fight 2005-06 some A$249 billion worth of to one nation’s trade are a threat to all globally in defence of the British Empire, international sea freight travelled in trading nations many of whom would imperial trade and sea communications. and out of Australia. While Australia is respond in a cooperative manner. The And indeed this is what Australia did. largely self sufficient for most resources, sea unites the world rather than divides If you lived in a port 100 years ago, it is dependent upon petroleum imports it. the importance of sea communications to meet domestic demand, particularly We need to remind ourselves would have been obvious. Many in heavy crude oil. Australian bulk that Australia is a maritime nation. Australians doubtless at one time exports, including iron ore, coal, meat In the early years of the Australian or another witnessed the flotillas of and cereals, provide the critical export Commonwealth, our forebears merchant shipping tied up in harbour earnings necessary to maintain a stable recognised that Australia could not or alongside wharves near the centre economy and to promote industries be defended along its coastline as the of major towns and cities. As new and employment in many parts of the sea offered too many opportunities container facilities have moved to country. The nation’s economic well- for an attacker. The only viable option designated seaports this is no longer being depends upon the maintenance of was to build a seagoing fleet, the the case. It is even less obvious, if you our international trade and the security embryonic RAN that would be capable live inland, although many Australian of our sea lines of communications along of threatening potential attackers closer primary producers know all too well which that trade flows. Coastal shipping to their bases so that they would be how fluctuations in international prices not only plays a substantial role in deterred or forced onto the defensive. can affect their export potential and Australia’s domestic transport network, The early months of World War in turn their livelihood. If we return to but its free movement is essential to the I (WWI) saw an Australian fleet the isolationist policies of the past, we survival of many cities and towns in the participate in a campaign that cleared could reduce Defence expenditure in north and west. the German fleet from the Pacific. When the short term but we would suffer the Our major trading partners are also HMAS Sydney (I) sank the German consequences arising from an insecure acutely dependent upon maritime trade. raider Emden, she removed the threat and unsafe world, which may be much Japan is totally dependent on seaborne to Australia’s Indian Ocean sea lanes. more costly in the long run. We have imports for energy and raw materials, Although the Australian mainland not learnt from our grandparents as is South Korea. China is also a major was safe from German raids and our who experienced the failure of similar user of the sea. It is reliant upon energy neighbouring sea communications isolationist defence policies of the 1930s. imports from many nations, including were secure, Australian interests did But what of those who think Australia, but its critical petroleum not end there. Australia’s economic Australia should only be concerned imports from the Middle East rely upon well being was inseparable from about the security of our continent? As secure sea communications through the the British imperial trade system, a the sea is a highway not a barrier, we can Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait, global trade system not unlike the understand that places like Saudi Arabia, which are some of the world’s most globalisation which exists today. The and Iraq are much closer to Australia intensively used chokepoints. Chinese collapse of imperial trade would have than some might think. Conversely, exports reach worldwide markets via isolated Australia, led to the collapse maritime forces have great reach upon the sea. Provided the seas are secure, of industry and threatened our way of the world’s seas, and are much closer sea transport is relatively inexpensive life. Such conditions would have quickly to enemy bases than its adherents and international trading partners are destabilised the Australian Government may suppose. Current operations in effectively brought closer together. It and brought about political unrest. In Afghanistan confirm this. It stands to now costs more to transport a car from addition, our intellectual and spiritual reason that if we can use the sea, so can Adelaide to Sydney than it does to ship links with Great Britain and the other others. it from Korea to Sydney. Many of the members of the British Empire were The RAN is on-duty everyday in Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 18 The Sea is a Highway, not a Barrier
additional titles online at
The sea lanes need guarding. A B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of Air Force and Navy F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15 Eagles, and F-18 Hornets over the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Nimitz and USS John C. Stennis Strike Groups during Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 in the Pacific. (Photo Courtesy of the US Air Force)
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 19 Australia’s Involvement in the 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief bySbL u – iEUTENANT D.S. Axford, RAN
I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour – his greatest fulfilment to all he holds dear…is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious. - Vince Lombardi1
Operation Sumatra Assist was the name for the ADF contribution to a whole of government operation to provide assistance to the Indian Ocean/Southeast Asian region in the aftermath of the 2004/05 tsunami/ earthquake. More than 800 personnel from the ADF were deployed under Operation Sumatra Assist in company with forces from the United States, Australia’s Chief of India and Japan as Combined Joint providing disaster relief. The ADF Australian Red Cross, World Vision Army, Lieutenant Task Force 629. Before the United primarily operated in the vicinity of Australia General Peter Leahy, Nations assumed administrative Sumatra and Nias under Operation Australian Council for meets residents of control of the relief mission, the task Sumatra Assist, which consisted of International Development Banda Aceh during a visit for the handover force entered the disaster zone and two phases. Civil authorities and Archbishop of Sydney’s Overseas to civilian control began assisting specific areas affected agencies operated under the new Relief and Aid Fund of hospital facilities by the massive earthquake and Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Assisi Aid Projects set up by Australian resulting tsunamis that hit large areas Reconstruction and Development AUSTCARE Defence Force of Southeast Asia on 26 December, (AIPRD)2 in which AusAID (working Australian Foundation for the medical personnel. 2004. Australia focused its military for the Department of Foreign Peoples of Asia and the Pacific (RAN photo) assistance mission to the islands of Affairs and Trade) was the primary Baptist World Aid Australia Sumatra and Nias and established a coordinator. The two divisions CARE Australia land-based command and control operated independently in simple and Caritas Australia point at Banda Aceh. routine matters. However, at times they CCF Australia Australian assistance consisted of interacted closely and in a coordinated Christian World Service several civilian agencies that interacted manner to achieve complex designated National Council of Churches in with the military to achieve a set task goals. Subdivisions emerged from these Australia of assisting the people and surrounding main divisions as well as other groups Friends of the Earth Australia areas affected by the disaster. The and organizations that needed to be Habitat for Humanity Australia relationship between international civil included. Cooperation and networking International Centre for Eyecare and military authorities flourished as a within the divisions included the Education result of the tragedy. Civil and military following: International Women’s ties within and amongst states have DFAT Development Agency increased significantly as a result of this NSW Counter Disaster Unit Oxfam/Community Aid Abroad catastrophe. Emergency Management Australia PLAN Australia (EMA) Save the Children Australia Command and control Australian Federal Police (AFP), and TEAR Australia Two divisions were set for the Australian NGOs including the The Salvation Army, and command and control option in following: Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA.3 Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 20 Australia’s Involvement in the 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief
Brigadier David Chalmers assumed the position of Commander Combined Joint Task Force 629 (CJTF 629) from Air Commodore Glen Steed in early January, and took command of Operation Sumatra Assist – a 1000–strong ADF contingent.4 Under Brigadier Chalmers’ command were numerous unit commanders including Commander Steve Woodall (replaced later by Commander George McGuire), Commanding Officer HMAS Kanimbla, who picked up an Army Combat Engineer Regiment (approximately 200 personnel) from Darwin on route to Banda Aceh. HMAS Kanimbla at Their initial role was to establish CJTF 629 was established to provide personnel but rather all government sea on her way from water purification plants to provide transport of humanitarian aid, health sponsored personnel deployed to the Darwin, Australia, to personnel in the area and remote and engineering support in Northern area including those in AusAID and Indonesia to support locations with potable water. Problems Sumatra. Joint Force Support Group the Australian Federal Police. The tsunami disaster relief arose with this as there was limited 629 (JFSG 629) was solely responsible AFP provided assistance to Indonesia operations on the Indonesian island of supply of suitable water to purify, to Commander CJTF 629 and with its forensic science experts who Sumatra. particularly when Indonesian Armed ‘comprised a Headquarters, Maritime, assisted in identifying the deceased. (RAN photo) Forces were hauling up to 1000 bodies Engineer, Health Support, Air, Joint Indonesia was still emerging from its a day out of the nearby rivers.5 It was Force Support and Communication economic crisis of 1997/98 and as such not only the Navy and Army that were groups.’6 The Joint Logistics Force AusAID has been involved in Indonesia assisting the devastated area, but also Group Maritime Element (JFSG-ME) since the 1950s. the Air Force with its Logistics and remained on Kanimbla whilst the other AusAID’s involvement in terms of Support Element, numerous aircraft groups transferred to Banda Aceh. the tsunami relief was primarily an and associated personnel, and also a JFSG 629 conducted its operation in administrative role (while the military team of Air Traffic Controllers. four phases; phase one-activation and were in specific operation - command The Navy was capable of deployment, phase two-establishment, and control) with particular focus transporting the large army contingent phase three-support/sustainment, on finance, funding and politics in to Indonesia but on arrival, Kanimbla and phase four-transition and the form of media releases. AusAID turned into a fully operational redeployment.7 appeared to be the only organization headquarters until a suitable land The biggest difficulty encountered prepared to ensure the flow–through based Command and Control HQ was the Logistical Supply Chain- of funds for aid relief. The organization could be established. The ship, being Equipment Transfer in which Op didn’t directly have a position in multifunctional, also acted as a Sumatra Assist supplies (which were emergency relief, rehabilitation or distribution point for fresh rations, as not loaded on Kanimbla in Sydney or reconstruction however; AusAID a hospital, laundry service and ideally Darwin) were transported to Banda did have a significant role when as a place for R&R, particularly for Aceh through RAAF Butterworth by the majority of foreign troops had AFP and other deployed personnel RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft. disembarked Indonesian soil. Primarily, working non-stop on the ground. Butterworth was established as the AusAID was involved in the future As an amphibious ship, Kanimbla distribution centre for the operation development of the state, particularly was capable of running a non-stop and it provided support in terms of with Indonesia being the world’s third flight program with its ship-borne equipment, rations, water, laundry, largest democracy. The organisation helicopters as well as helicopters from and mail delivery and garbage disposal. focused on ‘the restoration of vital other authorities. This support was not solely for military community services such as village Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 21
halls, and transport infrastructure, such a group of doctors from Singapore, arrived off the west coast of Sumatra. as restoring port facilities, in order to all involved in cleaning up and 15 India and Japan both deployed accelerate the reconstruction process.’8 re-establishing the field hospital’s ships, engineers and other valuable There were numerous Australian capability to provide care.11 equipment and personnel to bring the NGOs operating in the disaster area The main relief efforts came from total core-group personnel operating in and these numbers were steadily countries outside the region such as the area to 35,000. Whilst globally this increased. Relatively high numbers of Australia, Japan, India and the United was an amazing military achievement, unnecessary personnel could have been States. These four states made up the some complications arose in terms detrimental to the relief program as core group that initiated the relief of operability between the forces of the supply line of the aid effort became process, although some controversies the United States, Japan, India and saturated. The Australian Embassy in were evident between them from Australia. Jakarta stated in a media release that previous and current policies. For those Several issues occurred between ‘the overall success of the operation states to put their differences aside in military forces and civil agencies, depends on coordinated delivery of the name of humanitarian assistance including the immediate outpour supplies and careful placement of for Southeast Asia was a great feat of of international aid, the severe optimal numbers of appropriately strength. The Australian Task Force complication of aid delivery, and the skilled personnel to handle distribution Commander, Brigadier Chalmers lack of coordination on a logistical Able Seaman of material, medical and counselling interacted on a high level with level. ‘The UN welcomes the huge Communication services and orphan support and Lieutenant-General Robert Blackman military presence but warns more is Information Systems relief.’9 There were many emergency Junior who was the head of Combined desperately needed to avoid a second Kirstin Bett on the nurses from the Australian Red Cross Support Force 536 that was the tragedy from famine and disease.’16 The aft flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla, operating alongside military medical ‘command, control and communication excessive numbers of personnel from at Fort Hill Wharf, staff in makeshift hospitals across hub directing U.S. military efforts the military and civil organizations Darwin, deploying to 12 Sumatra. throughout the region.’ Australia had had the potential to slow the relief Operation Sumatra Operation Sumatra Assist was well a contingent of roughly 1000 military process. However, strong leadership Assist. (RAN photo) structured to deliver a sustainable personnel including a 30-strong force in terms of immediate disaster headquarter group, six C-130J Hercules relief. The command and control aircraft, a RAN Hydrography Survey element of the operation was vital Team, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment for success, and this could only come (with purification and removal from the inspiration, motivation and equipment), a Landing Platform leadership ability of the Commander Amphibious, two Sea King helicopters, CJTF 629. Brigadier Chalmers had four Iroquois helicopters, two Army ‘the heavy burden of ensuring that Landing Craft Medium (LCM8), and a good relationships were made and Landing Ship Heavy. Sadly, nine ADF maintained between Australians and members lost their lives in a tragic the multitude of international and local helicopter accident on 02 April 2005 government organizations and aid during Operation Sumatra Assist Phase agencies operating in the region.’10 He Two. not only had responsibility for his own The United States sent to Southeast troops, but also for the Australian and Asia more than 20 ships with a Marine International authorities and forces expeditionary force of some 1300 operating in the area: marines, including 200 engineers.13 With aid, medical and military They also sent six C-130J Hercules units now in Banda Aceh from aircraft, nine air surveillance and across the globe, it is also an exercise rescue planes, a total personnel force of in multinational cooperation, with 14000, a hospital ship, an amphibious the ADF team working alongside assault ship,14 and a state-of-the-art Indonesian soldiers, a New Zealand aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham medical unit, German paramedics and Lincoln that departed Hong Kong and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 22 Australia’s Involvement in the 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief
