ISSUE 146

December 2012

Beyond the PWO – Some Personal Experiences The 2012 Vernon Parker Oration The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century –Address to the Lowy Institute What is the Joint Strike Fighter? Australian involvement Air aspects of the Maritime Strategy Vietnam’s New Kilo-class : Game-changer in Regional Naval Balance?

Journal of the QinetiQ Maritime Oceans of Experience

QinetiQ is a leading international provider of independent technology based services and solutions to Defence, Aerospace and Security Markets. Our clients benefit from 300 specialist staff based in Australia and the ability to draw upon the expertise, experience and knowledge of over 10,000 QinetiQ employees from across the globe. As Australia’s largest independent provider of specialist technical advice services to Defence and industry, QinetiQ provides through-life Design, Delivery and Sustainment services to help our maritime customers complete challenging missions safely and effectively.

For more information contact our Maritime team: Tel: 1800 038 081 www.QinetiQ.com.au Issue 146 3 A Perfect kick off Contents

he South Sydney Rabbitohs and 26 August at ANZ Stadium. The match Beyond the PWO – Some Personal ANZ Stadium dedicated their ball was delivered by 816 SQN Sea Experiences 4 Tfinal home game of the season to Hawk Helicopter to Air Marshal Mark the brave men and women serving Binskin, AO, Vice Chief of the Defence in the Australian Defence Force Force, who then handed it over to the The 2012 Vernon Parker Oration 8 in Australia and on peace keeping games referee. The RAN Ceremonial missions overseas, as they took on marching band performed the national the Parramatta Eels in the ‘Australian anthem prior to game kick off.t Defence Force Challenge’ on Sunday The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century - Address to the Lowy Institute 15

World Naval Developments 23

What is the Joint Strike Fighter? Australian involvement 26

Air aspects of the Maritime Strategy 27

Vietnam’s New Kilo-class Submarines: Game-changer in Regional Naval Balance? 31

World Naval Developments 33

Obituary: Robert Clarence Gillam 39

F ront page : Qualities of Leadership – Rear Admiral The multinational Frederick William Purves 42 fleet sails through the North Australian Exercise Area during Book Reviews 54 Exercise Kakadu 2012

Visions from the Vault 67 Issue Number 146

Printed by

Everbest Printing SPONSORS: Style Notes for Headmark 69 Company - RAYTHEON - BOOZ & COMPANY - AUSTAL ISSN 1833-6531 - THALES NAVAL GROUP - DMS MARITME - QINETIQ - ATI - SAAB Design & DTP by ANI Membership Application Form 71 Diane Bricknell - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE CREDIT UNION - LOPAC - BLOHM+VOSS NAVAL +61 3 6257 8051 [email protected] Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 4 Beyond the PWO – Some Personal Experiences By David Shackleton, AO (Rtd)

ell done to Rear Admiral James Goldrick for stimulating Wdebate about warfare and the articles by Lieutenant Commander James Edmondson1 and Captain (now Commodore) Peter Leavy2 which have added to the conversation. All are to be applauded. The topic is one of enduring value to the RAN. In reading the three articles I wondered if some historical anecdotes might be of interest to modern day readers. How the navy trains to fight has great relevance to how it will fight when push comes to shove. As it is for the Navy at large, getting the very best Sonar Technician from all of a ship’s crew and its total the Admiral asking in a loud clear voice group of about 32. HMAS Perth was Surface 3rd Class capability is critical for success. And “where is the bloody ”. And being fitted with NCDS in Long Beach Landon Walker in this mix now, is the network (both the nonplussed Leading Seaman RP USA in 1975 when I started the course. stands watch in the combat information internal and external), which could be with a cheesy grin on his face saying Two of us did two years exchange with center aboard the amongst the most powerful of force “here it is sir”, as he picked up the the RN on graduation followed by the guided-missile multipliers, or its Achilles heel. I can plastic token from the deck where it Advanced Warfare Officers (AWO) USS Bunker remember when CSOC3I at Maritime had been knocked by the energetic course prior to returning to Australia. Hill (CG 52). (US Headquarters and sea riding USS Blue duty Staff Officer who was attempting The RN PWO course was Navy photo by Mass Ridge as the first Australian to have to get a brownie point. Fortunately the conducted in a highly professional Communication Specialist 3rd Class full exposure to Exercise Tandem Admiral had a sense of humour. manner. The officer and sailor John Grandin) Thrust, the cry in Flag Plot was ‘it’s on How anybody made sense of what instructors were impressive and they the network’. A serious problem for was going on when dealing with the really knew their stuff. However, Commander 7th Fleet back then was: shouting that was necessary to be there was an Australian PWO on ‘who authorised the engagement to heard over the din of multiple speakers the staff who tried very hard, and start because it wasn’t me’? from various quarters of the ships with varying degrees of success, to I am of that generation of PWO’s armament is beyond comprehension. restore the balance with some rather that learned and practiced the warfare But, strangely, and against all odds, serious RN officers. The engineering game in what could be called the dusk it did seem to work. I worked in that theory and practical content of the of the analogue era, and experienced environment and it was exciting in a course was relatively high. We were the digital dawn in the RAN when the quirky way. As an adjunct to this, I did particularly expected to be able to hold Naval Combat Data System (NCDS) enjoy my time as an air controller for intelligent conversations with Weapons was introduced. I doubt there are many a variety of reasons, amongst which Engineering officers and sailors about fond memories amongst my peers of was that the folks on the other end of the sensors and weapons we would plotting tables and their idiosyncrasies the radio were, by and large, rational become responsible for as warfare of cogs, wheels, and chinagraph people while in the sky. officers in our future ships. We learned, pencils. As the on-watch operations My PWO course was number 10 in some detail for example, how the room officer in the Flag Plot of the and undertaken at HMS Dryad in UK. gunnery system worked and so on. carrier Melbourne, I remember well I was one of four RAN officers in a The RN had the view that the skills Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 5

needed to be an effective watchkeeping the Operations officer and all the rest was completed before the towed target warfare officer did not remove the – which I really enjoyed and learned became too close and the crossing need for seaman officers to become much from being so fully occupied. rate became extreme. My strong knowledgeable specialists in a domain When a PWO was not closed up recollection is of the WEEO trying to such as the previous long course we kept bridge watches, as did the hide from the Captain who climbed up officers had been. Their solution was navigator. A 25 knot passage through to the GDP to deliver one of the best the AWO course, but at that time it the English Channel in lumpy weather blasts of my career. The only thing that didn’t fully make the grade (in my view) and lousy visibility was guaranteed to had gone wrong was the 4.5” gun had so far as delivering on the promise keep you totally awake for the entire trained from the starboard beam to of deep specialist knowledge. The middle watch, especially as there were right ahead while still firing, and that a Electronic Warfare, communications no assistants on the bridge other than merchant ship called up on VHF asking and other elements, especially Task the signalman; and the Captain sitting if there was a war on in the approaches Group command and control, were his chair providing encouragement to Plymouth. On a positive note, the excellent. But the RN was still working whenever necessary. check fire alarms had worked very well. out what the digital age meant, and on First stop after graduation from It was a character building my AWO course was much underdone. Dryad was Command Team Training, posting. A later episode occurred, On graduation as a PWO I was followed by a family removal to also concerning gunnery, which the F ire Controlman 2nd posted to the last of the Batch 3 Plymouth in parallel with Harbour and Captain as a TAS officer ( and Class Matthew E Bell Leander , HMS Ariadne, where Sea Acceptance Trials (HATs & SATs), Anti-Submarine Warfare) didn’t seem mans a SPY-1B (V) I took over from another Australian and then a full Basic Operational Sea to like. The live firing bombardment radar console in the on exchange. The ship was less than Training (BOST) work up at Portland exercise at Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Combat Information five years old, but it had all-analogue of about seven weeks. Rico) was going so well that I declined Center aboard the guided-missile sensors and weapons. I was one of the SATs Gunnery in the Plymouth the opportunity to switch ammunition cruiser USS Shiloh. two PWO’s. My counterpart was the exercise areas was exhilarating. I had from Variable Time (VT) to Time (US Navy photo ASW officer, ship’s training officer and to re-learn a few gunnery things the Mechanical (TM) fuses. This was an by Lieutenant (JG) nuclear depth charge officer; I was hard way. One was to ensure that firing analogue gunnery system and I didn’t Nelson H. Balido)

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 6 Beyond the PWO – Some Personal Experiences

want to run the risk of the ballistics being set incorrectly, so the firing went on for most of the afternoon with Ariadne eventually clocking across the range at 22 knots. The Captain was ecstatic and gave BZ’s all-round. The Executive Officer, who was of the Long G variety, could not believe that it was possible to fire three years of practice ammunition in one afternoon; until I showed him the graph that extended vertically over several pages and he nearly choked. I found the RN still used the old letter style of: Sir, I have the honour to report that I have been stupid……. The RN Task Group included about nine ships and an SSN and we initially deployed into the Mediterranean, O ne of Admiral then to and home via at Watson for returning officers In Hobart, the NCDS WEEO and I Shackelton’s the west coast of Africa; a round trip such as me was amateur to say the shared a cabin, which was an accident commands, the of about four months. We literally least. In stark contrast, the NCDS of postings, but it also contributed to Australian HMAS Brisbane had an encyclopaedia of trial tactics pre-joining courses I undertook at the cross-pollination of knowledge (DDG 41) and the to undertake, keep records of results, the Combat Data Systems Centre essential to getting the best out of what US Navy destroyer and send back to CINCFLEET on our (CDSC) in Canberra were simply we had. The first versions of NCDS USS John S. McCain return. In my experience, navy people outstanding. In company with a group had a fairly ordinary Beacon Video (DDG 56) cruise side like trying new ideas and especially get of other officers and sailors of both Processor (BVP) in that automatic by side in Australian satisfaction out of helping improve the seaman and technical persuasions, identification from IFF/SIF codes was waters during Operation Exercise professionalism of their occupation. I completed three operator courses rudimentary; the NCDS WE Leading Tandem Thrust Later, when I was back with the RAN of increasing complexity, an NCDS Seaman and I wrote a minor computer 2001 (Courtesy and on deployment, we had to invent Systems course that was outstanding patch that enabled us to enter the RAN) trials such as these ourselves. I wonder in terms of helping me learn just what Mode 2 codes of aircraft coming on if such a circumstance came about the system could, and could not do, task and help improve the identification by removal of a Flag Staff at sea after and an introduction to computer process. We hadn’t learned how to the demise of Melbourne. The Fleet programming as applicable to the AN/ get the best out of Link 11, so we all Staff had an important role in tactical UYK-7 computer which controlled worked at it; operations room folks, development and warfare policy, and the combat system – and I worked communicators and maintainers. being part of the Sea Training Group out that computer programing was On passage to anywhere in Hobart was not their only function. not for me, but knowing about how we tried all the casualty modes and The workup at Portland conducted it was structured was of great help encouraged sailors and officers to ‘try by Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) operationally. This training was about stuff’. In defence watches we had a was hard work and very professionally three and a half months all up as I watchkeeping WE Leading Seaman rewarding. When I joined Hobart on remember. When I eventually joined or Petty Officer whose job it was to return to Australia and did another Hobart as the PWO D, I therefore had make sure the system worked how it work up, I couldn’t believe how much a very good understanding of ‘what should on a continuous basis. If there less intense it was in comparison. On went on behind the VAB’ and - just was a problem, they gave the operators the other hand, in that ship we had as importantly - why. When I later options as to how to get the best out five warfare officers on their second commanded Brisbane, this knowledge of the system while it was being fixed. or third warfare posting. I found the sometimes made me a difficult person There was also a watchkeeping senior so-called RAN PWO familiarisation as I recall. sailor who made sure the Supply Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 7

Department did its part. It was a total (and the Navy). For both groups it is team effort. I imagine today that the about understanding the operational requirement has become even more demands and limitations imposed by intense to be a total team. technical capabilities and performance. The points raised by James No single group/branch is likely to fully Edmondson about the role of warfare, know as much about all domains as it and other branch sailors for that matter, is possible to know. But they should in supporting the PWO are worth always know they are working together reflecting upon. The PWO philosophy collaboratively. By technical, I mean the as designed by the RN incorporated a full range of technical and associated structured organisational methodology support capabilities of the ship, and that was intended to enable the PWO not only the combat system. When it to direct and oversee the complete works, this is a very powerful team. team’s performance. Missile/Gun To close this recount of experiences, Directors for instance oversaw my formative years and the collective Vice Admiral David Shackleton, AO missile and gun controllers who fired technical and operational knowledge I weapons etc. Training was designed gained were highly valuable in my later (Rtd) was Chief of Navy 1999-2002 and so that the competencies of officers career. I was subsequently involved in commanded HMAS Derwent and HMAS and sailors were complementary and a variety of interesting technology and Brisbane. He had multiple sea and staff wholly focussed on the achievement capability matters which ranged from postings during a career of 36 years. His of tactical success as a team. The working on the combat system for the last article in the ANI appeared in 1992 Operations Room design and layout, ill-fated replacement internal and external communications project, the DDG NCDS update, the and was entitled “So You Want to Drive arrangements, picture compilation and Anzac War-fighting Improvement a Grey Ferrari”. decision making procedures were part Program, advocating that cooperative of the total systems approach adopted engagement and Aegis become part of

by the RN. The USN does it differently, navy’s future capabilities and having (Endnotes) and I found the design of the NCDS a role in selecting the present Collins 1 Edmondson, James. “Beyond the system, while excellent in many combat system. Principal Warfare Officer - A Respectful respects, did not support adoption of While one can expect that Retort.” Headmark (Australian Naval Institute), no. 144 (2012): 4-7. the so-called ‘PWO System’ to the same improvements are happening on a 2 Leavy, Peter. “Positioning the RAN for extent that the RN had implemented. continuous basis, I hope these short Future Maritime Warfare.” Headmark The CIC layout of the DDG reflected anecdotes have recounted some of (Australian Naval Institute), no. 144 (June 2012): 8-12. USN practices, and even after its the origins of current practice, which NCDS update, was not configured to may or may not be entirely relevant to meet the organisational components of today’s circumstances. But I do hope the ‘PWO System’ and internal work- they will contribute to the conversation a-rounds were needed. One hopes about what will emerge: ‘Beyond the we have learned that to maximise the PWO’. t potential of a tactical war fighting philosophy that involves people at its core, means that there must be a strong and clear complementarity in the way it is implemented procedurally and technically. In my own view, to understand how best to fight the ship, it is essential that there be a deep technical literacy by both the operators and maintainers – of what is needed to fight the ship Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 8 The 2012 Vernon Parker Oration By Michael Wesley

t’s an honour to have been invited to deliver the 2012 Vernon Parker IOration. Vernon Parker deserves to be remembered in this way. He is not only responsible for the establishment of the Australian Naval Institute. His career is a testament to the trajectory and proud traditions of the . He began with the Navy as a Cadet in 1940, and was sent to serve in the ’s campaign against the German navy in the North Atlantic. In the 1950s he trained in the Indonesian language, and served as Australian Naval Attache in Jakarta T he Royal Australian during the difficult years of the to share with those who’ve come across empires are authoritarian, Britain’s Navy Adelaide-class Confrontation, impressing diplomats it. In popular culture also, we think of was maritime, free, Protestant, and guided missile and colleagues with his tact, firmness the bush rather than the sea. commercial. HMAS and political sensitivity. The military traditions we celebrate Despite the fact that modern Sydney and the It strikes me as rather odd that tend to be those of the army rather Australia was founded as an act of Anzac-class frigate someone as accomplished as Vernon than the navy. This is odd, considering maritime strategy, and so much of our HMAS Ballarat perform formation Parker remains virtually unknown in that the cultures we’ve come from – history has been shaped by sudden maneuvering with broader Australian society. Britain – has a rich and deep maritime shifts in maritime power, Australia has the guided missile Australia is an island continent tradition at its core. not crafted a strong maritime culture at destroyer USS washed by three of the world’s For the British, the sea is central the core of its sense of self. Mahan-USN photo largest oceans, and to its north by an to their sense of self. Britons came to We’ve not produced a Joseph extended maritime archipelago. Its see themselves as a uniquely talented Conrad or a Herman Melville; an non-indigenous population all arrived seafaring people. From the Armada to Australian writer who has told us having crossed the seas that wash its Trafalgar to the Falklands, British naval maritime stories about ourselves as a coasts. prowess was taken as a sign of a natural country in a way that has shaped our It depends on trade with the outside maritime superiority, of God’s sign that sense of who we are. And I worry that world for its prosperity – this year the British were a people chosen to without a well developed maritime Australia’s trade dependence, or the take stewardship of the oceans. imagination, Australia will struggle to proportion of its GDP dependent on When Kipling wrote of the sea he comprehend the challenges it will face trade, will be a substantial 38%. evoked a deep yearning of the British in the coming decades. And yet Australia has no deep soul: Just recently, we were presented maritime tradition at the core of its Who hath desired the sea? – the with a crystal clear vision of the future national culture. sight of salt water unbounded – of our maritime environment when my Our national anthem concentrates The heave and the halt and the Lowy Institute colleague heavily on Australia’s land – abounding hurl and the crash of the comber laid out this challenge in his inimitably with nature’s gifts, of a beauty rich and windhounded? clear and elegant prose in a new book, rare, with golden soil and wealth for As Britain constructed its The China Choice. toil, and boundless plains to share. maritime empire, it believed that this Hugh describes the rising power of The sea gets all of two mentions – was an empire unlike any that had China, and the dilemma this presents our home is girt by it; and we’re happy existed before. Whereas land-based to the United States and its allies in the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 9

Pacific. He argues that the growth of China’s military and commercial power poses a direct challenge to the easy predominance the United States has enjoyed in Asia and the Pacific. This is a challenge of a different order than that of the Soviet Union, which could never compete with the United States in the economic realm. Hugh argues that the United States is therefore faced with three choices: it can either choose to confront China and try to see off its challenge, or it can withdraw and leave the field to Beijing, or it can negotiate a power sharing deal with China in the Pacific. Unsurprisingly, The China Choice has touched off furious debate within Australia and beyond, particularly in the United States. In a manner that must have his publishers licking T he Guangzhou, one their lips, Hugh has managed to that the answer to the challenge of a institutions, and accorded space to of China’s front line divide foreign policy thinkers within rising China is to invest in maintaining expand into. warships, pictured in Leningrad (Public Australia’s political parties. the US alliance system’s predominance A China with a stake in the region domain) Launching the China Choice at the in Asia. will see the most powerful country Lowy Institute last week, former Prime Maintaining an unchallengeable in Asia with a vested interest in the Minister Paul Keating said, position of strength will make it region’s stability. “For my own part, I have long prohibitively costly for any rising Asian Between these two is a third option, held the view that the future of Asian power with aspirations to regional a hedging strategy, involving the stability cannot be cast by a non-Asian leadership. judicious combination of alliances and power – especially by the application of On the other hand, any sign of a regional institutions. By investing in US military force.” weakening or disinvestment in the the alliance system, and thus raising the Just three days later, from the same US alliance system will provide great costs to a challenger, the United States lectern, Defence Minister Stephen temptation for regional powers to fill and its allies can deter China from Smith disagreed with his old boss, the vacuum, ushering in a period of mounting a serious challenge to the saying debilitating power rivalries in Asia. status quo. “In Australia’s view, the United The stability and certainty provided The counterpart to this “hard” States has underwritten stability in the by a robust US alliance system will balancing is “soft” engagement through Asia-Pacific for more than the past ensure continued prosperity, a regional institutions, in which the half century and will continue to be the condition that will encourage potential deeper engagement of China will help single most important strategic actor challengers for regional dominance to socialize Beijing into an acceptance of in our region for the foreseeable future, accept the continuity of Asia’s security the status quo. both in its own right and through order. The rationale of hedging is to soften its network of Alliances and security On the other side are those who the confrontational aspect of hard relationships, including with Australia” argue that confronting a rising China balancing, while closing off China’s Here is a dilemma that goes to the will lock it into an antagonistic other options to being socialized very heart of Australia’s strategic and confrontation with the US and its allies. through regional institutions. foreign policy. It is a divide that is deep China must be worked with, rather These are clear policy options, and and passionate. than against, they argue. It must be they cover a wide gamut of behaviours On the one side are those who argue given a stake in regional norms and and suggestions. I can’t think of another Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 10 The 2012 Vernon Parker Oration

major strategic conundrum that has that countries will attracted such stark and diverging respond responsibly policy solutions. Each of them – and with gratitude predominance, accommodation, or when others make hedging – carries within it a clear space for them and implication that the other options show them respect. would be catastrophically mistaken. Hedging assumes The advocates of predominance that a complex mix argue that even the slightest suggestion of superiority and of ceding ground to China, as accommodation will advocates of accommodation and channel the foreign hedging suggest, will simultaneously policy of a rising state dishearten allies and encourage Beijing down a channel of to increase its demands. acceptance and then Advocates of accommodation investment in the argue that a predominance strategy status quo. or a hedging strategy will socialize an These seem T he Great Wall of antagonistic China. Hedging theorists to me to be very momentous bets, a people is the most energetic element China - the ancient are convinced that predominance particularly given that even a cursory in national action. Even when material power is looking beyond it without socialization will antagonize reading of international history interests are the original exciting cause, a powerful foe; and socialization suggests that states do not always it is the sentiment to which they give without strength will open Asia’s weak respond rationally to the incentives rise, the moral tone which emotion institutions open to manipulation by they face. Indeed, it’s not at all hard takes, that constitutes the greater force. Beijing. to think of countries that have Whatever individual rulers may do, Despite these deep disagreements, acted wildly irrationally, with major masses of men are aroused to effective there is one thing that all of these consequences for all concerned. action – other than spasmodic – only options share: a belief that powerful The reason, of course is that strategy by the sense of wrong done, or of right countries such as China and the United and foreign policy are the products of to be vindicated. States will respond rationally to the politics, and politics can be a deeply If Mahan is right – and I think he incentives they are presented with. irrational process. It was that greatest indeed is – the two great protagonists The predominance strategy is of all naval strategists, Alfred Thayer in the Pacific are unlikely to respond Chinese Luda class based on an assumption that countries Mahan, who once wrote, to each other like chess players or that missile destroyer will always respond to overwhelming To understand in the best sense, it great fiction, homo economicus. - the first surface military superiority by backing is necessary not only to recognize the I believe there is a great deal of warfare vessel down and playing by the rules. The interests of a nation, but to enter as evidence that both China and the designed and built in accommodation strategy assumes well into its feelings... The sentiment of United States are already acting China, shown in 1997

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 11

according to deep, historically spices and religious objects that could commerce were profoundly disturbing ingrained impulses and images of the only be brought in by trade. to the harmony – and therefore the Pacific. Their visions of how the Pacific But China was not completely stability – of the Empire. But simply Ocean has affected them, shaped them, won over by its Pacific coast. The shutting out the sea did not eclipse sustained and threatened them, have old terrestrial, harmony-obsessed maritime China. Commerce continued become fundamental to the countries China resisted the lure of maritime through smuggling and piracy, and that America and China are today, and commerce, nurturing prejudices rebels against the Ming and Qing will be into the future. against merchants, the Yue people and Empires made use of the sea and its These historical-cultural the overseas Chinese. Surviving texts islands for refuge and as power bases. experiences mean that Washington and show a vigorous debate among court But perhaps the most dangerous Beijing don’t approach their strategies officials over the relative merits of an maritime threat to imperial China in the Pacific anew every day; but agrarian versus a commercial society. appeared in the form of insistent that their understandings of what is China’s divided soul gained European traders who arrived on possible, desirable and unacceptable in geographical expression in 1127, when China’s southern coast and refused the Pacific are deeply rooted in their the Sung dynasty fled south of the to leave. The Pacific became a source senses of self. Yangzi and established its capital at of instability, challenge and danger, Both China and America began as Hangzhou, a city facing the sea. As as each trading post contained the small civilizations a long way from their they waged war against the Mongol seeds of corruption, unrest and respective Pacific coasts, and for each invaders, the Sung gained great cultural challenge. But the more the country, the incorporation of its Pacific strength and sustenance from the westerners demanded access for T he aircraft carrier coast into its expanding terrestrial sea, and it was not until the Mongols their merchants and missionaries, USS Theodore empire had a profound impact on it. mastered the crafts of seamanship and the more the Qing dynasty drew Roosevelt, background, joins Chinese civilization began on maritime strategy that they were able inwards. Ultimately humiliation and a multinational the Huang Ho plain and developed to defeat the Sung. defeat came from the sea – from the formation including a terrestrial outlook: agrarian, of China’s maritime power reached Opium Wars to the Japanese invasion the People’s Republic Han ethnicity, based on a Confucian its apogee under the Mongol Yuan to having to tolerate the Guomindang of China Navy missile conception of harmony, and Empire, which sent invasion fleets on Taiwan. And so Deng Xiaoping’s destroyer Guangzhou (DDG 168) and threatened mainly from its landward against Japan and Java, and its decision to open China to the sea the side. Southern coastal China was a successor the Ming Empire, which and the world – significantly through frigate PNS Badr different world: commercially oriented; conducted seven trade and tribute special economic zones along China’s (USN photo) dynamic, maritime, and controlled missions as far as East Africa, under by the southern Yue people. Unlike the eunuch admiral Zheng He. But terrestrial China, its rice and maritime the expeditions were halted, and food production were not subject to commerce and shipbuilding banned government monopoly. suddenly in 1433. It was an outwardly-focused and After 4 ½ centuries as the world’s open society, with trading and settler leading maritime power, China turned networks spanning the Nanhai, or away from the sea for the next 5 ½ South China Sea, as intense and centuries. dynamic as those spanning the The underlying reason for Mediterranean on the other side of the the sudden and enduring urge to world. shut China off from the sea was a The southern expansion of the resurgence of the spirit of terrestrial Han people incorporated the Pacific China. A surge of neo-Confucianism coast into the Chinese empire with in the imperial capital coincided with the decisive defeat of the southern Yue a push by scholar-officials against kingdom by the Han dynasty in the first what they saw as the corruption of century BC. Here imperial China found commerce and the inordinate power a cosmopolitan, maritime society able of the imperial eunuchs. The neo- to supply its thirst for luxury goods, Confucians believed that openness and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 12 The 2012 Vernon Parker Oration

