NAV Y

2012 EDITION

FAREWELL TO 817 SQUADRON

INTERVIEWS: CHIEF OF NAVY AUSTRALIAN FLEET

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW FUTURE SUBMARINES Providing tomorrow’s smart solutions today Providing tomorrow’s smart solutions today

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Blohm + Voss Naval [email protected] www.blohmvoss-naval.com EDITOR’S FOREWORD

s we look back at 2011, it becomes divers, , chaplains and marine clear that this was an important year technicians, while also interviewing the new Afor the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Chief of Navy Vice , AM, with crucial operations and exercises taking CSC, RAN and the former Commander place both at home and abroad. Fittingly, Australian Fleet Steve Gilmore, this 2012 Sea Power Conference, under the AM, CSC, RAN. broad theme of ‘The Naval Contribution to Our team of expert Navy writers examine National Security and Prosperity’, explores the year gone by, while also considering the how navies contribute, on a daily basis, to latest capabilities that will come into play the defence and wellbeing of their nation over the next decade. These include the and its interests. new class AWDs, the Canberra class Last year alone, those brave men and LHDs, the MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeos’ and women serving in the RAN deployed in upgrades to the existing ANZAC class ships. various locations, from Afghanistan to the Most importantly, we congratulate the Middle East, Papua , Vanuatu, Navy on celebrating ‘100 Years of Service’ and the Malaysian Peninsula. At to Australia. What an amazing century it has home, they contributed to relief efforts in been! Last year, Faircount Media Group Australia, playing crucial roles in disaster- were proud to publish the ‘100 Years of the stricken states via Operation YASI ASSIST, Royal Australian Navy’ magazine that was Operation FLOOD ASSIST launched in June at the Australian National and the Victorian flood relief effort. Maritime Museum. It was an honour to be Displaying key Navy values of Honour, involved in the commemoration of such a Integrity, Loyalty, Courage and Honesty, crucial milestone. and reflecting the 10 signature behaviours As these centenary tributes continue Solutions for a maritime century. highlighted in New Generation Navy, these over the next four years, the RAN individuals have done their nation proud. looks forward to yet another century of In the following pages of Navy commitment, bravery, dedication and OUTLOOK, we celebrate their passion stemming from that single most achievements. We speak to pilots, clearance important element: Navy’s people.

Tara Sena-Becker, Editor

Blohm + Voss Naval ‘When I told a friend I’d found a home in Rozelle she said “quick take it before it’s gone,” so I rang DHA straight away. We’ve been really lucky here’.

ABLE SEAMAN MICHAEL BARNETT - DHA TENANT www.dha.gov.au 139 DHA NAVY OUTLOOK

The ANZAC Class Upgrades – An Anti-Ship Missile Defence System 54 104 Norman Friedman

Future Submarines 58 Peter Briggs

Submarine History 64 76 Michael White

38 The Search for AE1 68 Terence Roach

Operation RESOLUTE 72 Mick Toal 22 58 Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 76 Emma Kelly

Life of a Marine Technician 80 Grant McDuling

100 Years of Naval Chaplaincy 84 16 Mick Toal

Navy Clearance Divers: United Underwater 88 Tara Sena-Becker

A Century of RAN Rugby 92 CONTENTS Mick Toal

An Interview with the Chief of Navy 12 An Interview with the Rise of the Chinese Navy 96 Commander Australian Fleet 32 Norman Friedman 2011 Year in Review 16 Grant McDuling New Amphibious Assault Ships – 2012 RAN Sea Power Conference: The Canberra Class 38 The Importance of the Sea 100 Centenary Celebrations 22 Norman Friedman Emma Williams Tara Sena-Becker MH-60R Seahawks – The ‘Romeos’ 46 Farewell to 817 Squadron 104 New Generation Navy 24 Emma Kelly Grant McDuling Grant McDuling Air Warfare Destroyers – The Cross: Recognising Force 2030 28 The Hobart Class 50 Gallantry and Valour in the RAN 108 Norman Friedman Norman Friedman Grant McDuling

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2012 EDITION

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INTERVIEWS: CHIEF OF NAVY COMMANDER AUSTRALIAN FLEET

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW FUTURE SUBMARINES

Special thanks to Commander Adrian Kemp, Director, Communications and Media - Navy for his assistance.

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Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AM, CSC, RAN was appointed Chief of Navy on 7 June 2011, taking over the post from , AO, CSM, RAN. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CHIEF OF NAVY

You took over as Chief of Navy some six months ago, in THE SECOND enormous amount of work underway in June 2011. How have you settled into the top job? What are your PRIORITY ensuring we are ready for these exciting immediate priorities and long-term goals for Navy? IS ABOUT capabilities. My third priority is for us to Well, to say it has been hectic would be an understatement. ENSURING THAT continue the reform journey we have been For me, coming back into the single service environment after three NAVY IS READY on, through both the Strategic Reform years in the joint arena, there was an enormous amount of ‘reading FOR THE NEW Program and our major cultural program, in’ to do. There was a lot going on and being anything less than CAPABILITY New Generation Navy (NGN). Both of these fully prepared for what is happening is simply not an option. As for THAT IS BEING programs are critical enablers in meeting the being settled, I am not sure you ever really ‘settle’; you certainly ACQUIRED other two priorities. start to get comfortable with the issues and key decisions you have – THERE ARE THREE to take. The ‘Rizzo Review’ into the repair PARTICULAR When I came into the job I said I had three priorities. Firstly, to and management of Navy’s amphibious CAPABILITIES restore our contract with government in terms of delivering current and support ships will result in extensive THAT DEMAND capability. This is something that we have worked hard on and OUR IMMEDIATE changes to Navy’s sustainment and have been helped by some very useful external work, such as the ATTENTION: maintenance arrangements. How is Navy Rizzo report into sustainment and maintenance of our amphibious THE LANDING proceeding with these changes and what and support fleet. The second priority is about ensuring that Navy HELICOPTER can personnel expect in the future? is ready for the new capability that is being acquired – there are DOCKS Mr Rizzo’s ‘Plan To Reform Support three particular capabilities that demand our immediate attention: (LHDS), THE Ship Repair and Management Practices’ is the landing helicopter docks (LHDs), the introduction of our new INTRODUCTION the outcome of one of a series of reforms naval combat helicopters, and the air warfare destroyers (AWDs). OF OUR NEW announced by the Minister for Defence They each bring their own unique challenges for us. There is an NAVAL COMBAT Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence HELICOPTERS, Materiel Jason Clare in February 2011 AND THE AIR to improve Defence’s accountability, WARFARE procurement and sustainment practices. DESTROYERS Mr Rizzo identified that the seeds (AWDS). of many of the problems we face now were sown many years ago. This is as a consequence of decisions and judgements that resulted in insufficient resources being requested and/or allocated to address materiel condition and personnel shortfalls since the landing platform amphibious ships (LPAs) were brought into service in the late 1990s. His 24 recommendations and ABOVE: Then Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Rear Admiral Ray Griggs talking to diggers during dinner at a Forward Operating Base in Dili, East Timor. BOTTOM LEFT: Vice Admiral Ray Griggs with Rear Admiral Robyn Walker, the first female in the Navy to attain the rank of Rear Admiral.

12 suggestions provide very practical guidance as to what is now IN A How important is your technical required to recover from the systemic effects of those decisions and TECHNOLOGY- workforce in all of this? Is it difficult to retain to improve operational availability and outcomes as well as assuring BASED them given the pressures of the broader the ongoing technical integrity of all Navy ships. ORGANISATION economy? I fundamentally agree with Mr Rizzo’s assessment and Navy, LIKE OURS, OUR In a technology-based organisation like in conjunction with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), TECHNICAL ours, our technical workforce is central to has taken swift action to implement the more immediate of WORKFORCE our ability to fight and win at sea, there is no the 24 recommendations and to commence planning for and IS CENTRAL TO doubt about that. For far too long have we implementation of the actions required to achieve the reform in the OUR ABILITY TO viewed engineering as an overhead rather longer term. FIGHT AND WIN than the capability enabler that it is. There AT SEA, THERE Consistent with Mr Rizzo’s recommendation, I was pleased to is no doubt in my mind that the mindset is IS NO DOUBT be able to promote Mick Uzzell to Rear Admiral, occupying the new rapidly changing. The biggest problem with ABOUT THAT. Head of Navy Engineering position. What we are embarking on here our technical workforce relates to the skills is a huge job and we have been working very hard to understand they have; they are particularly attractive to the full resource implications to get back to where we need to be. A industry. point I have made consistently is that the Rizzo work is about much We face significant demand from, in more than engineering. It is about capability management writ large particular, the resources sector for our and that is a core task of everyone in the Navy; it is a critical enabler engineer officers and technical sailors. of operations. I have recently introduced a number of The technical integrity of our platforms is crucial. We need to remuneration incentives targeted at those manage them as assets through life – understand if our operational specialist technical personnel necessary decisions will lead to downstream maintenance implications, for the maintenance and operations of whether we are keeping the use of the ship or aircraft within design the machinery and plant equipment in our parameters. Our approach has been somewhat inconsistent in the ships. We also have a number of initiatives past. What I am driving for is a single unifying concept that brings underway to reform the way we train and this all together. That concept is the notion of ‘seaworthiness’, develop our sailors to ensure that we grow implemented in a similar but not identical way to the ‘airworthiness’ that important capability over the coming construct in Air Force. This new construct will be the most visible years whilst providing a career continuum change and it will be combined with a real ‘back to basics’ that promotes retention. approach to technical integrity. We are also looking at a number of