and direction from command its aid for political purposes after posts, and collaboration from civil directing all of its pledged aid to near- agencies ensured that relief was neighbour Indonesia, the world’s administered and delivered adequately most populous Muslim country.’20 and timely. ‘USAID has provided Even India was criticised for refusing life saving emergency services to aid or assistance from other nations affected populations, including water, preferring to go it alone with a great sanitation, food, shelter, and health sense of remote independence and care such as psychological and social isolation. India sent two ships to assist support.’17 the relief process at Banda Aceh. ‘The A problem occurred where military naval deployment was a humanitarian forces prioritised tasks to be achieved effort and achieves a political objective; based on what was most important to India has moved from a beggar state to them in terms of needs. (USAID might a financially secure one.’21 Rahul Bedi, see psychological and social support as a journalist and researcher on military the most important service, which is in affairs continued to suggest that direct opposition to military concepts Indonesian officials welcomed India that are usually supported by other but the Chinese were still considered military forces.) This type of conflict untrustworthy in military and political lowered the productiveness of agencies terms. Remarkably though, this and authorities in the disaster relief. operation was the biggest international Warrant Officer The problem increases when much peacetime relief effort particularly with Japan has strengthened its relationship Communications larger and more powerful military Japan deploying around 1,000 troops, with the US the same as India has: and Informations forces take an aggressive stand on what its largest military mission for disaster ‘India and the United States have begun Systems (WOCIS) needs to be achieved and consequently assistance since World War Two.22 to overcome entrenched mindsets in Colin Scott on the set out to achieve it with disregard for Japan offered Thailand a US$20 their establishments and prepare for flagdeck of Kanimbla any external input. million financial assistance package unprecedented naval cooperation in on Operation Sumatra Assist. Even the question of who is but subsequently Thailand declined the Indian Ocean.’26 (RAN photo) coordinating the relief efforts has been the offer. ‘With its money and It is interesting to note that the subject to political manoeuvrings. expertise in dealing with the aftermath nations of the initial core group Sidelined by the United States in of disasters, Japan could seize the were also members of ASEAN and favour of a core group of countries… moment in the tsunami aftermath participants in the ASEAN Regional the United Nations found its agencies to show its commitment to the rest Forum, which promotes multilateral playing a secondary role in the difficult of Asia and strengthen its political security dialogue. One of ASEAN’s task of managing the relief effort.18 and economic standing.’23 Economic concerns is ‘how to prevent internal The United Nations had several analysts suggested that ‘the most regional instability problems from agencies working to bring relief to important contribution Japan can make sabotaging effective and responsive the victims including United Nations to peace would be a solid relationship rehabilitation efforts in affected Office for the Coordination of with China,24 as the race for prestige disaster areas’27, particularly with the Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); United between China and Japan could Aceh rebellion. ‘Southeast Asia is a Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF); give way to a battle for hegemony.’25 region of weak security institutions United Nations Development Fund Japan was fighting for a seat on the and little legacy of effective multilateral (UNDP); United Nations High UN Security Council, which could military-to-military cooperation.’28 Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); have been a reason for its prospective Indian and Japanese forces maintained World Food Program (WFP); World financial offers, although, it was an a sense of professionalism by operating Health Organization (WHO); Asian disaster and Japan being the within their doctrine and policy International Strategy for Disaster world’s second wealthiest country may standards during the disaster relief and Reduction (ISDR); and United Nations have felt obliged to have a major role surprisingly, neither were forced nor Populations Fund (UNFPA).19 in the relief operation both physically required to carry armed weapons with Australia was ‘criticised for using and also by administrative applications. them. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 23
US forces and Australian forces with Indonesia and ASEAN.34 of concern over past human rights abuses by the TNI.’37 maintained a No Guns policy Brigadier Chalmers had been These abuses include the shooting of demonstrators as well throughout the disaster relief. President working in close proximity with as the suspected murder of two American citizens. The Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who the Commander of the Indonesian US began curbing excessive arms sales to the Indonesia assured the security of foreign forces Government tsunami relief programme government in protest re the suspect abuses in East Timor. by the TNI. ‘Australian troops in Aceh in Aceh Province, Major General Since the rekindling of states after the tsunami disaster, the said security risks in the war-torn Bambang Darmono who was aiming US suggests that it will adopt a new Southeast Asia security Indonesian province were not sufficient for removal of foreign forces (except policy and lift sanctions to allow economic assistance to for them to carry weapons.’29 Firstly, Australia) by the end of March. flourish. this understanding displays the marked Indonesian officials were grateful for After assessing the West Point Scheme, and despite professionalism of the military from the vast contribution during the relief, considerable human rights issues, Indonesia has resumed previous ages, and secondly it displays but the government of the day strived the International Military Education and Training (IMET) the second form of Objective Civilian to retain independence and self- program in lieu of counter terrorism assistance.38 Both Control; in that society seeks what assurance within its own population. of these programs are provided by the US. Whilst it may political scientist Samuel Huntington Indonesians and foreign civil aid appear pro-American in terms of disaster relief, Indonesia classes as ‘high military professionalism workers took over the recovery process is now well equipped to reconstruct its society and return and high military power.’30 from conventional military forces a economic markets to pre-tsunami status. Towards the end short time after the initial disaster of 2005 only foreign civilian aid workers were assisting International Relations struck. LTCOL Whelan, CO of the Indonesia, as contributing armed forces left the area. during the Relief Operation ANZAC Hospital said that Australia Indonesia’s capability was increasing and in full swing by this Indonesian Ambassador Imron Cotan ‘will leave behind a functioning medical time. Since major relief has ceased, Indonesia has moved said that ‘Indonesia’s military personnel facility in the hands of those who will to a new strategic age with key issues emerging such as: had joined hands with Australia’s and provide long term care’35 including improved military relations with the US; new TNI leadership didn’t see any indication that Indonesia AusAID and more specific UN (Army, Navy and Air Force); BIN changes (counterfeiting still harboured any feelings as far as sponsored agencies. operations, BIN redeployment and Australian connection); East Timor is concerned.’31 There were The Indonesian military (TNI) Navy modernization; Air Force procurement; and regional desperate people in need of attention were also assisting in loading all relief relations.39 after the devastating path of the planes and were actually accompanying earthquake and tsunami, and Australia US helicopter missions and trucks Achievements from Australian Relief Effort was able to be the first foreign force in delivering relief supplies. This however In helping tsunami victims in Indonesia, Operation Sumatra Indonesia. The TNI were concerned did not stop the TNI from continuing Assist Phase One achieved the following: about population movement and military action against separatist rebels • 1200 tonnes of humanitarian aid distributed by air rushes for aid, which resulted in in Aceh; killing more than 200 rebels • 70 aero-medical evacuations security being provided to Australian since the tsunami struck. Indonesian • 2,530 people transported by air forces.32 authorities requested that foreign aid • 3,700 medical treatments Sporadic and precarious relations groups wishing to remain in the area • 4.7 million litres of clean water produced between Canberra and Jakarta were would have to pledge not to interfere • 9,000 cubic metres of debris cleared seriously strained in 1999 when in domestic affairs. The fear was that • 1,000m of road cleared Indonesia objected to Australia leading rebel contact with Westerners would • 1,700 large drains cleared, and 40 a U.N. peacekeeping force into East encourage the GAM (Free Aceh • Six large fishing boats salvaged. Timor to quell an outbreak of violence Movement) leadership to ‘escalate its after it voted for independence. But claims for independence.’36 Indonesian In helping earthquake victims in Indonesia, Operation they have been mending fences and authorities also came under scrutiny Sumatra Assist Phase Two achieved the following: their police have worked closely for having allowed foreign navies, • 133 tonnes rice delivered together since the 2002 Bali nightclub particularly the US and Australia, free • 5000 litres of water provided bombings that killed 202 people, access to a politically sensitive and • 570 patients treated ashore by medical staff including 88 Australians. 33 volatile area. • 13 Surgical and further treatments conducted on board Indonesia may have helped bridge ‘The United States and Indonesia HMAS Kanimbla the diplomatic void and may have have sought closer military ties after • Seven Sea King aero-medical evacuations helped promote Canberra’s relations years of limited contact because • Lahewa town water pump and generator repaired Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 24 Australia’s Involvement in the 2004/05 Indonesian Tsunami Relief
Assistance (OUA): Turning Military Cooperation into Humanitarian • Over 138 tonnes of stores moved by job, but they remember how well you Aid, [Online], Available: C-130 Hercules, and did it. It is also amazing to see how http://forum.apan-info.net/05_special_ed/ouaintro_1.html [2008, Feb 23]. • Hundreds of smiling faces: Operation much people can accomplish when AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL Kindergarten Cops entertained states don’t worry about who gets DEVELOPMENT, (2005), Asia Earthquake and Tsunamis, [Online], Available: http://www.acfid.asn.au/campaigns/asiaearthquake.htm hundreds of children in Lahewa, the credit, and notably, the path to [2005, Oct 09]. teaching them to play cricket and success is to take quick, decisive and AUSAID, (2005), AIPRD, [Online], Available: http://www.ausaid. 41 Aussie Rules Football. determined action. The success of the gov.au/hottopics/topic.cfm?Id=4574_2733_4489_2162_9764 [2005, Aug 10]. vast disaster relief was a result of steady AUSAID, (2005), Tsunami – Six Months On, [Online], Available: In the aftermath of destruction, accretion. Military commanders such http://www.ausaid.gov.au/hottopics/topic.cfm?Id=6879_7685_2451_ 2892_1821 [2005, Aug 10]. Australia provided immense assistance as Brigadier Chalmers, Commander C. Banham, T. Allard and M. Metherell, ‘Indonesia, Australia in terms of platforms, personnel, Woodall and Commander McGuire closer than ever’, Sydney Morning Herald (2005, Jan 05), [Online], equipment and financial funding to the showed their leadership simply Available: http://www.smh.com.au/news/Asia-Tsunami/Indonesia- Australia-closer-than-ever/2005.html [2005, Aug 10]. stricken state of Indonesia. Indonesia because of their absolute sense and R. Bedi cited in VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, (2005), could not have achieved the relief devotion to the people they lead and ASEAN’s Response to the Tsunami Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www.vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256f progress that Australia and several the task at hand. The mission could fc00829c98Op [2005, Aug 15]. nations attempted and achieved. not have been achieved without the CHINA DAILY, (2005), Australian PM Howard visits Indonesia Only after major support had ceased support of Australian personnel tsunami zone, [Online], Available: http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/ english/doc/2005-02/02/content_414514.htm [2005, Oct 09]. were Indonesian professionals (with (both civil and military), international COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, (2005), Tsunami Disaster: guidance by the UN) able to begin the relations (previously established and Relief Effort, [Online], Available: http://www.cfr.org/background/ asia_tsunami.php [2005, Aug 15]. process of taking over disaster recovery those developing), and the will of G. Crass, ‘Operation Sumatra Assist – Joint Force Support Group from the Australian contingent. persons affected by the tsunami and Maritime Element’, Navy Supply Newsletter vol. 13, issue 2 (Winter 2005), pp. 51-55. The humanitarian assistance that earthquake. � C. Dalpino and D. Steinberg (eds.). Georgetown Southeast Asia was initiated within moments of Survey 2004-2005 (Georgetown University, Washington D.C, 2005). the destruction was the cause for Defence and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, ‘Tsunami: Indonesia’s Challenge’, Defence and Foreign Affairs, vol. 33, issue 1 (Jan 2005), an initial sense of praetorianism in pp. 15-16. which the military-based American- DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE, (2005), ANZACs farewell Banda Aceh Public Hospital – Monday 21 February 2005, [Online], led core group comprised of the U.S, Available: http://www.defence.gov.au/media [2005, Aug 10]. India, Japan and Australia assisted DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE: DISASTER RELIEF immediately without any prior OPERATIONS, (2005), Operation Sumatra Assist, [Online], Available: http://www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist/default.htm international requests. [2008, Feb 25]. The intervening forces consisted of EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES – JAKARTA, (2005), U.S. Disaster Relief Assistance – A Team Effort, [Online], Available: permanent defence personnel as well http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/press_rel/disaster.html [2005, Aug 15]. as a constabulary force of reservists GLOBALISATION101, (2005), Globalised World Responds to (citizen-soldiers) who were trained in Tsunami Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www.globalisation101. org/news.asp?NEWS_ID=79 [2005, Aug 15]. the medical and emergency fields. The S.P. Huntington, The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics US Pacific Command was in control of of Civil-Military Relations (Cambridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1957), pp. 96-97. US forces that interacted not only with INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, (2005), Australian military and civil personnel, After joining the Navy in 2003 Status Report, [Online], Available: http://www.icfdn.org/campaigns/ but also with Indonesia authorities Dale Axford active service in HMAS tsunami/statusreport.htm [2005, Aug 15]. MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, (2005), Travel to Indonesia’s to provide the best relief aid possible. Melbourne in the Persian Gulf as a part Aceh Province by Tsunami Aid Workers, [Online], Available: http:// Military forces provided initial support, www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2005/fa006_05.html [2005, Oct of Operation Catalyst. After training at 09]. but were later withdrawn to allow civil ADFA, he is currently serving in HMAS R. Mohan cited in INDIAN EXPRESS, (2005), Tsunami Diplomacy, authorities and agencies such as the [Online], Available: http://www.indianexpress.com/print. php?content_id=61829 [2005, Aug 15]. United Nations, AusAID, USAID, Red Manoora. M. Moore, ‘Australian Commander Stunned at Task in Aceh’, Sydney Cross and World Vision to take part Morning Herald (2005, Jan 04), [Online], Available: http://www.smh. in the future of Indonesia as well as com.au/news/Asia-Tsunami/Australian-commander-stunned-at- task-in-Aceh/2005/01/03/1104601300592.html [2005, Oct 09]. Bibliography Southeast Asia. M. Moore, ‘No guns: army chief stands firm’, Sydney Morning ANJ, ‘Tsunami: Australian nurses reach out’, Herald (2005, Jan 11), [Online], Available: http://www.smh. What needs to be remembered Australian Nursing Journal vol. 12, no. 7 com.au/news/Asia-Tsunami/No-guns-army-chief-stands- (February 2005), pp. 10-11. from this international mission is firm/2005/01/10/1105206055833.html [2005, Oct 09]. ASIA-PACIFIC DEFENCE FORUM, that people forget how fast you do a OPERATION SUMATRA ASSIST, (2005), Leading By Example, (Special Ed. 2005), Operation Unified Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 25