Pacific coast – must rank as bravery of particularly, the Pacific became an ultimately led to the Pacific War. millennial proportions; the overturning expression of all that was pure and vital To this mindset, the Communist of 5 ½ centuries of the dominance of in the American character. victory in China came as a devastating terrestrial China. President Theodore Roosevelt said blow: the ultimate defeat of America’s But China’s reform and opening in 1903: vision to transform Asia in its own should not be read as a clear and “The Mediterranean era died democratic, Christian, commercial final victory of maritime China over with the discovery of America; the and modern image. Hence the fury of terrestrial China. Embracing its Atlantic era is now at the height of its the Republican Party over the “loss” of maritime soul has made China wealthy development and must soon exhaust China, and the subsequent McCarthy and powerful, but at the cost of rising the resources at its command; the inquiry, and the bitter wars in Korea anxiety about the instability that comes Pacific era is destined to be the greatest and Vietnam. The Pacific for this from openness. Whether it’s fluctuating of all, is just at its dawn” America was, and still is, a symbol of its commodity prices, or the threat of hot The crusading American spirit pure soul: a free and boundless frontier; money flows, or the influence of new was, on the one hand, provoked by the symbol of a dynamic future. social media on the young, its very Emperors in China, Japan, and Korea, A glance at history shows that openness places China in a perpetual who tried to seal off their kingdoms China and America have very different state of existential anxiety. Even though from the outside world.Commodore experiences of the Pacific; and the it has been enriching, the sea is still a Matthew Perry, whose Black Ships Pacific has shaped their national souls source of threat and instability, with sailed into Tokyo Bay in 1853 to open in very different ways. Geography the memories of the collapse and up Japan to American trade, gave this has always shaped national cultures; humiliation of China from the ocean sentiment full voice when he said: so it should not surprise us that still raw and real. “I have a full conviction that the oceanography can have the same effect. For a young and vigorous America, seclusion policy of the nations of China approaches the Pacific with the Pacific symbolized something Eastern Asia is not according to God’s not a small amount of trepidation, with very different: a boundless frontier plan of mercy to these peoples, and memories of the threats and instability in which America would consolidate their governments must change them that come from the sea not far from its its true nature: entrepreneurial, through fear or force, that the people mind. egalitarian, democratic, spiritually may be free.” America’s Pacific is a different uplifting. America entered the Pacific The other great provocation to the ocean: a place where the first great with a commercial and missionary Pacific spirit of America was European fortunes were made between the zeal it showed in no other part of the colonialists that were trying to carve Revolution and the War of 1812; where world. Whereas America’s Atlantic face up Asia and the Pacific into specific it played a consistent and active role in saw America as an expression of the trading blocs. To Americans of the pursuit of its ideals of open oceans and world, its Pacific face saw America as 19th century, colonialism of this sort open commerce; where its navy single- remaking the world evoked the trading monopolies that handedly shaped the most productive In the Pacific, America’s Christian had provoked the founding fathers and dynamic regional order ever seen. and commercial zeal were fused; the to revolt: they smacked of a business You can see these opposed visions vision of ancient societies, oppressed aristocracy living off unearned income. of the Pacific in contention in the South by oriental despots and pagan Ultimately the expression of China Sea today. China’s objectives superstitions, and newly threatened America’s vision in the Pacific was are territorial and exclusive; its offer of by European colonial monopolies, Secretary of State John Hay’s “Open freedom of passage through the waters aroused a righteous, crusading spirit in Door” notes on China, insisting that it claims are based on restrictive rules American breasts. all outside powers preserve China’s and Beijing’s express consent. The westward-pushing spirit of territorial integrity and the equality of The United States has become America symbolized the need to escape access of all to the China market. It was involved in recent years in support of old aristocracies of power and old imperial Japan’s contravention of the the principle of freedom of navigation, monopolies of finance capital, to forge Open Door principles, in carving out based on a conception that the South an egalitarian, intensely democratic, an exclusive empire in Korea, Taiwan, China Sea is a maritime commons, enterprising spirit in America. Manchuria and northern China that controlled by no-one but open to use For Americans, and Republicans aroused American hostility, and by all. To my mind, the South China Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 13

Sea represents the broader contest under and live under Chinese regional for the Pacific writ small; a contest hegemony. For that matter the three between two contrasting visions for largest of these countries – Vietnam, the Pacific. This means that the contest India and Indonesia – didn’t much like between the United States and China the idea of American hegemony either. has about it the quality of a dialogue It is in the growing complexity of the of the deaf, where each side fails to power politics of the Indo-Pacific – the acknowledge or even understand just constantly shifting and cross-cutting how profoundly the other’s frame of partnerships and rivalries that are reference differs from its own. already developing – that the region’s Unlike during the Cold War, when stability lies. the aims of the United States and Soviet I believe it is the alternative – a Union were largely a mirror image, the bilateral contest between China and contest for the Pacific has Washington the United States – that would be the and Beijing playing different games, most dangerous scenario. But with a Michael Wesley was until recently the with different objectives and different region of half a dozen jostling powers, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute rules, on the same playing field. both Beijing and Washington will be It is this situation that is forced to moderate their objectives and for International Policy. Previously particularly dangerous. It means that temper their rivalry. From the other he was Professor of International a common language, a common set of direction also, it will be in the interests Relations and Director of the Griffith understandings, and a common set of of other regional countries to keep Asia Institute at GriffithU niversity. Prior procedures for managing crisis will be America and China engaged in the to this, he was the Assistant Director- very difficult to achieve. And it means region. that these are two great powers that are For Australia this means moving General for Transnational Issues at highly unlikely to respond rationally to past discussion of a binary choice the Office of National Assessments, whatever incentives structures exist. – America or China; security or and a Senior Lecturer in International Because the Pacific lies at the core of prosperity. For Australia the answer Relations at the University of New China’s and America’s sense of security must be America and China – and South Wales. and self, neither side will be easily Indonesia, and India, and Vietnam, persuaded to moderate its claims. and Japan, and Korea, and so on. Our Between 2007 and 2009, Dr Wesley So should we just sit back and watch diplomacy and our strategy must was the Editor of the Australian Journal the region and the world slouch toward become more creative, more flexible, of International Affairs). He has served oblivion? I don’t believe so. Because the more variegated. on the Australian Research Council’s equation in the Pacific – and indeed We must draw inspiration from College of Experts and the Queensland in the Indo-Pacific – is much more our maritime environment – the complicated that just China versus unconquerable sea, so bountiful to Art Gallery’s Board of Trustees. Dr America. China is not rising alone. those who listen to its rhythms and Wesley is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow The narrowing of the productivity gap logic, so frustrating and dangerous at the Brookings Institution and an between the developed and emerging to those who try to impose different Adjunct Professor at GriffithU niversity economies – a development that my rhythms and logics on it. Perhaps this and The University of Sydney. colleague Mark Thirlwell calls “the is the century in which Australia must great convergence” – is occurring in embrace and listen to its maritime soul: His most recent book There Goes the other substantial economies also: India, The heave and the halt and the Neighbourhood: Australia and the Rise Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, hurl and the crash of the comber of Asia (NewSouth Books 2011) won Thailand. windhounded. t the 2011 John Button Prize for best China is rising in a neighbourhood writing on Australian public policy. that is both crowded and jealous. Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and India – combined population almost 2 billion people – are not about to buckle Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

Issue 146 15 The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century Address by VADM Ray Griggs, Chief of Navy to the Lowy Institute 17 August 2012

adies and Gentlemen, what I’d are absolutely reliant on good order at been connected to the world by sea, the like to talk to you about today is sea. Yet we have a landcentric mindset huge growth in global maritime trade is Lthe link between navies and national that underpins our strategic discourse. less visible from an Australian domestic security and prosperity, and in This mindset needs to be changed. perspective. But if you look at the Liner particular the Royal Australian Navy’s We are a maritime nation and the sea’s Shipping Connectivity Index (the LCSI) role in relation to the maintenance of contribution to our prosperity needs to which measures the changes in coastal Australia’s security and prosperity. I be properly recognised and reflected in nations’ connectedness via shipping believe this is a particularly important our approach to our security thinking. networks, you will find that 75% of topic right now because Australia has But why do I say we’ve entered countries have seen an increase in their entered a century which has already a maritime century? And why is it connectivity since 2004. received many labels. But to me, particularly important now? After all Alongside this trend, there is an as Chief of Navy, it is very much a you might think, we’ve had a globally even greater growth in international Maritime Century and that is the label connected economy for more than two container traffic. This has grown by that I wish to focus on today. centuries. an order of magnitude from about Now, throughout this talk, when I Surely maritime trade is nothing 40 million Twenty Foot Equivalent use the term ‘maritime’, I use it in its new and the links between it, economic Units or TEUs in 1982, to over broadest and most inclusive sense. prosperity and national power should 500 million TEUs in 2008. Even Maritime certainly includes more be well understood? Are they though? allowing for the Global Financial than just about naval issues. Likewise, If the historical linkages between Crisis, the net effect of these trends is when I use the term landcentric, I trade, economic strength and military to place a lot more international trade am not referring to something being power need reinforcing then I can do on the oceans of the world – the effect Armycentric. no better than to recommend Paul of maritime trade is thus far more My basic premise is that Australia is Kennedy’s two ‘rise and fall’ works on pervasive, more widespread than ever more reliant on the sea and the proper great powers and British naval mastery. before. Much of this trade is, of course, USS Essex conducts functioning of the global maritime What I think has changed in recent not in finished goods. It is instead in a beach landing rehearsal during trading system for our prosperity than years is the pervasiveness of maritime components for globalised industries. Exercise Talisman Saber at any time in the past. In short, we trade. Because Australia has always And many of these “just-in-time”

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 16 The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century

international supply chains depend on from the ocean is also growing. Again, collaborative venture. consistently predictable deliveries. starting in the 1960s, the efficiency and A big problem for us in thinking In addition to the containerised effectiveness of industrial scale fishing through these issues is that our traffic, there is Australia’s complete has enabled a near doubling in the per national security discourse has been dependence on the free and capita consumption of fish protein. As overwhelmingly landcentric. In some uninterrupted movement of bulk wild fish stocks have been fished out ways this is inevitable. Most human carriers for shipping grains, oil and gas, or been insufficient to match demand, activity takes place ashore and that ores and coal to our overseas markets – aquaculture production, usually located is where decisions are made. But our here, maritime trade is simply essential in littoral areas, has increased fifty-fold national security debate has been a to Australia’s ability to benefit from over a similar timespan. In 2006 marine largely binary discussion between our natural wealth. We also depend on aquaculture provided over 50 million the disciples of the continental and the bulk trades for imports. Without tonnes of fish protein – and much of the expeditionary schools of thought. the constant import of petroleum this fish farming occurs in the Asia This is a discussion which skews the products, Australia only has enough Pacific. overall perspective and ignores some to supply the country for a few weeks. Finally, I think that no matter what important issues. As Michael Wesley The economic and social dislocation your view of climate change, it seems to said recently, what Australia needs is a would be massive if there was any me self-evident that today we place a lot well developed maritime imagination. significant interruption. Indeed, you more value on the intrinsic worth of For the continentalists the focus could argue that we are now more our maritime environment – the focus is very much on the physical security dependent on maritime trade for the on compulsory pilotage for vessels of the homeland. The sea and sinews of our economy than at almost transiting the Great Barrier Reef is a surrounding and air above appear to any stage of modern Australian history. practical testament to this. In addition, be almost an embuggerance. We have Notwithstanding the growing maritime tourism around Australia’s enshrined it in the term ‘the seaair gap’, importance of maritime trade, there is coasts makes a big contribution to our a term that implies that the sea and air much more to the notion of a Maritime economy that is seldom mentioned. are devoid of features of interest or of Century. The second major trend I I’d suggest to you that none of value. The continentalist approach has wish to highlight is that, more than the trends I have outlined are going never, and will never, be an appropriate ever before, humanity depends on to be reversed – the 21st century is a school of thought for an island nation maritime resources. maritime century, just as much as it and certainly not for one in a globalised The gradual extension of coastal is an Asian century. In fact, an Asian world. And it simply can’t work for state jurisdiction under the 1982 Law century will be even more maritime a nation which needs to protect its of the Sea Convention was driven in nature by virtue of the region’s sovereignty and sovereign rights primarily by the value nations have geography – Asia’s intra-regional trades thousands of miles from its coast. seen in two areas – offshore oil and and linkages are more maritime in Our maritime zones are larger in gas and fisheries. Both of these have character than either Europe or North area than continental Australia and a direct connection to our national America – and of course the region has our maritime search and rescue zone prosperity. The offshore mineral more maritime boundary disputes than covers over eleven percent of the resources industry is essentially a in any other region of the world. earth’s surface. Our maritime zones postSecond World War phenomenon. contain a multitude of riches from oil The first offshore drill rigs out of site of So what does this mean for Australia? & gas fields, fisheries, coral reefs to all land were deployed in the late 1940s. the potential that goes with further In Australia, it was the 1950s and Clearly a key issue for Australia is exploration and exploitation of an 1960s before the West Australian and how we can contribute to ensuring environment we know less about Bass Strait offshore fields were drilled that the use of the sea, for a multitude than the surface of the moon. If I can commercially. Today, deep water of activities, remains free and paraphrase the Chief of Air Force’s drilling technology has created the uninterrupted. There is no doubt that recent comments, a continentalist capacity to tap into an even wider pool no single nation can maintain the approach ‘misses the broader context of resources. security of the maritime trading system. that Australia’s prosperity, and indeed Moving from energy to food, the Like most things at sea, security on our way of life, is based around our proportion of the world’s food sourced this scale must be a cooperative and ability to trade, and more precisely, to Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 17

H MAS Anzac – Gulf be able to trade across the oceans and Air Force – I absolutely agree with his strategic thinking encompasses all of deployed - photo by airways.’ point, but would take it even further. these key strategic interests. And in the Chris Sattler Some may think that the We are too small to be anything other third of these interests – the stability expeditionary school is more maritime than an integrated force. of the wider Asia Pacific region from focused but in reality it is just as I am deliberately not using the North Asia to the Indian Ocean – I landcentric as the continentalist school term joint, because I see integrated as think a maritime outlook is simply – it is just focused on land somewhere being beyond joint. Integrated brings essential for Australia to be effective in else. In this approach, the sea is into play the capabilities of the rest of achieving its strategic goals. really only to enable the force to be government and the broader nonADF It has always been curious to those transported and resupplied. This is not Defence capabilities that we rely on. of us in Navy why we as a country tend in and of itself an inappropriate view We do of course need each of the to think of ourselves as Pacific nation in some circumstances, but it again components of the ADF: they each and very rarely as an Indian Ocean does not fully answer the mail on what bring capabilities in the domains on one. It took some vision in the 1960s Australia really needs. which they focus. What we do not need and 70s to take the step of building Both of these schools fundamentally though is a duplication of functions. HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. ignore the inherent value of the sea to And above all we don’t need a strategic It took just as much to seriously adjust Australia. They ignore or gloss over mindset that ignores the very thing our the Navy’s force disposition in the late our fundamental national need to have nation is girt by. 80s and into the 90s to create a two- the ability to use the sea when and Intellectually I think the 2009 White ocean navy. Many of us have spent as we require. There is, in my view, a Paper largely represented this maritime months deployed in the Indian Ocean. third way – a maritime perspective, or outlook. As Minister Smith said here In the early 80s in particular it was our school if you wish, which is rooted in last week, there were three key strategic real brush with the Cold War as the the geostrategic reality of our national interests expounded in the 2009 White Government deployed ships as part situation. Paper: the defence of Australia from of an independent presence in the I reiterate that when I say maritime direct armed attack; the security, Northwest Indian Ocean following the I use this term in its broadest context. stability and cohesion of our immediate Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. It is a view which incorporates all the neighborhood; and the stability of the Today, in very different elements of military power – it is a wider Asia Pacific region from North circumstances, we have HMAS Anzac, view that integrates all dimensions of Asia to the Indian Ocean. The Minister the 53rd ship deployment to the Middle national power. made the point that these three East Area of Operations since 1990. The Chief of Army has said in the enduring strategic interests remain in The Indian Ocean is critical to the past that the nation needs its ADF place for the 2013 White Paper. endtoend global trading system on more than it needs its Navy, Army or I think a maritime outlook to our which Australia depends – whether Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 18 The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century

ships come around the Cape of Good South China Sea has focused on more strength by our ability to back up A significant decision Hope, through the Suez Canal and the than just the territorial disputes. About words with actions. This is one of the to build - aerial view of HMAS Stirling BabelMandeb or through the Straits two thirds of our exports and almost key outcomes of our operational and wharves (CPO Mal of Hormuz. The goods or material half our imports pass through this area. regional deployments – they show case Back) they carry might not be bound for us, And for most of our key partners their Australia’s practical ability to engage but, they are almost certainly bound interests are also significant. Of course with and assist regional partners. for one of our major trading partners. the South China Sea issue is a complex, What underpins and drives The Malacca Strait, for example, is multi-layered issue, but the discussion Navy’s capacity to serve Australia the major eastern access to and from about how it directly affects us is I in any capacity is its warfighting the Indian Ocean. About 30 percent think, useful. capability. The warfighting task is the of all world trade passes through it. key reason for our existence and to This includes about 80% of all China’s So what does this mean for have a fighting service that can’t is and Japan’s oil imports. In 2006, Australia’s Navy? simply unacceptable. That is why we twothirds of North Asia’s LNG imports maintain our high end warfighting passed through the Malacca Strait The advent of a maritime century skills in activities such as the recently – a percentage that may since have means Australia’s Navy must be part completed RIMPAC exercise off decreased a little due to the success of of Australia’s overall national effort to Hawaii and the biennial TALISMAN Australia’s LNG export industry. That engage with our region and we must be SABRE series of exercises here at trade obviously passes up through able to contribute to good order at sea. home. the archipelagic sea lanes through Australia’s ability to contribute Our key peacetime role is the Indonesia. capable forces to practical multi-lateral broader maritime security role, which It is also notable that some recent efforts makes us a valued partner includes the SLOC protection mission domestic public discussion about the and our diplomatic efforts are given and, domestically, border and offshore Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 19

resource protection. Finally our confront. Furthermore, all of the key From a naval perspective these are international engagement activities global navies are represented at IONS the core warfighting capabilities – air provide key confidence building and either as members or as observers. This warfare, and under sea training opportunities. The point I fact alone reinforces the point Minister warfare. am making here is that navies are an Smith made last week about the global I don’t subscribe to the force incredibly useful tool for government importance of the Indian Ocean. expansion and warning time arguments across a wide range of contingencies, At present the chairmanship that some expound – certainly not in not all of which need to involve the use of IONS is with my South African relation to complex, hightechnology, of deadly force. counterpart, I will take chairmanship longlife capabilities like submarines, Moreover, navies are inherently in Perth in early 2014 at the next major surface combatants and international and collaborative – major meeting of IONS. This will combat aircraft. These are capabilities the seas remain the great global be an important opportunity for not quickly acquired, nor brought commons and because, as I have the RAN to play a crucial role in the up to operational standards and I said, the international trading further development of this important think it quite fanciful and ultimately system is inherently global, we have grouping. We of course have for some strategically dangerous to plan or act a fundamental responsibility to years participated in the Western otherwise. Rapid force expansion may contribute to its safe and effective Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) have once held in raising an infantry operation. I see this as being no which has seen the development battalion or building as we different to our search and rescue of standard operating procedures did in World War 2, but it simply does responsibilities – we cannot expect for Humanitarian Assistance and not hold for any of the Services today. help for Australian mariners around Disaster Relief as well as regular at sea We must accept that we are a come as the world if we do not make a practical interaction, mostly focused on mine you are defence force. We may be small, contribution in our area. Likewise, counter measures and medical support. but we had better be properly formed we cannot expect to be prosperous There is no doubt that the new and able to do what we can well. if we don’t help maintain the system White Paper process will bring about Looking through a maritime rather that underpins that prosperity. To a fresh look at the 2009 White Paper than a continentalist or expeditionary me this collaborative approach to the force structure. There is also no doubt lens at the naval force structure there global maritime trading system is a that given the new fiscal reality, some is one overriding factor in our strategic great unifier to trading nations – the things will change. But given that our circumstance, we must have reach and potential start point to unlock some of strategic interests remain the same, I endurance. If we accept that we may our more challenging tensions and rub am not expecting the basic foundations need to have presence at any of the points that exist. of the ADF to look that different. key choke points of the Indian Ocean, But our engagement does not have You of course face choices about then we must be able to deploy and to be about ships per se. A particularly the type of force structure you have. then operate in a sustained way, at a important form of naval diplomatic Successive Governments always considerable distance from Australia. engagement is through institutions pursued a balanced fleet as part of Even if we were to operate in the like the ADMM+ Expert Working a broader balanced force approach. northwest approaches of the Malacca Group on Maritime Security, the However, we have rarely defined what Strait as part of a multi-national Western Pacific Naval Symposium – this means. Various definitions exist, regional force we need range and an Australian innovation – and the but to my mind, in the Australian endurance. much younger Indian Ocean Naval context, it means the most cost- If I turn to some specifics, Symposium. The Indian Ocean Naval effective balance of warfighting Government is rightly looking at Symposium or IONS, as it is known, capabilities that are required over a range of options for the future is one of the few pieces of security the long term to defend our national submarine project, ranging from the architecture in the Indian Ocean interests. This does not mean we must smaller European MilitaryofftheShelf region. It is still developing but it does have a little bit of everything. It does option through to a new large represent an important gathering of mean we focus on those capabilities conventional submarine design. I am naval chiefs from the Indian Ocean rim that are both difficult to reacquire if less caught up in the numbers debate – and it does offer a particular focus on lost and those which make a significant the current Government policy on that the maritime security challenges we all contribution to Australian security. is clear. I am more focused on ensuring Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 20 The Navy’s role in the Maritime Century

that we get the best capability outcome The other big piece of the force the advantage the taxpayer gets in the for the resources that Government is structure going forward is the competitive nature of the early part of able to put to the project. The 2009 amphibious capability. There is no the acquisition process. White Paper articulates the current doubt that the power projection The work we have embarked on Government position on what sort capabilities of the LHD, when following the Rizzo Review into the of submarine we seek but it remains combined with other parts of maintenance and sustainment of our incumbent on us to explore and fully the broader ADF force structure amphibious and afloat support ships understand what the various options is impressive. Maritime power has been significant and obviously give us as we move towards first pass projection is a critical capability for informs my views about the costs of consideration – and we continue this the ADF, particularly in its regional ownership. I don’t think people realize work. role of contributing to the security the scope and scale of the task we are The next big debate in naval terms and stability of the South Pacific undertaking post the Rizzo review. will be over the replacement for the and East Timor. At its heart is the Of course while the catalyst was the ANZAC frigates. Frigates have been delivery of force from the sea, be that failure of the support system for the the workhorse of navies for hundreds through naval bombardment or the amphibious ships we have not confined of years, nothing has changed in that use and support of land forces in an this work to that part of the force and regard. Every bluewater Navy has amphibious activity. Power projection have taken a system wide view of the them as a core part of the capability. however does not always involve the issue. In July I formally brought the Again, the 2009 White Paper had use of military forces in a ‘hard power’ Seaworthiness management system some very clear views on what was way. HADR and non-combatant into force. This system is similar to, needed for us in a region where there evacuation operations are of course a but not a copy of, the airworthiness was a considerable increase in the manifestation of the same foundation system that we have had in Defence for number of regional submarines. It is techniques and capabilities used decades. It builds on the seaworthiness the frigates that provide Government for harder edged power projection board construct that was introduced with large amounts of flexibility and missions in achieving important by my predecessor in 2009. There is lots of options - but we do need to noncombat missions. In the LHD we also some very good work being done avoid the fitted for but not with trap will have the core of the ADF’s hard regarding total cost of ownership, particularly in tight financial times. We and soft power projection capability. reducing maintenance backlog and are getting the ANZACs to a great level One final thought on force rebuilding the maritime engineering of capability but we are approaching structure – it is just as important to function. This last year has been about the half way point in their life – this understand the cost of ownership as it building momentum in the program is clearly not sustainable for new is to understand the cost of acquisition. and I am very comfortable that we have acquisitions if we are a “come as you We have learnt the hard way what done this but there is still much to be are” force living in a region which has a happens when you under resource done and we will continue to remain range of dynamic security challenges. the maintenance and sustainment of focused on it. Our frigates will continue to range a maritime capability. This is complex Turning to our culture, New across the Indo-Pacific providing work. There is no point in making it Generation Navy, our cultural change presence, showing resolve, protecting more complex by having a disparate program has just had its third birthday. trade, building stronger ties with fleet of ships and submarines that have All our indicators for NGN are positive. regional navies, enforcing sanctions, little in common in terms of platform We are seeing Navy’s measured culture countering terrorism and piracy and systems, sensors, training systems moving in the right direction. We have enforcing sovereignty close to home and the like. In my mind this drives us seen significant drops in instances and even in the deep Southern Ocean. toward having classes of ships with a of Unacceptable Behaviour against a This is just a snap shot of the options similar heritage or design philosophy backdrop of a more open reporting they have provided Government in the or for us to mandate key systems and culture. We have noticed significant last 15 years. Their utility is hopefully suppliers so that we keep through reductions in positive tests results for selfevident and the options they life cost of ownership at the forefront prohibited substances and alcohol provide are considerable. That is why of our acquisition decisions. We still testing both of these in an environment they are an essential part of any navy have to be smart in the way we do of increased testing. We will never with a true maritime outlook. this because we can’t afford to lose have zero incidence of these issues, but Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 21

our people are making it very clear that central to our ability to achieve our weather in open ocean, crowded boats, they want to see people who are not mission. What we must ensure over desperate people unused to being at living our behaviours and values held this time is that NGN remains fresh sea. to account. with our people – hence the evolution Against this backdrop and When I came to the job I said we are driving at the moment. combined with the pressures of intense NGN would continue but that it Finally I would like to touch on the public scrutiny on this issue, our people would evolve. We are in the process magnificent work that our people are are doing their job superbly – they of evolving the program to reflect doing in the border protection arena. do it with courage, professionalism, the challenges that we face today. It is worth stating here that Navy’s job compassion and always do their utmost There will be more emphasis on the is to safely and lawfully execute the to ensure that those in peril at sea are cultural dimension of the Rizzo work direction of Government. It always has safely dealt with. We are not, and never particularly on embedding a culture been and always will be. We don’t take have been reluctant rescuers as some that supports the seaworthiness positions on policy, we execute it. have tried to paint us. construct. We are doing some work In the execution of the current Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you on developing a contemporary war- policy our people are operating in a for your time – I’d be happy to take fighting culture which also must be very hazardous environment – rough questions. t