13 NAVY OUTLOOK

different initiatives to keep building the maintenance capability is crucial to that rebuilding process and to value of the ‘intangible’ part of serving in WE ARE ALSO the development of our technical workforce. the Navy. Our NGN program is central LOOKING AT A We are clearly at the beginning of a journey with regard to to this. I need the Navy to be a working NUMBER OF rebuilding Navy engineering; a journey that will take several years. environment that people want to be a part DIFFERENT However, we shouldn’t forget that we have a well trained and of – where remuneration is but a part of the INITIATIVES committed technical workforce. If we can match the exciting new employment offer and experience. That is TO KEEP capabilities (and the new technical experiences they bring) with BUILDING THE a challenge in what is a tough environment putting engineering back to where it should be and ensuring we VALUE OF THE and it is something I need to keep working have the right culture in the workplace, there is a lot to be optimistic ‘INTANGIBLE’ hard at. We do have some very exciting about. PART OF capabilities coming which will provide all SERVING IN THE our technical people with new challenges NAVY. OUR NGN Looking to the future, the Defence White Paper highlighted and experiences – electric pod propulsion in PROGRAM IS the need for Navy to have an increased anti-submarine warfare our LHDs, the in the CENTRAL TO capability. What projects are in the pipeline to achieve this? AWD and first rate avionics in our combat THIS. Increased anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability will hinge helicopters. We are also moving back to on the manner in which Defence combines discrete capabilities providing our shore-based technical sailors into a holistic approach to combating potential submarine threats. more complex, challenging and ultimately This means that projects such as the SEA 1000 future submarine, more rewarding engineering work that the recently announced acquisition of the MH-60R naval combat previously would have been outsourced. helicopter, as well as the planned future (SEA 5000) and the The augmentation of our shore-based replacement of the RAAF’s AP-3C Orions should all be considered part of a significantly enhanced ASW capability, along with a range of smaller projects in the Defence Capability Plan. Vice Admiral Ray Griggs inspecting the Rankin Division at their We are moving more to theatre ASW thinking rather than what graduation from Recruit School. has largely been very much a tactical focus on ASW over the years. This is an important shift and is something I suspect will feature more strongly in the way we articulate the ASW challenge.

The Chief of Defence Force recently announced the full integration of women into defence positions that were previously unavailable to them. For Navy, this means women will be allowed into the clearance diving branch for the first time. How is Navy managing this change and when can we expect to see our first female clearance diver? I think the important aspect of this announcement for the Navy is that it only impacts one of our categories. In every other aspect, the Navy has fully integrated crews performing combat roles, deployed on active service for many, many years. We had women on active service in 1991 during the First Gulf War. I am personally very proud of what our women have achieved operationally, in our operations and submarine control rooms, gun crews, boarding parties, engineering spaces and elsewhere in a ship or submarine. We have been a progressive organisation in this domain – our integrated messing in submarines, for example, is at the forefront of breaking down artificial barriers that have real impacts on the ability of women to contribute. NAVY OUTLOOK

It is right that career choices should only be restricted by an individual’s ability to meet all of the demands of the role, including the physical requirements. Defence has established a Physical Employment Standards project for employment categories in the (ADF), including for combat-related roles. This project will review current standards and introduce a gender neutral selection process to determine suitability to perform military essential tasks and roles. The Physical Employment Standards review into roles that have previously been restricted is due for completion. While the project will define standards that can be used to demonstrate that a person is physically capable of performing certain tasks, it is not examining specifically the role of women in combat. I will be pushing forward on opening up the clearance diver category as soon as possible.

A decade on since September 11, the war on terrorism continues in Afghanistan. Whilst primarily an Army operation, with more than 1500 personnel stationed there, Navy is also playing its part. What can you tell us about the work of naval personnel in Afghanistan? Navy personnel fulfil a range of vital support roles in Afghanistan. On average, we have around a dozen Navy people in the country. Clearance divers regularly deploy as explosive ordnance technicians with the Mentoring Task Force and other Counter- Improvised Explosive Device task units. These sailors are on the front line of the fight and make a very tangible contribution. Medical officers, stores management staff and writers deploy with the Force Support Unit, and communication and information specialists deploy with the Force Communications Unit. Navy personnel also embed with coalition headquarters in a variety of key roles. More broadly in the Middle East we have several dozen Navy people in key support roles in our national headquarters in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and up to 30 in Bahrain when we command Task Force 150, which looks after maritime security issues in the region. And of course, our frigate has been on almost continuous operations in the region since 1990. Since 2001, we have had 27 rotations of ships performing that vital role.

How about closer to home? Navy is heavily involved in border protection duties. What is the future of that mission? TOP: Vice Admiral Ray Griggs talking to members of HMA Ships The border protection mission is an important and enduring Balikpapan and Betano while on the hardstand of HMAS Coonawarra one for Navy. Our people working on do during a recent visit to Darwin as the newly appointed Chief of Navy. an outstanding job. They are on the job every day of the year and MIDDLE: Vice Admiral Ray Griggs delivering a message to Fleet operate in demanding and at times dangerous conditions. I am Support Unit Perth personnel on his first visit to Fleet Base West as the immeasurably proud of the way they go about the task and the new Chief of Navy. BOTTOM: Vice Admiral Ray Griggs opening a new results they achieve. recreation area at HMAS Waterhen during a base visit.

15 NAVY OUTLOOK Grant McDuling

2011 YEAR IN

2011 was an extremelyREVIEW busy year for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with a wide range of events and activities taking place both at home and abroad. The men and women of the RAN found themselves called upon, often at extremely short notice, to rise to the occasion. They were not found wanting.

he Navy’s leadership too found LAST YEAR flight simulators, RAN band performances, kids activities and HMAS themselves dealing with a broad MARKED THE Yarra (IV) open to the public. As part of the celebrations, the new Trange of challenges. From organising CENTENARY Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AM, CSC, RAN launched a and participating in new look exercises ANNIVERSARY 300-page historical book entitled ‘100 Years of the Royal Australian OF THE to decommissioning ships and gearing Navy’, published by Faircount Media Group, along with two FORMATION OF up for the acquisition of new ones, and commemorative RAN stamps from Australia Post. THE RAN. THIS from remaining focused on operational In July, the ‘Pride of the Nation’ exhibition opened in , MOMENTOUS commitments to dealing with cultural issues OCCASION WAS the RAN Band celebrated with ‘A Naval Salute’ concert in and natural disasters, they responded with CELEBRATED and the HMAS Stirling time capsule was opened in Perth. In foresight, courage and determination in WITH VARIOUS September, HMAS Cerberus exercised its right to Freedom of Entry carrying out the important work our nation OFFICIAL into the City of Melbourne and in November, navy personnel past trusts them to perform. EVENTS AND and present celebrated in style at the Sir David Martin Foundation CEREMONIES Navy Centenary Ball at Parliament House in Canberra. 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIAN NAVY 2011. OPERATION QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST On 10 July 1911, King George V Operationally, the year got off to a hectic start when Mother approved the use of the title ‘Royal’ by the Nature decided to unleash the worst flood Queensland had ever Australian Navy and allowed its warships to seen. With New Year celebrations still fresh in most people’s minds, fly the same White Ensign as those of the Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST got into gear, with 1900 . Last year marked the centenary tri-service personnel mobilising under the command of Joint Task anniversary of the formation of the RAN. Force 637. The Navy’s Sea King and Seahawk helicopters soon This momentous occasion was celebrated became a regular sight in the skies, and few will forget the welcome with various official events and ceremonies sound of their rotors that never seemed to rest. throughout 2011. The RAN was able to call on local knowledge as part of its In February, the Perth Mint launched the contribution to the relief effort by deploying Reserve Diving Team RAN commemorative silver coin. Following Eight alongside members of Clearance Diving Teams One and this, on 12 June, the RAN’s free Family and Four. Their task was to survey the Brisbane River’s 16 bridges, Community Day was held at the Australian under the waterline and in total darkness. The fury of the river National Maritime Museum, with Sea King resulted in all sorts of debris being swept out into Moreton Bay helicopter and Navy diver demonstrations, and becoming a potential hazard to shipping. What was needed

16 NAVY OUTLOOK

VICTORIAN FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT Seahawk helicopters and 35 sailors from 816 Squadron were called upon to assist with the Victorian flood relief efforts in early 2011. While their initial main role was to provide transport for the Victorian State Emergency Service, they also contributed with food and relief drops to isolated communities.