[Online], Available: http://www.defence.gov. issue 2 (Winter 2005), pp. 51-55, p. 51. vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256ffc00829c9 au/optsunamiassist/news/article024/index. 7 Ibid., p. 52. 8Op [2005, Aug 15]. htm [2005, Aug 10]. 8 AUSAID, (2005), Tsunami – Six Months 24 M. Tamamoto, ‘After the Tsunami, How Japan Can Lead’, Far OPERATION SUMATRA ASSIST, (2005), On, [Online], Available: http://www.ausaid. Eastern Economic Review, vol 168, issue 2 (Jan/Feb 2005), pp. Water Safety, [Online], Available: http:// gov.au/hottopics/topic.cfm?Id=6879_7685_ 10-18, p. 17. www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist/news/ 2451_2892_1821 [2005, Aug 10]. 25 Ibid., p. 11. article034/index.htm [2005, Aug 10]. 9 MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 26 R. Mohan cited in INDIAN EXPRESS, (2005), Tsunami D. Phillips, Run To Win (St. Martin’s Press, (2005), Travel to Indonesia’s Aceh Province Diplomacy, [Online], Available: http://www.indianexpress.com/ New York, 2001). by Tsunami Aid Workers, [Online], print.php?content_id=61829 [2005, Aug 15]. 7.30 REPORT, (2005), Australian Available: http://www.foreignminister.gov. 27 VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, (2005), ASEAN’s Commander in Aceh plays down security au/releases/2005/fa006_05.html [2005, Oct Response to the Tsunami Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www. fears, [Online], Available: http://www.abc. 09]. vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256ffc00829c9 net.au/7.30/content/2005/s1280488.htm 10 OPERATION SUMATRA ASSIST, 8Op [2005, Aug 15]. [2005, Oct 09]. (2005), Leading By Example, [Online], 28 C. Dalpino and D. Steinberg (eds.). Georgetown Southeast Staff Report – South East Asia, ‘Indonesia Available: http://www.defence.gov.au/ Asia Survey 2004-2005 (Georgetown University, Washington D.C, Moves to a New Strategic Age’, Defence and optsunamiassist/news/article024/index.htm 2005), p. 53. Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, Staff Report [2005, Aug 10]. 29 M. Moore, ‘No guns: army chief stands firm’, Sydney Morning No. 2 (2005), pp. 4-6. 11 ANJ, ‘Tsunami: Australian nurses reach Herald (2005, Jan 11), [Online], Available: http://www.smh. M. Tamamoto, ‘After the Tsunami, How out’, Australian Nursing Journal vol. 12, no. 7 com.au/news/Asia-Tsunami/No-guns-army-chief-stands- Japan Can Lead’, Far Eastern Economic (February 2005), pp. 10-11, p. 10. firm/2005/01/10/1105206055833.html [2005, Oct 09]. Review, vol 168, issue 2 (Jan/Feb 2005), pp. 12 EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES 30 S.P. Huntington, The Soldier and the State: The Theory and 10-18, p. 17. – JAKARTA, (2005), U.S. Disaster Relief Politics of Civil-Military Relations (Cambridge: The Belknap Press USAID, (2005), Tsunami Reconstruction, Assistance – A Team Effort, [Online], of Harvard University Press, 1957), pp. 96-97. [Online], Available: http://www.usaid.gov/ Available: http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/ 31 C. Banham, T. Allard and M. Metherell, ‘Indonesia, Australia locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/countries/ press_rel/disaster.html [2005, Aug 15]. closer than ever’, Sydney Morning Herald (2005, Jan 05), [Online], id.html [2005, Aug 15]. 13 COUNCIL ON FOREIGN Available: http://www.smh.com.au/news/Asia-Tsunami/Indonesia- U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND, (2005), More RELATIONS, (2005), Tsunami Disaster: Australia-closer-than-ever/2005.html [2005, Aug 10]. Australian Aid as Military Moves in, Relief Effort, [Online], Available: http:// 32 7.30 REPORT, (2005), Australian Commander in Aceh plays [Online], Available: http://www.pacom.mil/ www.cfr.org/background/asia_tsunami.php down security fears, [Online], Available: http://www.abc.net. articles/articles2005/050102story3.shtml [2005, Aug 15]. au/7.30/content/2005/s1280488.htm [2005, Oct 09]. [2005, Aug 09]. 14 Ibid. 33 CHINA DAILY, (2005), Australian PM Howard visits VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, 15 ASIA-PACIFIC DEFENCE FORUM, Indonesia tsunami zone, [Online], Available: http://www2. (2005), ASEAN’s Response to the Tsunami (Special Ed. 2005), Operation Unified chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-02/02/content_414514.htm Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www.vic- Assistance (OUA): Turning Military [2005, Oct 09]. info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857 Cooperation into Humanitarian Aid, 34 VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, (2005), ASEAN’s 830a256ffc00829c98Op [2005, Aug 15]. [Online], Available: Response to the Tsunami Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www. WORLDPRESS.ORG, (2005), Playing http://forum.apan-info.net/05_special_ed/ vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256ffc00829c9 Politics with Aid, [Online], Available: ouaintro_1.html [2008, Feb 23]. 8Op [2005, Aug 15]. http://www.worldpress.org/print_article. 16 U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND, (2005), 35 DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE, (2005), ANZACs farewell cfm?article_id=2133&don’t=yes [2005, Aug More Australian Aid as Military Moves in, Banda Aceh Public Hospital – Monday 21 February 2005, [Online], 15]. [Online], Available: http://www.pacom.mil/ Available: http://www.defence.gov.au/media [2005, Aug 10]. articles/articles2005/050102story3.shtml 36 Defence and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, ‘Tsunami: (Endnotes) [2005, Aug 09]. Indonesia’s Challenge’, Defence and Foreign Affairs, vol. 33, issue 1 1 Vince Lombardi cited in D. Phillips, Run 17 USAID, (2005), Tsunami (Jan 2005), pp. 15-16, p. 16. To Win (St. Martin’s Press, New York, 2001), Reconstruction, [Online], Available: http:// 37 VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, (2005), ASEAN’s p. 189. www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/ Response to the Tsunami Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www. 2 AUSAID, (2005), AIPRD, tsunami/countries/id.html [2005, Aug 15]. vic-info.org/RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256ffc00829c9 [Online], Available: http://www. 18 WORLDPRESS.ORG, (2005), Playing 8Op [2005, Aug 15]. ausaid.gov.au/hottopics/topic. Politics with Aid, [Online], Available: 38 Ibid. cfm?Id=4574_2733_4489_2162_9764 [2005, http://www.worldpress.org/print_article. 39 Staff Report – South East Asia, ‘Indonesia Moves to a New Aug 10]. cfm?article_id=2133&don’t=yes [2005, Aug Strategic Age’, Defence and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, Staff 15]. 3 AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR Report No. 2 (2005), pp. 4-6. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, 19 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 40 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE: DISASTER RELIEF (2005), Asia Earthquake and Tsunamis, FOUNDATION, (2005), Status Report, OPERATIONS, (2005), Operation Sumatra Assist, [Online], [Online], Available: http://www.acfid.asn. [Online], Available: http://www.icfdn.org/ Available: http://www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist/default.htm au/campaigns/asiaearthquake.htm [2005, campaigns/tsunami/statusreport.htm [2005, [2008, Feb 25]. Oct 09]. Aug 15]. 41 Ibid. 4 M. Moore, ‘Australian Commander 20 WORLDPRESS.ORG, loc. cit. Stunned at Task in Aceh’, Sydney 21 R. Bedi cited in VIRTUAL Morning Herald (2005, Jan 04), [Online], INFORMATION CENTER, (2005), Available: http://www.smh.com.au/ ASEAN’s Response to the Tsunami Disaster, news/Asia-Tsunami/Australian- [Online], Available: http://www.vic-info.org/ commander-stunned-at-task-in- RegionsTop.nsf/0/090a44e4828857830a256f Aceh/2005/01/03/1104601300592.html fc00829c98Op [2005, Aug 15]. [2005, Oct 09]. 22 GLOBALISATION101, (2005), 5 OPERATION SUMATRA ASSIST, Globalised World Responds to Tsunami (2005), Water Safety, [Online], Available: Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www. http://www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist/ globalisation101.org/news.asp?NEWS_ news/article034/index.htm [2005, Aug 10]. ID=79 [2005, Aug 15]. 6 G. Crass, ‘Operation Sumatra Assist 23 VIRTUAL INFORMATION CENTER, – Joint Force Support Group Maritime (2005), ASEAN’s Response to the Tsunami Element’, Navy Supply Newsletter vol. 13, Disaster, [Online], Available: http://www. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 26 President’s Message Continued from page 3…
members join but not remain job and I wish him and the Council with the Institute; we too have a well. retention problem. The membership I should add that I will continue to demographics however are improving support and contribute to the Institute both from an age and rank diversity in any way that I can. Perhaps the perspective. This has been a most journal and the website might be able satisfying aspect of our development. to feel the effect of my having a little One matter that we do need to deal more time for such activities. I have with is that of membership fees which long thought that the only two ranks we will consider after our financial in which one can be really radical are report and before the election of those of midshipman and flag officer. office bearers for 2008. I outlined our Watch this space. considerations behind the proposal to I believe that Council has change the fee structure in the letter continued the good work started recently circulated to the membership. under Rowan Moffitt to become Briefly, we want to put the ANI a more strategic body. I have been on a financial footing whereby the impressed by their efforts which of membership fees cover our core course they undertake voluntarily in running costs. We also wish – and their own time. I would like to close need to do so to achieve this state – to by thanking the members of Council continue to improve the attractiveness in my time, particularly Peter Jones, of our membership, particularly Ray Griggs and Steve Gilmore, and amongst the junior and younger the indefatigable secretaries, Geoff members of the Navy. So an increase in McGinley and Sam Fairall-Lee, and the standard rate will be accompanied Treasurer, Richard Jones, as well as by the setting of a reduced junior rate the sponsorship councillor, Martin and a reduced retirement rate. Brooker, and Webmaster, Ernie Power I should add that we also wish to not to forget the assistance that LEUT develop and increase our equity. If I Geoff Lawes has provided Ernie as we will foreshadow the Strategic Plan, I have dealt with a range of technical have a long term view that the ANI challenges. I should also mention our won’t really achieve its full potential ADFA Councillors – Bernard Dobson, until we have a core of permanent, Josh Watkin, Thomas Ford and Nikki paid staff, whether full or part-time. Johnson. They have all been terrific.� Our wonderful office manager, Jean Davitt, provides excellent service and Rear Admiral James Goldrick continuity of administration which has been a great help to the ANI. But we really need an Executive Director and, in the short term, an On-Line Editor and Webmaster. More on that later. My regret in not being present today is particularly coloured by the fact that, after three years, I am stepping down as President and retiring from the Council. I believe that A ‘ghost-net’ is hauled towards the ramp of HMAS Tarakan, while it is vital to maintain the Council as a the crew take a short break, 10 nautical miles off the Northern Territory coast near Maningrida dynamic body and the ANI is much more important than any individual. I know that my successor will do a great Journal of the Australian Naval Institute
28 Australia’s Secret WarSecret War – The Other Side byH al G.P. Colebatch
“[The] assertion that left-wing unions thereafter unchanged. It claims: had declared war on fascism were sabotaged the war effort ... is not worth Throughout the ‘30s Australia covertly fascist themselves is of course much of a rebuttal because it simply is had appeased the Fascist completely grotesque. Untroubled not true.” - Ian Hills, (former trade union Countries ... while so many by the intellectual bankruptcy of his young men were turning to the assertion, however, Ward, writing well official), West Australian, 17 August, army for a job or for adventure after the war, when there was no excuse 1994. or patriotic reasons, many other for ignorance, also claimed that the Australians had grave doubts British attack of the German-occupied “The inference ... that left-wing unions about the war, not because Norwegian port of Narvik in 1940 sabotaged Australia’s war-effort by they supported Fascism but might have been: striking, purely out of malice obviously, because they feared that many [A]n effort, perhaps in alliance will not stand up to scrutiny.” Ian Hills of Australia’s leaders still did with the German nominal enemy, to ... Many people in the labour “switch” the war against the USSR. 2 “What would be the point of sabotaging movement and among the This would have been news to a war effort knowing that the trade intellectuals believed that the Captain Warburton-Lee of the flotilla- union movement, left and right, had war would soon be directed leader HMS Hardy and the thousands been decimated by the Nazis and, in the against the Soviet Union. of other British servicemen who Others did not see Australia died fighting Germans at Narvik and event Germany won the war, its future as threatened. They saw it as a elsewhere in the Norwegian campaign, was not assured?” phoney war. (Hardy was being commanded and The people seen to gain most fought at the end by the Captain’s - Ian Hills, West Australian, from it were the capitalist class, secretary, Lieutenant Stanning, there 29 August, 1994. ship-owners in particular. And being no other officers left), or the crew the Establishment’s support was and air-group of the aircraft-carrier expressed not in terms of anti- Glorious, annihilated with its escorts. I have noted above the reticence of Fascism but in jingoistic support of News also to the men in the battleship some historians when it comes to the the British Empire... Warspite which, almost incredibly, question of wartime strikes. However Similarly, academic Russell Ward charged with its huge bulk up the in an exception that tests the rule, in claimed: narrow waters of Narvik Fjord to 1982 an “oral history” of reminiscences Labor and intellectual opinion obliterate the German Naval forces in by Melbourne watersiders, titled Under initially had grave reservations the second battle there. the Hook: Melbourne Watersiders about the war, not at all because any News, too, to the Germans, whose Remember Working Lives and of these elements were pro-Fascist surface Navy was practically wiped Class War, 1900-1980, complied by but because they feared their own out in the Norwegian campaign - the Wendy Lowenstein, was published in governments might be covertly so.1 Arctic conditions told against survivors association with the Australian Society This running together of “Labor in the water from either side. The only for the Study of Labour History. and intellectual opinion” as if the time it seriously looked as if Britain and Lowenstein, according to this, two were synonymous is piquant if France might fight Russia was when had previously been involved in the hardly flattering to Labor. “Intellectual they planned to send a force to the aid Communist Party’s New Theatre and opinion”, in the sense Ward means, of Finland, which had been invaded by Eureka Youth League. However, the had nothing to set against Nazism Russia in the winter of 1939-40 bitterest enemy of the watersiders except Communism and specifically In A History of Australia at p. could hardly have created a more Stalinism, a creed then already 236 Ward again claims: “there was damning indictment of them. Its responsible for more murders than talk of giving aid to the Finns and so version of events leading up to World the Nazis would ever be. To suggest ‘switching’ the war, possibly in alliance War II seems to be a Left-wing that the conservative governments with the Nazis”, against the USSR. The mythology fossilised about 1940 and of Britain and Australia which use of the word “so”, implying cause and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 29
unlikely event that were defeated with some heavy it is meant seriously losses on both sides. It would take a indicates a quite particularly creative mind to see all bizarre concept of this as an anti-Soviet or pro-German international relations plot by the British and/or Australian and decision-making. establishments. It is more likely an Many conservatives and others attempt at ex-post- in the West saw Nazism and facto rationalisation. Stalinist Communism as morally The West Australian indistinguishable and as two aspects history of the of the same enemy. Michael Wharton Communist Party (later Colonel Wharton), afterwards in that State, The the Daily Telegraph’s “Peter Simple” First Furrow (see columnist, recalled hearing of the Nazi- HMAS Warspite in 1944 off the effect, is another remarkable example above), is one that refers to “switching” Soviet pact as a young man of military Normandy coast - of Ward’s style. The Soviets and Nazis the war, as well as to the leader of the age: courtesy Maritime were in alliance, and there was great Finnish resistance against the Soviet News came to us that the Nazis Quest sympathy in the Western democracies invasion, Marshal Mannerheim, as had signed their pact with the Russian for the Finns, who like the peoples of “Butcher” Mannerheim (p. 165-66), Communists. To us, as to Evelyn the Baltic States were the victims of also suggesting a readiness to subscribe Waugh, this was a kind of relief. War unprovoked and murderous Soviet to a completely Stalinist interpretation was now certain and until 1941 it was aggression. of events, and, being published in the to be, beyond question, a war against It was the French, not the British, 1970s, also suggests a strange inability the right enemies, a conjunction of evil who were planning to send an Army to to alter conceptions of the world in monsters; in Waugh’s own phrase, we aid Finland. However, the Chief of the order to accommodate objective reality. faced “the modern world in arms.”4 British Imperial General Staff, General The British did in fact enter The Left’s argument appears to Ironside, saw aid to Finland as a pretext Norwegian waters and violated be that to fight and make war against to occupy Swedish iron ore fields and Norwegian neutrality briefly in Nazis was evidence of secret pro- distract German forces away from February, 1940, when the British Nazism. Actually, it was the Soviet Western Europe.3 destroyer HMS Cossack rescued Union which at about this time Even long after the admission of 299 British seamen held prisoner committed a pro-German act of war Stalin’s crimes by Khruschev, Ward on the German ship Altmark. The directly against Australia: the German was still prepared to subscribe to a German invasion followed, though raider Komet was escorted into the completely Stalinist view of events. how important Cossack’s action was Pacific Ocean by Soviet ice-breakers It speaks volumes that such a in precipitating it is unclear. Hitler after traveling round the Arctic coast: it nonsensical concept as “switching himself is said to have expressed the would bombard Nauru and sink ships the war,” should be accepted in such opinion that the British could hardly in Australian and New Zealand waters. contexts as some sort of realistic have done anything else, and the Were Dunkirk and the Battle of proposition. How, exactly, does one invasion would have come sooner or Britain also British ruling-class plots to “switch” a war? Its use by a professional later anyway. Hitler wanted to seize join the Nazis? The Left who had been academic historian is similar to a Norwegian iron-ore and deny it to considerably exercised over the Nazi professional astronomer invoking the Britain, to gain strategic bases vis-a-vis bombing of Guernica were apparently concept of a flat Earth. It shows the Sweden and Russia and to bring the indifferent to the Nazi bombing of extraordinary indulgence with which “Nordic” population of Norway into London. The German bombs used steel some Australian historians have been the Nazi orbit. The German Naval staff and explosives from the Soviet Union. accepted providing only that they have had submitted proposals for invading There were countless incidents of recognised left-wing credentials. Norway to Hitler as early as 3 October, Soviet pro-Nazi propaganda and Soviet The phrase “switching the war” also 1939. Plans were well advanced by moral support for the Nazis. When, occurs in various Communist Party late January, 1940. British and French at the Battle of the River Plate, three publications in this context, and in the forces tried to defend Norway and smaller British cruisers forced the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 30 Australia’s Secret War Secret –The Other WarSide