HMAS Melbourne sails into Sydney upon return from a six month operational deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO)

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

Issue 146 23 World Naval Developments B y DrNorman Friedman1

ate in July it was reported that some idea of there were canisters like those of the estimated Lthe DH-10 land-attack cruise missile production (a sort of Chinese Tomahawk) on rate. board the Chinese naval test ship, It is also presumably as a preliminary to surface possible that ship deployment in this form. DH-10 the Chinese is reportedly based on the Russian Kh- cruise missiles 55/65 (AS-15), an air-launched cruise are based on missile developed in the 1980s. In the Russian that form it is a long-range turbofan- sea-based powered missile (a range of 2500 km cruise weapon, – about 1350 nm has been quoted) now known with either a nuclear or conventional as the Klub warhead, the latter typically credited series, which T he 4,000km-range with a 410 kg warhead. These figures was actively advertised to the Chinese range land-attack cruise missile with Dong Hai-10 (DH- are roughly those of the strategic beginning about 2000. That seems to the initial US Navy deployment of 10) land-attack version of Tomahawk. be the case with the tactical YJ-62 (C- Tomahawks aboard surface ships, cruise missile public After the Soviet collapse, Kh- 602), but it has nothing like the range including , in the 1980s. domain image) 55/65 missiles remained in Ukraine. claimed for DH-10. Presumably the That would be unfortunate. The point Some were illegally sold to China; range difference is due mainly to the of initial US Tomahawk deployment a photograph of a Chinese cruise use of a small turbofan engine on DH- was to saturate the Soviet ocean missile in a wind tunnel actually 10. The situation is complicated by surveillance system. It was well known probably shows one of these weapons. the known difficulties the Chinese still that the Soviets felt compelled to track The Chinese probably also obtained have in turbofan engine production, any Western warship or formation unexploded US Tomahawks, presumably due to gaps in metallurgy capable of attacking the Soviet Union, particularly after the 1998 strike against due in turn to the remaining echoes which meant carriers, large amphibious Al Qaeda in Pakistan. of the disastrous Cultural Revolution ships – and, after the mid-1980s, In land-based form DH-10 is of the 1960s and early 1970s (the surface combatants armed with land- typically fired from a triple inclined Chinese still depend on foreign-made attack Tomahawks. The deployment launcher. It uses INS/GPS guidance high performance fighter engines, of those ships increased the numbers and terminal electro-optical guidance, for example). YJ-62 is already on the Soviets had to track by an order of possibly digital scene-matching. The board ships, so presumably the new magnitude. There was also reason to missile may also be air-launched (a canisters indicate a different missile. believe that the Soviet tracking system modified Chinese-built Badger bomber However, the weight of the new missile was badly stretched. apparently carries six missiles). All is probably not far from that of YJ- The US Navy surely already tracks of these data are open to question. In 62, so the new missile can probably Chinese surface warships, and there is its most recent report (August 2011) replace the earlier one on a one-for- little reason to imagine that the small the US Defense Department credited one basis. Given that the Russian number at sea at any one time badly China with a total of 200 to 500 missiles on which both DH-10 and stresses it. It is unlikely that small ground-launched long-range cruise YJ-62 were based had comparable numbers of long-range land attack missiles (presumably all DH-10s) on 40 performance, it is not clear why the missiles, nuclear or non-nuclear, on to 55 launchers. The figure in the 2008 Chinese chose to deploy two separate board a few large Chinese report was 50 to 250 missiles on 20 missiles. Presumably that was a matter would make much of a difference in to 30 launchers, the difference giving of industrial policy (the two missiles are this respect. made by different organization). A more interesting possibility is 1 Well known author and analyst Norman Friedman’s latest book is The Naval Institute It is tempting to compare possible that the Chinese plan to use their Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems Chinese naval deployment of a long- cruise missiles the way the West uses Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 24 World Naval Developments

Tomahawk, to hit particular precision nuclear submarine can probably carry in mind. In recent years many missile targets from unexpected axes. For a comparable number of missiles. The manufacturers have advertised example, a Tomahawk shooter can greatest current Chinese destroyer land-attack capability added to support air operations by destroying missile load is 16 weapons, and anti-ship missiles, which generally enemy air defense command centers topweight might limit replacement by means providing them with GPS or radars. The range of the missile, and DH-10s or their equivalent to no more guidance. The result can certainly fly its GPS guidance, make it possible to than eight, if that. Very few Chinese to a designated spot with considerable fire from an unexpected direction, and destroyers are so heavily armed. A accuracy. What is omitted is that a from a platform far out to sea. If the Chinese destroyer can probably never single missile carrying 500 lbs or so Chinese fielded large numbers of their carry as many Tomahawks as a US of conventional explosives is not a DH-10s aboard surface combatants, or British attack submarine, and they particularly devastating weapon. Ships they might present defenders, for would be useful only as part of a larger are unusual targets, in that a single example on Taiwan, with a serious attack. large warhead in the right place can problem. When the Royal Navy In all of these cases, incidentally, disable or even sink them. Most land adopted land-attack Tomahawk on effective missile range is substantially targets are larger, and without a great board attack submarines, its view was shorter than the 1000 or 1500 nm with deal of special knowledge they are that the missiles offered leverage, in which nuclear Tomahawk was always nearly impossible to disable with only a that they could disable air defenses and credited. That probably has to do with very few hits. thus make limited numbers of carrier the flight profile necessary to avoid Would anyone really be all that strike aircraft far more effective. The being shot down near the target (not to impressed by eight or so small US Navy may have a similar view of mention the greater weight of the non- warheads dropped on, say, a coastal the value of land-attack Tomahawk on nuclear warhead). city? The result would certainly board its own submarines. The other possibility is that, be outrage, but would anyone be However, the totals available seem having watched the US Navy carrying coerced? Even the most optimistic limited. US attack submarines have 12 out massive precision strikes with airpower enthusiasts would agree T ype 052c destroyer Tomahawk tubes. The British have not Tomahawk, the Chinese navy or its that it takes hundreds or thousands (public domain revealed their load-outs, but a British government have something similar of such weapons to make much of an image)

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 25

impression on a strategic scale (and previously had. In theory, a Chinese many others doubt that this scale of destroyer loaded with its eight or so attack would make much of an impact). cruise missiles could steam anywhere That even applies to concentrated in the world to fire those weapons. targets such as air defense radars. The reality is very different. The ship One missile may well destroy the is not going to steam very far without radar antenna, but professionals tend a lot of logistical backup, which is very to stockpile spare antennas. That is limited. Chinese economic control why anti-radar missiles are generally of many port systems is unlikely to rated by the time it takes to repair the provide that backup, because the local damage they do. There is no good governments will still be unwilling to reason to think that a missile directed risk military responses from countries to hit a designated spot will be much hit by the few cruise missiles afloat in different from a 500 or 1000 lb bomb the Chinese fleet. Nor has the Chinese delivered against a radar site. fleet demonstrated much in the way of The US Navy well understands that long endurance. Its best performance a few spectacular hits are not enough. to date has been sustained presence That is why it deploys Tomahawk as part of the anti-piracy force off the by the hundreds on board missile Horn of Africa. destroyers and each of which Ultimately the Chinese program may have a hundred or more vertical may be nothing more than a reflection launch cells. of the prestige accumulated by A rleigh Burke-class Even then there is a rub. The Tomahawk, the idea being that guided-missile vertical launch cells cannot be something similar is wanted. During destroyer USS reloaded effectively at sea; once the the Cold War the Russians often Barry launches a 100 Tomahawks are gone, the ship acted similarly. Every so often Tomahawk cruise has to go back to a base or, at the very there were stories about Soviet missile (US Navy image) least, has to reload very slowly from military professionals and scientists another ship in sheltered water. The complaining that their leaders rejected Dr. Friedman is the author of The Naval canisters the Chinese are now testing perfectly good Soviet-developed Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon are no easier to reload afloat – and the systems because they were sure that Systems, Fifth Edition, and Network- Chinese have many fewer ships, each of anything developed in the West, centric Warfare: How Navies Learned which can carry many fewer missiles. particularly in the United States, was Right now the only kind of ship which a better idea. Examples included their to Fight Smarter Through Three World can easily take weapons on board at sea version of the Space Shuttle and their Wars, available from the Naval Institute is a carrier, because they can be loaded copy of the IBM 360 computer. The Press at www.usni.org horizontally and struck below in bulk Soviet missiles on which the new storage. Small numbers of precision Chinese cruise missile is based may strike weapons offer a synergistic effect have reflected similar practice. We in combination with a massed naval air can’t be sure, because much of the time force, because they may help suppress the Russian professionals had their way its enemies. They are by no means and were allowed to make decisions a substitute for the massed aircraft, based on their own views. All of this which can keep returning to rearm was quite aside from the well-known after they attack – without going to a Soviet (and Chinese) reliance on rear area. industrial espionage to solve research Land-attack cruise missiles on and development problems. t board Chinese destroyers certainly do, in theory, give the Chinese navy a kind of global non-nuclear reach it has not Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 26 The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter A Maritime Focus on its Potential

David Hobbs offers a personal view intended to stimulate discussion different variants. The merged project horizontal ducted fan system driven was known initially, but confusingly, as through a clutch by a drive shaft from the JAST fighter until the new title Joint the single main engine which had to What is the Joint Strike Fighter or JSF was substituted in be modified with a third compressor Strike Fighter? 1995. The UK maintained its interest turbine and a swivelling jet nozzle. to become a level 1 partner in the The F-35 bore a superficial The F-35 Lightning II, more commonly new project with UK personnel in the resemblance to the same company’s known as the Joint Strike Fighter or Integrated Project Team. F-22, giving the impression that it was JSF continues to fill headlines, not Three industrial groups were funded a ‘finished product’, unlike the X-32 and all of which are complimentary. It is to carry out concept demonstrations the ‘B’ was expected to achieve initial technologically complex but over- starting in December 1995 and, operational capability with a front-line budget, late and still some years away surprisingly in view of their wealth of squadron in 2010, the ‘A’ in 2011 and from operational service. recent collaborative experience, the the ‘C’ in 2012. Naively, as it transpired, That said, however, it is McDonnell Douglas/BAE Systems/ development risk was not considered demonstrating the ability to do some Northrop Grumman design was to be a significant factor and early things that other aircraft cannot. eliminated first, deemed to be operational service was to be achieved Among these is the ability to operate insufficiently technologically advanced, by building large batches of production successfully from big-deck amphibious a view that some might like to re-visit aircraft and training service personnel ships similar to the new Canberra with the wisdom of hindsight. Boeing to use them while development class. Its development began before and Lockheed Martin were each continued. The need for STOVL many politicians were elected to funded to produce two demonstration performance drove the entire design Parliament or the first pilots destined airframes designated the X-32 and and ruled out the use of twin engines to fly it joined the RAAF with X-35 respectively. Subsequently which would have been preferable for discussions about a potential Anglo/ McDonnell Douglas joined with the ‘A’ and ‘C’ versions. The horizontal US strike fighter project had followed Boeing and was eventually bought lift fan and swivelling tail nozzles the conspicuous success of the Sea outright. Northrop Grumman and BAE proved difficult and expensive to Harrier in the South Atlantic War of Systems joined Lockheed Martin. develop and the airframe size had to be 1982. The UK Ministry of Defence had The X-35, re-designated the F-35, constrained to allow adequate puffer- informal talks with the Pentagon about was selected for full development jet control in the hover. It is fair to say the development of a Joint Advanced on 26 October 2001 and Lockheed that the ‘A’ and ‘C’ versions would be STOVL, JASTOVL, strike fighter to Martin was awarded a ten year $19 very different if commonality with the replace both the RN Sea Harrier and billion system design and development STOVL variant was not imposed on the USMC AV-8B. contract. Three variants were to be them. When the ‘B’ was found to be too In the early 1990s a number of developed concurrently; the F-35A as heavy to land vertically with unused other strike fighter projects were in a land-based fighter for the USAF to fuel and weapons, all three versions the first stages of development in replace the F-16 and A-10; the F-35B had to be completely re-designed to the USA including the USAF/USN STOVL variant to replace the USMC maintain commonality; work that Joint Advanced Strike Technology F/A-18 C/D and AV-8B, the RN Sea would have been unnecessary on the ‘A’ Fighter, JAST; the Common Affordable Harrier and RAF Harrier; the F-35C, and ‘C’ alone. Lightweight Fighter, CALF, and the carrier version to replace the F/A- Joint Stealth Strike Aircraft, JSSA. With 18C/D and supplement the F/A-18E/F Australian the end of the Cold War, however, the in service. All were to incorporate involvement US Government sought economies a degree of stealth technology with and in November 1994 ordered that advanced, as yet un-developed, Australia joined the project as a Level JASTOVL, JAST, JSSA and CALF be sensors and an unprecedented level 3 development partner under Project merged into a single project with, it was of software-controlled equipment; Air 6000, contributing $144 million hoped, 80% commonality between the the ‘B’ was to rely for vertical lift on a towards design and development Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 27

of what the Department of Defence delayed implementation of Stage 1. A the Nation’s approaches and sea has named the New Air Combat third phase of this stage is to consider, lines of communication represent Capability or NACC. Stage 1 was after 2015, the procurement of further a fundamental contribution to approved in 2009 and funded two aircraft to form a fourth operational the defence of Australia. The air F-35As for delivery in 2014 to establish unit, bringing the total buy to ‘about contribution to the new amphibious pilot and maintainer training in the 100 aircraft’. capability will comprise a number USA prior to operational test and of roles including the provision evaluation in the USA and Australia. Air aspects of the of intelligence, surveillance and A further 12 F-35As from the same Maritime Strategy reconnaissance information; strike; tranche were to have been funded air mobility and control of the air, for delivery in 2015/17 but they have complementing the principal roles of recently been delayed by two years as At the 2012 Australian Sea Power sea power. Tools will include the JSF; a savings measure. Stage 2 requires Conference, the Chief of Air Force, F/A-18F Super Hornet; Wedgetail the Australian Government to fund Air Marshall Geoff Brown AO, AEW & C; air-to-air refuelling tankers a further tranche of up to 58 aircraft stated that the RAAF was committed and P-8 Orions. and support enabling elements to form to supporting the full range of In answer to questions the Chief three operational squadrons and a Navy activities and the Maritime of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs training unit. A project risk assessment Strategy. He observed that Australia AM CSC, stated that a lot of work expected in late 2012 or early 2013 is is surrounded by air as well as sea needed to be done before unmanned F-35 on sea tests (Northrop Grumman) likely to delay this phase beyond the and that the RAN’s ability to secure air vehicles could be procured for

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 28 The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter A Maritime Focus on its Potential operations with the fleet and that it was not Government policy to include fixed-wing STOVL fighters in the air groups to be embarked in the new Canberra class LHDs.

Questions

It is heartening to note Air Marshal Brown’s enthusiasm for the Maritime Strategy but the ability of RAAF fighters to provide support on the scale proposed more than 250 nautical miles off the coast of Australia must, surely, be open to question. Yes, their radius of action can be extended by in-flight refuelling but long transit times for both fighters and tankers are not an efficient use of scarce, valuable aircraft. Worse, fighters only have value while their weapons last and there is no point in maintaining them on station once they have fired out their weapons even if in-flight refuelling makes it possible. Short transit times to re-arm are essential. Perhaps airfields on island bases near the scene of action can be seized and used but does Australia have the logistic and engineering capacity to develop them quickly into operation? Fuel, weapons, spare crews, briefing facilities, maintenance facilities and spare parts must be landed quickly, set up and used in hours if they are to be effective and all of that without diminishing the support provided by the ‘air bridge’ to the fighting troops on the ground who are, after all the spear-head of the whole operation. A base that takes weeks or even days to not exist, however, dare I point out that necessary. establish will have little ‘air control’ to when HMAS Canberra commissions, Viewed in this light, the offer the troops on the ground or the she will arrive at any scene of action Government’s policy decision not to amphibious shipping that supports with a runway, fuel, accommodation, even consider procuring the F-35B them in the early days that matter. workshops, magazines and technicians, STOVL version of the JSF does not If all this will be possible at short all of which will be fully worked up and seem to be rational and one has to notice out to considerable distances in operation, in effect a sovereign air question the soundness of the advice from Australia then so be it, it is a most base under joint command and capable on which it was based. The US Marine impressive capability to have. If it does of straightforward replenishment when Corps must be considered as the role Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 29

model for any amphibious force and F-35B on descent (Lockheed Martin photo) Australians will have to work with them closely in any coalition force. The F-35B is designed for use alongside helicopters from American LHDs that are very similar to Canberra and the ability carry out cross-deck STOVL operations with such a close ally must be considered important. In the ‘breathing space’ before more JSF are ordered, there are surely questions to be answered about the variant and numbers of JSF to be procured under Air 6000 to achieve the maximum potential for Australia’s Maritime Strategy without bias. Another question of flexibility in a shorter time-scale might be worthy of consideration. The majority of operations in the Pacific are likely to comprise ‘coalitions of the willing’ and the training periods that make them possible. The F/A-18F Super Hornet was designed for operation with the US Navy. Should detachments be embarked in US carriers to augment the allied tactical fighter force when necessary? There are precedents with UK, French and Argentinean fighters having operated from US ships. t

David Hobbs served in the Royal Navy and is a well-known reviewer and Inset: F-35 JSF STOVL writer on naval affairs. with Lift-Fan open (Defence Industries)

F-35B Testing STOVL (Defense Industries) F-35C - the naval variant (Defense Industries)

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

Issue 146 31 Vietnam’s New Kilo-class Submarines: Game-changer in Regional Naval Balance? B y Koh Swee Lean Collin

Synopsis new undersea capability provides a Vietnam could potentially muster The launch of Vietnam’s first Kilo-class credible asymmetric counter-poise the largest undersea force in the submarine is another step closer to to China’s growing naval might in the region. However, it appears likely that Hanoi’s dream of acquiring an undersea South China Sea. As the Chinese have existing Southeast Asian submarine capability. Notwithstanding the media operated the Kilos since the 1990s, operators will continue to expand their hype, Vietnam’s new Kilos are far from Vietnam’s boats will not present a new submarine capabilities within this being the game-changer in the regional surprise. decade. naval balance. However, Vietnam’s Kilos will The Kilos are not an unfamiliar sight Commentary still create concerns for China’s naval in the South China Sea since Chinese planners who in the past did not have Kilos reportedly operate in the area. Recently, Russia’s Admiralty Shipyard to consider a Vietnamese undersea Dubbed the ‘black hole’ of the oceans launched the first of six Kilo-class capability. Nonetheless, as far as the by Western naval commentators, the diesel-electric powered submarines regional naval balance of power is Kilo is equipped with excellent acoustic acquired by the Vietnam People’s concerned, this new capability will not signature-reduction features such as Navy (VPN) in 2009, thus marking pose too great a challenge to China’s hull anechoic tiles to muffle incoming another milestone in Hanoi’s quest naval primacy in the South China sonar waves. This is not unique for an undersea capability. Assuming Sea, given the growing overall edge of since submarines operated by other production and sea trials run on China’s submarine capabilities. Southeast Asian navies possess equally schedule, the first Kilo should be capable, if not more superior, ‘quieting’ delivered by the end of 2012, much Vietnam’s Kilos and Southeast Asia’s features. earlier than 2014 as originally intended naval balance Vietnam’s Kilos are not known while the VPN will receive all six Kilos Prior to Vietnam’s Kilo buy, other to be fitted with air-independent by 2018. Southeast Asian navies had acquired propulsion, like Singapore’s boats, The submarine programme smaller numbers of submarines. for extended submerged endurance is an extension of an ambitious Indonesia and Malaysia are still without the need to snorkel, thus modernisation the VPN has embarked confronted with a capability shortfall placing them in the same category as upon since the mid-1990s. When despite the recent acquisition of new the Indonesian and Malaysian boats. it was first announced in 2009, the submarines, considering their extensive Generally, therefore, compared to the Kilo class submarine procurement created waves in the maritime expanses. By 2018, with all existing types operated in the region, in tropical waters media over its likely impact on the six Kilos projected to enter service, Vietnam’s Kilos are equipped with (Public domain) regional naval balance of power. However, from the quantitative and qualitative aspects, this deserves a closer examination. Kilos in Sino-Vietnamese naval balance

Quantitatively, the VPN cannot possibly hope to keep pace with China’s growing naval might due to the latter’s economic preponderance. China possesses a huge submarine fleet that stands poised to further widen the quantitative gap not just with Vietnam but with other submarine operators in the region. Qualitatively, Vietnam’s Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 32 Vietnam’s New Kilo-class Submarines: Game-changer in Regional Naval Balance?