OPERATION YASI ASSIST Members of the RAN were once again called upon to assist with a massive cleanup effort in the wake of Cyclone Yasi, that devastated much of north Queensland. HMA Ships Brunei and Tarakan (II) deployed and were used to transport heavy equipment for repairs in the Mission Beach, Tully and Mourilyan areas. Sailors from HMAS Cairns naval base assisted the local community and joined up with members of other services under the command of Joint Task Force 664.

Chief Petty Officer Mark Flynn and Able Seaman James Riddell shifting debris from the streets of Townsville as part of Operation YASI ASSIST.

During Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST: TOP: Able Seaman Boatswain’s Mate Tim Ross clearing flood damaged household items in Karalee, Ipswich. MIDDLE: A team of clearance divers motoring along the Brisbane River near Southbank. BOTTOM: Forest Hill residents boarding a Sea King helicopter to be evacuated.

was a comprehensive sonar search to locate everything from half HMAS SUCCESS (II) COMMISSION OF INQUIRY submerged containers to trucks. Minehunter HMAS Huon (III) was The start of 2011 saw delivery of the Hon Justice Roger Gyles’ dispatched and became the first ship of the fleet to arrive and render Commission of Inquiry report into allegations of unacceptable assistance. behaviour aboard HMAS Success (II) and the management of The next task requiring attention was an underwater survey to those allegations. Part One of the report was tabled in Parliament determine the extent of any blockages and siltation in the deep water and publicly released on 22 February. Part Two, dealing with the shipping channels. This job was given to HMA Ships Paluma (IV) and subsequent management of the allegations and the people involved, Shepparton (II). was tabled in Parliament on 7 July. Part One identified a range of

17 HMA SHIPS KANIMBLA (II) AND MANOORA (II) DECOMMISSION 2011 was a sad year for members of the amphibious warfare community, with news of the imminent decommissioning of HMA Ships Kanimbla (II) and Manoora (II). Following recommendations by the Seaworthiness Board in September 2010, Manoora was placed on an ‘operational pause’ while her future was assessed. In February, on the advice of then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN, it was announced the ship would be

serious issues across shortfalls in leadership, culture, misuse of alcohol and behaviour. The conclusions and recommendations of the report were accepted by the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chief of Navy, and substantial progress was made in implementing the recommendations throughout 2011.

OPERATION SLIPPER Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the international campaigns TOP AND INSET: Leading Seaman Clearance Diver Tim Almond on patrol in Uruzgan Province, against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf Southern Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER. ABOVE: HMAS Manoora (II) ship’s company of Aden, and maritime security in the Middle marching off the ship during the decommissioning ceremony at . East Area of Operations (MEAO). The start of 2011 saw HMAS Stuart (III) relieve HMAS EXOCET with two Turkish ships and French decommissioned because attending to Melbourne (III) on 19 January and make Mirage fighter aircraft. The ship’s Seahawk the corrosion of her and replacing her headlines when she rescued three people helicopter was dispatched in response to a two gearboxes would not be economically who were being held hostage by pirates call for assistance from a merchant vessel viable seeing she was already due to be off the Horn of Africa. The ship’s boarding that was being attacked by pirates. Members decommissioned in late 2012. Manoora’s party found a large amount of weapons and of the ship’s crew also swapped places for a decommissioning ceremony took place ammunition onboard the dhow, which they day with personnel from the ’s at Fleet Base East on 27 May 2011. In disposed of over the side. This was HMAS PNS Alamgir in a ‘cross decking’ exercise that August, the Government also agreed to the Stuart’s fourth rotation to the Gulf, following highlighted similarities faced by the different decommissioning of Kanimbla , which took previous rotations in 2004, 2008 and 2009. nations with a naval presence in the MEAO. place at Fleet Base East on 25 November HMAS Toowoomba (II) set sail from Fleet HMAS Parramatta (IV) set sail from Fleet 2011. Base West to relieve HMAS Stuart on 19 May, Base East on 26 September to replace and in so doing marked the 26th rotation by Toowoomba. This was Parramatta’s fourth EXERCISE TRITON STORM I a RAN ship to the MEAO since operations deployment to the MEAO. Toowoomba With effect from 2011, training of the began in 2001. During her tour of duty, was welcomed home from her six month fleet’s major warfighting capability was Toowoomba took part in Exercise SCIMITAR deployment on 7 November 2011. divided into four major exercises. Exercise

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TRITON STORM , which was held in Jervis Bay in February, involved Sea and on the Malaysian Peninsula. HMA Ships Ballarat (II), Darwin, Diamantina (II), Gascoyne (II) and PRIOR TO THE The aim of this annual exercise is to COMMISSIONING Parramatta (IV). The crews were put through their paces with air enhance Australia’s interoperability with the OF HMAS warfare, submarine warfare and naval gunfire support training. It was armed forces of Singapore, Malaysia, New CANBERRA (III) IN also the first time that the new Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft (Project Zealand and the . In 2011, 2014, THE RAN Wedgetail) took part in exercises. SHORED UP ITS Australia’s participating ships and aircraft AMPHIBIOUS included the Royal Australian Air Force’s LHD01 LAUNCHED IN SPAIN CAPABILITY WITH F/A-18F Super Hornets, alongside HMA Last year heralded a new era for Australia’s amphibious THE PURCHASE Ships Ballarat (II) and Parramatta (IV). capability, with the launching of the hull of the first of two new OF RFA LARGS Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious assault BAY FROM SCUTTLING OF HMAS (II) ships in Spain. These ships are significant as they are the largest the THE UNITED 13 April 2011 marked the end of an era, RAN has ever operated. KINGDOM. when the decommissioned HMAS Adelaide The LHDs, which will be crewed by all three services, will add (II) was scuttled off Avoca beach on the significantly to Australia’s amphibious capability. The first, HMAS central coast of New South Wales. This Canberra (III), is due to arrive in 2012 for fitting out before being event makes way for HMAS Adelaide (III), the commissioned into service in 2014. new Canberra class LHD that is due to be commissioned into the RAN in 2015. EXERCISE TRITON STORM II

Ships and aircraft converged on Fleet Base INSET: HMAS Choules on her West in March 2011 for a five week international inaugural entry into Sydney exercise aimed at honing the seagoing skills Harbour. BELOW: HMAS Sirius required to progress Navy’s mission for the and HMAS Ballarat (II) during remainder of the year. Vessels involved included Exercise TRITON STORM II. HMA Ships Ballarat (II), Parramatta (IV), Perth (III), Sirius, Toowoomba (II) and Waller, and HMNZ Ships Te Kaha and Te Mana. The arduous nature of the exercise tested crews to the full, preparing them to face a wide variety of tasks and challenges in a multi-national environment.

RAN ACQUIRES LARGS BAY Prior to the commissioning of HMAS Canberra (III) in 2014, the RAN shored up its amphibious capability with the purchase of RFA Largs Bay from the United Kingdom. This five year old ship was commissioned HMAS Choules on 13 December 2011 after former Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules, Australia’s last World War I veteran, who passed away in May 2011 at 110 years of age. The addition of this landing ship dock enables the RAN to respond to regional operational and humanitarian missions in the absence of the Kanimbla class ships.