of heart into them and then it The joy on the waterfront over the wore off.5 outbreak of war following the Nazi invasion of Poland is recorded in Under It was an odd sort of “Capitalist War” the Hook. A watersider, John Morrison, that was sending Britain broke and recounts of that happy time: taxing private fortunes out of existence. There isn’t one of us who isn’t People who hoarded a few private licking his lips over what is gold sovereigns, perhaps against a going to happen next week [i.e. coming currency collapse, perhaps as the increased demand for wharf December 17, 1939: heavily-gunned and armoured German heirlooms, were subject to criminal labour] ... the joy of presenting The after section pocket-battleship Admiral Graf Spee prosecution. In November, 1940, Lord our insolent backs to the first of the Admiral Graf Spee burning to sink itself (one, HMS Exeter, was Lothian, the British ambassador to foreman who picks up the wool off Montevideo, severely damaged but subsequently Washington, said available gold and on Monday morning. (p. 92) Uruguay. (Photo repaired), the Soviet Navy paper Red securities had virtually been used up.6 from the collection of Fleet of 31 December, 1939, reported: Shortly before the end of the war in One cross-head in the book exults: Maschinengefreiter Nobody would dare to say that 1945 it was estimated that - even with THE BOOT WAS ON THE OTHER Erich R. the loss of a German battleship Lend-Lease - the war had destroyed FOOT. It continues: Halupczok courtesy Ana Marcela is a brilliant victory for the a quarter of Britain’s entire national Waterside workers had more Halupczok) British Fleet. This is rather a wealth, some £7,300 million, with reason than most to doubt the demonstration, unprecedented overseas assets of £4,200 million also sincerity of the Government’s in history, of the impotence of lost, income from foreign investments foreign policy, and that of their the British. Upon the morning and exports halved, and external debt employers. Many set out to of 13 December the battleship at £3,300 million: the effort of the war “even up” with the bosses. Men started an artillery duel with the had sent Britain virtually bankrupt and boycotted jobs ... (p. 93) Exeter, and within a few minutes in some ways it would never entirely obliged the cruiser to withdraw recover. Further, the First World War In Poland, as Evelyn Waugh put it, the from the action. According to had left no-one with any illusions about cattle-trucks were beginning to roll east the latest information the Exeter the cost of total war: it had led to an and west with their doomed loads. One sank near the Argentine coast ... explosion of income-tax and other Tom Hills is quoted as follows: taxes, and had left Britain with a huge When the war got going there There was vast material Soviet support debt and pension bill. was a sudden shortage of labour. for the Nazis, including the supply of Hitler and Stalin regularly assured That suited us. We were the munitions and raw materials of every one another of their friendship, ones that could pick and choose. kind. French Communists and leftists though there were rifts in the lute. On We didn’t have to stand up for aided the collapse of France when the one occasion Molotov was in Berlin work. The boot was on our foot. Nazis attacked. It should hardly be discussing Germany’s and Russia’s We said, “We’ll just do the night necessary to belabour the point but future spheres of influence when his work, get penalty rates.” Ships a quote may be made from British host, Von Ribbentrop, pointed out were lying idle in the ports Labour leader Clement Attlee’s diary to him that England was finished. during the day and working entry when he visited France with Mototov tactlessly asked him why, in at night-time. Wharfies were Churchill on 31 May, 1940, during the that case, they were holding their talk getting the cream. (p. 93) German Blitzkreig, and noted of the in an air-raid shelter cowering from French Government: British bombs. However, propositions But another watersider, Don Strang, They had decided they would that are not rationally based cannot mourned the hardships and suffering rather lie down than fight. It be changed by argument and it is that war brought, and apparently was a terrible thing ... and the probably pointless to argue with Ward’s agreed with General Sherman and whole country was infested with mythologising, except to make the Admiral Fisher that War was Hell. Communists and ... defeatists ... point that it could have been written by With stark realism that did not spare for 24 hours Winston put a bit a Nazi propagandist. the reader’s feelings, he recounted one Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 31
of his own more particularly harrowing to whom I have shown this passage experiences: when unloading a large expressed doubt that such things ever Here a Leftist blames Menzies for the Left’s own behaviour. ship called the Argentina, on 9 May, happened. In the collection, Weevils Of considerable historical, literary and psychological (apparently, given the reference to in the Flour, a book introduced with interest is a book by a former member of the Seamen’s the American Army, in 1942, after it a foreword by Manning Clark in Union, George Stewart’s The Leveller (Creative Research, had ceased to be a Capitalist or Phony which he suggested it might lead to Perth, 1979). Stewart was a union delegate aboard the War), it started to rain! As he put it: the singing of hymns, Lowenstein steamship Time in 1943. He recounts with evident pride Imagine me supervising it. It quoted another watersider, Ted a series of major and damaging strikes over the most was unreasonable for me to Englart, proudly recalling one of the trivial matters, apparently entered into in order to be expect them to work in this watersiders’ finer hours - a wharf strike revenged on the hated “owners,” while betraying a complete heavy rain, and the American called the very day after the outbreak awareness of the seriousness of the military position and Army was kicking up a fuss. (p. of the Second World War, as the of the consequences of these strikes on the war effort, and 92). Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe smashed describing his position as being of the militant Left. He also into Poland, with the SS not far behind documented links with the violent criminal underworld. He Not only is this all written with a to mop up the Untermensch: claims the ship Macedon was tied up for 11 days because straight face, but the readers’ sympathy We broke the tonnage of sugar the crew did not get marmalade jam. Apparently they had and agreement are obviously expected. to be loaded right down and we not been drawing it for some months (possibly in order to Several similar stories were recounted put in claims for dirt money for provoke a strike when no more was issued?). Further: by various watersiders with evident molasses and that. Things you The union instructed all crews on Australian Articles pride. For example: couldn’t do before. (p.70). to draw all rations they were entitled to, and what During the war a foreman was not used was to be dumped at sea. This ... was couldn’t open his mouth - he’d This does not seen to be a matter of carried out to the letter. (p. 58, emphasis added). have been told to get the Hell ordinarily or even extraordinarily venal out of it ... There was a larrikin men trying to do a minimum of work Another stop-work meeting resolved that members of the gang on the waterfront - they for a maximum of pay. Nor (or at least Seamen’s Union would not work on any ship unless “the were weight-lifters but they not in every case) of men with the company supplies us with a hot press for keeping our meals wouldn’t exert their muscles mentality of children seeking revenge, warm.” (p. 58) It was hardly the spirit which the Communist on the cargo. They’d get down however destructive, on the world. It Party sought to evoke when describing the heroism of the the ship’s hold and the sun appears rather to be a deliberately and Seige of Leningrad, or that displayed by the crew of the would be shining and they’d be strategically-targeted attack on the war- burning petrol-tanker San Demetrio. demonstrating their muscles, effort, though the self-revelation seems TheSS Time sailed in February, 1943, taking, among watching shadows on the ship’s curiously unintentional. other things, high-octane fuel for the British and Australian sides. (pp. 96-97). The publicationWhen the War Spitfires then based at Darwin to defend it against further Came to Australia (Allen & Unwin, Japanese air attacks (because of their relatively short range One watersider’s complained bitterly of St. Leonards, 1992) quotes one Joyce the Spitfires were used as interceptors). As Stewart recounts one task of unloading: Batterham, described as a “Communist it: Terrible ships with terrible Party worker, Sydney and Newcastle” In Townsville we decided not to sail unless the gear ... this ship came down on the fall of the Menzies government company gave us an ice-box with ice from the ship’s from New Guinea and it in 1941: freezer [The Captain “borrowed” one],so we sailed fetched back a cargo of US and I think the feeling amongst with our dangerous and precious cargo, badly Australian clothing from the people was that it would be needed by the Spitfire Squadron at Darwin. (p. dead. And when we went down impossible for Menzies to 60.) [emphasis added. The Spitfires had been sent by to discharge it we were finding remain as Prime Minister Britain.] their feet in boots. (p. 95) because he could not get the co-operation from the working Thus, it appears that the seamen who had refused to sail with It will be noted that this watersider’s people and the trade unions that this fuel were quite fully aware that they were prejudicing sense of martyrdom and pity in this was needed to help Australia not merely the interests of the hated “owners” or even of situation was reserved entirely for win the war, that he would not the troops in New Guinea, but also the direct defence of himself, rather than the owners of be able to - he was no Churchill. their own country - even, perhaps, of their own families the boots or the feet. However others (p. 53) and certainly of their own class, for if Darwin was bombed Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 32 Australia’s Secret War Secret –The Other WarSide again, ships in the harbour, seamen and shit ran down their legs as incongruous about this. A clever, brave and hard-working dock-workers would be obvious prime they walked, their big eyes that man, he invented a number of salvage and engineering targets. They seemed as unmoved by looked into your soul? Sores, techniques and was a celebrated figure in the West this as by the plight of the Spitfire pilots scabs and war. Our hardships Australian media for feats including raising the sunken ferry defending them, who because of their seemed like a Christmas holiday Zephyr. He also ran a boxing tent and other entertainments actions might have to take off and go with a faint smell of petrol including the Ferris Wheel at the West Australian Royal into battle with their range, tactical thrown in. I’ve wondered since Show for many years, apparently made a lot of money, and options and/or numbers all reduced by what has happened to these joined that pillar of bourgeois respectability, the Freemasons. insufficient fuel. heroic men and how did the However his book closes on a note of profound psychic Two seamen on the Time found nation repay them? (p. 62) anguish and despair. eight cases of creme de menthe among The large number of strikes by Left-wing unions after the cargo. Stewart claims (in the face We are not left long in doubt as to the German invasion of Russia in mid-1941 confound much evidence to the contrary from how part of the nation repaid them, the widespread belief that the Left changed sides other sources), that the unions had for immediately after recounting this after the invasion began and after that supported the a strict prohibition against stealing anecdote, and with apparently no war-effort wholeheartedly. As both official statistics supplies from the troops, but a meeting sense of incongruity, Stewart has the and the accounts I have gathered here illustrate, of the seamen and firemen of the ship tale of yet another strike, one seriously these strikes, go-slows, obstruction and pilfering, all decided that this was the property damaging to the national economy of which directly damaged the war-effort, were for of “some selfish officer with a pull and the war-effort, precipitated certain unions not exceptional but common in every somewhere” and on the basis of this immediately after by a few men on the situation where there was an opportunity for them. assumption it was consumed without Time. At Lucinda Point in Queensland, further qualms of conscience on the loading sugar after leaving Darwin, the That strikes ceased after mid-1941 is a belief which part of any concerned. (p. 60) At the men stopped work because firemen anti-Communists as well as Leftists have subscribed to, siege of Malta precious Scotch whisky were asked to work the boilers without partly because for anti-Communists it seems to illustrate was doled out for mess celebrations a trimmer. The ship was held up a Communist hypocrisy and Totalitarianism’s capacity to make as a reward to help the morale of month, the entire port was tied up, 180-degree changes of policy overnight without regard for aircrew who shot down enemy aircraft and about 180 watersiders and other the objective morality or otherwise of any cause or alliance. or completed hazardous missions - port-workers were idle, as Stewart put George Orwell illustrated in 1984 how the Totalitarian States perhaps the pilots there were fortunate it, “in the darkest years of the war in changed from allies to enemies in a propaganda speaker’s that the Time was not among the ships Australia ...” He continued: “We had mid-sentence, a change accompanied by the instant re- supplying them. fun ashore ... the war was not so bad writing of history. A curious incident now occurred, after all.” (p. 62) Stewart, incidentally, However, this presumption also makes it easier for that appeared to briefly and apparently regarded himself as either a historians and other writers friendly to Labor to suggest, temporarily jolt the seamen’s sense Communist or very close to it, though almost subliminally and generally without actually putting of identity as a victimised minority it is unclear whether he was a Party the suggestion into words, that the responsibility for wartime entitled to take whatever revenge on member. He certainly greatly admired strikes in general rested with the Communist Party rather the world they might. On arriving at Elliot V. Elliott. Stewart gives clues to than the ALP and the ACTU - in other worlds, to make the Darwin, Stewart and the other seamen the psychology behind all this: Communist Party the scapegoat for them. encountered the 2/2nd Independent Being a member of the Seamen’s The Left have other rationales, for example that the Company, just evacuated from Timor, Union gave me pride and I think invasion of Russia changed World War II from a Capitalist whose story has been sketched above: a purpose. Being a member gave War expressing the final contradictions of Capitalism, in About this time the remnants of you a family. (p. 59) which the wise Stalin bided his time and strengthened the an AIF Independent company Socialist Homeland, into a People’s War in which the Fascist had been rescued from Timor. After the war Stewart became a Beasts were hurled back and destroyed by the heroic efforts We assisted in a small way and Capitalist in Western Australia, of the Workers etc. etc. (It is unnecessary to go into these gave most of our fresh meat, forming a business called Sea Salvage in detail). Since in fact strategic strikes which damaged vegetables, milk, tobacco and and Divers, and claims that he bought the war-effort in Australia (and Britain) didnot end in goodwill. But what could you sunken vessels for almost nothing, mid-1941, there must be reasons for this which have not say to walking skeletons, with raised them and on-sold them for very been considered. dysentery so bad that watery large sums. He seemed to see nothing Further, the waterside strikes took place on wharves Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 33