SSK Kilo Class Cutaway (Public domain) generally equivalent onboard systems. regional naval balance What is notable has been the Klub-S of power. submerged-launch cruise missiles Rather, the supplied as part of the 2009 contract. acquisition also The Klub family comes in anti-ship demonstrates (with terminal homing guidance) and Vietnam’s intent land-attack (with inertial navigation to establish a fully guidance) variants. The latter deserves operational undersea attention. To date, none of the capability as part of Klub-S missile Southeast Asian navies has introduced the overall effort not just to rectify operational by 2018, Vietnam should a sea-based, standoff land-attack pre-existing shortfalls in the moribund now also consider exploring submarine capability which, when combined with Soviet-era fleet but also to achieve rescue capabilities and cooperate in such stealthy platform as a submarine, a ‘balanced’ navy. The decision to this field with regional navies. could allow the discreet projection procure not a token few but six Kilos Building a full-fledged submarine of firepower into another country’s demonstrates the intent to possess an capability in terms of operationally- hinterland. This could introduce a operationally sustainable force-size that ready platforms, proficient crews potential source of destabilisation into can offer continuous naval presence at and relevant doctrine takes time. a region that is potentially volatile. sea, which is otherwise difficult with a Ultimately, this is dependent on not In July 2011, according to smaller fleet. just political will but also Vietnam’s Rosoboronexport – the principal This observation is reinforced by continued economic well-being. t Russian arms-export corporation – Vietnam’s concerted effort to acquire the Kilos sold to Vietnam belong to not just the machines but also requisite the standard design while the Klub-S infrastructure and human capital. In cruise missiles supplied with them 2010, Hanoi reportedly sought Russian are ‘standard’ variants as well. This assistance to build submarine facilities could be construed to mean the anti- at Cam Ranh Bay while recently it ship variant. If this is so, it does not struck a training agreement with India represent a radically new capability for its Kilo crews. Similar parallels in being introduced into the region since submarine force development can Koh Swee Lean Collin is an associ- Malaysia’s Scorpenes are equipped with be observed in the case of regional ate research fellow at the Institute an equivalent capability in the French submarine operators, Malaysia and of Defence and Strategic Studies, a SM-39 , while the Chinese and Singapore. constituent unit of the S. Rajarat- Indian Kilos are also armed with the Notwithstanding the submarine nam School of International Studies Klub-S anti-ship variants. programme, the VPN will still have (RSIS), Nanyang Technological to plug glaring holes in some crucial University. He is also a doctoral Challenges ahead for VPN capability areas, such as maritime aerial candidate researching primarily on Far from being a game-changer in surveillance and its ability to sustain naval modernisation in Southeast the regional naval balance of power, durable naval presence in areas of Asia. This article was originally Vietnam’s new Kilo-class submarines national concern, such as the South published as RSIS Commentaries do not signify a radical shift in the China Sea. With all six Kilos fully No. 162/2012. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 33 World Naval Developments B y DrNorman Friedman

n August, the Royal Navy released covers. Type 26 is a 5, 500 ton frigate System). It uses an up-link for mid- details of its next surface combatant, which can be built in one of at least course guidance. The ship will have a IType 26 – a modular ship. The two versions. In appearance it is a single gun, either the 4.5in currently announced plans are to build 13 Type scaled-down Type 45 destroyer with standard in the Royal Navy, or perhaps 26 to replace the surviving 13 Type the same sort of tower foremast, in a derivative of the US 5in/62 (BAE 23 frigates. All of these ships were its case topped by the Artisan three- owns United Defense, which makes the intended primarily for ASW; the Type dimensional radar rather than with the US gun). There may be provision for 23s were conceived as minimum towed big Sampson of Type 45. Type 26 was a more powerful gun; in the past BAE array ships to work in the Greenland- conceived as part of a long-running has advertised a 155mm gun within the -UK Gap mainly in support project to design a Future Surface footprint of its 4.5in. of maritime patrol aircraft. With the Combatant, which was originally to Another version of the same end of the Cold War, this mission have been built in three versions of hull would be a (perhaps disappeared, and Type 23s found varying capability (and cost). designated Type 27) supporting themselves carrying out a wide variety Type 26 is apparently the special operations, the towed sonar of semi-peacetime missions, such as ASW variant, presumably a direct replaced by a slipway for a fast raiding drug interdiction in the Caribbean replacement for the current Type boat (this version would, apparently, and anti-piracy work off Somalia. An 23, with much the same systems retain a bow sonar). Type 27 may also Military Sealift incidental effect of the change from as the projected modernized Type have a larger vertical launcher with Command fleet harsh GIUK waters to calmer ones is 23. They include the Sea Centor provision for land attack missiles. apparently that the ships’ hulls have vertically-launched SAM (replacing Both versions have large helicopter USNS Kanawha (left) lasted far longer than expected (cynics the current Seawolf) and the Type decks and have empty spaces aft for feeds a refueling may suspect that the ships’ longevity 2087 low-frequency active-passive replaceable modules. Given the signal rig over to littoral combat ship USS is really the consequence of successive sonar (towed pinger plus array plus processing requirements of the sonar, Freedom during the governments’ reluctance to buy medium-frequency bow array). Sea that is probably the role of the space in ship’s first underway replacements on a timely basis). Centor is an active-radar guided the ASW version; in the other version replenishment. Comparing Type 26 to the US derivative of the current British short- it probably supports the boat. The (US Navy photo by Littoral Combat Ship shows how wide range air-to-air missile, also known as slipway can also be used to launch Petty Officer 2nd Class a range the concept of modularity CAMMS (Common Modular Missile unmanned craft, in which case the Fofoga) Sagale

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 34 World Naval Developments

combination of slipway and space might support a mine countermeasures system (if the space is large enough). BAE, the builder, apparently also expects to offer (for export) an AAW version using the Sampson radar of Type 45 and (presumably) a smaller number of missiles. The main difference from Type 45 may actually be elimination of command facilities and perhaps drastic reduction in helicopter capacity, rather than in the New Type 26 number of missiles (which is not very great even in the big Type 45). All versions of the design can accommodate 36 troops (presumably for special operations). In contrast to the US LCS, Type 26 is relatively slow, about 28 knots. In some accounts Type 26 is designated the Global Frigate; the British government apparently hopes to sell export versions. Brazil is reportedly interested, but approaches to Australia and Canada, both of which plan major surface ship building Royal Danish Navy pushed this kind vehicles, the containers taken on board programs, have apparently failed of modularity further in its StanFlex holding what is needed to maintain (at least for now). Reportedly the series, beginning with a 300 ton them. We are so used to carrier British Ministry of Defence has also . In its case the idea was that modularity that we have forgotten how approached India and Turkey. modules should be quickly replaced to special it is. The same ship, with some For Type 26, modularity means change a ship’s role (a small number changes in maintenance equipment, mainly that the same hull can be of corvettes replaced numerous older can host radically different air wings completed in various forms. The Royal hulls). Danish experience seems to with different kinds of aircraft – the Navy is hardly the first to embrace this show that such replacement is actually key is its huge hangar and flight deck way of spreading out the cost of hull rare, because a ship’s crew specializes combination. An LCS has a large and machinery design over the largest to a considerable extent. Presumably hangar plus launching facilities for possible number of ships. Examples the sort of modularity adopted by the unmanned vehicles, including (but from the past are the US Spruance Royal Navy reflects that lesson. On the not limited to) a flight deck. In class (which could be built in both other hand, current modular Danish one LCS variant (typified by LCS ASW and AAW versions, the latter ships have large internal bays more 2, Independence) it is striking that materializing as the Kidd class and then reminiscent of the US LCS idea. the payload is controlled by a CIC as the Ticonderogas) and the German In an LCS, modularity means that separate from that adjacent to the commercial MEKO frigate. In the latter the same hull shifts easily and quickly bridge. To some, that seems outre, case, the builder minimized the cost of from role to role – and that the keys even ridiculous. However, if you think hull design by allowing the customer to the various roles are unmanned about a carrier, it makes much better to choose whatever weapon and sensor vehicles (air, surface, and underwater). sense: the payload CIC is analogous fit he wanted, within fairly wide limits. The modularity involved is really to the aircraft operations control (and In both cases, allowing for multiple much like that of an aircraft carrier. planning) spaces of a carrier. It is also alternative systems pushes up the size In effect in most of her modes the striking that the great gap in LCS of the hull, but hull steel is cheap. The ship is a carrier of various unmanned manning is in those who launch and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 35

T he Pre-Commissioning recover the unmanned vehicles – in numbers of special forces personnel – as a complete mine countermeasures Unit Independence, the the equivalent to the carrier’s deck raiders, perhaps. system. It is also, of course, possible U. S. Navy’s first trimaran personnel. It may make sense to distinguish that the designed crew cannot support littoral combat ship, All of this suggests that the between modules which are like those any of the hull weapons the ship departs to begin builder’s sea trials in the Gulf of emphasis on a focused payload as a of an aircraft carrier and those which can accommodate -- but that can be Mexico (US Navy photo) way of producing an affordable ship add integral hull weapons and sensors, resolved, perhaps by slight enlargement is unfortunate. Carriers succeed in but do not have much impact on the of the ship. part because their operators can mix internal hangar space – things like the We might gain from some of the and match payloads (aircraft and 30mm guns intended to beat off swarm British ideas. In adopting Sea Centor, weapons) as needed, using those boats, or like a towed sonar. One might the British have taken advantage of enormous empty spaces on board. suspect that the main reason these a combination of two current anti- Right now it may take the full hangar fittings are treated as modules is that if aircraft technologies. One is three- to accommodate one kind of payload, their weight were combined with that dimensional track-while-scan radar. but as electronics shrinks and becomes of the usual modules, the ship would A second is self-homing missiles with more reliable, surely the same space not make the spectacular maximum uplink mid-course guidance. The will accommodate multiple payloads, speed claimed for her. Since that radar provides sufficient information either of one or of several types. The speed is probably the least important for the uplink to direct the missile constant will be the ability to deploy attribute of the LCS, this distinction into a homing ‘basket,’ and the missile those payloads. Most of the payloads seems unfortunate. takes over. This does not work very in turn are ways of deploying offboard Of course, it is also true that well at long range – Aegis is still well sensors to deal with the difficult making any of the hull weapon systems worth the price of admission – but it conditions of a littoral area. For permanent would raise the unit price offers considerable value closer in. Sea example, poor acoustic conditions of an LCS, and that an important Centor uses active radar guidance. The and underwater topography (such as goal of the program is to produce Swedish, Finnish, and South African hills) limit the reach of sonar in coastal large numbers of affordable hulls. navies have done about the same thing areas. Strewing (and monitoring) That is not a new idea; it is why the with infra-red guidance. A version underwater arrays can transform the Spruances were completed with so little of Evolved Sea Sparrow is to have an situation. Using multiple UUVs might armament. The appropriate phrase, active radar seeker (plus its existing make it possible to clear (or at least to invented by the British, is that ships can up-link), and LCS already has a three- delineate) a minefield far more quickly be ‘fitted for but not with’ important dimensional track-while-scan radar. than a single can. The LCS features -- which are added later, when The combination might be well worth also seems to be the natural successor money becomes available. Surface guns investigating, because it would not to the old APD as a transport for small are not a module in the same sense entail any encroachment on the big Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 36 World Naval Developments

hangar or flight deck in the form of fire Norman Friedman’s latest book is The control radar. We already envisage an Naval Institute Guide to World Naval ASW module (for blue water) involving Weapon Systems. a towed sonar, and the envisaged shallow-water operating concept (using Dr. Friedman is the author of The Naval bottom arrays) is something a Type Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon 26 cannot support. Of course both Systems, Fifth Edition, and Network- we and the British can easily support raiding craft, but presumably we gain centric Warfare: How Navies Learned considerably from all of that hangar to Fight Smarter Through Three World space in the LCS (the high speed of the Wars, available from the Naval Institute LCS may be another story). t Press at www.usni.org

Guests and Navy representatives attend the re-opening ceremony of the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse. The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, a rare and outstanding example of an intact manned light station, was officially re-opened after an extensive six month refurbishment by the Department of Defence on 17A ugust 2012. The refurbishment was finalised in time for Point Perpendicular to participate in InternationalL ighthouse and Lightship Weekend and it was lit from dusk until dawn 17 to 19 August.

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

38

Become a Member TODAY

Ships Systems Solutions

Blohm + Voss Naval

[email protected]

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 39 obituary obert served on the corvette HMAS Pirie in the South Robert Clarence Gillam West Pacific, 1942 to 1945, Ras an asdic operator. He survived the 1922 - 2012 Japanese bombing of the Pirie at Oro Bay (Buna) New Guinea (10th April teacher, professor, academic, 1943) when seven crew were killed. administrator & artist Pirie was one of 60 Australian corvettes and was built at the BHP they thenRo concentrated be t r C Gi a ml l Shipyard in Whyalla in 1941 and on Pirie and attacked commissioned in 1942. Robert on in pairs, one from each joining was one of the first crew and side. Crew were sprayed had just turned 20 years of age. These with water from the ships were primarily used as escorts, explosions of near as and for local defence. misses and shrapnel Their shallow draft meant they were from the strafing guns inherently unstable at sea. wounded some. “Operation Lilliput” was the name A single Val bomber given to the plan to reinforce the Buna- then attacked from Gona area of PNG in anticipation the starboard quarter. of its capture. Two supply ships at a One bomb penetrated time were loaded in Townsville and the armoured bridge Cairns and escorted by one or two canopy, deflected off corvettes. At the beginning of 1943, the helmsman’s station, Pirie participated in five ‘round trip’ killed the gunnery convoys. On 10 April, Pirie left Milne officer, then struck the Bay for Oro Bay escorting the British foredeck plating and supply ship SS Hanyand which carried detonated. The bomb military supplies, high-octane fuel, killed six members of ammunition and Australian and US the twelve pounder military personnel. Pirie had a 12 gun crew and seriously pounder low angle gun on the foredeck wounded the gun (recovered from a WW1 Destroyer), layer. Had it not struck three Oerlikon guns (one on each wing the bridge first, the of the bridge and one on X-deck), and bomb would likely two Lewis guns one on each of the port have penetrated the Robert lost seven friends that day and through the scattering and starboard waists. magazine and destroyed the entire ship. of his ashes the wheel turns a full circle. At 1220 hrs on 10 April 1943, action Robert Gillam was in the asdic Japanese propaganda, describing the corvette as a stations were sounded as information office on the bridge close to the point destroyer, reported that she had been destroyed. was received of a Japanese attack on of arrival of this bomb and he suffered Pirie proceeded under escort to Maryborough for repairs Oro Bay. At 1235, a signalman sighted permanent hearing loss for the rest of which were completed in May 1943 and then resumed 22 Val dive-bombers and six Zeros his life. The Val continued the attack operations escorting convoys. approaching from astern. A single until chased off by a US Lightning. The On 31 August 1945 HMAS Pirie proudly led four Aussie plane detached itself from the others time was 1253. corvettes into Tokyo Harbour at the Japanese surrender. She and flew low over the ships without A doctor from Oro Bay came to had steamed a total of 117, 230 miles (188, 664 kms) since attacking. Then two Zeros strafed Pirie attend to the wounded and a US Army commissioning in October 1942. t and one was shot down. The bombers Chaplain from SS Hanyany consigned attacked Hanyang, hitting it twice, the dead to the ‘deep’. The chaplain Peter Gillam (son) putting its steering out of action and later recommended that the ship and killing one and wounding six men, and her company receive bravery honours. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 40 Qualities of Leadership by Dr tom lewis

his series examines selected Inspirational see it, putting his telescope to his blind Ttraits of leadership to This leader inspires others to perform eye and exclaiming: «I really do not see compare Royal Australian similar deeds. Often this is shown by the signal». The British won the battle Navy leaders against a criteria. the leader’s actions in front of their with much help from Nelson’s use of The first of the articles took subordinates. Nelson inspired his initiative. Admiral Lord Nelson, the followers in being resolute, courageous hero of Trafalgar in 1805, as and honourable. It is one measure of Impressive Physical a model, as well as examining the man that so many did: Hardy, who Qualities the characteristics of other well- was with him when he died; his fellow This might be rephrased as “looking known leaders, both civilian and admiral Collingwood whose battle the part of a leader”. Would anyone military. line he raced to be first to engage at have said that Horatio Nelson achieved Seven qualities of leadership Trafalgar; ship commander Berry, who this? Yes – and no. A short, thin man measure the subject matter, followed him from ship to ship, and not blessed with good looks, he first suggesting a capable naval Captain Hallowell, who after the Battle entered the British navy in 1771 as leader is an achiever; expert in of the Nile made him a present of a a midshipman at 12 years and three his or her field; inspires others, coffin fashioned from the French ship months.1 Despite being prone to and takes initiative; impresses L’Orient’s mainmast – Nelson kept it in sickness: “I have had all the diseases by their physical qualities; his cabin and was indeed buried in it. that are”, he once said; he adapted well empathises with others, and is to the vigorous and often dangerous life an effective communicator. Initiative that was the Navy. Sometimes described as “going Nelson was a man of raw physical A chievement in where angels fear to tread”, this courage who led by example. He lost Did the person under discussion measure means to use judgement and an eye when an enemy shell, exploding improve their organisation? Did advance where necessary. The leader is during the siege of Calvi in Corsica, they leave it a better place by being a brave in psychological terms and takes drove splinters and dust and rock member? Promotion is recognised as the lead where necessary. It does not fragments into his face. He suffered a measure of achievement. With this mean going forward rashly. most terribly and often from wounds, and other measures which traditionally Nelson was a man who had the quite willing to lead from the front. mark out achievement – education; courage of his own convictions, who His right arm was amputated after the decorations; amassing of physical could often have left off and blamed battle of Santa Cruz in Teneriffe due to wealth perhaps – we gain some superiors for failure. Instead, he was his being hit by grapeshot. beginnings of whether a person is a a man who chose to use initiative and This is what is meant by “looking the success. advance when he knew the defeat of part of a leader”: behaving in such a the enemy was attainable and essential. way that people can be inspired. It Expert in one’s Field At the Battle of Copenhagen, walking means to look resolute and act with Anyone who aspires to be a leader and the deck while the guns roared their resolution – as did Nelson. To lead an example to others must obviously broadsides, and deadly splinters by example. To not show physical have expertise in their craft. In naval whistled about his ears, he confided cowardice. It might include «panache»; terms, that translates as being an expert to Colonel Stewart, commander of “the almost untranslatable expression “ship-driver”; an aviator par excellence; infantry, who was with him on the of dash, of valour, the ability to do an engineer possessing a wealth of quarterdeck, that he would not be things with an air of reckless courage theoretical and practical knowledge «elsewhere for thousands». Whether and inspiring leadership».2 Finally, we - and so on. Nelson, for example, was he was fearful or not – and who would might add that the bearing, carriage a master at strategy – which becomes not have been – Nelson led by example. and speech of a leader should be of the a commander of fleets – but also of And when his uncertain superior, highest standards. tactics, which behoves a ship captain. Admiral Parker, made the signal to He was also an inspired man-manager. leave off the action, Nelson refused to Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 41

Empathy Communication to use words effectively to persuade The great soldier of the 18th century, One needs to be understood at others. Winston Churchill was a great Frederick the Great, had good advice all times. Nelson employed in his exponent of this. Eisenhower, then a on how to attain the next quality of the leadership style something unusual US General and later President of the leader – Empathy: for its day: the art of effective United States, experienced the British ...talk with the soldiers, both when communication. One characteristic Prime Minister in action: you pass their tents or when they was to invite others to contribute their Churchill was a persuader. Indeed, are on the march. Sample often to ideas for a campaign, or a battle, or a his skill in the use of words and logic see if the cookpots have something change of some sort; to educate his was so great that on several occasions good; find out their small needs and men and get them – and him – to when he and I disagreed on some do what you can to satisfy them; know each others’ minds. Nelson important matter – even when I was spare them unnecessary exertion. embarked upon the Battle of the Nile convinced of my own view and when But let fall the full vigor of law on the in 1798 by letting his captains engage the responsibility was clearly mine – I mutinous soldier, the backbiter, the in individual fashion. The French had a very hard time withstanding his pillager...3 fleet, anchored by the bows in a line in arguments.9 shallow coastal water, engaged in ship Empathy means to be able to imagine to ship fashion by five British vessels 12 yourself – as leader – in the role sailing inside the line and anchoring, of your people, and to show that. and the rest engaging from outside. A capable naval leader is an achiever; It is “the power of understanding Thus the French were caught between expert in his or her field; inspires and imaginatively entering into two forces. At the end of hours of 4 others, and takes initiative; impresses another person’s feelings”. General fighting, the French had lost 1, 700 men Montgomery said to his troops at to the British 200; their fleet was largely by their physical qualities; empathises the Battle of Alamein: “We will stand pounded to pieces, and Napoleon with others, and is an effective and fight here. If we can’t stay here and his army were stranded in Egypt. communicator. We have seen many 5 alive, then let us stay here dead”. Nelson had hoisted just two signals great leaders who exhibited those Montgomery was entering into the through the entire battle.7 traits. This series examines how many feelings of all of his people, who feared For the autocratic manager this would that they would die. Churchill’s speech have been disastrous: an authoritarian of Australia’s naval leaders performed of WWII did the same: “We shall leader would not trust his subordinates in these fields. defend our island, whatever the cost to make momentous decisions and may be, we shall fight on the landing fight on their own. Nelson trusted his grounds, we shall fight in the fields and individual captains. So too, in the long 1 Description of Admiral Lord Nelson and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills: pursuit of the French, years later in his career are drawn from Kenneth Fenwick’s HMS Victory; Christopher Lloyd’s Nelson we shall never surrender.” Alexander 1805, he had regular meetings with his and Sea Power; Peter Padfield’s Broke and the Great “shared in the men’s dangers, «Band of Brothers» – the name applied the Shannon and Robert Southey’s The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson. as the scars of his wounds testified…he to those who fought under him at the 2 Welch, Ronald. Tank Commander. London: ate the same food as they did. He was Nile.8 During the long chase the officers Oxford University Press, 1972. (135) highly visible….he fought hard himself would pool their ideas for forthcoming 3 Connelly. (16) but he was ever on the watch for any battles; the best use of tactics; what 4 Collins English Dictionary. Sydney: Harper Collins, 1991. (510) acts of conspicuous courage in the face a following ship would do when its 5 Adler (116) 6 of danger amongst his men. fellow was sighted engaged and so on. 6 Adler (232) Such statements say to you that Consequently even the necessity for 7 Ireland, Bernard. in the Age your leader will be with you, no matter signals within the ensuing battle was of Sail. London: Harper Collins, 2000. (148- 151) what the cost. dispensed with; the captains knew each 8 Thursfield, James R. Nelson and other Naval others’ minds. Studies. London: John Murray, 1920. (125) Communication means to be able 9 Adler (76) Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 42 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader

Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran

Frederick William Purves was Throughout the an unusual officer of the Royal 1930s he served on a Australian Navy. A civilian- variety of the Adelaide trained engineer, he entered the Steamship Company’s service as a reservist, served in vessels as an engineer. a variety of different situations The first of these was in WWII, and was then offered Oorama, from early a permanent commission. He January 1933, where rose to the rank of Rear Admi- he was certified as ral, and throughout his career the Third Engineer. retained his love of engineering, A variety of short being associated with the area engagements followed, in a variety of ways, including probably reflecting a seeing diesel engines brought to direction for Purves to the fore in the RAN. He was one gain experience at sea of the few officers in the history in his chosen field. of the RAN to reach flag rank The ships were without having had the privilege many and varied: of an education at the Naval Manoora, Manunda, College. Aldinga, Allara and more.5 In June 1935 he orn on 13 March 1912 in the gained his Certificate English Midlands, the young Fred of Competency as BPurves came to Australia his family an engineer6 and in the early years of his youth.1 They continued to serve in settled in 1920s North Sydney, close such ships, sometimes Purves in later life to the Harbour, where Fred was in his returning to vessel he had previously and armed with glowing references7 with his beloved element. He was interested in boats served in. His Certificates of Discharge Purves entered the service of Burns engines and engines, swimming and scouting were invariably stamped ‘VG’ for Philp and Company as Chief Engineer activities, but not the academics of Very Good in Efficiency, Conduct and in the Lakatoi in her operations in education. He left school as soon as Ability. Papua New Guinea waters. he could, and at the age of 15 years In late 1936 Purves travelled to Purves made a studious habit of and eight days was indentured to the the United Kingdom to further his obtaining references from the Chief Adelaide Steamship Company as an engineering knowledge, but was also Engineer and often the Captain of apprentice fitter and turner.2 He joined able to be employed by the Adelaide every vessel he served in up to this the Army in a part-time capacity as Steamship Company to assist in the point. They all speak of a keen, part of the Citizens’ Military Forces, construction of the engines of a new energetic personality; a man vitally with the ability to be able to operate steamer, Bungaree.1 He joined this interested in engines, ships and the a lathe leading to his developing early vessel as Fourth Engineer for her sea. In the manner of the time they expertise as a gun-layer.3 inaugural trip to Australia, arriving comment upon his ‘sober habits’. In all On 15 March 1930, aged nearly 18, back in the country in July 1937. He cases the references expressed opinions Purves joined the Naval Reserve, his continued to work for the Company in along the lines of being most regretful occupation noted as an ‘Apprentice Manunda and Ulooloo until February of losing his services and urged him to Marine Engineer’.4 He attended 1939. The Company parted reluctantly return at his convenience. training for almost the next two years, with his services at his own request, Between 1936 and 1939 Purves while training as an apprentice was 1 Bungaree was requisitioned by the visited Germany, primarily to study completed in May 1932. Royal Australian Navy during WW II and diesel engines. He was able therefore commissioned as Australia’s only mine-layer. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 43

to see at first hand the preparations College. For the next year he continued ‘Hard-working, intelligent and most Germany was making for war, and to voyage in Lakatoi, and with an trustworthy’, was the commanding something of the nature of the Nazi excellent reference behind him he officer’s reference to his engineer’s party; which included the souveniring finally left the company on 26 July service. of a Nazi flag from the front of a staff 1940. During 1941 Purves’s marriage car.8 Around this time Purves decided While onboard Macdhui in transit to Lilian saw the birth of twin boys: to change directions a little. He was from Sydney to Samarai, New Guinea, William and Robert.13 He escaped a keen observer of international the previous year, he had met a a certain death that year. A signal affairs and, according to his later nurse by the name of Lilian Mawson. posting him to the doomed HMAS reminiscences, had seen the political Romance took hold, and Purves soon Sydney as an engineer was rescinded. winds blowing towards war for some proposed marriage.10 The couple were The engagement with the German time. He decided to join the Navy. wed, on 3 April 1940, at a mission raider Kormoran on 19 November saw Naturally enough, this took time. station in Kwato.11 no survivors from the Sydney. Athol Rose, who knew Purves On 1 December 1940 Purves was The attacks on Darwin in February in later life, suggests9 that a chance appointed ‘Probationary Temporary 1942 saw Fred Purves in the thick of the encounter with the Australian armed Engineer Lieutenant’ in the Royal action.14 Although a member of Tolga, forces precipitated Purves’s application. Australian Naval Reserve. He initially he had been seconded to Platypus, the He assisted an Army unit get a boat attended the NSW shore establishment largest ship in the harbour, but also ashore ‘up a steep slope’ by using a HMAS Rushcutter as an Engineer the least moveable. A veteran of many tank to pull the vessel. The next day Lieutenant, probably for a short years, Platypus was by now merely a the officer in charge of the Army unit training session, but then was attached floating workshop. On the night of the boarded Purves’s vessel to pass on his to his first Navy ship. HMAS Tolga 18th February Purves attended a party thanks through the Captain. Purves’s became his home from 30 December held by his friend Tommy Minto on qualifications were noted and the 1940 to 21 May 1942. This former board the Manunda. application facilitated. coastal steamer of 418 tons had been Purves’s first job the next morning While waiting for the wheels of requisitioned by the RAN only a month was the repair of the engines of the bureaucracy to turn Purves furthered earlier. Now fitted with a 12 pound Mavie, a captured Japanese lugger now H MAS Hobart around his education by enrolling as a marine gun and half a dozen machine guns, brought into the Royal Australian Navy. the end of WWII (Tom engineering student at a Technical she was working as a .12 Upon return from harbour trials, and Lewis Collection)