EXERCISE BERSAMA SHIELD 2011 Marking the 40th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements of 1971, Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 2011 was a significant milestone, conducted between 2 and 17 May in the South NAVY OUTLOOK

HMAS PERTH (III) UPGRADE COMPLETE In May, a new look HMAS Perth (III) rejoined the fleet and immediately made an impression during acceptance trials and range activities at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in . In addition to changes incorporated as a result of the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade Project SEA 1448 Phase 2, a range of other engineering alterations and projects were also installed. The ship now has an enclosed quarterdeck, which brings with it an increase in reserve buoyancy and improved safety in high seas. One consequence of this enhancement was the need for a new garbage management system, enabling the ship to retain garbage onboard for more than 30 days. On another level, the chief petty officers’ and petty officers’ messes have been combined into one dining space Vice Admiral Russ Crane handing over command of the RAN to Vice and one recreation space, and the operations room now boasts Admiral Ray Griggs. an updated Mk3E Combat Management System (CMS) and a redesigned layout for enhanced situational awareness. There is also LAST YEAR SAW EXERCISE MID PACIFIC 2011 a distinctive phased array radar, and the new navigation radar and A CHANGING Pearl Harbour played host to HMA navigation display system mean the ship no longer needs to maintain OF THE GUARD Ships Perth (III) and Sydney (IV) in June paper charts. Finally, a new wireless hotspot allows crew members IN THE SENIOR when both vessels conducted a range to keep in touch with family and friends, while further situational LEADERSHIP of missile tests as part of Exercise MID awareness is provided to the operations room by means of two new RANKS OF THE PACIFIC 2011. While Perth evaluated the AUSTRALIAN infrared search and track systems. new Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade DEFENCE The other ANZAC class ships will be modified progressively. project, Sydney conducted Standard FORCE (ADF), Missile 2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile WITH VICE MINOR WAR VESSELS CONCENTRATION PERIOD ADMIRAL firings. Perth also played host to guests The Minor War Vessels Concentration Period consisted of two RAY GRIGGS from the United States (US) Navy, Air Force phases, commencing on 23 May with a five day shore phase at REPLACING and Coast Guard, and the officers of both HMAS Cairns followed by a week long sea phase in the Cairns VICE ADMIRAL ships enjoyed a combined wardroom mess Exercise Area. Units participating included HMA Ships Benalla (II), RUSS CRANE dinner aboard USS Missouri. Brunei, Labuan (II), Launceston (III), Melville (II), Shepparton (II), AS CHIEF OF Wewak, Wollongong (III) and 723 Squadron. NAVY (CN) ON 7 PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2011 JUNE. In mid-July, a team of 36 Australian NEW CHIEF TAKES THE HELM Navy, Army and Air Force personnel joined Last year saw a changing of the guard in the senior leadership the USS Cleveland as part of Pacific ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with Vice Admiral Ray Partnership 2011, an annual humanitarian Griggs replacing Vice Admiral Russ Crane as Chief of Navy (CN) on civic assistance program aimed at 7 June. The new CN’s initial focus is on the reform program, improving the quality of life of Pacific ensuring Navy is ready to deliver if called upon by the Government Island communities. Last year, the team of and is in a position to transit smoothly as new capabilities become professionals treated 38,000 patients and available. 800 animals. Some 60 engineering projects were also completed. APPROVAL FOR NEW HELICOPTERS Government approval for the purchase of 24 MH-60R Seahawk EXERCISE TALISMAN SABRE 2011 ‘Romeo’ combat helicopters was given to the RAN in June 2011. The As part of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE first two ‘Romeos’ are due to arrive in 2014 for testing and evaluation, 2011, HMAS Darwin had the honour of and expected to be in operation with the RAN from mid-2015. embedding with the US Navy’s USS

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George Washington Carrier Strike Group. The year 2011 saw a significant explosive ordnance disposal operation Her role was to provide escort duties for milestone reached, with 17 July marking in , over the , while reviewing the five years of round-the-clock operations the period 18 October to 4 November RAN’s air defence procedures in the lead in difficult conditions as part of Operation 2011. During the operation, Gascoyne up to acquisition of the new air warfare RESOLUTE. discovered the uncharted wreck of a destroyers (AWDs). Crew from Darwin also submarine in . Although had the chance to cross deck to the George NEW AWD DEVELOPMENTS initial speculation was that this may have Washington, providing the RAN with a rare Progress was made on the RAN’s three been the missing wreck of Australia’s insight into capabilities and operations new Hobart class AWDs in 2011 with the first submarine, HMAS AE1, it was later of one of the world’s most sophisticated arrival of the Mark 45 Mod 4 five inch and concluded that the wreck was a World War aircraft carriers. the Mark 25 Mod 2 Typhoon guns. These II Japanese submarine. TALISMAN SABRE 2011 also marked weapon systems rank as some of the best the last major exercise for the RAN’s Sea available and will help progress the RAN’s EXERCISE BERSAMA LIMA 2011 King Mk 50 helicopters before retiring from new vessels to become some of the world’s Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2011 was active service. most capable multi-purpose warships. conducted by the Five Power Defence The exercise, which took place in The project achieved additional Arrangement member countries in various July, saw 14,000 US and 8500 Australian milestones with the delivery to Adelaide in locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and personnel test themselves in exercise areas August of the first of 70 keel blocks that will in the from 17 October around Queensland and the Northern be used to construct HMAS Hobart (III). A to 4 November 2011. It involved a total Territory, with 18 naval ships being put further two keel blocks were delivered in of 18 warships, one submarine (HMAS through their paces in the Coral, Timor and September. Farncomb) and 65 military aircraft, as well Arafura Seas. as various support elements. EXERCISE TRITON FURY OPERATION RESOLUTE The RAN’s ability to respond to a wide 817 SQUADRON DECOMMISSIONING Operation RESOLUTE is the ADF’s range of threats was put to test in the West After 48 years of continuous contribution to protecting Australia’s borders Australian Exercise Area between 22 August service to the RAN, 817 Squadron was and offshore maritime interests. In recent and 9 September 2011. Over this period, decommissioned at HMAS Albatross on 16 years, it has seen the RAN’s Armidale class HMA Ships Farncomb, Newcastle, Perth (III), December 2011, with a decommissioning patrol boats come into their own, with seven Sirius and Warramunga (II) conducted live parade reviewed by Chief of Navy Vice being deployed at any one time, patrolling firings, seamanship evolutions and boarding Admiral Ray Griggs. This was preceded an area that is equal to 10 per cent of the training, as well as anti-aircraft and anti- by the final fly past of the Sea King Mk earth’s surface. As part of Border Protection submarine exercises. 50 helicopter on 15 December, which Command, the RAN works in conjunction launched from Nowra and flew to Canberra, with the Australian Customs and Border OPERATION RENDER SAFE 2011 before returning to Shoalhaven for a flight Protection Service and the Australian HMA Ships Gascoyne (II) and around the area that had been home to the Fisheries Management Authority. Diamantina (II) participated in the ADF ‘Sharks’ for the past 35 years.

Members of the Ardent Two Boarding Party Team in a rigid- hulled inflatable boat as part of Operation RESOLUTE.

21 NAVY OUTLOOK Tara Sena-Becker

In 2011, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) celebrated CENTENARY its 100th birthday; a centenary of service. CELEBRATIONS he Navy first came into being as the Commonwealth Naval Navy’, which detailed the extensive A RANGE Forces on 1 March 1901. Following a significant expansion history of the RAN while also examining OF OFFICIAL program in 1909, aimed at enabling Australia to defend her Navy’s current capabilities. Australia Post T EVENTS HAVE own maritime interests and contribute to regional defence, King ALREADY also released two stamps representing George V approved a request to have the ‘Royal’ prefix attached to TAKEN PLACE ‘then and now’ in Navy history. The first Navy’s title on 10 July 1911. TO HONOUR featured HMAS Australia (I), flagship of Since then, members of the RAN have proudly served our nation ‘100 YEARS the new Australian fleet, alongside a for more than a century – through two World Wars in the early 1900s, OF SERVICE’ poignant image of Boy Seaman Frederick the Korean War of 1950, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam IN THE RAN Mills, who served on the ship, while the War and more recent operations in the Middle East. They have THROUGHOUT second depicted HMAS Sydney (IV) and served as cadets, as clearance divers, as engineers, chaplains, 2011. Combat Systems Operator Able Seaman submariners, pilots, warfare and supply officers. They have promoted Rebecca Florance. Both the stamps peace across the globe through operations like BLAZER, DAMASK, and commemorative book arrived in AZURE, TOWER and RENDER SAFE, while also responding to spectacular style, being fast-roped from natural disasters and crises back home. They have worn the Navy uniform – in its many forms – with pride, won medals for their bravery BOTTOM: Able Seaman Damian Dowd, and been hailed as ‘heroes’ many times over. Leading Seaman Tracy Kennedy and Able These men and women of the Navy deserve to be celebrated. Seaman Briony Dwyer during the RAN A range of official events have already taken band’s ‘A Naval Salute’ concert in Sydney. place to honour ‘100 Years of Service’ in the RAN INSET: David Sanis from Faircount Media throughout 2011. These are set to continue over Group presenting Chief of Navy Vice Admiral the next few years as the Navy commemorates key Ray Griggs with a copy of the ‘100 Years of moments of significance at a national level – from the the Royal Australian Navy’ book. 100th anniversary of the RAN Chaplaincy and RAN Commonwealth Rugby Cup in 2012, to the International Fleet Review in October 2013, and a commemoration of the loss of HMAS AE2 in 2015.

2011 Centenary celebrations began in February of last year, when Minister for Defence Stephen Smith joined the RAN and the Perth Mint onboard HMAS Perth (III) to launch a silver coin tribute. Shortly thereafter, 12 June 2011 marked the Navy’s Family and Community Day, which was held at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. On this day, the Chief of Navy launched a 300-page historical book entitled ‘100 Years of the Royal Australian

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both Australian and international ships, and a range of cultural and sporting events, such as a RAN band concert, a tall ship regatta and the Australian Surf Rowers League battle of the boats.