PETER MITCHELL all around Australia and cannot be ESSAY COMPETITION 2008 regarded as the actions of one atypical group. On the contrary, every major The Sea Power Centre - Australia (SPC-A) is conducting port seems to have been affected in a the 2008 Peter Mitchell Essay Competition, which similar way. They were the rule, not is open to all members of British Commonwealth the exception. The striking unions navies (full time and reserve) of commander rank and had various factions of Communist, below who have served at least 20 days in the 12 Trotskyite and Left-ALP leadership months prior to 29 October 2008. Full details of the but similar policies at the bottom line. competition can be found at www.navy.gov.au/spc/ Furthermore, the policy of maximum mitchell.html; and enquiries should be directed to: possible strikes and obstruction, as seapower.centre@)defence.gov.au. well as not being limited in place, was One prize is awarded in each of the following three not limited in time and went on from Hal G.P. Colebatch has an MA in History/ sections: the beginning of the war to the end, Politics and a PhD in Political Science • Open section (one prize only - AUS$750) all and beyond. The strikes were not the and is the author of several books as essays are eligible for this prize. work of a handful of men, but appear well as many articles in The Australian, • Officers section (one prize only - AUS$500). frequently to have been nationally Quadrant, The American Spectator co-ordinated and involved many • Sailors section (one prize only - AUS$500). thousands. My informants and the etc. His book Blair’s Britain was chosen The topics for the 2008 Competition are: other accounts I have seen make hardly as a Book of the Year in the London How might navies provide geographical any mention of dissenters in those Spectator. His latest book is Steadfast stability ashore to members and their unions with a culture of militancy, Knight: a life of Sir Hal Colebatch families to ensure they remain in the service? though doubtless dissent would have (Fremantle Arts Centre Press, WA). This been difficult and dissenters would Have medium navies concentrated too much on maritime power projection at the have been intimidated and victimised is an extract from his unpublished book expense of sea control? - fatal accidents would have been very Australia’s Secret War. easy to arrange in practically every one Many contemporary strategic of the trades and occupations affected. commentators claim that the role of Solidarity and organisation would geography in strategic planning has been diminished by technology, globalisation and have been necessary among the the threat posed by terrorism. Is this a correct dissidents and recognition of this was a assessment? factor in the eventual formation of the Industrial Groups which were the fore- ‘Military-off-the-shelf’ or ‘Commercial-off- the-shelf’? Where is the balance in building runners of the Democratic Labor Party. future naval capabilities? To say that the watersiders, coal- miners, metal-workers and certain Essays can be any length up to a maximum of other Left-wing unions simply struck 3500 words, but if they exceed that length, they for more money does not explain why will incur a penalty of 10 per cent. Essays must be original works, in a suitable layout, in English on this particular group of individuals international a4 size paper. The author’s name is not behaved in this way while others, many to appear on the essay; a pseudonym, which is to from a more-or-less similar socio- appear on the title page of the essay, is to be used. economic background, behaved with Essays should be in electronic copy in Microsoft word self-sacrificing heroism and offered format and emailed to seapower.centre@defence. their lives to defend their country, gov.au, accompanied by the declaration form located their families, democracy and what in the competition rules at www.navy.gov.au/spc/ Churchill called Christian civilization. mitchell.html. Entries are to be received at the SPC-A The high quality and courage of by no later than 29 October 2008. Late entries will Australian serviceman - many from not be accepted without a compelling reason. simple backgrounds - was recognised all over the world. � Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 34 Ex-RAN vessels – long may they serve BC y oMMANDER SteveRAN Cole History
Decommissioned warships used to be assets. Historically, most have Personnel Specialist 1st Class been sold for their appreciable scrap Kevin Armold value which was nevertheless an is reenlisted by Army Major ignominious end. Today they are Shean Phelps on considered economic liabilities, as the the main deck of cost of dismantling and appropriate the newly sunk aircraft carrier disposal of the non-recyclable waste ex-Oriskany far exceeds their scrap value. The cases of the former aircraft carriers FNS Clemenceau and USS Coral Sea provide quite recent examples.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Liabilities day for victims of accidents. Countless hazardous material. To regulate this Old ships contain many materials others are poisoned or maimed ad-hoc disposal and the potential for that at the time of their design and by exposure to toxic chemicals or pollution, the 1996 London Convention build were routinely used, but are now accidents. on the Prevention of Marine Pollution considered hazardous, especially if Reacting to international concern, by Dumping of Wastes and Other disturbed. Examples include asbestos, the Basel Convention on the Control Matter was adopted. This Convention liquid poly-chlorinated biphenyl (PCB), of Transboundary Movement of places onerous requirements on lead and other heavy metals. During Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal organisations seeking to dispose of refit, reuse or disposal the risk of was adopted in 1989. Australia is a obsolete equipment for disposal at sea, exposing workers and the environment signatory. This convention prevents and Australia is a signatory. to these hazards obligates high export of vessels unless all hazardous However, warships can continue to standards of containment. This drives material is removed or managed in serve as assets, sometimes in new and up costs. accordance with agreed standards. To novel ways. Complex domestic environmental further manage these requirements, a regulations led operators in developed new convention is in draft form aimed Disposal options countries to export vessels overseas at obligating acceptable standards of Interestingly, whilst the Royal for scrapping in third world countries shipyard performance with regard Australian Navy (RAN) retains with lower labour costs, to ensure Exploring the Swan to worker safety and environmental ownership of decommissioned ships, that scrapping remained economic. Dive Wreck compliance. responsibility for the disposal process Unfortunately, less rigorous standards Disposal of material, rests with the Defence Material of worker safety and environmental including obsolete Organisation (DMO). Defence policy compliance have led to legacies equipment, by dumping seeks opportunities for disposal that of worker deaths, injuries and at sea is also a concern. provide the best financial outcomes environmental degradation. India Without safeguards, there for the Commonwealth, whilst processes some 70% of the world’s are risks to productive meeting all statutory requirements. tonnage, and Alang Bay in particular offshore fisheries, marine In partnership with the RAN, DMO has a reputation as an environmental ecosystems, tourism, and critically evaluates the appropriateness and safety nightmare, with some to human health from of the disposal method, recognising the journalists reporting one funeral every disposal of unregulated unique heritage values of warships and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 35
their proud history of service. Final disposal option is generally limited ferry, but opportunities are limited and approval for the disposal method rests to support vessels. In the past some the success rate of re-use can be poor with the Minister for Defence, based on patrol vessels (e.g. Attack class) have (eg former HMAS Stalwart was sold advice from DMO and the RAN. been successfully on-sold or gifted for adaptation as a cruise vessel, but the Typically, some options might where useful service life remains. ship never successfully entered service). include: � sale for conversion to new role. � gifting as a museum vessel. � sale for ongoing maritime use. Some vessels can be adapted to new Use of a vessel as a museum is Whilst the most desirable option as it roles, but again this is generally limited very desirable. The vessel acts as a realises the greatest return to Defence, to support vessels, as frigate/destroyer drawcard, providing ongoing tourism few naval vessels are successfully design is extremely specialised, and revenue opportunities. It continues on-sold. Warships are invariably old the platforms are frequently aged to promote the RAN in a static when finally decommissioned, typically when placed for disposal. The former display role, and as a tribute to her 30-35 years for major fleet units (eg HMAS Westralia was recently sold military service and the many men frigates). Hulls may be corroded and to a commercial organisation seeking and women who served in her. By fatigued, machinery tired and obsolete; to transform her into an Offshore providing members of the public with they are often in need of complex and Floating Platform Storage Oil (FPSO) an opportunity to experience navy life expensive refits to make them suitable – basically acting as a floating fuel tank at sea, museum ships can be effective for further use. The specialist role of attached to the riser of an offshore recruiting tools. Unfortunately, only warships and limited space onboard oil field. ExHMAS Jervis Bay (1) was the more “interesting” vessels such as makes them difficult to re-use, so this successfully on-sold for re-use as a destroyers, frigates, corvettes, patrol
HMAS Hobart 11 May 2004 courtesy Southern Diving Centre, South Australia
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 36 RANEx-RAN vessels – longHistory may they serve
overseas should not � Disposal by dumping at sea. miss touring the Great Interest in using old vessels as dive Britain, Missouri, or the sites and as fish attracting devices has venerable Victory, and globally increased exponentially in a personal favourite, recent years. Occasional concerns former cruise liner and voiced over “dumping” of vessels in this troopship Queen Mary. manner are misguided. In reality re- use of a vessel in this way is recycling � disposal at cost in its broadest sense, with the ship for environmentally assuming a new role in attracting compliant scrapping. regional tourism and acting as an Today, disposing of ecological haven, yet remaining as a a vessel by sale for dignified memorial to her service. scrapping overseas is highly unlikely to Dive sites and artificial reefs be approved owing Preparing a vessel for scuttling as a to uncertainties in dive site is an expensive business. ensuring that appropriate Recent decisions to provide former environmental and warships for sinking as dive sites worker safety standards have required the allocation of some are addressed. The millions of dollars in supplementary DMO and RAN funding to remove hazardous materials have supported an and to clear the vessel of debris and environmentally entanglement hazards, including compliant scrapping overhead wiring. In most cases some capability in Australia, of the more hazardous areas must be with a number of welded closed (e.g. engine rooms). Fremantle Class patrol Diver access to swim through areas boats and the submarine is enhanced by enlarging hatches and Orion successfully companionways, and creating new scrapped locally in entry and exit points. Modifications to recent times. Costs are the vessel ensure a safe and challenging significant, as the scrap dive for experienced wreck divers, and value of the vessels is novices can learn techniques in relative insufficient to offset safety whilst exploring the upper decks. hazardous materials Many of the most popular wreck The US aircraft carrier boats and submarines get such an Oriskany is sent to remediation costs. Also, a proportion dive sites, dating from the Second opportunity, and possibly only one her new role as a of the vessel may not be recyclable World War, are no longer safe for of a class of vessel will survive in this dive site in a tightly and so ends up in landfill, placing internal exploration by divers, due role. Maintaining museum ships controlled descent. further pressure on the environment. to ongoing deterioration. Replacing is costly and few organisations are (Photos courtesy US Nevertheless, provided environmental them with more intact wrecks can Navy) willing to take on the ongoing liability, management is appropriate, scrapping satisfy the demand for adventure so future opportunities will remain will remain the ultimate fate of a diving. Estimates of the benefits of a limited. Examples in Australia include proportion of retired ships, providing high profile local dive site to regional the very successful ex-HMA museum a valuable source of recycled material economies range up to many millions ships Vampire, Whyalla, Diamantina, where no further useful life remains in per year. This is a significant boost for Castlemaine, Advance, the submarines the vessel. areas that lack major tourist attractions. Onslow and Ovens, and more recently Ships become islands of biodiversity Townsville and Gladstone. Anyone when scuttled in areas with seafloors Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 37
of uniform sand or mud. Recreational suggests that there is potential in lady, resplendent in her retirement. fishing pressure on adjacent natural Australia to re-cycle all Australian Long may they serve the people of features can be relieved and so the ship frigates, destroyers and some support Australia. � can serve to improve management vessels in this way, particularly as of human impacts on the natural some areas are seeking to provide environment. “dive parks” with opportunities to Whilst sinking a vessel as a dive dive more than one vessel in a single wreck is a realistic option once day. This view is supported by the fact significant and expensive cleanup of that several expressions of interest are the vessel is completed, obtaining a lodged for each retired vessel offered sea dumping permit is by no means for scuttling as a dive site. assured. Sites must be carefully assessed to avoid impacting other A new life maritime users, or marine life. Another Sinking ships to provide for aspect that must be considered is recreational activities, following the depth of water in which the ship appropriate environmental is sunk, to ensure that small vessels remediation, means that obsolete retain unimpeded navigation. This warships can serve the community CMDR Steve Cole RANR has 20 years can make scuttling of large vessels as for many decades whilst avoiding the experience as Officer of the Watch dive wrecks difficult as the keel may be ignominy of the breakers yard. The on LCHs, as a RAN diving officer, in water as deep as 50 metres to give ship remains as a memorial to its proud and Port Services Manager, Darwin adequate clearance for surface vessels. service to the nation and the many Naval Base. He currently serves as In Australia regulators have some thousands who served in her. At the reservations over creating dive sites same time, the vessel can generate Navy Environment Manager at Navy for civilian divers at these potentially additional local income in regional Headquarters, Canberra, responsible dangerous depths. areas seeking to exploit their tourism for developing policy on environmental In Australia, assessments are the potential, while many sea creatures find matters, and is the holder of a PhD in responsibility of the Commonwealth a welcome new home. Marine Biology and eco-physiology. Department of the Environment and Still a disbeliever? Ask anyone who Water Resources which administers has dived on the former HMA Ships the Sea Dumping Act 1981. Australia Swan, Hobart, Perth, or Brisbane. has seen significant success with dive Without exception divers are left with a sites created from the guided missile feeling of having visited a venerable old destroyers ex- HMAS Perth, Hobart and Brisbane, as well as the Destroyer Escort Swan. Two guided missile frigates, Canberra and Adelaide will likely follow. In Australia disposal of naval vessels Jacobs Australia is relatively small scale. The US Navy Project Management • Systems Engineering and Military Sealift Command have Configuration Management • Risk Management some 350 large vessels in reserve that Test & Evaluation • Contracts/Business Management Software Engineering • Simulation & Modelling await disposal. It is anticipated that Integrated Logistics Management the majority will be prepared for sea Aeronautical Engineering dumping as dive and fishing wrecks. Electronics Engineering In New Zealand, two Leander Class Jacobs Australia (JA) was established frigates (Wellington, Waikato) have in Canberra in August 1997 and has since grown to have operations in all major centres been sunk as dive wrecks – the former across Australia. The growth is a direct result of our HMNZS Canterbury is expected employees developing innovative ideas and delivering to follow. This overseas experience outstanding service to clients. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 38 Colonel Count Claus Von Stauffenberg and the 1944 Plot to Kill Hitler: an Exemplar of Moral Courage bySbL u iEUTENANT Kelly Allan