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 44 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran after rigging some awnings to ward service, and Purves and his work team On 20 January that year (a month off what looked like one of the normal intended to get this done so she could before the attacks of 19 February) hot Territory ‘Wet season’ days, Purves be put back into action. It was while I-124 and her three sister boats and others saw approaching Japanese there that the second raid came over, had attacked a convoy outside the aircraft. He recalls: and Purves recalls it was about then the harbour. Failing to sink their prey, the I dashed to my cabin in Platypus to Neptuna – burning submarines became the target of the obtain my helmet and respirator, fiercely at the main wharf some local corvettes, and on the afternoon of hanging on a hook near the distance away – blew up, showering all the 20th the I-124 had made the mistake porthole. As I grabbed them, of them with debris. of attempting to sink a modern anti- bombs exploded and I saw an The subsequent work in Darwin submarine vessel. Deloraine charged extraordinary sight through the was somewhat disorganised, and down the track of the sighted torpedo porthole: the wharf outside, a also took place in an atmosphere of and commenced depth charging the locomotive, trucks and a large trepidation, for the Japanese raids of Japanese boat until she surfaced and number of wharf labourers were the 19th were the forerunners of many was depth-charged at point blank flying through the air. I went more – 64 raids were made against the range.20 It was this loss and the failure down into the engine-room, my Darwin area during the war. Purves of the minelaying to neutralise Darwin action station…five bombs landed remembers working on the beached that caused the attacks of a month later under the vessel, and exploded US freighter Port Mar: Robert Rayner’s by carrier-based aircraft. simultaneously. Platypus seemed to The Army and the Defence of Darwin The combat proved too much for have been lifted almost out of the Fortress lists ‘eight 75mm guns plus the engineer of the corvette, Lieutenant water, and then fell back with such jeeps and thirty two trucks’ as being Ken Graham, and he was despatched force that the heavy foot-plates in recovered, with all of the work being to hospital with a nervous breakdown. the engine-room became air-borne, done under cover of darkness.17 He Purves took his place, ‘…for some and I found myself in the bilge, with worked on other vessels as well, weeks, on a number of missions’, as he both hot and cold water upon me. generally as a diver: ‘I spent many hours put it. It was perhaps later in Darwin The condensers had shattered, and under the surface applying patches to – Purves is not specific about the water reached waist-level before it the hulls’.18 Conditions in Darwin are time – that he suffered a number of could be stopped.15 remembered as ‘chaotic’, but the work small injuries as a result of ‘…my being Purves witnessed an attack on the went on: ‘Japanese raids sometimes a bit late diving into a trench during a hospital ship Manunda during the first took place while I was under water, Japanese bombing raid’. The catalogue raid. Some controversy surrounds this which was often the safest place to be’. of wounds was comprehensive: Purves attack: there have been suggestions it Incidentally, he had no qualifications as had been ‘temporarily blinded’, his was accidental, with others vehemently a diver, but was persuaded to give it a right foot had been crushed and holding to the view it was deliberate. try by the famous ‘Johnno’ Johnstone, pieces of shrapnel had been lodged Purves, with a clear view of Manunda who had been brought to Darwin to in his right leg, one piece behind his from Katoomba, witnessed the attack try to enter the submarine I-124. Well knee. Removed from Darwin by flying by a group of dive bombers. He is known for his exploits recovering gold boat for sick leave in May 1942, some certain that this group acted in concert, from the sunken Niagara off New consolation was gained by a brief and that the attack was deliberate. For Zealand, Johnstone would have been reunion in Bombala NSW with his wife him, the only uncertainty lies in the well qualified to enter the I-124, but and their twins. reason for the Japanese reluctance to due to a number of factors his team Purves admitted later that he sink, rather than merely disable, the was prevented from diving on the suffered from his wounds for the rest hospital ship, the floating dock and submarine.19 of his active career, and indeed later Platypus.16 It was while working on Port Mar that year when he was given a medical After the raiders had departed, as a diver, on one of his breaks, that examination it was enough for the Purves recalls he went – ‘covered in Purves was told he was to join HMAS American doctor to certify him unfit blood’ – to the floating dock where the Deloraine on a temporary basis. This for active service. However, in his corvette Katoomba was under repair. corvette had just achieved local fame own words, he ‘suppressed’ this, and She needed only a little welding to in sinking the I-124, the first Japanese continued service.21 her asdic (sonar) dome to be ready for submarine to be destroyed by the RAN. The American doctor was necessary Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 45

by then because Purves had voyaged with the salvage of the Tucker, and then comments: across the Pacific on a secret mission on the wreck of the Normandie in the This officer carried out his – to carry uranium to America for the Hudson River.24 He saw some voyages duties with zeal and enthusiasm, Manhattan Project. He had received with the USN on the eastern seaboard, but lacks the attribute of being puzzling orders on his convalescent rescuing survivors of torpedoed able to command a body of leave; so puzzling that Purves queried ships. The memory of these times men. He recently completed the telegram.22 But they were certain traumatised him to the extent that he a short diving course in with enough: he was to travel to Albury in would dream of them occasionally for a United States salvage crew civilian clothes and board a train that the rest of his life.25 and produced some very good would be held until his arrival. The Upon returning to Australia, Purves information on shallow water train travelled to Melbourne, and there served as an Engineer Officer of the diving and underwater cutting. Purves and others in a specially picked cruiser HMAS Australia, from 23 His behaviour has been excellent crew were given unusual clothes – at March to 28 August 1943, attached to and his fault of fraternising too the tailors Buckley and Nunn’s – with Task Force 74 as part of the US Seventh much with subordinate officers radiation measuring devices sewn into Fleet. The force was made up of three has been checked. If his power of the clothing. They were escorted to the cruisers: Australia, Hobart and USS command were stronger I would ‘Overlander’ train which ran overnight Phoenix, and five destroyers.26 The have no hesitation in strongly to Adelaide. There they boarded a ships firstly were placed on ‘stand-by’ recommending him… diesel-engined ship, flying the neutral for some months inside the Great A ‘half-yearly promotion’ report near Swedish flag and with a crew of Swedes Barrier Reef. On 29 June the Task that time – of 15 July 1943 – sheds already on board. Force was deployed to the Coral more light on this situation: The Australians were to accompany Sea to search for the enemy but was …He is contented in his Service a special cargo, the nature of which withdrawn after a short time. On 20 life but prior to joining this ship was unknown to the Swedes. Destined July while operating to the west of the he apparently made a habit of for the Manhattan Project, it was New Hebrides Australia was leading fraternising with subordinates uranium ‘yellowcake’, disguised as wool Hobart at a distance of some 600 yards (Warrant Officers). This habit has bales. In the event of an attempt to and three destroyers operating an anti- now been checked and some good stop and search by enemy personnel submarine screen. At 1845 Hobart was may come of it. Purves was to destroy the vessel by hit by a torpedo on her port side. The Naval protocol still – and did so running the diesel engines at top speed torpedo, fired by Commander Tagami even more in 1943 – separates social with their lubricating oil turned off in the submarine I-GO11, had actually occasions into three ranks: officers, – the resultant explosion sinking the been fired at Australia but had missed. senior sailors, and junior sailors. ship. Fortunately the voyage passed Hobart lost all electrical power Although inter-mess functions without incident. The uranium was and began to list to port. Most of the operated then, and do so now, they are delivered to San Francisco, and the damage was in the wardroom area, and governed by invitation and expectation. rest is history. In the New Year’s seven officers and one rating had been It would appear Purves was flouting the List of 1965, Purves was accorded killed. No further action took place, convention enough to draw attention. the honour of Ordinary Officer in and Hobart was escorted to Espiritu The comments on ‘power of command’ the Order of the British Empire (the Santo by two of the destroyers. The were bolstered in their strength by OBE) – an award he viewed with some RAN’s cruiser strength was now down the medium numerical ratings Purves surprise – and he presumed then it to two from the six with which it had often received around this time. In was belated recognition for this secret commenced the war. Hobart took 18 later years this was to change however, voyage. The citation simply states: ‘For months to repair. with a distinctive upward trend. Distinguished Service’. Australia returned to Sydney and It is worth noting here that Purves On 23 June 1942, while he was Purves posted off the ship. Captain had changed his eating and drinking away, the Commonwealth of Australia Farncomb signed his Certificate with habits around this time too. In one of awarded Purves his certificate of the comment ‘…he has conducted his son’s words he had possessed the Competency as a First Class Engineer.23 himself to my entire satisfaction’.27 ‘silhouette of a modern tennis star’ While in America he was able to do However, his Personal Report, which when he married, but he had always some more diving, first in connection gave more detail, carried some negative had a liking for sugary things and he Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 46 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran began to indulge it. He was also able to Purves ‘acquired’ a consume alcohol, which he did so in British tank to serve moderation, usually in the form of beer. this purpose. Post-war In later years his liking for sweet things it was noted that he were to cause him to put on weight, was still liable for the and in his retirement diabetes would ‘purchase’ of the tank, make an appearance.28 but this accounting Purves’s next appointment – from anomaly soon 29 August 1943 to 7 February 1944 – disappeared.31 Purves saw him return to America as Engineer posted out on 21 July Officer of HMAS Reserve. A new with a month of well- fleet tug built in Texas, she displace deserved leave. 800 tons and mounted a 4” gun and He was next four machine guns.29 This ship was posted to the Sydney brought back to Australia, although not shore establishment without incident: some members of the Penguin for duty at largely civilian ship’s company, drunk the Qantas Refitting ‘fives’ with a ‘six’ for ‘Personal Qualities’. H MAS Hobart showing damage on Christmas Day, refused to sail, Shops from 21 August 1945. However, Max Reed, (later Rear Admiral) then inflicted by Japanese and threats were made with some of much of the duty was at Alexishafen the Senior Watchkeeper in the ship, torpedo attack the disaffected members entering the – north of Madang – for maintenance remembers Purves’s first instructions: in 1943 US Navy engine room to damage the engines. of Fairmile launches and other small ‘I’m very knowledgeable about diesels Historical Centre Purves drove them out with drawn ships.32 This was followed by a change but not too hot about steam turbines pistol, and had an equally curt response in jobs under the command of the – so I’ll leave it to you. If you want to a union official who later reproached same establishment; on 1 April 1946, any help let me know, but remember him in Australia over the matter.30 Purves became the Officer in Charge to keep me informed of what is going He was posted to another fleet tug of the Care and Maintenance party on’. Reed thought though, that ‘his – Sprightly – as Temporary Engineer at Port Stephens. He was posted to knowledge…wasn’t as minuscule as Officer on 24 January 1944. This the Mornington Peninsula training he made out’. This attitude of ‘get on small ship was also built in Texas and establishment Cerberus from 10 with the job but keep me informed… similarly armed to Reserve. Another September 1946, and effective a month inspired a great respect for the man’.34 small ship appointment followed: to and a half after that transferred to Petty Officer Colin Price remembers Koopa on 17 July 1944. This converted Permanent Service. meeting Purves as a ‘young Engineer river steamer was used as a training Ron Osborn, later a Commander Lt. Cmdr.’ when he was requested to ship, and depot vessel for in the Navy, remembers meeting the make up on a lathe a ‘lead screw and Fairmile motor launches used on patrol Purves family at the RAN College, half nut’. ‘I succeeded in producing a duties in Australian and Papua New then located at Cerberus. Invited to tea, good job, and he was that pleased that Guinea waters. On 30 September he recalls: ‘Fred at that time was still the next day he presented me with a Purves was promoted to Lieutenant wearing the ‘chain gang’ stripes of an pint bottle of Johnny Walker Whisky’. Commander. RANR Engineer Officer. The Purves Naturally enough, Price remembered On 21 May, 1945 Purves was posted family were most kind to us and it was the officer’s face, and met up with him as Engineer Officer of the PNG shore I think our first break from the daily again on an appointment to HMAS establishment HMAS Madang. The grind at the college.33 Nirimba.35 base’s primary purpose was to serve as In 1948 Purves returned to sea on Some overseas training in London a depot for the many Allied ships which board HMAS Australia as the Senior was necessary; for a year and a half had participated in the attacks on Engineer Officer. His Personal Report Purves was attached to the RN Aircraft the Japanese positions in Papua New commented that given his lack of Repair Yard at Donibristle in Fife, Great Guinea. Fairmile launches, freighters, experience in steam engineering he Britain, accompanied by his family.36 landing ships, and other small warships had done very well, and also noted There he was attached in turn to every utilised the busy establishment. The ‘Not very keen on games except rifle section of the repair yard, and went slipway was without a winch, and shooting’. His numerical scores were all to sea in various aircraft carriers. The Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 47

report of the Captain in charge of the dedication. He met up Yard to the RAN commented that with Colin Price, then he was a ‘most able, conscientious Chief Instructor at and knowledgeable officer’ and the School of Aircraft concluded with the words ‘I…most Maintenance. Price strongly recommend his immediate was on his motor bike, promotion’.37 and met Purves by Purves was promoted to chance at the guard Commander while in Britain – he and house when returning his wife celebrated with champagne from a country tour. and a short visit to Paris. They sailed The Commander from Tilbury, with Purves’s next requested a ride on appointment to Penguin with effect the motor bike back Manunda with of 25 January 1951. Later that year, to the wardroom, with Price to drive After a stint as Staff Officer in Navy rescue boat in on 5 October, he was posted to the the car, but this wasn’t possible, as the Office (1 Oct 1954 to 24 Jan 1955) foreground (Darwin Port Melbourne shore establishment motorcyclist did not have a car licence. Purves was appointed to sea once Military Museum) Lonsdale as Engineer Overseer at the Purves then suggested Price report to more. From 25 January 1955 he served Williamstown Naval Dockyard. From him at the Wardroom each time he as Engineer Officer of HMAS Sydney 25 January 1952 to 18 December 1953 was on duty where driving lessons duly – the aircraft carrier – to 7 February he served in Navy Office in Melbourne. took place until Price was able to sit for 1956, with Captain WH Harrington His Certificate at the end of that time a licence.39 noting that he performed in ‘…a noted: ‘A most loyal and hard working Bruce Ziegler, later a Commander, capable and energetic manner’. This officer and an excellent practical remembers meeting Purves in the contrasted with the somewhat grievous engineer. With more experience of ‘50s. He described him as a ‘Brilliant comments of Captain GC Oldham on 5 administration he should do well in the Engineer’, and ‘Popular’. Purves called July of the previous year in his Personal higher ranks of the Service’. Ziegler to his office one day and Report when he wrote: The boys of Purves’s new family announced that Ziegler had been Good moral standard – not had been growing fast through the promoted a Commander in HMAS particularly cheerful but at war, and after a short time living in Vampire. He added: ‘You will need a least he sticks to the job with Katoomba, he settled them with their Brass Hat.2Take mine – and if it fits you determination when things are mother Lilian on a six-acre property take my chair and I will go to Vampire’. going wrong. His weakest point at Dural.38 There Purves designed his The handing over of Purves personal is his general bearing: he dresses own house in a style he had seen in headwear was a pleasant way of being adequately; but his figure – short, America, supervised the building, and told of a promotion.40 thick and roundish – combined named the residence Fairmile after the One senior officer notes that with a pleasant but by no means Navy fast attack vessels he had so often perhaps Purves was a little out of commanding personality renders repaired at Alexishafen. Although the his depth in the field of aircraft it improbable that other attributes house remained in the family for many engineering as opposed to that of however well marked, will result in years after that, it was often left by the ships. ‘In my opinion (he) never a high assessment for Leadership. family as Purves’s appointments took really appreciated the philosophical His son, Robert Purves, later noted that them afar and abroad: Robert Purves differences of approach to the branch such comments were probably accurate remembered in later years attending 12 of engineering compared to the marine and justified: indeed Purves himself different schools: nine in Australia and engineering on which he had cut his often remarked that he was ‘just a three in Britain. teeth’.41 Nevertheless his Personal rough old engineer’. He sometimes The next appointment was to the Report on leaving saw Purves awarded resented a little others of privileged naval air station HMAS Nirimba on a most positive set of scores. background flaunting their learning: 21 December 1953. Purves served on one occasion he came home fuming here for a year to 30 September 1954. 2 The promotion to Commander sees because his RN Commanding Officer the recipient assume a gold-laced cap, One incident that took place there traditionally known as a ‘Brass Hat’. Purves had asked him to find out what the demonstrates his sense of fun – and was giving Zeigler a gold-laced cap to wear ‘cacophony’ outside his office was all immediately. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 48 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran about, and Purves – having no Greek – in him’. Ron Osborn remembers an which eventually culminated in HMAS was acutely embarrassed not to know incident which sums up Purves’s love of Stalwart. Baird, who was a destroyer the meaning of the word.42. engineering: captain, noted that because of Purves’s Time as an Engineer Officer for the …on my posting to Quickmatch I input, one could always be assured of air station at Nowra, New South Wales, recall a visit to Lieutenant Harry the best of things when operating with HMAS Albatross, followed from 1 May Rouse, the ship’s Engineer Officer. that support ship in the future. 1956. His Certificate there on to 14 Fred was greeted at the brow by It was around this time that his old January 1957 noted that Purves was: ‘A our Captain Andrew Robertson acquaintance Colin Price was ‘paying trustworthy and capable senior officer and invited up to his cabin for off’ from the Navy after 20 years of who is handling a big task with zeal and a cuppa. Fred – rolled white service. Price recalls: enthusiasm’. overalls tucked under his arm – One day Captain (E) F. Purves Athol Rose recalled him at this time replied ‘No thanks Andrew. I’ll sent for me and questioned me when ‘we were all overworked with just get on with the job with regarding my future prospects. I seven air squadrons operating’ – his H a r r y ’. 45 told him I did not have a job to go own department had five officers, for This attitude of wanting to get down to. He then asked me what sort example, instead of the billeted 13.43 to work quickly is borne out by the of employment I wanted. When Purves was able to get ‘maximum Personal Report of 19 January 1959: I replied, he picked up the phone cooperation for his staff and other ‘He itches to do any job himself and and rang Melbourne and arranged departments’. Rose remembers one has self disciplined himself to resist this an interview with the Director Herculean effort of getting a Fairey great temptation’. of AID (Aircraft Inspection Firefly engine changed overnight, On 3 January 1961 Captain Purves Directorate) which was part of the which Purves achieved through ‘…good was appointed to the apprentice Department of Defence and with relationships with other departments… training establishment Nirimba in whom I was to be employed for and good leadership’. On a personal command. The year was one of the next 20 years…I have letters note, Rose recalls Purves’s love of tragedy otherwise – his son William, by addressed to me and written by classical music and his efforts to get then a 20-year old engineer, died in a Admiral Purves which I have kept others to appreciate it through the loan residential fire at Wollongong.46 Bruce as treasured keepsakes. They are of records to anyone expressing an Ziegler, who was Officer of the Day of written on official Navy Office interest. Nirimba at the time, recalls meeting note paper and are simply signed On the negative side however, some Purves ‘…near his quarters…when he, Fred Purves. What a man. What thought that Purves appealed more against a flood of tears, told me of the a friend.49 to the sailors than to officers. One news he had received’.47 As Rear Admiral Neil McDonald senior officer later was of the opinion The tragic start to the decade remembers, Purves was ‘…one who he: ‘…undoubtedly impressed senior might have well seen Purves brought could talk to anyone with the greatest technical ratings with whom he could to despair, but he continued on with of ease. He understood the feelings of empathise easily, but engineer officers, characteristic fortitude, and it was the many who were not in authority’.50 at least on the aircraft side, were not indeed now that the Navy’s confidence The Price incident is an illustration so impressed.’ 44 This is perhaps not in him was to be justified even more of his trait of getting straight to the surprising given that he was a marine, than ever. Malcolm Baird, who problem and fixing it. Rear Admiral not an aeronautical, engineer. knew him well, sums it up as being at Max Reed thought: His promotion to Captain took attitude where ‘practical perception As far as ‘leadership’ goes he always effect on 4 July 1957, when he was dominated’.48 The sixties was to be ‘led by example’. Never one to appointed to the air base HMAS a time of great change in the Royal say ‘Well go away and fix it’ he Albatross as Air Engineer Officer. As Australian Navy. British domination would sit down and discuss the Fleet Engineer Officer, serving in the in all things was to give way to looking problem with you be it mechanical aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, further afield for ship and weapons or whether it related to some Purves served from 26 July 1957 until 9 designs. Baird recalls that Purves had personnel problem. He had a good July 1959. His Certificate noted: ‘A very ‘a major part to play’ in the design, grasp of human behaviour…51 efficient, reliable and conscientious construction and entry into service Purves returned to Lonsdale from officer’ and ‘I have great confidence of an escort maintenance ship design, 12 November 1962, as Director of Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 49