2014 In February 2014, the Navy will hold a reception conference to mark the commissioning of HMAS AE1 and HMAS AE2 in 1914, commemorating 100 years of RAN submarine service. While tributes have already begun, with the unveiling of Members of HMAS Cerberus saluting Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs and Lord Mayor an AE1 memorial plaque at Garden Island Robert Doyle during the Freedom of Entry parade. Heritage Centre on 14 September 2011, these are set to continue up until the official a Sea King helicopter onto the Museum’s six commemorative silver coins depicting commemoration of RAN operations in New wharf by Navy clearance divers. a cross section of Navy vessels, and on Guinea and the disappearance of AE1 on 14 From July until November 2011, 5 November 2011, Navy personnel came September 2014. commemorations were maintained with together for the Sir David Martin Foundation Also in November, the RAN will host the opening of a ‘Pride of the Nation’ Navy Centenary Ball at Parliament House. commemorations of the Australian New exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance Zealand Expeditionary Force (ANZEF) troop in Melbourne. On 10 July, the exact date 2012 convoy departure from Albany, and of the that the ‘Royal’ prefix was granted, the Major centenary events set to take place HMAS Sydney (I) SMS Emden battle at RAN celebrated with ‘A Naval Salute’ band in 2012 include the 100 year anniversaries Cocos Islands. concert in Sydney and an unveiling of the of the RAN Chaplaincy and the RAN Naval Memorial Foundation Stone at St Rugby Commonwealth Rugby Cup. These 2015 Mary’s Anglican Church in Brisbane. Three anniversaries will be commemorated by April 2015 marks 100 years since days later, Brett Wolski, RAN pulled the release of two books – ‘Chaplains the Gallipoli landings took place during a little bit of naval history from the ground, in the Royal Australian Navy: 1912 to the World War I. A particularly important when he raised and opened the HMAS ’ by Associate Professor Rowan date to be remembered is 30 April, when Stirling time capsule from 1986. Items Strong of Murdoch University, and a RAN the Navy will commemorate the loss of enclosed in the five inch shell included Rugby history authored by Jim Kehoe and HMAS AE2 to enemy gunfire, following photographs of ships and bases, current expected to be published in March 2012. her earlier successful negotiation into the uniform styles, newspaper clippings and a Sea of Marmara. Also in 2015, STS Young letter addressed to the Commanding Officer 2013 Endeavour will arrive in Turkey as part of her in 2036. The first RAN fleet entry took place on world voyage, involving youth crew from Celebrations continued in September 4 October 1913, with the powerful flagship Australia and , and the Navy 2011, when the RAN exercised its right to HMAS Australia (I) leading a force of cruisers will commemorate the RAN Bridging Train’s Freedom of Entry into the City of Melbourne, and destroyers into Sydney Harbour. In support to the ANZAC Gallipoli effort. marking the 90th anniversary of HMAS a moment of great national pride and With 100 years of naval heritage Cerberus. The parade was led by Fleet importance, this new Australian fleet was now behind us, the RAN looks forward Commander Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, greeted by thousands of cheering citizens to commemorating and celebrating the AM, CSC, RAN and involved more than lining the foreshore. A century later, the next courage of those men and women who 1300 personnel. Following this, in October, International Fleet Review will be conducted have served our nation with pride since the Royal Australian Mint released a set of in October 2013. The Review will include Federation.

23 NAVY OUTLOOK Grant McDuling GENERATION NEW The New Generation Navy (NGN) program is about to enter its fourth year of comprehensive cultural NAVY change within the Royal Australian aunching the program in 2008, the availability of resources with demand for Navy (RAN). then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral them. LRuss Crane, AO, CSM, RAN made Since its introduction, the program it clear that the Navy was to undergo an has come a long way, making inroads extraordinary shift in the way it thought into areas that many thought would be and behaved. When the current Chief unchangeable. The first year focused on of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AM, direction setting and establishing a series CSC, RAN, came onboard, one of the first of ‘Signature Behaviours’ that aligned with

Sunset on announcements he made was to confirm his Navy values, the second concentrated on HMAS Ballarat commitment to ensuring that NGN would making leadership and ethics a priority, and (II) overlooking continue to prosper and flourish during his the theme of 2011 was ‘Driving Results’. Sydney’s skyline. watch. According to NGN Operations Manager NGN’s strategy focuses on three main Commander Nigel Carlton, RAN, ‘Driving areas: leadership, culture and structural Results’ is all about Navy people taking NGN reform. The Navy would need to change initiatives further and identifying how changes the way it operated ships to better match in behaviour are changing overall culture.

24 NAVY HMAS Stuart (III) departing OUTLOOK Fleet Base East.

up on. If something doesn’t work quite right the first time, we’ll come up with a more innovative solution next time. That is the nature of NGN – ensuring that we don’t give up as soon as there is a setback.” So how are all these developments being received? Commander Carlton says cultural change is happening, not as a process of revolution, but rather as one of evolution, where targeted activities are having a big impact on certain parts of the organisation. “There is no big bang and then “We then take these results back to all Navy people. As with any ONE OF things are different,” he says. “We can see large ship, it can take Navy some time for the organisation to answer THE MOST evidence of improvement across internal the helm and for the individual to see this as a change of course. In IMPORTANT and external data in the Defence Attitude the Navy, there is a lot of work done behind the scenes by dedicated AND IMPACTFUL Survey (DAS), the Navy Organisational people that no one can see. This means that others may think NGN IMPROVEMENTS Self Assessment (OSA), RANavyPulse and isn’t succeeding – and I don’t blame them if they are not seeing WAS THE organisational culture assessments, i.e. the effects where they work. That is why we are encouraging Navy INTRODUCTION what Navy people are saying.” OF 10 leaders, at all levels, to engage their people in the culture change The NGN team report that they can ‘SIGNATURE and improve their workplace. It’s up to us.” also see rub points in responses to the BEHAVIOURS’, To improve leadership communication across all levels in the recent ADF census, where concerns arose WHICH PUT THE Royal Australian Navy (RAN), information is released on a monthly RAN’S DESIRED about work value, career flexibility, cost basis – in divisional presentations, in ‘’, on the intranet CULTURE of living, service delivery and changes in site, and in emails to leaders. INTO PLAIN stages of life. “Many of these issues are the “What we are certain about is that the whole of Australia is LANGUAGE subject of NGN culture projects, either in changing and NGN is seeking to meet these challenges by telling it THAT EVERYONE start-up or part of the work forward plan,” as it is, looking for opportunities for leaders to engage their people COULD RELATE says Commander Carlton. “However, their and providing the skills to take Navy forward into the future,” says TO. solution will be defence-wide and Navy has Commander Carlton. “In NGN, we have been rethinking the way to be able to communicate our concerns we communicate updates to Navy, and we are continuing to be and requirements effectively across other thorough in how we do this.” groups and services.” Navy has discovered that cultural reform is powerful because To date, the NGN leadership workshops it impacts the perspectives used to interpret and rationalise events have been very well received; not surprising in the workplace. Considering this, one of the most important and considering the philosophy behind them is impactful improvements was the introduction of 10 ‘Signature considered best practice across the globe. Behaviours’, which put the RAN’s desired culture into plain language According to Commander Carlton, “Navy’s that everyone could relate to. workshops are delivered by committed Navy “The trick is to make people accountable for these behaviours,” members, most being part-time members, says Commander Carlton. “We have done this in two ways: through many of whom are experienced change the changes to our leadership training at all levels, and through consultants in their civilian work. These are the changes to our performance management system with Chief Navy members who come back to Navy on of Navy’s focus on ‘truth in reporting’. These principles are quickly reserve days with a wealth of experience becoming ‘business as usual’ – and, though there are challenges in and learning. They conduct this training making these changes to our performance management processes, because they believe in the direction Navy the reforms need to occur. Culture change is too important to give is taking and add to the effectiveness of the

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leadership approach – and it shows. Positive feedback revolves around two themes: that the workshops have a profound effect on individuals understanding themselves, and that the workshops will generate a change in