relationship with seniors and a totalitarian regime. As a young man, subordinates, evaluation of his success he was inspired by Stefan George’s as a leader and historical legacy. poetry, with its notions of service, On Leadership…fidelity and heroic values. Achievements and Failures The plot’s immediate outcome was its Stauffenberg was highly intelligent, failure to kill Hitler, with the resultant with natural abilities to manage coup a chaotic collapse. Stauffenberg people, plan, direct and quickly grasp was sentenced to death at a summary situations. A career army officer, court martial and executed on 20 July he adhered to traditional Prussian 1944. It has been argued that while military ethos, that the Army was the plot was well-intentioned, it did the embodiment of the nation. His not save lives and failed to influence increasing awareness of crimes the war’s course. Stauffenberg committed by the Nazi regime in acknowledged that the plot’s chances of the name of the German Army; his success were small, but took the view, view that as a General Staff officer, he along with fellow conspirators, that the was co-responsible for the atrocities, It is now time that something was plot must be attempted for the sake of and his desire to redeem the Army done. But he who has the courage to do ‘history and justice.’ led him to join the resistance. While something must do so in the knowledge Stauffenberg’s actions as part of the Stauffenberg joined the resistance that he will go down to German German resistance, fully cognisant that relatively late, he committed fully he was ‘engaged in high treason with with his ‘characteristic drive to action’, history as a traitor. If he does not do it, all the means available,’ demonstrate in the belief he had a God-given however, then he will be a traitor to his that Nazism had not subverted all mission. This provided the certainty own conscience. Germans. His conscience demanded that convinced and inspired fellow that the honourable and moral conspirators. action was to remove Hitler at any Colonel Count von cost. Stauffenberg’s achievement Relationship with Seniors and Stauffenberg is that the plot was organised and Subordinates The 20 July 1944 plot to kill Adolf attempted under his leadership, despite Stauffenberg was highly regarded Hitler, led by German Army Colonel, tremendous personal risks, without as the ideal officer: professional, Count von Stauffenberg, appears support from Allied governments intelligent and holding the respect and an abject failure. Yet Stauffenberg’s and while so many Germans passively admiration of seniors and subordinates. actions set an enduring standard observed the Nazi tyranny. Subordinates perceived him as an for moral courage against tyranny. officer possessed of natural authority. Like many Germans, he initially saw Intellectual Qualities Stauffenberg listened and counselled, the advantages offered by National Stauffenberg’s family, education and had direct responsibility for briefing Socialism (Nazism). However, his career influenced the intellectual generals, inspired the Army and experiences of active service, the qualities he employed in his General Staff and appeared destined for growing death toll on both fronts leadership of the conspiracy against higher command. Fellow conspirators and awareness of the Nazi regime’s Hitler. Stauffenberg was raised in regarded him as an inspirational crimes compelled him, despite the an aristocratic, Catholic family, and man of action, energy and decision, immense risks to career, family instilled with values of service to State representative of ‘the younger generals.’ and life, to tyrannicide. This essay and Fatherland. His family cultivated The Nazi regime recognised these examines Stauffenberg’s leadership of an awareness of his responsibility as the personal traits. Albert Speer described the plot, focusing on his achievements nobility, which later predisposed him to Stauffenberg as one of the ‘most and failures, intellectual qualities, serving the German people, rather than dynamic and competent officers in the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 39
leader, capable of necessary to direct the coup. The making decisions coup’s collapse, resulting primarily and having his from failures to obtain control of all views accepted. broadcasting and to execute key Nazi As a colonel and personnel, indicates that no plan was ‘younger general’ evidently in place if the assassination prepared to resist, or coup failed. However, even to his these leadership execution, Stauffenberg refused to qualities spurred capitulate and conducted himself as him to become the though success was possible, not as plot’s driving force. a man deluded as to the outcome, However, the failure but one committed unerringly to his of the assassination mission. attempt and coup The extent of success of Hitler and the Italian does not condemn Stauffenberg’s leadership should not dictator Mussolini German Army…curiously poetic and at Stauffenberg as an unsuccessful leader. be defined merely by the obvious in 1934 at Venice the same time precise…’ A Nazi report Stauffenberg’s leadership failures of the plot’s objectives and his (Courtesy Library of Congress) written after Stauffenberg’s execution characteristics included energy, subsequent execution. Stauffenberg’s recorded him as ‘a spirit of fire, resourcefulness, determination, leadership characteristics united fascinating and inspiring all who came charisma, charm, eloquence, an the disparate conspirators, to the in touch with him’, encapsulating the appealing sense of humour and courage stage where a detailed plan for the key qualities motivating his leadership to speak his mind. His entry into assassination and coup could be of the plot. the resistance provided the disparate enacted. Given his indispensability Stauffenberg’s relationship with civilian and military conspirators the to the coup, it would have been his seniors was conflicted. He was motivating force for the organisation preferable to appoint another as Hitler’s required to swear an oath of allegiance and planning of the assassination and assassinator, as this prevented his to Hitler as an Army officer. However, subsequent coup. His qualities as an presence in Berlin in the early hours, by mid-1942 his personal honour officer and leader were successfully where he could have clarified confusion became directly incompatible with his utilised in organising the conspirators, surrounding Hitler’s death, or overseen awareness of the regime’s crimes and such that within a year of committing conspirators who later attempted to belief that Hitler was evil. Stauffenberg to the resistance, Stauffenberg had save themselves by distancing from the wished to be ‘led by men whose achieved the position where the plot. attitude commanded his respect.’ assassination could be attempted. To the conspirators, the plot However, he was openly contemptuous The plot’s failure is partially encompassed more than merely killing of the generals, being men with the attributable to Stauffenberg’s decision Hitler. It was intended to demonstrate opportunity to act, but who declined to act as both assassinator and that the German resistance was Staffenberg’s approaches to resist coup leader. The success of the plot prepared to act to remove Hitler, to against the regime. Stauffenberg’s depended entirely on him, requiring proceed despite the costs and high reaction was: ‘Since the generals have him to be in Rastenburg to kill Hitler probability of failure. To the end of his so far done nothing, the Colonels and then in Berlin, three hours away, life, Stauffenberg remained the leader must now go into action against Hitler.’ to direct the coup. From a military of the plot, defiant and prepared to Unlike the generals, Stauffenberg had perspective, this dual role was flawed: accept sole responsibility. As discussed the conviction, courage and, with his war wounds had severely handicapped below, Stauffenberg, through his moral appointment to Chief of Staff of the Stauffenberg. He had to survive the courage in planning and undertaking Home Army, the opportunity, to act assassination attempt to lead the coup, the plot, achieved success as a leader against Hitler. but would be absent during the vital that transcends the plot’s immediate first hours. There was apparently no and practical failures. Leadership Style other person willing to undertake the Stauffenberg was widely considered a assassination and only Stauffenberg Legacy natural commander and inspirational had the authority and leadership It is arguable that Stauffenberg Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 40 Colonel Count Claus Von Stauffenberg and the 1944 Plot to Kill Hitler: an Exemplar of Moral Courage of their Fuhrer during the War’, World War II, vol. 13, no. 3, pp6-6 achieved nothing as the assassination Stauffenberg is rightly remembered, Held, J. E. 2003, ‘Failed Attempt to Assassinate the Fuhrer’, World and coup failed. It did not end or not as a traitor, but a heroic leader who War II, vol. 18, no.3, pp72-74 Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, shorten the war and millions died over sacrificed his life attemptingOn to remove Leadership…Cambridge University Press, Cambridge the final nine months. Many direct a despot for the sake of the German Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, conspirators were executed, along with people. Stauffenberg is acquitted as Mayflower Books, London Peifer, D. 2001, ‘Commemoration of Mutiny, Rebellion, and an estimated 5,000 people, some only an exemplar of moral courage, who Resistance in Postwar Germany: Public Memory, History, and the remotely connected to the plot. Some acted decisively as part of the German Formation of “Memory Beacons”’, The Journal of Military History, vol. 65, no. 4, pp1013-1052 dismiss the plot as a mere attempt to resistance against totalitarianism. Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ escape the consequences of Germany’s The enduring legacy is not that the Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 impending military defeat. plot failed, but that the plot was Winter, P. R. J, 2006, ‘British Intelligence and the July Bomb Plot of 1944: A Reappraisal,’ War in History, vol. 13, no. 4, pp468-494 After D-Day, Stauffenberg and undertaken. � Zwygart, U. 1993, ‘How Much Obedience Does an Officer Need?’, other conspirators recognised that Combat Studies Institute, [Online] Available at HYPERLINK "http:// cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/Zwygart. the plot must proceed at all costs, asp"http://cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/ irrespective of whether it had any Zwygart.asp Quoted in Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an practical purpose and even if it did not Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p158 succeed. It was imperative that the Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ plot was undertaken to show ‘the world Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the that some attempt has been made by Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p285 Germans to rid themselves of these Peifer, D. 2001, ‘Commemoration of Mutiny, Rebellion, and Resistance in Postwar Germany: Public Memory, History, and the criminals.’ Yet the plot was more than Formation of “Memory Beacons”’, The Journal of Military History, a symbolic gesture. If this had been vol. 65, no. 4, pp1013-1052, at p1032 Stauffenberg’s sole intention, he could Fritz-Deitlof Graf von der Schulenburg (civilian conspirator) quoted in Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, have ensured Hitler’s death through a Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at p234 suicidal attack. However, Stauffenberg Stauffenberg on 1 July 1944 quoted in Ibid at p242 Ibid at p234 planned and conducted the plot at all Winter, P. R. J. 2006, ‘British Intelligence and the July Bomb Plot times to be an actual and symbolic SBLT Kelly Allan is currently working as of 1944: A Reappraisal,’ War in History, vol. 13, no. 4, pp468-494 at p476 success: to kill Hitler, overthrow the a legal officer in the Royal Australian Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, regime, redeem the German Army Navy. She is originally from Brisbane Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at pxiii and validate the German resistance. Zwygart, U. 1993, ‘How Much Obedience Does an Officer Need?’, and has previously worked as a tax Combat Studies Institute, [Online] Available at HYPERLINK "http:// Stauffenberg’s intention was to save consultant before joining the RAN in cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/Zwygart. lives and his lasting legacy, which asp"http://cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/ Zwygart.asp resonates today despite the plot’s July 2007. Kelly completed this essay as Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ failures, is that he risked his career, part of the course requirements for the Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 family and ultimately gave his life, Anonymous. 2006, ‘Nina von Stauffenberg’, The Times [Online] New Entry Officer's Course, the initial Available at HYPERLINK "http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/ because his conscience demanded that training course for all naval officers. comment/obituaries/article704084.ece"www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/ he depose a brutal dictator. comment/obituaries/article704084.ece Vogel, R. & Farrell, B. P. (eds) 2004, Leadership and Responsibility in the Second World War, McGill-Queen’s University Press, Montreal, Conclusion at p168; Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at pxiv Stauffenberg’s intellectual qualities BIBLIOGRAPHY Anonymous. 2006, ‘Nina von Stauffenberg’, Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, and relationships with subordinates The Times, [Online] Available at Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at p282 and seniors combined to create a HYPERLINK "http://www.timesonline. Ibid at p198 co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/ Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ leader with the ability and means article704084.ece"www.timesonline.co.uk/ Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 to resist Hitler. Stauffenberg was a tol/comment/obituaries/article704084.ece Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p4 natural leader, whose conscience and Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Zwygart, U. 1993, ‘How Much Obedience Does an Officer Need?’, morals compelled him to organise, Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Combat Studies Institute, [Online] Available at HYPERLINK "http:// plan and enact the conspiracy. A Middlesex cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/Zwygart. Farrell, B. P. & Vogel, R. (eds) 2004, asp"http://cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/ fellow conspirator wrote shortly before Leadership and Responsibility in the Second Zwygart.asp being executed: ‘What we did was World War, McGill-Queen’s University Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Press, Montreal Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p5 inadequate, but in the end history Haskew, M. E. 1998, ‘Several of Adolf Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, will judge and acquit us.’ Today, Hitler’s Generals Conspired to Rid Germany Mayflower Books, London, at p9 Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 41
Ibid at p9 Albert Speer, Minister of War Production, quoted in Zwygart, U. 1993, ‘How Much Obedience Does an Officer Need?’, Combat Studies Institute, [Online] Available at HYPERLINK "http:// cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/Zwygart. asp"http://cgsc.leavenworth.army.mil/carl/resources/csi/Zwygart/ Zwygart.asp Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p9 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p33 Stauffenberg in a 1939 letter to Brigadier Georg von Sodenstern quoted in Farrell, B. P. & Vogel, R. (eds) 2004, Leadership and Responsibility in the Second World War, McGill-Queen’s University Press, Montreal, at p170 Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p11 and p92 Held, J. E. 2003, ‘Failed Attempt to Assassinate the Fuhrer’, World War II, vol. 18, no.3, pp72-74 at p72 Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p22; Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p35 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p9; Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p68 Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p111 Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at p258 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p35; Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p7 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p35 Ibid at p54 Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, at p268 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p54 Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge at p268 Ramsay, A. 2004, ‘Claus von Stauffenberg and the German Officers’ Plot of 1944’, Contemporary Review, vol. 285 Haskew, M. E. 1998, ‘Several of Adolf Hitler’s Generals Conspired to Rid Germany of their Fuhrer during the War’, World War II, vol. 13, no. 3, pp6-6 Peifer, D. 2001, ‘Commemoration of Mutiny, Rebellion, and Resistance in Postwar Germany: Public Memory, History, and the Formation of “Memory Beacons”’, The Journal of Military History, vol. 65, no. 4, pp1013-1052, at p1031 Major-General Henning von Tresckow (military conspirator) quoted in Kramarz, J. 1970, Stauffenberg: The Life and Death of an Officer, Mayflower Books, London, at p147 Graf von Uxkull (Stauffenberg’s uncle and fellow conspirator) quoted in Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p39 Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p39 and p286 Fritz-Deitlof Graf von der Schulenburg quoted in Baigent, M. & Leigh, R. 1994, Secret Germany: Stauffenberg and the Mystical Crusade Against Hitler, Penguin Books, Middlesex, at p64 Hoffmann, P. 1995, Stauffenberg: A Family History, 1905-1944, Able Seaman Stores Naval Travis Ashe is winched to the deck of HMAS Kanimbla during Cambridge University Press, Cambridge at p234. embarkation qualifications for Shark 05 Sea King from 817 Squadron, Nowra
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 42 A look at leadership.