T he ceremonial (Williamstown) Dockyard and Fleet the admiration and respect of all at and was more comfortable with a beginning of HMAS Maintenance. Meanwhile his wife Navy Office’ were comments in his spanner in his hand than walking the Ovens’ first hull Lilian had continued nursing, as Certificate of 16 November 1964. His corridors of naval power’.53 Certainly section, with Rear she had through the 50s and would Report bore that out, with a choice the Personal Report – as opposed Admiral Purves continue to do so in the 1960s, only of phrases including: ‘Extremely to the Certificate – was not kind. representing the Navy (Courtesy giving up her profession when later hardworking’; ‘entirely forthright’; and Commodore JM Ramsay wrote many Robert Purves) promotions to flag rank for her ‘extremely popular’. positive comments, but also rated his husband demanded more of her time From 6 January 1965 Purves ‘Suitability for promotion’ as ‘Slight’ too. was posted to HMAS Cerberus II, and commented: From 28 February 1963 Purves as Chief Staff Officer (Technical) to He seems to me to possess all the served as the Deputy Chief of 15 December of that year.3 He was professional attributes to qualify Technical Services and Assistant Naval noted on his Certificate as conducting him for promotion to fill the Attache in Britain.52 Although this was himself ‘…in an outstanding manner. post of Chief of Naval Technical a diplomatic position, his engineering He is an exceptional senior technical Services, but I hesitate in assessing role prevailed, with frequent visits to officer.’ However, in some ways he his chances at more than slight Germany to check on machinery being probably had trouble fitting in. One because his appearance, manner of manufactured at Friedrichshafen by the senior officer was of the opinion: ‘He speech and general bearing do not Zahnradfabrik factory, for the RAN’s had little time for naval protocol, had fit in with my idea of an Admiral.54 Oberon class submarines. This was a poor opinion of seaman officers On 25 January 1966, while in Kent, certainly appreciated by his superiors. 3 This was a convention in posting: Dr Britain, Captain Purves attended the ‘His great practical ability and long Sam Bateman, a retired RAN Commodore, 164th Celebration of the Greenock advises: ‘RAN personnel in the UK in the experience have been of immeasurable 50s and 60s used to be posted to HMAS Burns Club, to toast the memory of the value to the RAN…he has achieved Cerberus II’. (Cerberus II was only active great poet. The event, complete with from 1917 to 1921.) Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 50 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran pipers, dancers, musical celebrations 1966 he attended the launch of HMAS and recitations, must have been a Otway, one of the six Oberon class memorable event – Purves kept the submarines being built in Britain for program for many years afterwards. the RAN. 59 His expertise in diesel The appointment was full of similar engines was certainly brought to the social events, such as the New Zealand fore in these years, as well as in the High Commission’s Cocktail Party, design of the engines for the new events which were much more than Attack class patrol boats being brought social occasions; the term from later into service. As Malcolm Baird again years of ‘networking’ is perhaps a better points out, in these areas and more, description of their true purpose.55 Purves showed: ‘…an endless capacity On 19 May 1966 Purves was to improve a design that it might better notified of his impending appointment suit Australia’s unique circumstances’. – to succeed Rear Admiral FL George Purves celebrated his promotion to – as Third Naval Member of the Naval Rear Admiral the following year with Board with promotion to Rear Admiral a cocktail party on 13 March 1967, from 14 March 1967. The position and a dinner the following day, in his also carried the title of ‘Chief of the new flag-rank capacity.60 Both were Naval Technical Services’.56 The new attended by a distinguished group: responsibilities saw travel arranged for the latter event by Vice Admiral Sir the beginning of the following year to Alan McNicholl and his wife, and by the United States – part of the Royal no fewer than three Rear Admirals, On 8 June 1968 he was promoted a T he Purves coat of arms Australian Navy’s change in focus from including the notable Vice Admiral Commander in the Military Division of British platforms to American ships. VAT Smith. The Minister for the the Most Excellent Order of the British Again, notes Malcolm Baird, Purves Navy – the Honourable Don Chipp, Empire – the CBE.64 On 14 March was: then Minister for the Navy, was also in 1969 Rear Admiral Purves was officially …legendary in his practical attendance with his wife. ‘transferred to shore’ for placement on perceptions of work being done Purves’s first letter in his capacity the Emergency List of the Reserve. In a for Australia….FP’s down-to-earth as Rear Admiral, on new headed letter dated the previous day, the Naval manner, his practical approach, notepaper, was to his wife, ‘…as you are Board noted their appreciation for his his single-minded application of mainly responsible for my reaching this ‘distinguished services’ over 29 years. fundamental principles, and his rank.’ With her he also attended one of They wrote: Australian irreverence for pomp, his first functions in the new position – In all the many appointments you marked him as a leader who was the launching of one of the RAN’s fleet have held, you have demonstrated willingly followed because he was of Attack class patrol boats – HMAS the highest standards of technical a thorough professional and never Bayonet.61 Unusually, the new vessel expertise as well as judgement, lost sight of the aim.57 was not slipped down into the water integrity and loyalty. In addition Despite a swing to acquiring some however, but rather lowered by crane at your cheerful nature and keen American vessels, the RAN remained the Evans Deakin shipyard, Brisbane.62 sense of humour have made committed to several British designs, Socialising in high ranks was a you a delightful messmate and amongst them the excellent Oberon feature of the new position, with the colleague.65 class diesel-electric submarines. Ron reality of the situation being that such Similar accolades followed from the Osborn is of the opinion: ‘…to the events were unique opportunities to get Minister for Shipping and Transport, best of my knowledge he looked to know overseas politicians, defence Ian Sinclair, and various other after the RAN’s interest with his usual officials or foreign officers, and thus politicians and officers who had served expertise.58 open doors to conducting the business with Purves. Once in Britain, on 17 June 1966, of Australia’s defence, trade and The Admiral and his wife undertook Purves officiated for the Navy in a international relations. At this time the a programme of travel to the USA and ceremony to place the first hull section Purves family sold the Dural property Britain lasting several months later for HMAS Ovens. On 29 November to purchase a house in Deakin, ACT.63 that year. Lilian Purves was continuing Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 51

to rise in her nursing career, and Unfortunately, this was the start of years. As Purves’s son Robert notes, eventually became the Director of many years of medical problems. Price was ‘…very upset to see my father Nursing at Morling Lodge, Red Hill.66 Through October 1985 to September so reduced and sick’. Price handed the She managed finances, administration 1986 Purves had both legs amputated, Admiral a copy of his own manuscript and fitted in some nursing too, and consequently faced confinement ‘A Tiffy’s Odyssey’ describing Price’s 20 enjoying hard work as much as her to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. years of eventful service. On the fly leaf husband always did. In 1985 Lilian was Nevertheless, he remained actively Price wrote: awarded the OAM – the Medal in the interested in many things. In 1990 For my greatly respected and Order of Australia – for her services to he celebrated his golden wedding admired Rear Admiral. I live today nursing.67 anniversary with wife Lilian, the in comfort thanks to the help you Offers of further employment celebration seeing the cake cut with the gave to me during my naval career. came in quantity for Admiral Purves, Admiral’s sword, and the party being I shall never forget you and thank including approaches from the graced by no fewer than six admirals.75 you with all my heart. During my Indonesian government, private In 1995 the English College civilian life I made a determined enterprise and indeed the Royal of Heralds in London, on Royal effort to maintain the standards Australian Navy as well.68 Purves Authority and under the Seals of you would expect of me. became a member of the ‘Retired Garter, Clarenceaux, and Norroy and Rear Admiral Purves died on January Senior Officers’ Symposium’, and made Ulster, granted arms to Fred Purves. 11, 1997 at the age of 84, and the Royal many valuable contributions, especially The principal element in the grant is, Australian Navy gave him, in his son’s in his specialised field of technical appropriately enough, the heraldic words, a ‘splendid ceremonial farewell requirements.69 beast known as a ‘Sea-Dog’, with two of in Canberra’. From Port Hedland in The ‘Purves Adjustable Pipe-Hose them dominating the shield ‘combatant Western Australia the guided missile Coupling’ was manufactured by reguardant’ – in other words, in frigate HMAS Adelaide took his Flowline Couplings of Sydney during fighting posture but looking back over remains to sea for the last time on 12 this time, and met with some success their shoulders. Robert Purves notes May 1997, and his ashes were scattered – it was a coupling designed to allow that this is a deliberate allusion to Fred’s to the ocean he loved so much. t different sized ship hoses to be mated having to guard his back not only when together.70 It was a Fred Purves design. fighting the Japanese in the jungles of The Admiral also became involved in New Guinea, but also – much later – How can we summarise Purves’s Osmarine Australia, supervising the when he was fighting for the Navy in leadership characteristics, given the construction of MV Bass Shore, an oil the political jungle of Canberra. The comments of others through his rig tender.71 shield is surmounted by a helmet, upon career? Especially considering the In 1971 he accepted an offer of a which sits a Naval Crown (traditionally disadvantage of his permanent Navy position as consultant to Kinhill, a allowed only to officers of flag rank), career – starting without attending marine services organisation which and from which emerges a half Sea- the RAN College and as a Reservist ranged over management services, Dog holding a double headed spanner – Purves was more than competitive naval architecture and port and in its right paw. This spanner is an in the promotion stakes. He surely harbour facilities.72 Some of this allusion to Fred’s love of engineering. ascended the heights. However, his involved advisory work to Indonesian The Latin motto might be translated as main achievement is in engineering companies.73 In the mid-1970s Purves ‘Strength and Gentlemanly Attributes achievement: supervising the best was diagnosed with ‘hypertensive in Equal Qualities.’76 acquisition of platforms for the Navy cardio-vascular disease’. This is In his last years the Admiral was and cementing the relatively new basically a heart disease, with ‘….altered cared for largely by his son Robert, after force as capable of managing its own function of the heart muscle, and his wife, who had been his chief carer, maintenance and repair work. lessened ability to pump blood’.74 It had a heart attack and stroke in 1994. It seems a measure of the rationale can lead to heart failure. Some of this The Admiral became slowly blind, so behind his promotions that he was condition might be traced back to could no longer read, a source of some outstanding in his branch. Purves previous work in the defence forces. depression to him.77 In 1996 he was was singled out by the Navy as the In any case, Purves’s condition was visited by old friend Colin Price, with quintessential engineer who was also fully covered by the naval service. whom he had often worked over the an officer capable of carrying the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 52 Studies in Trait Leadership – Practical Leader Rear Admiral Frederick William Purves, cbe, ran ‘Wartime romance goes for gold’. April responsibilities of Flag rank. 1990. (RPC) There are many testimonies to 12 Straczek, Josef. The Royal Australian Purves’ ability to inspire others. He Navy: Ships, Aircraft and Shore Establishments. Sydney: Navy Public is an example to those who did not Affairs, 1996. attend the Naval College, and who 13 Newspaper – unknown title. Year also started from comparatively humble unknown, but contextual reference to 1990. ‘Wartime romance goes for gold’. (RPC) beginnings, that they too can achieve distinction. 14 Letters to the author, March-May, 1996. (Letters penned for his father by son Robert He was an officer who possessed a Purves with his observations also added) considerable degree of empathy. All 15 Letters from Purves to the author, of his life, Purves was willing to join in Dr Tom Lewis OAM, has served in March-May, 1996. with others’ work, which must surely a variety of PNF and Reserve roles 16 Alan Powell in The Shadow’s Edge gives opinions from both sides. See also Rupert have led his sailors to respect him and within the Navy. He led US forces on Goodman’s Hospital Ships. Brisbane: Boolarong Publications, 1992. to imitate his enthusiasm and attention deployment in Baghdad in 2006. He to detail. He must have been a great 17 Rayner, Robert. The Army and the is now the Director of Darwin Military Defence of Darwin Fortress. NSW: Rudder example to engineers especially. Press, 1995. (p. 239) We might label him an average Museum. 18 Letters to the author, March-May, 1996. communicator, but let us recognise 19 See this author’s Sensuikan I-124, or that Purves was an excellent adviser its reprint Darwin’s Submarine I-124, in the field of his beloved engineering, Avonmore Books, 2011. and when necessary, he was also 20 See this author’s Sensuikan I-124, or its reprint Darwin’s Submarine I-124, an excellent man-manager who Avonmore Books, 2011. understood his people. In terms of the 21 Letters to the author, March-May, 1996 physical, Purves cannot be said to look 22 The sources for this are somewhat the part of the movie-version naval vague, but this is unsurprising, given the officer. But in terms of acting the part nature of the mission. The story derives from accounts as relayed by RADM Purves of a leader, he did well. He also had in later life to RADM Max Reed, AO, RAN the gift of directness, in that he went (Rtd.), and Robert Purves. On Purves’s Confidential Report for 21 May 1942 straight to the job at hand without the Occasion for Report is filled in with delay – an attribute that illustrates ‘Discharged South Category X’. This term is unknown to the writer, and has not been (Endnotes) moral courage. seen on other WWII reports, up to and Never one to hold back, it was due 1 Personal details on Purves’s life are including the ‘Most Secret’ used then for the generally drawn from material supplied by highest levels of security. It may be that the to Purves’s willingness to move forward his son, Robert Purves. writer was not given a reason for Purves’s that he achieved so much. In summary, discharge south so simply used ‘X’ as an 2 Indenture paper. Robert Purves unknown quantity. an extremely capable engineer, a Collection (hereafter known as RPC). 23 Original document (RPC) competent leader, and a master of his 3 Telephone interview with Robert Purves craft. A role-model for all engineers – son of the Admiral – 28 March 2002. 24 Letters to the author, March-May, 1996. and for those members of armed forces 4 Certificate of Service. (RPC) 25 Cited in letters to the author from Robert Purves. who work within logistical areas. 5 Reference from the Adelaide Steamship Company, 28 February 1939. (RPC) 26 Payne, MA. HMAS Australia. Sydney: Naval Historical Society of Australia, 1988. 6 Application for Examination as an (118) Engineer. (RPC) 27 Officer’s Certificate (original) from the 7 Various copies as supplied by Robert collection of Robert Purves, as are all other Purves to the author. Certificates cited. 8 Frederick William Purves 1930s 28 Purves, Robert. Letter of 11 February photograph album. (RAN College Historical 2002. Collection) 29 Straczek, Josef. The Royal Australian 9 Rose, Athol, Commander RAN (Rtd.) Navy: Ships, Aircraft and Shore Letter to the author, November 2001. Establishments. Sydney: Navy Public 10 Letter to the author from son Robert Affairs, 1996. Purves, 4 May, 2001. 30 Drawn from three of the RPC letters. 11 Canberra Times newspaper article. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 53

31 Drawn from two of the RPC letters. 57 Baird. Letter to the author. 70 Brochure, undated. (RPC) 32 As noted on Personal Report of 21 58 Osborn, Ron, Commander, RAN (Rtd.). 71 Purves, Robert. Letter. 2002. March 1946. Email to the author, December 2001. 72 Kinhill Pty. Ltd. Letter of appointment, 33 Osborn, Ron, Commander, RAN (Rtd.). 59 Official program. (RPC) 17 August 1971. (RPC) Email to the author, December 2001. 60 Handwritten guest lists. (RPC) 73 Various letters of advice through Kinhill 34 Reed, Max, Rear Admiral, AO, RAN in relation to Indonesian consultations. (Rtd.) Letter of 11 December 2001. 61 Purves, Robert. Letter. 2002. 74 Encyclopedia Britannica, CD-ROM 35 Price, Colin C. RAN member. 62 Newspaper article in the RPC collection. version, 1997. Manuscript: ‘A Tiffy’s Odyssey: being the 63 Purves, Robert. Letter to the author, 9 75 Newspaper – unknown title. ‘Wartime recollections of a Royal Australian Naval October. Artificer 1941-1961.’ December 1995. (In romance goes for gold’. Year also unknown, the author’s possession.) 64 Original Citation. (RPC) but contextual reference to 1990. (RPC) 36 Conversation with Robert Purves, 10 65 Letter from the Naval Board dated 13 76 Letters to the author from Robert December 2001. March 1969. (RPC) Purves, 2002. 37 Foster, WG, Captain, RN. 66 Newspaper – unknown title. ‘Wartime 77 Letter to the author from Robert Purves, Superintendent of the RN Aircraft Repair romance goes for gold’. Year also unknown, 1996. Yard, Denibristle, Fife. 21 September 1950. but contextual reference to 1990. (RPC) 38 Purves, Robert. Letter to the author, 9 67 Purves, Robert. Letter. 2002. October. 68 Landau, Sam. Secretary to the Navy. 9 39 Price (pp. 26-27) April 1969. (RPC) 40 Ziegler, Bruce M, Commander RAN 69 Leach, DW, Vice Admiral, RAN. Letter. (Rtd.) Letter to the author, 28 February 9 April 1985 (RPC) 2002. 41 Letter to the author from RAN officer, November 2001. The officer wished to remain anonymous. His position and experience were such that his comments were deemed worthy of retention. 42 Letter to the author from Robert Purves, May 2003. 43 Rose, Athol, Commander RAN (rtd.) Letter to the author, November 2001. 44 Letter to the author from anonymous RAN officer previously cited in this chapter. 45 Osborn, Ron, Commander, RAN (Rtd.). Email to the author, December 2001. 46 Newspaper – unknown title. ‘Wartime romance goes for gold’. Year also unknown, but contextual reference to 1990. (RPC) 47 Ziegler, Bruce M, Commander RAN (Rtd.) Letter to the author, 28 February 2002. 48 Baird, Malcolm, RAN officer (rtd.) Letter to the author, 5 November 2001. 49 Price, Colin C. RAN member. Manuscript: ‘A Tiffy’s Odyssey’. 50 McDonald, Neil, Rear- Admiral, RAN (Rtd.) Letter to the author, November 2001. 51 Reed, Max, Rear Admiral, AO, RAN SMARTER AND SAFER (Rtd.) Letter of 11 December 2001. 52 Purves, Robert. Letter. February 2002. UNDERWATER SOLUTIONS 53 Letter to the author from anonymous RAN officer previously cited in this chapter. ...Since the beginning 54 15 December 1965. 55 New Zealand High Commission. Invitation to Cocktail Party. 22 March 1966. Robert Purves Collection. For more information, please contact: [email protected] 56 Department of the Navy. Letter to www.thalesgroup.com.au Captain FW Purves, 28 June 1966. Robert Photograph © Australian Department of Defence Purves Collection. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 54 Book Reviews

training required for the new technical ratings, the evolution of new branches, rating structures and life in various types of warship. Although the book is divided conventionally into chapters, these are further sub-divided into specialised sections which explain topics such as the role of the gunlayer, signals and telegraphy, the RN in an Imperial Age, Reservists and the Royal Naval Division. This makes it easy to find the examples quoted and over a hundred other specialised subjects, making this work an ideal research tool. The A ble Seamen: 38 photographs are well chosen and Lethality in Combat: the captions are carefully written to a Study of the true nature of battle The Lower deck of the complement the main text. Royal Navy 1850-1939 Although Lavery does not cover the By Tom Lewis Royal Australian Navy as a separate By Brian Lavery entity, his extensive coverage of the Big Sky Publications, 2012 Royal Navy from which it evolved and ISBN 978-1-84486-140-8 drew its early standards and practises Reviewed by Dr Peter Williams Conway: www.conwaymaritime. is impressive. Except for the absence com; 318 pages plus glossary & index of the Rum Ration in the RAN, there would have been little practical In 1999 an Australian Special Air Service soldier in East Reviewed by Commander David difference between life in His Majesty’s Timor was charged with misconduct. After a skirmish with Hobbs MBE RN (Ret’d) Australian Ships and those described in pro-Indonesian militia he had kicked an enemy corpse. this book. Australian newspapers were critical of the soldier’s behaviour This is the second volume in a series Able Seamen can be read but the-then Foreign Minister of East Timor, Jose Ramos of three devoted to the evolution of conventionally from cover to cover, Horta, thought it wrong to charge the soldier. The soldier the Royal Navy’s ‘lower deck’ and dipped into to read topics of interest was eventually found not guilty but the case, which many of covers the period from the widespread or used for researching the human us will remember, is a good example of the problems dealt introduction of steam propulsion after elements that underpinned the with in Tom Lewis’s book, Lethality in Combat. 1850 to the outbreak of the Second sweeping technological changes that Lewis, significantly a veteran of the Iraq War, serving in World War in 1939. The first volume took place in the era covered. Besides Baghdad, examines the gap between how soldiers, sailors had covered the period from 875 to being a fascinating read, it deserves a and airmen are expected to behave in war, and how they do 1850. place in any naval historian’s library. behave. A wide range of examples are dealt with including Brian Lavery has brought together It is always a pleasure to read a book taking prisoners, revenge killing on the battlefield, killing a wealth of detail from a variety of by an author who is clearly an expert wounded enemy, and targeting civilians. Lewis concludes sources to analyse a period of great in his field and Brian Lavery has an that combatants do not behave as they are supposed to technical change in a Navy that established a reputation with an eye for according to the laws of war and, more importantly, there had ships stationed throughout the detail and a sympathetic understanding is not much we can do about modifying their behaviour in British Empire. Significantly Volume of his subject matter. This book battle. 1 covered nearly a thousand years will enhance that reputation and I Nor should we try, controversially argues the author. If but Volume 2 covers a mere 89. It thoroughly recommend it. t we want our men and women to win battles, then we must explains the introduction of uniform, not penalise them when they behave in ways which would global conflict, gunboat diplomacy, be unacceptable in civil society. One example Lewis gives aviation, submarines, WRNS and the is when prisoners are killed during a battle when no one Invergordon Mutiny as well as the can be spared from the fighting to guard them. Unguarded Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 55

prisoners may still be a threat to those this is it. who have captured them so the killing Marcus Faulkner is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of the prisoners, proposes Lewis, may of war Studies at King’s College in London and this is his amount to simple necessity and should first book. Andrew Lambert is the Laughton Professor not always be considered a crime. of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at Lewis supports his position by King’s College; he has lectured in Australia and needs no amassing a large body of evidence introduction to ANI members. Peter Wilkinson has over from personal accounts drawn 30 years cartographic experience, running his own studio from the Boer War – including that whose clients included Oxford Cartographic, Longmans and notorious scoundrel, Breaker Morant Harper Collins. – to Afghanistan. He builds a solid The maps and battle plans are all in colour and use argument that what we should do standardised symbols for the ships, aircraft and military is adapt our rules (from the Geneva formations that took part in the events portrayed. The Conventions down to the rules of relevant information is drawn from a vast quantity of engagement each nation issues to its official and academic sources and the Bibliography runs to armed forces) to accommodate reality. War at Sea: three pages. The book is well indexed. Events are laid out Lewis’s ideas, and his examples, are A Naval Atlas 1939-1945 in date order and the first maps show how the belligerent powerful and confronting. He urges navies were deployed in 1939; the navies of the British readers to suspend their personal By Marcus Faulkner Commonwealth being by far the largest cohesive force at horror of ‘the true nature of combat’ the time. For each year of the conflict the scene is set with and to pragmatically assess the need Cartography by Peter Wilkinson a world map showing where and when the events that for changes in the conventions and Introduction by Andrew Lambert follow occurred. Battle plans have an inset map showing, rules of warfare. Importantly, he does geographically, where the action took place and all maps not suggest that there should be no Seaforth Publishing, UK have brief but succinct descriptions of what happened. rules. Rather his position is that the ISBN 978-1-84832-047-5 Battles, convoys that sustained the allied nations, troop Geneva Protocols, for instance, are movements, air strikes, amphibious assaults and raids, often breached and will continue to 267 pages of coloured maps and bombardments, evacuations and many other facets of be breached because of what humans battle plans. £50 recommended price the war that relied on sea control are clearly shown and do, and will continue to do, in battle. explained bringing a clarity to many that has previously been It is illogical to punish them for these Reviewed by Commander David absent. For instance Operation ‘PAMPHLET’ the convoy transgressions. The solution is to revise Hobbs MBE RN (Ret’d) that brought the 9th Australian Division back from the the conventions, taking into account Middle East to Australia and the passage of the ‘X’-craft and what really happens in combat. After I opened the packaging in which their subsequent attack on the Tirpitz in Kaa Fjord each have I would have liked to see more my review copy arrived, it only took me a page. Campaigns begin with the German attack on Poland detailed discussion of the precise a few minutes to realise that this is an in September 1939, and end with the American and British changes to the rules that Dr Lewis has important book. The Publisher’s letter carrier strikes against the Japanese mainland in August 1945. in mind. This is a quibble; the book which accompanied it described it as This important book not only stands on its own as a should indeed be widely read. Dr Lewis ‘unsurpassed’ and ‘unique’ and it fully significant reference work but is an ideal complement to has taken a confronting position on a justifies both those adjectives; I would G Hermon Gill’s history of the RAN between 1939 and highly emotional topic and proposes add a third, ‘outstanding’. Wary that I 1945; S W Roskill’s War At Sea and the Admiralty Naval a solution some will find unpalatable. might put ANI members off by praising Staff Histories that are becoming available through the Sea Those who, on the basis of this review, a book that might contain flaws on Power Centre-Australia website. I believe that it is worth its think they would disagree with Lewis second or third inspection, however, I high ‘price-tag’ and will be a most important addition to the are especially encouraged to read the have studied it carefully several times book collection of anyone with an interest in naval history. I book. Highly recommended. t and have found each to be even more recommend it highly. t fascinating and absorbing. If ever there was a book that literally illustrates the fundamental importance of sea power to every aspect of the strategy and campaigns of the Second World War, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 56 Book Reviews

been piqued by the fact that one of on a poorly understood target and with operational planning the ships sent to the container ship’s changing from moment to moment in the presence of almost assistance was USS Harold E. Holt, but no intelligence of any quality. As Wise and Baron observe, the seizure and the US response were almost everything that could go wrong did. Not to steal big news in Washington DC, where I the authors’ thunder, the Mayaguez crewmen were not on was stationed. Koh Tang and the island had been thoroughly and carefully By the time surveillance assets fortified by the Cambodians to defend it from an anticipated could be deployed to the region the Vietnamese assault. following day, the US government Wise and Baron provide a measured and tested overview had ascertained that the ship was now of the events of that day and of its aftermath, but the key anchored off the small island of Koh to understanding what it was like for the airman, seamen Tang 27 miles west of Kompong Som and marines doing the fighting is the series of interviews and on the 14th that the crew had been given by participants which follows this account. To say taken from the ship, presumably to that enormous gallantry was displayed, especially by the Air the island. What intelligence could Force helicopter aircrew and the marines, is to understate The 14-Hour War: be mustered on the island and its the ferocity of the battle and the odds against a successful possible defences was scant: an army outcome. As it was, the US lost 41 dead and many others Valor on Koh Tang and observation aircraft had to fly at were wounded. The authors give no estimates of Cambodian the Recapture of the height over Koh Tang and take photos casualties but they must have been considerable in the light SS Mayaguez using a handheld camera. Dubious of the volume of ordnance delivered onto the island, on intelligence from a Cambodian Navy Cambodian water craft, and on port and military facilities By James E. Wise Jr and Scott Baron defector suggested that an assaulting onshore. The trigger for this carnage, Mayaguez, was found force might expect resistance from to be unguarded and her crewmen were returned by the Annapolis Md.: Naval Institute Press, fishermen and pirates. Cambodians unharmed. Towed clear of Koh Tang by Holt, 2011. 297pp Hardcover. The first solution offered was to three hours later she resumed her passage, with a vicious war ISBN 9781591 149743. fly US Air Police from Thailand to raging in her wake. the island to retrieve the Mayaguez I recommend this book to both the general reader and Reviewed by Ian Pfennigwerth crewman, and this operation was to those who might study it in more detail and draw lessons underway before cooler heads of relevance to the ADF from it. As an observation, what Mayaguez – an odd name and the prevailed. Efforts were now bent honour the US retrieved from Koh Tang was entirely due to principal pawn in a game of power to produce out of the hat a force of the courage, resourcefulness and determination of the men politics played out right at the end Marines flown in from Japan which on the spot, backed by thorough training and impressive of the Vietnam War in the Gulf of would land on the island from US leadership. Those were the things that didn’t go wrong, and Thailand. Late on 12 May 1975, Air Force helicopters to recover the from which the servicemen involved can take great pride. t just a month after the USA had crewmen while a second detachment evacuated its embassy in Phnom seized the ship. Air Force and Navy Penh and three weeks after the much- aircraft would fly surveillance and broadcast footage of its staff being interdiction missions, the scene of lifted off the roof of the of the US action commander would be in an Embassy in Saigon, Khmer Rouge EC-130 above the operation area to forces intercepted the US-flagged SS coordinate activities, and the USN Mayaguez off the Cambodian coast. would provide a destroyer and the Without diplomatic representation frigate Holt. The Navy has also sailed in the region the US Government the carrier Coral Sea to the area. was unable to seek an explanation The necessity to act quickly for this action and, fearful of further and decisively came from political humiliation, elected to regard the considerations: readers will recognise incident as an act of piracy. This was that the operation now involved three deemed to require a military response. forces under different command chains Mild Australian interest might have converging from three separate areas Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 57