Navy’s culture.” Lieutenant Commander Richard Adams instructing One of the distinguishing characteristics New Entry Officers Course 45, Phillip Division on of naval people is that they are innovative leadership, ethics and NGN. by nature and always looking for new ways of doing things. NGN has clearly benefited THE MAJORITY all take pride in our Navy and what we have achieved, we cannot from this trait, notably in the conduct OF NAVY live on past glory. Our part in Navy’s history is happening now and and delivery of workshops. “We’ve heard PEOPLE we must continue to uphold those values that have made Navy an stories ranging from shift workers who held DEMONSTRATE Australian icon. The question that needs to be asked is, ‘What will breakfast barbeques to ensure all their staff THE your legacy in the Navy be?’ Will it contribute to a proud Navy, a on shift work were involved, to an officer ‘SIGNATURE proud country?” who gathered Navy personnel posted in BEHAVIOURS’ In saying that, the NGN team knows that change doesn’t happen Washington to conduct ‘Navigating the IN THEIR overnight. “We have seen some activities introduced that are rolled Change’ recently,” Commander Carlton WORKING LIVES back once the NGN program moves its focus to other projects and says. EVERY DAY – activities,” Commander Carlton explains. “Unfortunately, we will have “The majority of Navy people MENTORING to revisit some of these activities and lock in a new ‘business-as- demonstrate the ‘Signature Behaviours’ in STAFF, FINDING usual’ perspective. This is a reality of some elements of our existing their working lives every day – mentoring SMARTER culture, where we will say that we are onboard and then display staff, finding smarter ways to do business, WAYS TO DO BUSINESS, AND avoidance behaviours in order to keep the status quo.” and providing support to other areas in Navy PROVIDING “In some areas it is easier to complain than to engage, while and Defence.” SUPPORT TO other areas are desperate to engage but lack the leadership or But the introduction of NGN has, OTHER AREAS opportunity to do so effectively, and subsequently get frustrated with perhaps predictably, not all been plain IN NAVY AND the pace of the NGN program. Other areas that are well and truly sailing. There have been setbacks, DEFENCE. engaged can often bear the weight of their performance as they with some people believing Navy shoulder the load for under-performing areas.” culture shouldn’t (or couldn’t) change. The introduction of NGN has, nevertheless, seen many Commander Carlton counters this approach encouraging results. A comprehensive survey was run last year, with philosophically, responding, “While we can feedback gained from 1100 people across the organisation. Known as the Royal Australian Navy Pulse survey (RANavyPulse), it aimed Then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane talking to junior sailors to gauge the effects of implementing the 10 ‘Signature Behaviours’ about NGN. and measure effectiveness of the NGN cultural reform program as a whole. “The results of the first two Pulses have shown that, overall, we in Navy want to participate and work in a positive cultural environment,” Commander Carlton says. “Furthermore, the results suggest that the Navy’s culture is a positive culture with positive intent – we have a common point of pride in our service to Australia, and we value effective relationships and doing business efficiently. We also take pride in our work and ourselves, and strive to uphold the highest possible standards.” So far so good, but where to from here? “The intent for the NGN program in 2012 is to continue to not only deliver results, but to NAVY OUTLOOK

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs addressing members of Fleet Support Unit Sydney at Garden Island during a base visit. While here, Vice Admiral Griggs reaffirmed Navy’s commitment to NGN.

are changing, and provide a reason to get onboard and stay engaged with NGN. This is the crucial point where change can only be influenced by those in the service. It is only with the help of our people, and how they manage their staff, that Navy will set a course for our desired culture.” With NGN barely at the halfway mark of its intended five year demonstrate how they are improving the Navy at all levels,” explains duration, there has already been serious interest shown by other Commander Carlton. “In our third year of NGN, we will work to keep organisations from far and wide. Navy’s transformational journey has achieving these results and ensure we are building the kind of Navy been presented to a number of key business forums by the Chief of we want to belong to. In essence, it is about the whole of Navy Navy, where much interest has been shown in the RAN’s approach response and not just NGN projects and initiatives. Having said this, to its people. NGN will be continuing to support the development of Navy values “A number of businesses have implemented ‘Signature and behaviours and the individual workload benchmarking study.” Behaviours’ into their organisation and report their performance Commander Carlton says next year will bring with it a new against them,” Commander Carlton says. “Navy has also been focus, with projects investigating flexible career management and requested to brief a range of foreign militaries on its transformation improving collaboration with other groups and services. program, and discreet initiatives in some projects, such as our “We need to ensure that Navy people continue to have access cultural assessments and workload benchmarking studies, are the to information about why things are changing, what specific things focus of interest.”

Naval Services Assurance you can trust. Service you can rely on.

With more than 40 years naval experience and after more than 140 ships and submarines Germanischer Lloyd is proud to serve the RAN.

Germanischer Lloyd (Australia) Pty Ltd. Tel.: +61 2 92331119 [email protected] www.gl-group.com NAVY OUTLOOK Norman Friedman

FORCE2030 It may seem far in the future, even nce these ships had been RAAF fighters) to deal with major threats. beyond one’s naval career, but for ordered, it was necessary to The Australian contribution to that alliance navies and their ships, 20 years Oconsider other major elements includes operations far from home, such of the RAN that needed building up over as in Afghanistan and the Gulf. Incidentally, is a short time. In 2030, the major coming decades. The result of this was a such operations were also about the vessels now taking shape – the Navy section in the Australian Government’s direct defence of Australia. The same sea Hobart class air warfare destroyers most recent Defence White Paper (DWP), that unites the world – that makes navies (AWDs) and the Canberra class ‘Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific worthwhile – also brings foreign crises a lot amphibious ships – will be about Century: Force 2030’, which was released closer to home. RAN ships were sent to the halfway into their careers. Barring in 2009. The national strategy described Gulf in 1990 because Iraq’s attempt to hold some earthquake in government abstractly in ‘Force 2030’ will shape many the Gulf states and their oil hostage would future naval careers. also have impacted oil bound for Australia. policy, they will still be the core units The DWP recognised that Australian Closer to home, Australia feels of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). national strategy would be built around responsible for the security and stability maritime elements, i.e. the RAN and certain of a wide arc of small nations to its north. areas of the Royal Australian Air Force In the past, Australian security benefited (RAAF). That might seem obvious – after all, enormously from the overwhelming strength Australia is a huge island connected to the of the United States (US) combined with world by the sea around it – but it has often the relative weakness of many countries been ignored. in South and East Asia. Now things are Australia relies on an alliance with the changing. The US remains strong, but other United States, backed by local defence (e.g. nations, such as China and India, are also

Then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launching the Defence White Paper onboard HMAS Stuart (III) at Fleet Base East.

28 NAVY OUTLOOK growing fast. US dominance will inevitably area has anything comparable to an Aegis – but they are THE HOBART be more thinly spread. Meanwhile, the rising not, in themselves, a self-sufficient expeditionary force. They will not, AND CANBERRA powers of Asia have a growing ability to CLASSES ARE, for example, carry fighter-bombers, which (at least as envisaged in project their influence further afield, notably IN EFFECT, THE ‘Force 2030’) will remain a land-based RAAF responsibility. into areas that are important to Australia. CULMINATION The most striking announcement in ‘Force 2030’ is that This year, China commissioned her first OF AN ERA IN Australia will build 12 new long range submarines armed with cruise (but surely not her last) aircraft carrier, WHICH THE missiles as well as torpedoes. The current RAN submarine force which is often seen as the key to global sea KEY NAVAL is to be doubled, and the new underwater vehicles will probably power. While that may or may not eventually ROLE WAS be considerably larger than the current Collins class. Their cruise threaten Australia, to those who wrote TO STABILISE missiles will replace the long range punch previously provided by the DWP, such changes demand a new THE REGION the RAAF’s F-111 strike aircraft. Many cruise missile () formulation of the RAN. AROUND OUR attacks by US and Royal Navy submarines have shown what such COUNTRY. The Hobart and Canberra classes are, vessels can achieve. The DWP points out that growing wealth in the in effect, the culmination of an era in which area around Australia will undoubtedly fuel greater national military the key naval role was to stabilise the region power, as has been the case in China. Australia needs leverage, and around our country. These vessels can precision submarine weapons may well provide it. transport the throughout Underwater vehicles are, of course, also valuable ship the area, while backing them up with Navy’s destroyers, and few navies in the world are very good at beating support. The new AWDs, for example, off attacks from them. Were a hostile country to mount a seaborne will provide the troops ashore with strong offensive against Australia or one of its allies, for example, air defence, without which they could not submarines may be an effective way to defeat it far from Australian survive, let alone fight. Their five inch guns shores. This possible role is not highlighted in ‘Force 2030’, but it is will offer valuable fire support. These ships so obvious that it cannot be discounted. RAN submarines could be may also be an invaluable contribution to particularly effective as they will be supported by long range means a regional naval force – no one else in the of ship detection and tracking – the Jindalee over-the-horizon radar

Collins class HMAS Dechaineux sailing into Sydney Harbour, heading for Garden Island.