elly Scott is a Leading Seaman achieving the designated task. The A crisis or important event may cause Kcurrently serving in HMAS concern for personal will occasionally be a person to rise to the occasion, which Harman. She recently participated in a to theOn detriment of the Leadership…task. brings out extraordinary leadership People can leadership forum… For task orientated leaders the qualities in an ordinary person. This is choose to As a leading seaman what could opposite applies. The task is the primary the Great Events Theory. become leaders. I put on the table that would be goal and will often be obtained regardless The third theory applies to a greater People can beneficial to the members of this of the impact on personal. number of people and is reflected in forum? In my view a good leader is one who Defence approach to leadership. learn leadership After many false starts and a lot can incorporate both sets of traits. The People can choose to become leaders. skills. This is the of reflection I soon realised that as a trick of course is to decide when the task People can learn leadership skills. This is Transformational member of defence I have been in the is more important than personnel or the Transformational Leadership Theory. Leadership sometimes fortunate and sometimes when personnel come before the task. It is the most widely accepted theory Theory. It is the unfortunate position of experiencing Ideally a balance between the two would today and the premise on which this many and varied forms of leadership be struck but in reality this is not always guide is based. most widely throughout my career. I have found that the case. In this area Defence strives to achieve accepted theory all of these have influenced me in some The second factor is the human its goal of good leadership through today. form and assisted me in moulding the factor. Regardless of your leadership a variety of courses and personal type of leader that I am and the type of style individuals will always respond development options. I believe that the leader that I aspire to be. differently because everyone is unique. fundamental problem with many of I have observed two major factors Personality and the ability to vary your these courses is that they are provided that I believe have influenced me as a style as a leader according to the group on a voluntary basis. In my experience Leader in my role as a Boatswain in you are selected to lead is often the key to it is often the personnel who nominate the RAN. a successful outcome. The ultimate goal for these courses that are already quite In my opinion leaders fall into two is to have people follow you because they self aware and open to developing as a very broad categories. believe in your ability to lead and provide leader. Unfortunately it is sometimes the Personnel orientated leaders and direction not because they are forced or case that the members who require the task orientated leaders. required to. most direction and would possibly get Both have the capacity to take traits In this area I also believe it is the most out of the training are those from the other but for the personnel important to remain flexible in your who already see themselves as good orientated leader the primary goal individual leadership style. This is leaders and are not as open to change or seems to be to best utilise and support particularly relevant in an area like enhancement. personnel and see to their needs whilst defence, where the fields and settings Good leaders are MADE not born. If The title of that you are placed in often vary you have the desire and willpower, you Leader is significantly from posting to posting or can become an effective leader. Good important- task to task. The situation and personnel leaders develop through a never ending Leading that you are working with on each process of self-study, education, training, Seaman Cook project must be allowed to influence and experience. Bryan Webb and Able and guide your leadership style. To I have researched some of the Seaman Cook become stagnant or set in your ways may attributes or guidelines to becoming Carissa Brown ultimately cause you to fail to achieve the a good leader and found that the BE conduct a set task. KNOW DO theory best reflects my stocktake of Mr. Bernard Bass devised a theory personal views on leadership. It is: items in the of leadership which states that there are dry store on BE - KNOW - DO HMAS Perth three basic ways to explain how people (Courtesy RAN) become leaders. The first two explain BE a professional. Examples: Be loyal to the leadership development for a small the organization, perform selfless service, number of people. These theories are: and take personal responsibility. Some personality traits may lead BE a professional who possess good people naturally into leadership roles. character traits. Examples: Honesty, This is the Trait Theory. competence, candor, commitment, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 43
integrity, courage, straightforwardness, increasingly difficult to motivate and So how does this affect me and imagination. inspire subordinates. Without individual my position within the industry we The navy’s values are a direct motivation any task becomes a burden. call defence. Well I believe that as a reflection of this point. DO motivate. Examples: develop leading seaman I am in a very unique KNOW the four factors of leadership moral and esprit in the organization, position when it comes to leadership. - follower, leader, communication, and train, coach, counsel. The majority of the time I am set a very situation. To inspire your workers into higher clear and precise task and it is my role KNOW yourself. Examples: strengths levels of teamwork, there are certain to ensure that that task is completed and weakness of your character, things you must BE, KNOW, and, DO. accordingly. knowledge, and skills. These do not come naturally, but are From my superiors the role of a This is perhaps the most difficult of the acquired through continual work and leading seaman is clear. Complete the ‘be know do’ attributes. It is often difficult study. Good leaders are continually task at hand. to self analyze and often the way you see working and studying to improve their It is then up to me to ensure that yourself is not reflected in another’s view. leadership skills; they are NOT resting my subordinates do the job which KNOW human nature. Examples: on their laurels is achieved through TWO WAY Human needs, emotions, and how When a person is deciding if they communication, both verbal and non- people respond to stress. respect you as a leader, they do not think verbal. In my role as a leading seaman KNOW your job. Examples: be about your attributes, rather, they will most of the communication, with my proficient and be able to train others in observe what you do so that they can subordinates, can be done by setting an their tasks. know who you really are. example and leading by example, where KNOW your organization. Examples: They often use this observation to as most of my communication to my where to go for help, its climate and tell if you are an honorable and trusted superiors is done verbally. What and how culture, who the unofficial leaders are. leader or a self serving person who you communicate either builds or harms It is also important to note here that misuses authority to look good and get the relationship between you and your in an area as wide and diverse as Defence promoted. employees which is why experience in it is important to utilize the expertise you Self-serving leaders are not as the chosen profession is important. have at hand. Throughout my career I effective because their employees only I also view my role as that of guide have seen a decline in the use of subject obey them, not follow them. They and mentor. It is an honour when a matter experts and a trend towards succeed in many areas because they subordinate views your leadership style developing personnel that are able to present a good image to their seniors at as a basis for their own and absorbs these achieve a multitude of tasks. Whilst this the expense of their workers. traits. To watch a member of your team is successful in some areas it also places The basis of good leadership is strive and achieve, especially in an area greater pressure on each individual often honorable character and selfless service that may not have come naturally, gives to the detriment of the unit as a whole. to your organization. In your employees’ you a great sense of satisfaction. DO provide direction. Examples: eyes, your leadership is everything Above all it is up to me to continue to goal setting, problem solving, decision you do that effects the organization’s develop and learn as a leader. making, planning. objectives and their well being. DO implement. Examples: Respected leaders concentrate on what communicating, coordinating, they are (such as beliefs and character), Kelly Scott began naval service supervising, evaluating. what they know (such as job, tasks, in 1993 on HMAS Jervis In my experience communication and human nature), and what they do Bay, and then as one of the is probably one of the most important (such as implementing, motivating and commissioning crew of HMAS areas of good leadership. If subordinate providing direction). Kanimbla. She has served on understand exactly what their role is What makes a person want to follow and how it affects the overall performs a leader? People want to be guided by HMAS Manoora and HMAS as a whole then no mater how small those they respect and who have a clear Darwin and in the Reserves to or insignificant the task they will strive sense of direction. To gain respect, they balance roles as wife, mother to achieve the best possible result. must be ethical. A sense of direction is and sailor. She is currently Too often in Defence communication achieved by conveying a strong vision of serving at HMAS Harman. breaks down and as a leader it becomes the future. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute AustAl
Proven, Capable, Affordable
mAritime seCurity solutions
Shipyards: Australia and USA Email: [email protected] Fax: +61 8 9410 2564 Tel: +61 8 9410 1111
www.AUSTAl.com
3917-AUSTAL Headmark Ad.indd 1 10/5/07 9:09:23 AM Issue 128 45 Visions from the Vault VisionsVisions from from the the Vault Vault
MAS Pioneer’s wartime career but the stand-off withKonigsberg October 1916 having fired more main was one of the more interesting continued until July when the arrival of armament ammunition than any other inH the early RAN. Deployed from two shallow-draught but heavily-armed RAN warship during the course of the Australia at the Admiralty’s request river monitors allowed the British to war. As this photograph shows, Pioneer the small cruiser arrived at Mombassa destroy the German vessel at extreme evidently employed some local labour on 3 February 1915. There she joined range. Pioneer remained on station during her time on patrol, but the with British forces maintaining enforcing the general blockade of the specific nature of the tasks they were a close blockade of German East German colony, and in 1916 took expected to perform remains unclear. Africa. These patrols not only aimed part in several shore bombardments The original caption reads ‘Seechi to prevent supplies from reaching in support of the Allied advance boys. HMAS Pioneer’ and from the the German forces ashore, but also ashore. Her last action was in July, by smart fit of their uniforms one might served to neutralise the enemy cruiser, which time the Germans were being surmise that these were personal issue Konigsberg, which had taken refuge driven inland, and the unlikelihood items and not simply donned for the up the Rufiji River beyond the range of their receiving support from the occasion. The black sash worn around of effective fire from the sea.Pioneer sea allowed a reduction in the coastal the waist appears to be a feature unique intercepted and sank a few dhows, patrol. Pioneer returned to Australia in to this group. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 46 Book Reviews
with both colour and black and white scholarship on the US Naval services in that conflict. There photographs and would, if it had been is more to be said about Marine Corps operations during published in the 1970s earned at least the static phase of the war between 1951 and 1953 than is a Confidential security caveat. I am made available here, but that topic is extensively treated not sure why it is available from this elsewhere by other authors. This is institutional history, to source but it is a good read. Highly be sure, but it is certainly not bland and the authors do not recommended for anyone who has avoid controversial subject matter. Thus, in the chapter on served at NAVCOMSTA Harold E. air power Richard C. Knott discusses the differing concepts Holt or for those wanting to learn more and expectations of close air support held by the ground about US-Australian naval relations. forces and the recently independent US Air Force. He also discusses the relative merits of close air support missions R eviewed by Cmdr Greg Swinden and the attacks on enemy logistics that in part supplanted Calls to the Deep: the story them. of Naval Communication Some of the most interesting material of all is contained Station The US Navy in extensive sidebars. Here the authors can digress on matters as varied as the first conflict between the United Harold E. Holt Exmouth in the States and Korea (in 1871, involving an attack on the Western Australia Korean War forts at Inchon), the role of covert surveillance and reconnaissance teams in the preparations for the Inchon By Brian Humphreys E dited by landings in September 1950, the merits and shortcomings Edward J. of the first generation of jet aircraft employed by Navy and Defence Publishing Service, 2006, Marolda, Marine aviators, the experiences of African-Americans in and available from Australian US Naval Institute Press, the sea services before 1950, and a great deal more besides. This is an excellent general introduction to the Aviation via their website (www. Annapolis, 2007, maritime dimensions of the Korean War, at least in terms xvii, 427 pages, maps, illustrations, ausaviation.com.au) or PO Box of the American perspective. There is no mention of the 1777 Fyshwick ACT 2609 at a cost of US$40.50 smaller naval contributions made by Britain, Australia $39.95 plus postage and handling. or Canada, for example, but given the enormous scale of 235 pp., hardcover, illustrated Readers with an interest in the Korean the US undertaking at sea and in the skies above this is War will recognise some of the scarcely surprising (more than one and a half million US The history of the Naval chapters in this collection from the Naval personnel served in the Korean War). The volume Communications Station (Harold E. series of commemorative booklets concludes with an extensive list of recommendations Holt) in Western Australia has finally produced by the US Naval Historical for further reading, while those wanting more detail can been written. The once shadowy world Center between 2001 and 2005. These always turn to the official histories of the sea services of Cold War communications has been dealt with fleet operations, the role of which, usefully, are now compiled together in CD-Rom further exposed, to the bright lights of naval air power and naval leadership in format. history. the War’s early phases, together with Brian Humphreys, a former Defence an especially important study of racial public servant and communications integration in the US Navy during specialist, has written an excellent book this period. These have now been on the history of the station ranging supplemented in this volume by further from the concept in the late 1950s studies of sea power and the defence and construction in the 1960s up to of the Pusan Pocket (usually referred the present day. The history covers to in Commonwealth historiography all aspects of the base and and is also as the Naktong Perimeter) and of the valuable in its description of the social amphibious operations at Inchon. activities of the day for the hundreds of Extensively illustrated (although men, women and children who called this reader would have welcomed a Harold E. Holt their home. few more maps), this collection distils R eviewed by Professor JeffreyG rey, UNSW@ADFA The book is lavishly illustrated a remarkable range and depth of Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 47 Thinking of Making a Contribution? Style Notes for Headmark
In general, please present your work So: honours - Lieutenant Commander Bill Crabbe, CSC, RAN - with the minimum of formatting. Adkin, Mark. Goose Green. London: unless you would prefer not to use them. Then please supply a Paragraphs: Leo Cooper, 1992. paragraph on yourself, to a maximum of 50 words, including Don’t indent, and leave left justified. Adler, Bill (Ed.) Letters from Vietnam. any qualifications you would like listed, and any interesting Separate paragraphs by one line. Single New York: EP Dutton and Co., 1967. biographical aspects. If possible please supply a colour or spacing only. Use one space only after Articles use quotation marks around greyscale head and shoulders e-photo of yourself for use stops and colons. their title, which is not in italics. alongside the article title. Conventions: If citing web sites please use the Illustrations: Use numbers for 10 and above, convention: Do not embed graphs or figures in your text without words below. Ship names use italics in Australian Associated Press. “Army sending a separate file as well. If supplying photographs use title case; prefixes such asHMAS in admits mistakes in SAS investigation”. a minimum of 300 dpi. We are keen on colour images but capitals and italics. Book and Journal 17 February, 2004.