approach is that it forces the reader Jordan gives an interesting account of horse-trading at to understand how different navies Washington, based on the published proceedings of the approached more or less similar conference, but he has missed much of the real meat. For technical problems. The bad thing example, the United States forced the Japanese to accept the is that, under the guise of being 5:5:3 (rather than 10:10:7) ratio of strength on the basis of innovative, Jordan looks at most ships decrypts of messages to and from the Japanese delegation. as replies to other ships (it is not When that fact came out about 1929, in a book by the chief clear why he thinks this is an original US code-breaker of the time, it had devastating effects in idea). What seems more interesting Japan, greatly strengthening the Japanese anti-treaty party. is how often the action-reaction idea This is a well-known story, not something buried in obscure is demonstrably wrong (for example, archives. If Mr. Jordan never encountered it, how much else Jordan is wrong to associate the World did he miss about what happened in Washington in 1921? War I British K class submarines with It seems odd that Mr. Jordan has not, apparently, consulted erroneous reports of fast new U-boats). the extensive literature about the treaties, most of which was Ships are designed in reaction to written to examine their lessons for Cold War arms control Warships After circumstances; likely opponent ships (the conclusions tended to be depressing). Washington: are only part of the story. Perhaps The reader gets only a limited sense of different navies’ The Development of the Jordan’s most interesting comments priorities (the Italians are probably best served). Perhaps the explain Italian thinking. Unfortunately most bizarre feature of the naval scene of the 1920s was that Five Major Fleets 1922-30 the footnotes give no idea of where both the Royal Navy and the US Navy envisaged the same By John Jordan the key information originated, so enemy –­­ Japan – but there seems to have been no discussion the reader cannot know whether it is at all of possible unified action. Each navy used supposed London: Seaforth, ,30.00; 338 pages authoritative. That is a more general enmity by the other as a means of convincing its government problem with a work of synthesis like to maintain it. Once the Washington Treaty had cut the this one. Japanese to 60% of the Western navies there was a real risk Review by Norman Friedman Jordan seems somewhat naive that governments focused on economy would cut their own when it comes to national policy. He navies to the same level. How can we know about US and This is a comparative study of the ships writes that ‘admirals’ broke up the 1927 British priorities? If you look through the official (internal) the five major navies built during the Geneva conference, and that they were naval papers of the period, whenever a new ship is being period between the Washington and therefore deliberately excluded from discussed (in the British case, through the late 1930s), you London treaties: battleships (mainly as the 1930 London conference (Admiral find some version of ‘how does this proposal work in the modified), carriers, cruisers, destroyers, Jellicoe got in by heading the New war against Japan?’ Mr. Jordan points to a Committee on and submarines (lighter types do not Zealand delegation) – but he does not Imperial Defense paper describing France as the key threat, count). Mr. Jordan’s goal, he writes, is realize why. It was US admirals who but he seems unaware that the services did not see things in to bridge the gap between professional broke up the conference, which had a unified way, and that the Royal Air Force and the British historians (who presumably emphasize been called by the US President. In Army could not have justified any great strength on the basis policy issues) and warship specialists, effect they were telling the President of a Far Eastern threat. France was in effect a proxy for a who he feels have dismissed the that he could not limit USA cruiser possible revived Germany, just as the United States was the interwar arms control treaties too construction until they had enough Royal Navy’s proxy to justify what was needed to deal with lightly and have not appreciated the cruisers to fight the Pacific war they Japan. political and social forces which caused envisaged. It should not be a great Mr. Jordan explains French and Italian thinking in terms them in the first place. It is not clear surprise that the next conference went of World War I battle fleet tactics. However, it seems likely who those specialists are. Jordan may smoothly – Congress had recently that both the French and the Italians looked back at the hit- really be thinking of enthusiasts, who authorized the desired cruiser force. and-run battles both in the Adriatic and near the Channel tend to dismiss both arms control and Probably admirals were excluded (the ones fought by the Harwich Force and the Dover fiscal limitations on navies as somehow from Western delegations to the 1930 Patrol). That was the gist of a 1920 French naval staff paper illegitimate. Surely most serious conference because it would have explaining the logic of the super-destroyers. It is located in writers on the history of warships are been embarrassing to admit that one the French archives at Vincennes. It is odd that the only more sophisticated. particular major power’s admirals had French policy history Mr. Jordan cites was published in 1941, The good thing about Jordan’s wrecked the previous one. hardly a good time for the French to discuss or disclose their Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 58 Book Reviews internal debates in a candid way. A lot Australian readers are not well taken center stage. However, Dreyer’s idea probably explains has been published since about 1960, served. The interwar Royal Australian why HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse were sent East and there is considerable archival Navy was largely shaped by the in 1941. The Dreyer material is in the Public Record Office material. outcomes of the Washington and in London, but it is not reflected in the works Mr. Jordan Much of the story is simply missing London treaties, but Mr. Jordan seems consulted. from this book. Navies are a lot more not to understand the approach This book well illustrates the weakness of a work of than ships. of the Royal and Empire navies to synthesis undertaken without, it appears, any reference For example, the US Navy invested Pacific strategy. He has, for example, to primary sources. The author is at the mercy of those heavily in seaplanes as a way of building accepted the widely-published view other authors he cites, and he cannot be sure of their own a large naval air arm despite having few that the dissolution of the Anglo- prejudices and failings (relying on compendiums for some carriers. Japan seems to have done the Japanese alliance, due to American data is particularly dangerous, as there is no hint of sources same thing. Seaplanes could be based and Canadian pressure, left the British or of editorial impact on the original writing). The result is in its Mandated islands even without concerned with possible Japanese sometimes weird. We are told, as though it was a specially much preparation (which was blocked attacks on the empire in Asia. In French idea, that French torpedo craft were designed to by the anti-fortification clause). The fact the report of Admiral Jellicoe’s attack enemy capital ships – as though destroyers in other French had bases surrounding the Empire tour (1919-20), which was navies were not (although Mr. Jordan makes much of Mediterranean, and they had both intended to shape future Empire Japanese torpedo armament). That is because the French seaplanes and naval land planes. On defense programs, rather (perhaps accounts of French destroyers and super-destroyers make the other hand, the Royal Air Force too) bluntly painted Japan as the only that point explicitly. Others make it much less explicitly, had no great interest in supporting likely future enemy, based on Japanese but it would be foolish to ignore. Comparative studies are the fleet (it advertised its seaplanes as action during World War I. Jellicoe interesting because they show how alike various navies were alternatives to ships), and the Italian air was the one who pointed out that in by emphasizing how they were not alike. That takes a lot arm seems to have had similar ideas. wartime a fleet would have to be based more depth than you find here. Primary (archive) sources If you want to understand the impact in the East. Because there was no matter because so much of what has been published is of the Washington Treaty, you have local infrastructure to support it, the either misleading or just plain wrong. The further from the to think about such issues. Mr. Jordan fleet had to be based somewhere else, primary sources the author is, the better the chance that does mention US thinking about a fleet and it would take some time to reach he will get important things entirely wrong. It is not just a train, but not the seaplane issue (except its base, in effect the Scapa Flow of matter of particular facts, it is a matter of understanding the in connection with the French seaplane the East. Something had to be done flavor of a distant period we only partly understand. carrier Commandant Teste). to tie down the Imperial Japanese A further serious problem is the unevenness of the When he writes about attempts Navy until the fleet arrived. Rear existing sources. The Royal Navy and the US Navy are well to control submarine construction, Admiral Dreyer, Jellicoe’s aide during covered by ship specialists who relied heavily on archival Mr. Jordan seems unaware that one the Empire cruise, came up with the material, with the important exception of British submarines. perceived lesson of World War I was idea that raiding Japanese sea lines of The situation for other navies is much less satisfactory. For the failure of submarine warfare against communication might do the trick, the Japanese, the only ship subject covered in great depth shipping. It was widely accepted, at based on the enormous influence the (at least in English) is cruisers, with submarines a distant least in the United States and probably German raider Emden had exerted second. The extensive French literature is much more about also elsewhere, that unrestricted until HMAS Sydney sank her. The technology than about the larger rationale for building ships. submarine warfare would tend to County class cruisers were conceived The Italian official history covers all types of ship, but tends bring neutrals into a war, with possibly with this end in mind. There was a to avoid policy questions. Some excellent recent Italian naval devastating consequences. That was a reason that the interwar Royal Navy policy histories did not make it into the bibliography. That widespread reading of how and why the China Fleet always included a squadron readers generally will not find major surprises in this book United States was drawn into World of them. In 1929 the Admiralty wanted strongly suggests that it is neither particularly insightful or War I. USA officers were well aware to go a step further and station its a real addition to the literature. Mr. Jordan certainly writes that Japan was vulnerable to submarine battlecruisers in the East, as an even about what various navies wanted, but on the strength of his attack, but they feared sinking neutral more forceful reminder to the Japanese bibliography it is not at all clear how much is his conclusions, (British) merchant ships and bringing not to take chances. That turned out and how much is derived from solid information. t Britain, more or less a Japanese ally in to be unaffordable, and in the 1930s American minds, into a US-Japanese other possibilities, such as torpedo war, with crushing results. bombers and submarines, seem to have Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 59

But in many ways this was the least of the race, I saw how powerful an effect I could have on the of his achievements. More than the crew and the morale of the boat. I had to be more conscious story of a win, Team Spirit is richly of my demeanour; tone of voice and body language, knowing the story of Brendan’s leadership and that the shadow I cast over the crew was great. I needed his evolution as a leader. Brendan to be consistent from one day to the next and keep a good Hall molded a champion crew from command distance between the crew and myself. I had one a diverse group of mettlesome, or two crew whom I felt I could secretly confide in, people adventurous everyday people. who were in positions of leadership in their shore-based lives Beneath the narrative of the race, the - their feedback and sometimes guidance was appreciated, development of this crew is a rich story. particularly in the early stage of the race. In the book, Brendan describes In conversation, Brendan reveals himself to be an intuitive how he dealt with the complexities of and thoughtful character. His book, an easy and rewarding human interaction, helping people to read, catalogues a story of persistence and human insight. overcome their fears and uncertainties, Brendan describes his painstaking effort to understand mediating conflicts, and failures, himself as a leader, and his team as individuals. In accessible developing people as sailors and engaging prose, he sets out hard-earned lessons, enabling the Team Spirit: Life and molding people together as a crew. reader to understand how he encouraged the best from his Leadership on One of I was fortunate to be able to speak people. This practical and interesting volume reveals how, as with Brendan, and he amplified this the race unfolds, Brendan Hall became less the skipper of a the World’s Toughest idea, saying that people pose the most boat and more the leader of his crew. Yacht Races complex challenges for any leader; the In an interesting postscript to Team Spirit, Brendan book should never be judged by the himself has set his sights now on a new challenge, he told By Brendan Hall cover. me “in stark contrast to the team management of skippering “Life at sea,” said Brendan, a race boat”. His ambition is “to learn something about Adlard Coles Nautical: London, 2012 “challenges people in different ways, myself and how I will cope in that situation. I know I will ISBN: 978-1-4081-5723-7 and once people are out of their be surprised at what I find, though I don’t know if it will be normal lives and comfort zone, they for the better or worse”. The challenge: a solo row across the Reviewed by Lieutenant Commander surprise you in different ways. Some Atlantic, with departure planned in January 2016. t Richard Adams, RAN for the better, some for the worse. I reckon people can stay polite and The Clipper Round the World Yacht superficial in the interactions with Race offers people from all walks of others for about two weeks. They keep life the chance to face the globe’s most quiet in situations for fear of voicing challenging conditions. The Clipper is an unpopular opinion or offending a race, not for professional yachtsmen, somebody. After that time they start but for courageous amateurs. On to fray around the edges. But equally, board, men and women, students, the really strong characters start to farmers, engineers and executives emerge”. are equals and crewmates. This is Brendan also reveals how he the human challenge and the human matured as a leader, and learned first diversity, which makes the Clipper such hand the truth in the adage that “the a demanding race and Team Spirit such Captain is the ship”. He told me that: a useful and engaging read. My character and my day-to-day This book sets out the story of behaviour had a subtle, but very Brendan Hall, describing how he built powerful effect on the crew. I found the high performance team, which won that my mood would quickly become the 2009 / 2010 Clipper Race. the mood of the crew. I would say that The youngest and least experienced on any given day my mood counted for skipper in the field, Brisbane-born Hall at least 50% of the mood of the crew. I steered Spirit of Australia, to victory. didn’t realise it at first, but by the end Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 60 Book Reviews

against an adversary and being used which will strike a chord with many operators who have been as instruments of policy against other in positions where they wish that they could have used the nation states. arsenal at their disposal to achieve their operational objective The Sovereignty Solution is part instead of being stymied by national policy. of the corpus of literature which To engage with this piece you must accept American supports the latter. It is authored by exceptionalism as axiomatic. It goes on to advocate a basic two Special Forces US Army Officers, realist approach to international relations with a return to the Lieutenant Colonels Joe McGraw and use of war as an instrument of policy. The authors propose Duane Lauchengo, along with Harvard that states should be forced to police their populations and graduate, Naval Postgraduate School adhere to the principles of non-interference. Within this academic and military advisor, Anna framework, the US must maintain its position as a hegemon Simons. Other members of the Long with respect to power projection ability and intelligence Term Strategy Seminar conducted gathering capability. Most forms of internationalism are at the Naval Postgraduate School in rejected along with the legal framework which currently 2006 also contributed to this piece. It provides guidance for the manner in which nation-states The Sovereignty is a compilation of ideas on how the interact. The UN Charter and Geneva Conventions, US should best conduct its foreign fundamental tenets which are used on a daily basis, would Solution: Are American policy in light of what they have seen as be rendered irrelevant. Instead the authors believe that the Exceptionalism, failures over the course of their years of international community should return to just war theory in Realism and Total service. order to regulate relations. This book is a passionate discourse The authors’ logic is premised on the fact that the War, the Solution to stemming from the frustrations these US maintains an advantage over all other nations in its America’s Foreign officers have experienced during conventional military forces and that its forces are trained Policy Questions? operations overseas. It does not recount and equipped for industrial warfare against another or make reference to any individual state. However, US weakness lies in the political and By Lieutenant Colonels Joe McGraw experiences, rather, it provides an social divisions towards the employment of force. The and Duane Lauchengo, Anna Simons analysis of how the government Sovereignty Solution thesis is that the US must use its should approach military operations existing Constitutional framework to strengthen its political Publisher: Naval Institute Press with a view to making a standardised institutions in order to unambiguously support its armed mechanism for the US to deal with forces. The population must also believe that when the R eviewed by LCDR Michael Paes, RAN those that violate its sovereignty. It sets decision to go to war is made they must get behind their the strategic imperative as aligning troops. With the recent exit of all US troops ways, ends and means by avoiding To achieve these two objectives, it is proposed that the US from Iraq and the impending exit from overspend, over sell and over reach. should return to issuing declarations of war in accordance Afghanistan, a debate has emerged over The Sovereignty Solution divides with the prescriptions contained in their Constitution. This the utility of the US armed forces for other states into four categories: process incorporates the executive and legislative branch counterinsurgency and nation building. partner, struggling state, failed state of government, and the people via the latter. The authors These same questions were raised after and adversary; and proposes that the believe that following these prescribed mechanisms makes the war in Vietnam, and the failed US should react to a violation of its clear to all levels of government and society that the US will attempts of nation building in Somalia sovereignty depending on the category be using its armed forces in offensive operations against a in the early 1990s. of the state which was involved in designated enemy. It is then proposed that such a decisive There are two schools of thought: that violation. The crux of this book declaration will avoid the use of ambiguous resolutions the internationalist and interventionist is summed up when the authors cite, and authorisations about using limited force in limited school which seeks to reform the “don’t tread on me and to each his own,” circumstances, which in turn create uncertainty for military armed forces to best engage in as well as John Wayne from the movie commanders and are open to different interpretations from these types of operations; and the The Shootist, “I won’t be wronged. I all sides of politics. Declarations of war also work to avoid traditionalists which seek to remove won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a hand incremental applications of force which require constant COIN from military doctrine and on. I don’t do these things to other reach back to the executive and legislative for clarification. refocus the armed forces on what they people, and I require the same from To illustrate this point, the authors highlight the slow do best; applying overwhelming force them.” It is primarily an opinion piece and steady escalation of force in Vietnam between the fifties Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 61

and sixties as an example of failure. American way of life such that the follow. According to this text, a declaration illegal immigrants would stand out if This reviewer believes that the opinions put forward in makes it clear that the US will be going they attempted to blend into the social The Sovereignty Solution are sometimes over simplified. to war with another nation state and fabric. The argument is taken that this The authors’ contention assumes that the US international the armed forces will be used to apply causes weakness and division in the footprint is defined by the armed forces and State destructive force at their discretion. population which in turn creates a Department and by using them in a more realist form If each state was forced to replicate centre of gravity to exploit in order to with isolationist tendencies, other states will reciprocate. this model by means of force then divide opinion about war, and in turn Economic interactions and policy which have ensured US reciprocity would follow. pressure the government to limit its supremacy are totally ignored. It does not address the aspect The book derives from concepts of commitment to employ force against of the US Empire which is based on access to markets, not total war. It revolves around notions an adversary state. Through patriotic territory, and that liberal capitalism is essential to retain US of decisive action, avoiding drawn out education, universal familiarity with the military might. Since the inception of the Bretton Woods operations unrelated to the application armed forces via national service and system the US has tailored many parts of its foreign policy of overwhelming force. The authors strict immigration control, the authors on protecting its commercial interests; this has sometimes unashamedly avoid nuance. This will are of the view that the public would required the US to project power outside of the industrial appeal to many military and strategic be transformed into one which would war paradigm. experts who subscribe to the theories understand their role in war thereby Liberalism and neo-liberalism are essential ingredients of Martin Van Creveld and Edward strengthening the trinity of the people, to understanding power in the modern world. To suggest Luttwak. Politically, despite the authors’ the government and the army. a return to Westphalian realism, a system which has never assertions of bipartisanship, it is To understand the strategic truly worked either, needs greater exposition. While the book conservative and nationalistic. approach taken in this piece, it is is meant to be an opening for a debate, this reviewer believes However, rather than advocate useful to compare it with The Utility that The Sovereignty Solution needs to further address classical liberal theory of small of Force by the British General, Sir balance of power politics, regional interaction, cultural government which normally attaches Rupert Smith, published in 2005. Smith affinities, and the clan and religious power structures which itself to such opinions, The Sovereignty uses historical analysis to follow the all interact to influence the current international system. Solution seeks the US government development of major conflict from Another area of neglect in this piece is that of to play a larger role in shaping the industrial warfare through peoples international law. The world now interacts through a range national identity. This is in order to war to war amongst the people, with of international organisations which rely on a multitude of ensure national unity in times of war the intent of proposing that any treaty frameworks. The Sovereignty Solution seems to make making so that “we the people” become employment of force must be done little room for such regimes. Unilateral, overwhelming and indivisible and resilient. To this end, it with an understanding of the nature of disproportionate use of force without follow on military advocates that national service should the conflict and applying force in such involvement in occupation raises a multitude of legal and be mandatory and patriotism should a way that it achieves specific objectives diplomatic issues from the outset. The authors suggest be instilled at all levels. How this is within the relevant paradigm. On the that the US will do its best to limit the suffering of non- to be achieved is not discussed other other hand, The Sovereignty Solution combatants, but without an internationally recognised than a compulsory service either with ignores the nature of whatever conflict legal framework any assertion of such effort will appear the armed forces or other government the US is engaged in and proposes perfunctory at best. The authors’ simple assertions regarding response agencies. The authors stick to to elevate any employment of force just war theory demonstrate an understanding of the jus highlighting a problem and a desired to industrial inter-state war because ad bellum principles of just war which are attractive to the end state. it is this paradigm in which the US warrior. The logic in this book is puzzling maintains a distinct advantage. So However, the jus in bello principles, which are just as at times. For example, in chapter 6, regardless of whether an adversary state complicated and more out of date then the existing law of the authors propose that the fact that is responsible for the death of three armed conflict, are ignored. Who decides what aspects of 10-12 million illegal immigrants are US citizens or three thousand, any act just war theory from Augustine to Grotius and Erasmus are currently able to blend seamlessly which is viewed as a violation of US still relevant today and which are not are brushed over in with society in the US, highlights sovereignty can expect a declaration this text? The book seems to carry on the belief that modern that the society is no longer uniquely of war followed by a disproportionate international law is a toothless tiger which hampers rather American. They propose that legitimate attack from the US. Through the than assists international relations. While this reviewer immigrant groups have not been US maintaining its hegemony, the agrees that we may never see international law being sufficiently indoctrinated into the reciprocity of to each his own will implemented in the way domestic law is, its utility in creating Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 62 Book Reviews frameworks, influencing practice join and get trained in the armed the reader. The Sovereignty Solution is worth reading if you and enabling international relations forces in order to kill and destroy. are interested in the competing ideologies which are vying requires a more in depth understanding They do not join to engage in Peace for influence in the US. The authors represent views which rather than the dismissal it receives in Corps activities. To then use a trained are strongly supported in the military and US society. Their this text. soldier to mediate disputes in which experience cannot be ignored. This is not a textbook for With respect to nation building, they have no involvement, cultural or people who are looking to understand US foreign policy regardless of whether one believes in linguistic background in is ineffective afresh. However, when read in the context of the existing the merits of returning to war as an and counterproductive. Furthermore, literature and experience, which many naval personnel are instrument of policy within a realist to attempt to use the weapons and able to relate to, this piece is informative and challenging. state system, the rejection of any form personnel in ways that they have At 143 pages, it is not a difficult tome. It is written in plain of military assistance in nation building not been produced or trained for is English, so readers will not be put off with verbosity, dry or does not seem to address the realities resource intensive without providing theoretical language. It will be interesting to see how these of power vacuums which form when a the desired outcome. These kinds of views in The Sovereignty Solutionsynthesise with the existing society is destroyed. For example, the arguments are sorely missing from US foreign policy in areas of both public and private relations authors believe that once the Taliban the wider debate. Furthermore, The as the United States enters a Presidential electoral campaign. was unseated, the US should have Sovereignty Solution re-centres the t protected Afghan borders and let the international system on the nation society rebuild itself without nation state. The nation state remains the building military assistance. How does fundamental building block of foreign a country rebuild after war if its borders affairs. Transnational identities and are quarantined by its conquerors? non-state actors may now influence How does a country rebuild without society in a variety of ways, however, external military assistance? If the this is not a new phenomena: the US does not offer it then surely other Knights Templar and Hanseatic powers will. How is this in the US League operated in a manner akin interest? None of this is addressed in to multinational corporations and this book. trading blocs operate today. Yet the Instead, the proposition is put state remained the guiding force behind simply that when US sovereignty is social interaction of different societies. violated by an adversary state, the US Thus, a return to the realist paradigm will “pummel” them. If someone else is necessary to plot a way ahead for the intervenes, they will be pummelled too. US armed forces. “[T]he only kinetic (armed) mission Finally, this book provides a strong To m’s Story – An Autobiography for US forces abroad would be to get case to make defence planning a stable By Tom Fisher, OAM in, break, and get out – not to fix” (p. and fundamental aspect of governance. 128). How regional power structures This will definitely find resonance with ISBN 9780859055192 and allied relationships fit in within armed forces throughout the world this paradigm is ignored. Instead, the who are experiencing budget cuts Hesperian Press, Western Australia theory relies on the idealism that all and force restructures which do not [email protected] states would be willing to live under seem to correlate with their national 106 pages this framework and play their role strategies. This is an important debate in preventing non state actors from to have as the role of standing armies Reviewed by Commander Greg Swinden RAN undermining it. As a corollary, if they in the current era needs analysis. With are unable to quell non-state actors, force employment being able to be On 26 October 1941, 20 year old Able Seaman Tom Fisher that they would seek US assistance to applied through land, sea, air, space said good bye to his ship-mates onboard the cruiser HMAS do so. and cyberspace, how a state develops Sydney and left the ship that had been his home for 19 While this reviewer has highlighted its doctrine and reconciles its armed months. Three weeks later all his mates were dead in what his concerns with this piece, there forces capability to its fiscal constraints was the Royal Australian Navy’s greatest loss of life. Tom are some prescient points raised by is another issue raised by this work. asked himself – why had he been spared? In July 1943 he the authors. They note that people This book provides a challenge to was serving in the cruiser HMAS Hobart, in the South West Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 63