29 NAVY OUTLOOK

and (probably in future) long range unmanned aircraft. Australia has, and will maintain, small but very sophisticated IF YOU COMPARE forces. To use them effectively, the Government needs to know what ‘FORCE is happening in the region, and submarines are among its most 2030’ WITH useful tools for finding out this information. Doubling their numbers, PREVIOUS and giving them greater endurance and more internal space (for, AUSTRALIAN among many other things, gathering intelligence) is a reaction to POLICY, WHAT what is clearly happening. Forewarned is often forearmed. IS MOST Increasing regional wealth is spawning growing – or, in some STRIKING IS cases, new – submarine forces. Australia is an island, and by no AN EMPHASIS means a self-sufficient one. The oceans make it easy for her to ON ANTI- reach out to the world for what she needs, but only if the sea routes SUBMARINE continue unimpeded. If you compare ‘Force 2030’ with previous WARFARE. Australian policy, what is most striking is an emphasis on anti- submarine warfare. The new underwater vehicles would, of course, be central to beating off enemy submarine attacks on trade coming to Australia. They alone would be able to obstruct these vessels well before they could approach established trade routes leading to our shores. Surface ships and long range aircraft are other elements of an anti-submarine force, and both are clearly highlighted in ‘Force patrol aircraft are clearly part of the 2030’. The surface ships include one-for-one replacements of the Australian maritime force. They contribute eight ANZAC class , with an important change in emphasis. to anti-submarine capability, but are also When they were completed, the ANZACs were often described as an important means of identifying and gunboats. Their main role, it was said, was to support Australian tracking surface ships in the oceans around influence in the region. Perhaps their most valuable contribution Australia. ‘Force 2030’ envisages not only would be their five inch guns, either to impress or to support the replacing them with new and more capable Australian troops. This role will obviously continue. As per the ‘Force aircraft, but also supplementing them with 2030’ plan, however, the future frigate design will concentrate on long range unmanned vehicles (Australia anti-submarine capability, being equipped with a long range active has, for example, experimented with the towed array sonar, and able to embark a combination of naval US Global Hawk). While the unmanned combat helicopters and maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). vehicles are not capable of detecting or Although they are not part of the RAN, the big land-based tracking submerged submarines, their ability to deal with surface ships should allow the future Australian maritime patrol aircraft to concentrate their efforts on vessels below the surface. All of this is going to be expensive, although an innovative approach to some elements of the RAN could perhaps make the new fleet more affordable. The Navy currently operates a wide variety of smaller ships, such as the Armidale class patrol boats and a variety of mine countermeasures crafts. About 30 years ago, faced with the need to replace TOP: ANZAC class frigate HMAS Toowoomba approaching NAVY Fleet Base West after completing a six month deployment OUTLOOK in the Middle East Area of Operations. BOTTOM LEFT: Then Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon MP announcing the would be surveillance – to provide warning creation of the Defence White Paper at the Australian Defence that something was coming. When it was Force Academy in Canberra. clear that war was imminent, surveillance would give way to preparing a defence, which would mean minelaying. Once the war began, emphasis would again shift to attacking an enemy’s invasion force using torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Finally, once the enemy had been beaten off, focus would be placed on recovery, meaning minesweeping. Because the Baltic is still filled with mines laid during the two World Wars and the , minesweeping is always a vital activity for the RDN. The StanFlex program made it possible (in effect) for the Danish Navy to avoid replacing its attack craft while modernising its minehunters. The US Navy is now trying a similar approach in its littoral combat ship (LCS) program. It envisages hulls (‘seaframes’) wholesale large numbers of small vessels, the Royal Danish ‘FORCE 2030’ with permanent crews, and modules with Navy (RDN) developed a solution. It built a common hull, called ENVISAGES StanFlex 300, which could be adapted to various roles by adding A NEW their own permanent staff. There are major the appropriate modules. The same approach was later applied to OFFSHORE differences. In the US approach, for example, frigate-size ships. COMBATANT the modules make much use of unmanned ‘Force 2030’ envisages a new offshore combatant vessel, 20 VESSEL, 20 OF vehicles (air, underwater, and quite possibly of which will replace the 14 Armidale class boats, the Huon class WHICH WILL surface in the future). This is not as unusual minehunters, and the Leeuwin and Paluma class survey vessels. REPLACE THE as it may seem. In fact, it is something like The new ships will be considerably larger than the Armidale class, 14 ARMIDALE what is done onboard an aircraft carrier – displacing up to 2000 tonnes. This is enough for them to have CLASS which is, in an important way, a modular ship. BOATS, THE useful wartime anti-submarine roles, supplementing the eight Ultimately, the future RAN will vary HUON CLASS future frigates. It is also enough for them to operate a helicopter significantly from the current one, as it will be MINEHUNTERS, or an unmanned aircraft. In peacetime, when there is need for supporting our nation in a very different and AND THE challenging environment. At the high end, neither minehunters nor anti-submarine craft, the surface ships can LEEUWIN it will have three major amphibious ships, concentrate on such important roles as hydrographic survey and AND PALUMA offshore patrol north of Australia. CLASS SURVEY each considerably larger than their current Modularity may change the RAN in subtle ways. Right now, VESSELS. equivalents, and backed by at least three a ship’s company is more or less a permanent entity. There are sophisticated destroyers. At the low end, the many specialists onboard, but they stay onboard throughout a current mix of ships will be replaced by fewer ship’s commission. It is not yet clear how a modular ship would be but larger and more versatile hulls, supported manned. by increasingly varied and cross-trained The logic of the Danish Navy’s modular fleet was that a limited personnel. The submarine force may well number of hulls could be used for a variety of roles because, be doubled. Such changes, as envisaged in in a crisis or wartime, many of these would not have to be filled the ‘Force 2030’ DWP, will enable Australia simultaneously. In peacetime, many of them did not have to be filled to meet the new strategic challenges of a at all. During the build up to a crisis, for example, the key naval role rapidly changing region.

31 NAVY OUTLOOK

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE COMMANDER AUSTRALIAN FLEET

ear Admiral Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN was appointed HMAS Perth (III) has undergone major THE RAN IS Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT) of the Royal COMMITTED changes with its new anti-ship missile RAustralian Navy (RAN) in October 2009. Having taken TO EXEMPLARY defence radar system. How will this upgrade over as Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Command in December ENVIRONMENTAL improve the way the ANZAC class frigates 2011, he gives Navy OUTLOOK some insight into the highlights STEWARDSHIP operate? What impact will it have for RAN and challenges of his time in charge of the Fleet. At the time of AND NOW fleet operations overall? going to print, Rear Admiral , AM, CSC, RAN had been HAS A FULLY The upgrade of HMAS Perth as the lead appointed as the new Commander Australian Fleet. Navy OUTLOOK COMPLIANT ship for the Anti-Ship Missile Defence project congratulates him on this role and looks forward to speaking with DOUBLE HULL was successfully completed in early 2011. him about his own experiences in the future. TANKER Following exhaustive testing, including in the FLEET. United States, the Chief of Navy agreed to In 2011, HMAS Success (II) returned from a double hull the initial operational release of the system conversion in Singapore. What does this mean for the way Success in July 2011. On 28 November 2011, the will operate in the future? Government announced that it had approved HMAS Success’ double hull conversion was completed on the installation of the system on the remaining schedule on 16 April 2011. The complex modifications have ensured seven ships of the ANZAC class by 2017. that the operational flexibility of the ship is not impeded and world’s This upgrade significantly improves the best practice for the protection of the marine environment has ANZAC class capability. At the moment, been achieved. Success will continue to provide valuable national ANZAC frigates can track and engage one and overseas service to the nation in an era when more stringent target at a time. However, this new system regulations for prevention of marine pollution have been introduced is able to identify, track and guide missiles by the International Maritime Organisation. to multiple targets at the same time. This The RAN is committed to exemplary environmental stewardship will significantly improve the ANZAC class’ and now has a fully compliant double hull tanker fleet. capability to provide air defence in escort of other RAN fleet units. The RAN chartered the icebreaker Aurora Australis from the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) in 2011. Is this a one-off or is the chartering of civilian vessels likely to become a regular part of naval operations? The RAN chartered the Aurora Australis in order to provide a contingency maritime-based disaster relief response capability while HMAS Tobruk was conducting maintenance. The Navy maximised the value of this charter by also using the vessel to conduct training of junior officers and sailors. For example, 31 Navy trainees were embarked in Aurora Australis on a sea experience cruise while the vessel also completed an Australian Antarctic Program activity.

The Basic Combat Systems Operator Course with COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore and Command Warrant Officer Martin Holzberger.