Specialist Shipping Services
P&O Maritime Services
is recognised as a
premier regional
provider of specialist
shipping and related
logistic services to
defence, marine
science and
research,
mining and
government GPO Box 88, Melbourne Vic 3001 Australia sectors Telephone +61 3 9254 1600 Facsimile +61 3 9254 1658 www.pomaritime.com [email protected]
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 48 Australian Naval Institute Events Program
Event Date Location Comments/Contact
ADFA Breakfast 22 May ADFA Topic: 2008 ‘Air Warfare Destroyers’ For more details of ANI events Vernon Parker Oration Jul/Aug 08 TBA visit the website: & Annual Dinner www.navalinstitute.com.au
ANI Warfare Seminar 4 Sept HMAS Watson & Mess Dinner 2008
ColourHMAS Wollongong Ad 25/5/06 at anchor 10:14 during aAM force Page protection 1 exercise whilst involved in Exercise Croix Du Sud, Noumea
You Don’t Have to be a High Flyer to earn high interest Online $tar $aver Direct ● Easy maintenance online savings account ● Savings available at call ● 24 hour access by phone and Internet ● Interest calculated daily and paid monthly ● Fee-free internet and phone transactions Apply online at www.adcu.com.au or contact our Member Contact Centre today on 1300 13 23 28
Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on application. Australian Defence Credit Union Ltd ABN 48 087 649 741 AFSL 237 988
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 49 ANI On-line: A guide to the new website.
Our new website is now on-line! In addition to the features available on the Changing your details previous site, the new site also features a library of past journals, a discussion When your account is created, only your member ID and password are forum, a news section and member list. This short guide is designed to help stored in the system for privacy reasons. However, you may provide other details that are visible to other ANI members. In order to change you take full advantage of the new features. your details, login and click the “Change Your Details” menu item (figure 5). Then select the “change” link (figure 6) next to either your personal details or password. Change the text appropriately and click the “save” button (figure 7). Figure 1 The personal information that you provide will be visible to other Obtaining an account members of the ANI but will be hidden from members of the general In order to access the new features of the site you must have a user public. You may provide as much or as little detail as you wish but account for the website. If you have a current subscription to the ANI, none of the fields are compulsory. However, you may not change your navigate to the website www.navalinstitute.com.au using your web member ID as it is the link between the on-line database and our off- browser (figure 1), click the “Members Login” menu item (figure 2), line records. then click the link to download an application form. Fill in the form, then fax or post it to the ANI Business Manager. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email that outlines your member ID and password.
Figure 7 Figure 8
Participating in the forum In order to post topics and replies in the discussion forum, first login Figure 2 Figure 3 and click the “Forum” menu item (figure 8). Then select a forum that Logging in to your account you would like to view by clicking its “View Topics” button (figure Once you have your account details, you are ready to login and access 9). Select a topic that you would like to read by clicking its “View this the new features of the site. In order to login, navigate to the website topic” link (figure 10). If you are not interested in any particular topic, (figure 1) and click the “Members Login” item (figure 2). Enter your you may add your own by clicking the “Add New Topic” button (figure member ID and password as they were provided to you, then click 10). Similarly, once you are viewing a topic, you may post a reply by the “Login” button. The case of the member ID and password are clicking “Add New Post”. Fill in the heading and body of your reply and important: i.e. “CaSe” and “case” are considered entirely different words click the “Submit” button to add your reply to the topic. If you change by the authentication system. Each letter of the password will appear as your mind while writing your reply, you may click the “Cancel” button a single “*” to prevent others from seeing your password as you type. and your reply will not be added to the topic. If you have entered your details correctly, you will be presented with the news page. The grey status bar at the top notifies you of the account you are using (figure 4). You are now able to access all of the new features of the site.
Figure 4 Figure 9 Logging out of your account In order to protect your identity and to prevent malicious use of your account by others, you must log out of the site when you are finished browsing. This is especially important on public computers. In order to log out, click the “Logout” link in the grey status bar (figure 4). Figure 10
Further questions If you have specific questions regarding website features or even a feature request, post a topic in the “Website Questions” forum and a Figure 5 Figure 6 site administrator will reply. Otherwise, happy browsing!
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 50 Australian Naval Institute
The Australian Naval Institute was formed as a self- members (and others) on these topics submitted to the Sea Power Centre- supporting and non-profit making organisation; are keenly sought. Australia for possible publication as incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory in 1975. The Views and opinions expressed in a Working Paper (seapower.centre@ main objectives of the Institute are: Headmark are those of the authors defence.gov.au) • to encourage and promote the advancement of knowledge and not necessarily those of the related to the Navy and the maritime profession; and Institute, the Royal Australian Navy, the Editorial Board • to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas concerning Australian Defence Organisation, or the The Board is largely drawn from subjects related to the Navy and the maritime profession. institutions the authors may represent. the ANI Council but key roles are Membership subscription rates are located on the next page. The ANI does not warrant, undertaken by the following members: Further information can be obtained from the: guarantee or make any representations Chairman: RADM Davyd Thomas Business Manager, Australian Naval Institute, as to the content of the information Editor: Dr Tom Lewis PO Box 29, Red Hill ACT 2603, ph +61 2 62950056, contained within Headmark, and will Strategy: CDRE Steve Gilmore fax +61 2 62953367, email: [email protected] or via the not be liable in any way for any claims History Section: Dr David Stevens website at http://www.navalinstitute.com.au resulting from use or reliance on it. Shiphandling Corner: Sponsors Articles and information in CMDR Mal Wise OAM The Australian Naval Institute is grateful for the Headmark are the copyright of the Book Reviews: Dr John Reeve continued support of: Booz Allen Hamilton, Austal, Australian Naval Institute, unless Raytheon Australia, LOPAC, SAAB Systems Australia, otherwise stated. All material in Bequests KBR, Australian Defence Credit Union, Thales Underwater Headmark is protected by Australian As a self-funding organisation the Systems, P&O Maritime Services, ATI and Jacobs Sverdrup. copyright law and by applicable law in Institute relies on membership other jurisdictions. subscriptions and sponsorship to Patron A CDROM of the Journal of the maintain its activities. Financial Chief of Navy: VADM Russ Shalders, AO CSC Australian Naval Institute covering donations and/or bequests are Council Members the period 1975-2003 is available for welcome and will assist the ANI in President: RADM Davyd Thomas, AM CSC RAN $99; see the next page for ordering undertaking its activities. Vice President: CDRE Ray Griggs, CSC RAN information. Secretary: LEUT Sam Fairall-Lee RAN Pen Names. Contributors can publish Sea Power Centre-Australia Treasurer: Mr Richard Jones under a pen name. The Editor must be Research Collection Councillor: CDRE Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN advised either in person or in writing The Sea Power Centre-Australia Councillor: CAPT Martin Brooker CSC RAN of the identity of the individual that research collection incorporates the Councilor: CAPT Jaimie Hatcher RAN wishes to use the pen name. The Editor ANI library, to which members have Councilor: CMDR Ian Campbell RAN will confirm in writing to the member access. The research collection is Councilor: CMDR Paul Hornsby RAN seeking to use a pen name that the normally available for use 0900-1630 Councilor: CMDR Wendy Malcolm RAN name has been registered and can be each weekday, but it is not possible Councilor: LEUT M. Paes RAN used. More details are available on the to borrow the books. Members are Councilor: MIDN Jeremy Baumgarten RAN Institute’s website. requested to ring the SPC to confirm Councilor: MIDN Melissa Clarke RAN Article submission. Articles and access, particularly if visiting from Councilor: MIDN Nikola Johnson RAN correspondence should be submitted outside Canberra. Website Manager: electronically in Microsoft Word, with The ANI/Sea Power Centre- Mr Ernst Power (non membership position) limited formatting. (See the style guide Australia will gladly accept book Public Officer: in this issue for further details.) donations on naval and maritime CAPT Peter Murray RAN (non membership position) Articles should ideally range in size matters (where they will either be from 3000-7000 words, but smaller added to the collection or traded for Journal of the Australian Naval Institute articles will be considered, as will difficult to obtain books). The point of Headmark is published quarterly. The Editorial Board the occasional larger piece of work. contact for access to the collection, or seeks letters and articles on naval or maritime issues. Submissions should be sent to the to make arrangements for book/journal Articles concerning operations or administration/policy Editor in the first instance. donations, is the SPC-A Information are of particular interest but papers on any relevant topic Email: [email protected] and mark Manager on (02) 61276512, will be considered. As much of the RAN’s operational and attention Editorial Board. email: [email protected] administrative history is poorly recorded, the recollections of Articles of greater length can Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 128 51
The Australian Naval Institute ABN: 45 988 480 239 http://www.navalinstitute.com.au PO Box 29 Red Hill ACT 2603, AUSTRALIA PHONE: +61 2 6295 0056 FAX: +61 2 6295 3367 EMAIL: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP/SUBSCRIPTION RATES Individual 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Undergraduate student rate* $30 Australian/New Zealand* $45 $85 $125 Asia† $60 $115 $170 Rest of World† $67 $129 $191 Institutional Australian/New Zealand* $60 $110 $160 Asia† $75 $140 $205 Rest of World† $82 $154 $226
* Please note that no GST is payable in relation to ANI membership † Includes air mail postage
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute on CDROM The Australian Naval Institute is pleased to announce that a complete set of theJournal (1975-2003) is now available on a 2 disc CD ROM for $99. Sets can be ordered using the membership application form below. Membership of the Australian Naval Institute I apply for membership of the ANI in the category of Student / Individual / Institutional (select/circle one).
Name:
Address:
Post Code:
Email:
Website Username Preferences: 1. 2. 3. (Please use only characters (a-z) or numbers (0-9). Usernames are case sensitive. You will receive you password by email. Payment Details Please select one.
1. A cheque made out to the Australian Naval Institute is enclosed. Please forward to: The Business Manager, Australian Naval Institute, PO Box 29, Red Hill ACT 2603 AUSTRALIA
2. Please debit my Mastercard Visa for $AUD for a year subscription
AND/OR $AUD for sets of the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute on CD ROM.
Card No.
Name of cardholder (PLEASE PRINT):
Signature: Expiry Date:
3. Payment of $AUD has been made by direct deposit to: Account Name: Australian Naval Institute Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Branch: 33-35 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City ACT 2601, Australia BSB: 062-919 ACC No.: 0091 4309
I agree to abide by the Constitution and by-laws of the Australian Naval Institute.
Signature: Date:
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Seaman Boatswains Mate Ben Whitehead and Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Glenn Creighton-Jay conduct 12.7mm blank firing on board HMAS Perth