Pacific, when she was torpedoed off The combination of photographs and excellent drawings the New Hebrides – again he escaped makes it obvious that Burt began very much as a student of death but this time only by minutes. ship appearance. It in turn should be particularly welcome Tom Fisher was one of the to modelers – but the book is also of great value to historians generation who grew up during the who will benefit from Burt’s primary-source work. Great Depression, fought and won the Both the original and this edition include Burt’s Second World War and then built the numerous drawings, beginning with small-scale drawings to nation we now live in. What started illustrate the evolution of the British dreadnought. Drawings as a few pages of notes to inform his in the endpapers show camouflage schemes. Unfortunately children of what his life was like during it was impossible to provide fold-outs (as in the original the war grew into his life story – ­but at edition), so some of Burt’s excellent overall arrangement the same time it became the story of drawings fall across double pages. The publisher has been an entire generation of Australian men careful to leave margins in the middle so that these drawings and women. are fully readable. There are numerous large perspective After the war he had difficulties drawings showing details, particularly of ships as refitted adjusting to civilian life but eventually British Battleships or rebuilt. Drawings also show pre-war experiments (both married, raised a family, and went 1919-1945 to improve ships’ protection and to test performance, e.g. on to become a senior executive in proper air flow over the bridge). Extensive treatment of the Royal Automobile Club of WA by RA Burt battle damage during World War II includes full illustrations. as well as a stalwart of the St Vincent Service careers are described in detail. All classes of de Paul Society. Now aged 91 he has Seaforth Publishing, 45.00; 432 pp. capital ships which survived the Washington Treaty are written his autobiography; and pulls included, which means that there is a full chapter on the no punches in his description of life Review by Norman Friedman Iron Duke class (including its design origins) plus extensive growing up during the Depression, but less complete material on the Centurion class and the service in World War II and coping This is a welcome (and somewhat battlecruiser Tiger. with life after the war. Some would call revised) reprint of a classic. RA The coverage and arrangement of this book may seem his difficulties adjusting to civilian live Burt began as a collector of naval slightly odd. Burt groups reconstructions with the classes as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – but photographs and then expanded his as built, and this arrangement makes it difficult to grasp people of Tom’s era would just tell you interest to include what was clearly ongoing policy (even more oddly, some material on designs to ‘Harden Up’. extensive primary research into the executed in the 1920s comes before the dreadnoughts which The book also deals with the loss ships themselves. As Burt points out, survived World War I). Burt was also much more interested of HMAS Sydney and puts forward a documentation of refits has generally in how ships performed and were modified than in the logic number of views regarding the loss of been lost, so in effect his photographs of their initial design. Thus he shows only limited interest the ship and calls to account a number often are the documentation of what in the unbuilt designs which help elucidate the thinking of the more outlandish claims made was done to ships after completion. which resulted in the ships which were built. Similarly, he over the years. As someone who was This edition of his book, which was has limited interest in some of the underlying technology, for part of the crew, up until only a few originally dated 1919-1939, includes example radar, countermeasures, and fire control. weeks before the ship was lost, Tom additional photographs from Burt’s Burt chose to end his book with the King George V class, Fisher’s recollections put a new slant on collection. so there is no discussion of the abortive Lions, of the various this dramatic story. Photo reproduction is generally wartime designs, or of HMS Vanguard. An extensive section Don’t be confused by the book’s excellent, which means that readers describes early carrier development, presumably because title into thinking this is just another aware of technical details not Burt was interested in British capital ships rather than only ‘Old Salt’ telling his story. Tom’s Story mentioned in the text or captions can in battleships. This section naturally leads into discussion of keenly describes a bygone era and is often see them in the photos. For the World War I ‘large light cruisers,’ which had significant the story of hundreds of thousands of example, this reviewer used another careers mainly as carriers (there is no discussion of their Australians whose work and faith have of Burt’s volumes (to be construction or use as ‘large light cruisers’). Significant made Australia the great nation that it reprinted this fall) to find some key space is devoted to other British carriers, such as Hermes, is today. t gunnery installations on board pre- Eagle, Ark Royal and the armored flight deck ships. 1914 British battleships. The clarity of Could this book have been better? Of course; any book the photographs made them obvious. can be better. Is it terrific, and well worth the reader’s while? Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 64 Book Reviews

Absolutely. If you find battleships fault line and maritime pipeline out of This quote is not publisher’s hyperbole. This book interesting, buy this book. If you which much of the world’s energy has showcases the research and analysis of eleven contemporary are a modeler, you will have to have to continue to flow uninterruptedly middle eastern scholars, including Macris and Kelly. The this book. It won’t be the only one for the foreseeable future. The 2011 result is a panoramic historical study which reaches back to you’ll buy, but you will not want to Arab Spring and the ongoing Syrian the era of the trading expeditions sent by the Chinese to the miss it. And once you have it, you crisis has once again thrown into sharp Gulf between 1405 and 1433. The specialist scholars then will want the prequel scheduled for relief the fundamental enmity and trace chapter by chapter the strategic and economic logic for publication this fall. The addition of rival power plays across the Middle the presence of all the European powers that have traded and 70 new photographs, and the superb East sponsored by the Gulf neighbours fought in the Persian Gulf over the last half millennium. The reproduction of photos and drawings Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran. If mercantile rationales for the Portuguese, Dutch and British (on better paper) makes this volume this entrenched suspicion and strategic commitment of military, financial and diplomatic resources worthwhile even if you have the 1993 rivalry ever turned into hot war across are outlined in fine detail. original. t the Gulf the military, economic and Of particular interest to students of modern regional geopolitical consequences could not tensions are the chapters which deal with how and why the be confined to the Middle East and UK left the region with ‘indecent haste’ between 1968 and would have unknowable consequences 1971 after decades of stabilizing influence. The UK Labour for world order. There can be no Party announced its intention to withdraw in January 1968 higher security priority for the 21st and intended to be gone from East of Suez as soon as it Century than the maintenance of peace could organise its departure. Extraordinarily this was done between these irreconcilable regional without the courtesy by HMG of warning Britain’s only superpowers. possible successor in the region, the United States of the Imperial Crossroads provides a UK’s intention to depart. The Johnson Administration, careful and well researched analysis mired in war in SE Asia, was shocked by the unilateral of the history of the Gulf and its announcement, but was determined to avoid taking over littoral region. Jeffrey Macris from the network of security guarantees to the major and minor the US Naval Academy and Saul Kelly states which the British had agreed to by treaty and upheld from Kings College have provided a for decades. At this point the USN’s presence would have compelling and very readable trans been welcomed as a logical and seamless successor to Pax Atlantic view of the history of the Britannica. Washington’s failed policy was to try to get the region. It should be required reading UK to reverse or slow down its withdrawal. Later when the IMPERIAL CROSSROADS in the State Department and Whitehall US tried to establish its presence this ‘intrusion’ was resented The Great Powers and the at the very least. The publishers make by the major players in the region. this point clearly when they provide The exception to Britain’s long withdrawal East of Suez Persian Gulf a quote from Admiral Thomas Fargo, was the successful role that the British Army and Royal N aval Institute Press. July 2012 USN, Ret, former commander of Marines played in stabilizing Oman. This was done by Edited by Jeffrey R Macris Naval Central Command and John ensuring that the isolationist and archaic Sultan Said bin and Saul Kelly Shalikashvili, Chair in National Taimur was replaced by his anglophile, Sandhurst educated, Security Studies at the US National son Sultan Qaboos in 1971. This necessary regime change, ISBN: 978 -1-59114-489-2. 235pp, Bureau of Asian Research. They write initiated by Heath’s newly elected Conservative government, notes, index. of the book: A superb collection was followed by the subsequent success of British special explaining clearly why the world’s forces, loan personnel and intelligence staff, working with Reviewed by LCDR Desmond Woods great powers have consistently local forces to defeat a rapidly growing insurgency in the recognised that their prosperity Dhofar. The role of British officers in collecting and analysing and security are tied directly to the operational intelligence is well covered in a chapter by Clive This new book on the long history Persian Gulf. Macris and Kelly have Jones entitled, A Guiding Hand or Controlling Grasp? and labyrinthine politics of the world’s not only woven together past interests Had the insurgents taken power in Muscat they would have most strategically significant waterway but have made the critical connection provided an opening for the Soviet Union to expand its is most timely. The Persian Gulf is to South and East Asia which must influence throughout the region. This less well remembered not now, and never will be, a global be understood by present and future and hidden episode in the Cold War was, as the author of backwater. It is both the strategic policy makers. this chapter points out, ‘a close run thing.’ Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 65

Saul Kelly, in his chapter on gone, or going, and with them the a primary focus. Pax Britannica and Britain’s role as capability and the will for the UK to The enduring lesson from the post-imperial ‘Whitehall gamekeeper in the Gulf, makes an continue its constructive role in the folly’ of the early 1970’s and the long period pre Reagan inferential link between the weakness Gulf. Decades of investment in building before the US realised it had to take over the British role, of Whitehall position by the late 1960’s a role for British sea power as the extra is well explored and elucidated in several chapters and is a and both sides of politics preparedness factor mediating the volatile political major theme of the book. to leave small states unprotected, mix had evaporated and baseless and The corollary of this is that whatever fiscal strain the with the subsequent rise to regional irresponsible optimism triumphed USN comes under, with impending defence cuts this decade, strongman of the ‘thief of Baghdad’, over the prudent and very affordable the Gulf is one part of the world where the United States Saddam Hussein. Saddam’s life’s strategic expenditure necessary to with its allies will need to keep a capability for deterrence experience of the vacillation of the maintain stability in the region. Kelly and immediate intervention. Power vacuums are always West in the face of Arab demands points out that Britain had long been dangerous in the Middle East in general and in the Persian surely assisted in his evolution into the respected ‘gamekeeper’ in the Gulf. Gulf they invoke the law of unintended consequences. With an ambitious bully boy who could The United States eventually became a the US now gone from Iraq and departing from Afghanistan not be intimidated into remaining most ‘reluctant constable’ determined we are seeing the enhanced engagement of the US in the within Iraq’s borders. Iraq’s invasion to arm and enrol local deputies, Iran Pacific and S E Asia in a rebalancing of USN capability. of Kuwait of 1990 was partly the result and Saudi Arabia, to do a job which Despite the coming era of defence austerity the President, of the ambiguity over Kuwait and only an external great sea power can do Pentagon and State Department should understand that appeasement by Washington in 1989- in this region. maintaining credibility in the Gulf is non negotiable. History 1990. It was all part of the pattern The logical extension of this analysis has made clear that the gamekeeper cannot afford to be on which Saddam had come to expect. is that the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq leave for even half a decade without the poachers and the Nothing had prepared him for the in 1990, and the vastly expensive pirates taking charge. US led global response initiated by requirement for its recapture in 1991, This excellent book published by NIP is a multi faceted Thatcher and implemented by Bush. was in part at least, the culmination explanation of why this is true. It could be subtitled, Appeasement leads to miscalculation. of the precipitate withdrawal of ‘why the Gulf cannot be left to police itself.’ There is no This contempt for the capability British power combined with the successor power to the USN capable of keeping order in of the appeasing West had not always determination of US administrations the Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and the adjacent sea lanes of been evident by Iraq. When the RN not to step in to the void left by communication. Australia has been contributing modestly retained strike carriers in the Gulf it Whitehall. Washington’s failed policy to this USN led maritime law and order mission since Gulf was possible for the disputes between in the 1970’s was to rely on Saudi War I, as have many European powers – including the UK. the littoral states and those under Arabia and the Shah to police the This long deployment may be in part altruistic, but it is British protection to be policed from region between them. This was the so also clear-eyed pragmatism on the part of the West. None the sea and land grabs deterred. The called ‘twin pillars’’ policy. The Carter of the alternatives to the current tense patrolled peace are modern UAE owes its collective administration’s continuing reluctance economically palatable. existence to the British policy of not to play the alpha role that a great The book’s final chapters examine the growing Indian and allowing Wahhabism from the interior power has to undertake sent out all the Chinese engagement in, and growing dependence on, Gulf to overwhelm the trucial coast states. wrong messages to the neighbourhood. trade and energy. China is a major exporter to Saudi Arabia The RN protected these micro states Carter’s policies of global de-escalation and a major importer of Iranian oil. Beijing has no interest for over seventy years. The last example and détente were the opposite of the in seeing either heavily armed state prevail in the region at of this balancing policy at work was policies needed if states large and small the expense of the other. But China has not yet either the in June 1961 when the combined were to ‘play nicely’ particularly at the capability or the intention to reprise the role last played by capability of the British carriers top of the Gulf. The Iranian ‘pillar’ the Middle Kingdom six centuries ago. Centaur, Bulwark and Victorious shattered and fell when the Shah was The last word on the utility of this valuable historical with 42 Commando, Royal Marines, exiled by the Islamic Revolutionary and analytical compendium can be left to former First Sea embarked, deterred an imminent Guard who still control the east coast Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band. He writes of it: Imperial Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Lamentably, of the Gulf. It was not till the Shah Crossroads should be essential reading for any military under both Labour and Conservative was toppled and the US endured the and maritime practitioner in this strategically vital governments, within a decade of this Teheran hostage crisis that a US Rapid and complicated part of the world. I wish it had been demonstration of the Fleet Air Arm’s Deployment Force for global response available when I first deployed to the Gulf in 1968. t shaping ability, the RN’s carriers were was finally established with the Gulf as Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 66

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 67

HMAS Tarangau, 1974

At sunset on 14 November 1974, as HMA Ships and recommissioned Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral HD before a crowd of distinguished visitors as ships of the Maritime Element of Stevenson, made special mention of and thousands of Manus Islanders, the the PNG Defence Force. The RAN the fact that PNG officers and sailors Australian White Ensign was lowered also handed over another , now manned their own patrol boats: for the last time at HMAS Tarangau. Ladava, and two heavy , ‘You have every reason to be proud The base, which the RAN had taken Buna and Salamau. of this achievement which has been over in 1949, was recommissioned At the time of the transfer, the accomplished because of the inherent as the Papua New Guinea Defence members of the PNG Maritime ability of your people as seamen, your Force Patrol Boat Base Lombrum. Element came largely from the PNG enthusiasm and the dedication and Concurently, the Attack class patrol Division of the RAN, which had confidence of the RAN officers and boats Aitape, Lae, Madang and developed from 21 recruits in 1951 sailors who worked so hard to make Samarai, which formed a backdrop to to 11 officers and 249 sailors in 1974. this all possible.’ the ceremony, were decommissioned In his speech at the ceremonies, the Photograph Courtesy SeaPower Centre.

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 68 ANI On-line: A guide to the new website.

O ur 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 stored in the system for privacy reasons. However, you may provide forum, a news section and member list. This short guide is designed to help 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). F igure 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 8

Figure 7

Participating in the forum Figure 2 Figure 3 In order to post topics and replies in the discussion forum, first login Logging in to your account and click the “Forum” menu item (figure 8). Then select a forum that Once you have your account details, you are ready to login and access you would like to view by clicking its “View Topics” button (figure the new features of the site. In order to login, navigate to the website 9). Select a topic that you would like to read by clicking its “View this (figure 1) and click the “Members Login” item (figure 2). Enter your topic” link (figure 10). If you are not interested in any particular topic, member ID and password as they were provided to you, then click you may add your own by clicking the “Add New Topic” button (figure the “Login” button. The case of the member ID and password are 10). Similarly, once you are viewing a topic, you may post a reply by important: i.e. “CaSe” and “case” are considered entirely different words clicking “Add New Post”. Fill in the heading and body of your reply and by the authentication system. Each letter of the password will appear as click the “Submit” button to add your reply to the topic. If you change a single “*” to prevent others from seeing your password as you type. your mind while writing your reply, you may click the “Cancel” button If you have entered your details correctly, you will be presented with and your reply will not be added to the topic. 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

Logging out of your account Figure 9 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 Figure 5 Figure 6 feature request, post a topic in the “Website Questions” forum and a site administrator will reply. Otherwise, happy browsing!

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 69 Thinking of Making a Contribution? Style Notes for Headmark

In general, please present your work So: the end of the article, please supply full honours - Lieutenant with the minimum of formatting. Adkin, Mark. Goose Green. London: Commander Bill Crabbe, CSC, RAN - unless you would Paragraphs: Leo Cooper, 1992. prefer not to use them. Then please supply a paragraph Don’t indent, and leave left justified. Adler, Bill (Ed.) Letters from Vietnam. on yourself, to a maximum of 50 words, including any Separate paragraphs by one line. Single New York: EP Dutton and Co., 1967. qualifications you would like listed, and any interesting spacing only. Use one space only after Articles use quotation marks around biographical aspects. If possible please supply a colour or stops and colons. their title, which is not in italics. greyscale head and shoulders e-photo of yourself for use Conventions: If citing web sites please use the alongside the article title. Use numbers for 10 and above, words convention: Illustrations: below. Ship names use italics in title Australian Associated Press. “Army Do not embed graphs or figures in your text without case; prefixes such as HMAS in capitals admits mistakes in SAS investigation”. sending a separate file as well. If supplying photographs use and italics. Book and Journal titles use 17 February, 2004. Forwarding your article: Citations: So, web site name. Article title. Full Please send to the Editor on Endnotes rather than footnotes. Use date of accessing the site. Full URL. Editorial considerations: footnotes to explain any points you want Bylines: The Editor reserves the right to amend articles where the reader to notice immediately. Book Supply your everyday title for use at the necessary for the purposes of grammar correction, and to titles follow Author surname, first name, beginning of the title, so: Lieutenant delete tables or figures for space considerations. title if any. Title. Place of publication: Commander Bill Crabbe, or Jack publisher, year of that edition. Aubrey, or Reverend James Moodie. At

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 70 Australian Naval Institute

The Australian Naval Institute was formed as a self- considered. As much of the RAN’s attention Editorial Board. supporting and non-profit making organisation; operational and administrative history Articles of greater length can incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory in 1975. The is poorly recorded, the recollections of submitted to the Sea Power Centre- main objectives of the Institute are: members (and others) on these topics Australia for possible publication as • to encourage and promote the advancement of knowledge are keenly sought. a Working Paper (seapower.centre@ related to the Navy and the maritime profession; and Views and opinions expressed in defence.gov.au) • to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas concerning Headmark are those of the authors and subjects related to the Navy and the maritime profession. not necessarily those of the Institute, the Editorial Board Membership subscription rates are located on the next page. Royal Australian Navy, the Australian The Board is largely drawn from Further information can be obtained from the: Defence Organisation, or the institutions the ANI Council but key roles are Business Manager, Australian Naval Institute, the authors may represent. undertaken by the following members: PO Box 29, Red Hill ACT 2603, ph +61 2 6295 0056, The ANI does not warrant, guarantee Chairman: leut Tristan Skousgaard ran fax +61 2 6295 3367, email: [email protected] or via the or make any representations as to the Journal Editor: dr Tom Lewis, oam website at http://www.navalinstitute.com.au content of the information contained Strategy: vadm Ray Griggs am, csc, ran within Headmark, and will not be liable History: dr David Stevens Sponsors in any way for any claims resulting from Book Reviews: The Australian Naval Institute is grateful for the continued use or reliance on it. lcdr Desmond Woods ran support of: ANI Friends; Raytheon Australia, Booz & Articles and information in Company. Our Gold Sponsors; Austal, Thales Naval Group, Headmark are the copyright of the Bequests DMS Maritime, QinetiQ. Our Silver Sponsors; LOPAC, SAAB, Australian Naval Institute, unless As a self-funding organisation the ATI, Australian Defence Credit Union, Blohm +Voss Naval. otherwise stated. All material in Institute relies on membership Headmark is protected by Australian subscriptions and sponsorship to Patron copyright law and by applicable law in maintain its activities. Financial Chief of Navy: Vice Admiral Ray Griggs am,csc, ran other jurisdictions. donations and/or bequests are welcome Council Members A CDROM of the Journal of the and will assist the ANI in undertaking President: radm Allan Du Toit am, ran Australian Naval Institute covering the its activities. Vice President: cdre Greg Sammut ran period 1975-2003 is available for $99; see Secretary: lcdr Ben MacDonald ran the next page for ordering information. Sea Power Centre-Australia Treasurer: mr Nicholas Tate Pen Names. Contributors can publish Research Collection Journal Editor: dr Tom Lewis oam under a pen name. The Editor must be The Sea Power Centre-Australia Councillor: capt Timothy Brown ran advised either in person or in writing research collection incorporates the Councillor: capt Lee Goddard csc, ran of the identity of the individual that ANI library, to which members have Councillor: cmdr Ian Campbell ran wishes to use the pen name. The Editor access. The research collection is Councillor: cmdr Justin Jones ran will confirm in writing to the member normally available for use 0900-1630 Councillor: lcdr Desmond Woods ran seeking to use a pen name that the each weekday, but it is not possible Councillor: midn Aaron Goedecke ran name has been registered and can be to borrow the books. Members are Councillor: midn Liam Catterson ran used. More details are available on the requested to ring the SPC to confirm Councillor: midn Isabel Collins ran Institute’s website. access, particularly if visiting from Councillor: midn Grant Moran ran Article submission. Articles and outside Canberra. Councillor: midn Matthew Bell ran correspondence should be submitted The ANI/Sea Power Centre-Australia Website Manager: electronically in Microsoft Word, with will gladly accept book donations on mr David Graham (non membership position) limited formatting. (See the style guide naval and maritime matters (where they Public Officer: in this issue for further details.) will either be added to the collection lcdr David Swanson ran (non mem. position) Articles should ideally range in size or traded for difficult to obtain books). from 3000-7000 words, but smaller The point of contact for access to the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute articles will be considered, as will collection, or to make arrangements for Headmark is published quarterly. The Editorial Board seeks the occasional larger piece of work. book/journal donations is the SPC-A letters and articles on naval or maritime issues. Articles Submissions should be sent to the Editor Information Manager on (02) 6127 6512, concerning operations or administration/policy are of in the first instance. email: [email protected] particular interest but papers on any relevant topic will be Email: [email protected] and mark Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 146 71 The Australian Naval Institute ABN: 45 988 480 239 PO Box 29 Red Hill ACT 2603, AUSTRALIA PHONE: +61 2 6295 0056 FAX: +61 2 6295 3367 EMAIL: [email protected]

Membership Subscription Rates (Australian Dollars) Australia/New Zealand* Asia Pacific Region† Rest of World† Please circle the amount you individual or individual or individual or wish to pay institutional individual institutional individual institutional individual member concession member concession member concession For 1 year $60.00 $40.00 $75.00 $55.00 $82.00 $62.00 For 2 years $115.00 $77.50 $145.00 $107.50 $159.00 $121.50 For 3 years $167.50 $112.50 $212.50 $157.50 $233.50 $178.50 Prices are shown in Australian Dollars. *No GST is payable in relation to ANI membership. †Includes air mail postage. Concession available to students, persons of the rank of Lieutenant or below, and those who are fully retired.

Membership Application

ER:ITHE Join & pay through the “Join the ANI” page of the ANI website at www.navalinstitute.com.au using your PayPal account or credit card OR: Complete the details below & return this form to the address shown above

Rank/Title: Initials:

Surname & Postnominals:

Address:

Post Code:

Email:

WeBsite Username Preferences: Please use only characters (a-z) or numbers (0-9)

1. 2. 3.

Payment Details Please select one.

A. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) using your surname as the reference: Account Name: Australian Naval Institute BSB: 062 919 a/c No.: 0091 4309

B. Credit card by completing these details: Mastercard Visa

Card No.

Name of cardholder (PLEASE PRINT):

Signature: Expiry date:

C. Cheque payable to AUSTRALIAN NAVAL INSTITUTE. Australian Dollars only please. Foreign currency cheques cannot be accepted.

I agree to abide by the Constitution and by-laws of the Australian Naval Institute.

Signature: Date:

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute HMAS Melbourne sails into Sydney upon return from a six month operational deployment