32 NAVY OUTLOOK

You opened the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre on Garden surveillance capabilities into the future, Island in 2011. How will this improve the RAN’s warfighting capability, I FORMALLY operating alongside the Royal Australian and what impact will this have on fleet warfare personnel? OPENED THE Air Force’s Wedgetail AEWC aircraft, and I formally opened the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre AUSTRALIAN the proposed long endurance maritime MARITIME (AMWC) on 29 September 2011. The purpose of the AMWC is to unmanned aerial vehicle. WARFARE optimise the warfighting effectiveness of the Fleet in Being. It was The P-8A is a long range maritime CENTRE formed by the unification of previous organisations to enable greater patrol and response aircraft capable (AMWC) ON 29 concentration of effort on maritime warfare while presenting a single SEPTEMBER of conducting anti-submarine and anti- point of contact for the wider warfare community. The AMWC will 2011. THE surface missions, Intelligence-Surveillance provide a centre of excellence for maritime warfare policy, doctrine PURPOSE and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and and tactics, while conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis OF THE search and rescue. The P-8A is based on of weapons firings and championing mission specific signature AMWC IS TO the proven Boeing 737-800 commercial management. Exploitation of operational knowledge is central to OPTIMISE THE airframe, and will benefit from advances in the charter of the Warfare Centre and is led by a cross discipline WARFIGHTING acoustic, radar and computer technology to team known as the AMWC Lessons Board. EFFECTIVENESS deliver an integrated all sensor picture that OF THE FLEET will allow commanders to best understand The challenge of surveying 11 million square nautical miles of IN BEING. and respond to maritime activity. As a jet water plus 60,000 kilometres of coastline is enormous. How will aircraft, the Poseidon will reshape the way the eight new Cape class Australian Customs both the Navy and Air Force approach patrol boats and the Federal Government’s the traditional maritime surveillance new Border Management Plan change the way mission, with the integrated sensor and Navy conducts border protection duties? communication suite representing a As a supporting agency to Border significant paradigm change over the Protection Command, Navy very much venerable AP-3C Orion fleet. welcomes Customs’ acquisition of these vessels and looks forward to their increased INSET: COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve capabilities in protecting Australia’s borders Gilmore at the Official Opening Ceremony from multiple maritime challenges. The of the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre. vessels have been designed to have greater BELOW: COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve range, endurance and flexibility, as well as Gilmore speaking to the RAN Chief of Navy enhanced capability to operate in more Senior Advisory Committee. severe sea conditions than the current Customs fleet. While this acquisition will not significantly change the way Navy conducts border protection duties, these vessels will allow for improved support to Navy and other Government agencies involved in border protection.

The new Poseidon P-8A aircraft has been announced as the replacement for the AP-3C Orion. Although its arrival is a few years away, what capabilities will this new aircraft bring to maritime patrol and response operations? The Government provided First Pass approval on 16 June 2007 to acquire a fleet of eight Poseidon P-8A aircraft through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the (USN). These aircraft will form one of the pivotal Australian Defence Force (ADF)

33 NAVY OUTLOOK

For over 30 years, the Navy’s Sea King the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile and the Mark 54 anti- Helicopters have been the ‘work horse’ of THE NAVY’S submarine torpedo. The MH-60R will also be fitted with dipping the Fleet, but were withdrawn from service in SEA KING sonar, sonobuoy launcher, multi-mode radar, electro optical and December 2011. What are the future plans HELICOPTERS electromagnetic spectrum sensors as well as an integrated self- HAVE INDEED for Navy’s helicopter fleet and operations? defence system. The primary roles of the MH-60R are anti-submarine BEEN THE The Navy’s Sea King helicopters have and anti-surface warfare, while secondary roles include surveillance, ‘WORK HORSE’ indeed been the ‘work horse’ of the Fleet search and rescue, and utility functions. OF THE FLEET over the last 36 years, providing excellent OVER THE service to the Navy and the nation. Upon LAST 36 YEARS, Much of the focus at the moment is on the RAN’s acquisition of completion of their service, the aircraft and PROVIDING major fleet units, submarine upgrades and new helicopters. What is associated equipment will be offered for EXCELLENT happening in some of the other areas of naval warfare such as mine sale. The Sea Kings are being replaced SERVICE TO THE warfare and the hydrographic service? by the MRH-90 utility helicopters, acquired NAVY AND THE There are several exciting developments underway in both mine in conjunction with Army to meet the NATION. warfare and the hydrographic service. ADF’s maritime support and airmobile Project SEA 1180 Phase 1 is intended to replace and requirements. rationalise the capabilities currently provided by the Armidale class The MH-60 Seahawk ‘Romeos’ (MH- patrol boats, Huon class mine hunters coastal and hydrographic 60R) are due to enter service from 2014 survey fleet with a single modular multi-role class of around 20 to progressively replace the existing offshore combatant vessels (OCVs). First Pass approval is due in Seahawk S-70B-2. The MH-60R will be FY15-16 to FY17-18, with the Year of Decision FY17-18 to FY19-20. equipped with a highly sophisticated As well as replacing the current vessels, SEA 1180 gives combat system designed to employ Navy and Defence the opportunity to use current and emerging NAVY OUTLOOK technology to conduct operations dedicated MCM force, which will consolidate in a whole new way. Through use of MCM efforts within the area of operations. autonomous, unmanned and off board The take up of autonomous systems systems, mine warfare and hydrography in the ADF is in step with use in foreign in particular can be conducted with less navies. Future trials are planned to reliance on dedicated specialist platforms to demonstrate the potential of autonomous achieve the capability effects. Additionally, systems to reduce risk to personnel and these systems are potentially independently gain operational efficiencies in high threat deployable so that they do not rely on environments, predominately the underwater seaborne deployment, but could be battlespace. SEA 1778, in that context, deployed via a variety of methods, including will shape the likely new methodologies by air or land transportation. Forward proposed with the introduction of SEA 1180 deployment close to potential operating and advanced mine warfare concepts. areas will also bring new flexibility to the Project JP 1770 Phase 1 Maritime Fleet. Rapid Environmental Assessment will In terms of the overall project, having a provide the capability to conduct the large number of more capable hulls, with collection, analysis and dissemination border protection as a ‘baseline’ capability, of environmental data both in support will give greater flexibility to Navy and the of major task group operations or broader ADF. At up to 2000 tonnes, the OCV smaller operations. By replacing existing The will be larger than the Armidale class patrol Deployable Geospatial Support Team boat, and have the potential to be employed (DGST) and Mobile Meteorological universal in broader littoral warfare roles including Team (MMT) equipment, the project will support to special forces, counter-piracy provide improved sensors, support boats signal operations and counter-terrorism operations. and processing equipment. In addition, the Additionally, a common platform with project will, through a restructure of current common systems has the potential to realise manning, provide additional teams for both for big efficiencies in training, transition, workforce DGST and MMT, allowing this capability flexibility and mobility, and long-term support to be used during concurrent operations. savings. to the Fleet. The capability is envisaged to retain its fully Project SEA 1778 Phase 1 Deployable deployable nature and will remain ‘platform Mine Counter Measures (MCM) will independent’. We’re proud to have helped over provide deployed maritime forces with the JP 1770 will also provide equipment 5,000 Navy personnel with their capability to undertake mine detection, to the current Maritime Military Geospatial savings, and to be selected as the classification, identification, avoidance and, Information (MGI) cells ashore in order salary packaging and novated lease when necessary, neutralisation beyond what to improve the level of both pre and service provider of choice for the can be provided by the current force MCM post mission analysis and support to Royal Australian Navy. vessels, that lack the necessary speed the deployable teams. The project currently So if your savings are currently adrift and endurance expected of deployed task has a Year of Decision of 2014 and an in- at sea, give us a call to see how we groups. It will introduce new capability service date of 2015-17. can help. through autonomous underwater systems Project SEA 1430 Phase 2A is that will be the initial means by which task approved and is delivering an Electronic Call 1300 476 278 groups implement self-protective MCM Chart Display and Information System to find out more or go online along intended routes, through choke points (ECDIS) across the Fleet. An updated digital www.smartsalary.com.au and within objective areas. This capability hydrographic database is to be delivered will be complemented by the current under Project SEA 1430 Phase 5 to

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replace the current database delivered under SEA 1430 Phase 1. The new database will be capable of managing significantly more geospatial data, will generate a greater demand for products for maritime MGI and will also satisfy the Australian Hydrographic Office’s current and future obligations with respect to national and international charting responsibilities. It is expected to include data import and

archive functionality, data ABOVE: COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve assessment, data processing, Gilmore with Headquarters 1st Division data management and product Commander Major General Rick Burr and generation. Year of Decision is Royal Auxiliary Fleet Chief Officer Shane FY2014-15 to FY2015-16 with an Woods on the bridge of HMAS Choules. INSET: in-service date of 2016-2018. COMAUSFLT Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore presenting Chief Petty Officer Clearance The Fleet Operating Concept Diver Bruce Harvey with a NATO International (FOC) is what drives the training Security Assistance Force medal. for all individual units and the Fleet overall. How does this new Zealand Navy to identify opportunities to concept work and how will it be exercise planning functions and amphibious adapted once the new platforms interoperability. Canterbury’s amphibious come online? lift capability will be particularly important in Correct. FOC drives both our region over the next few years in light of individual unit and overall fleet training. maintenance. The aim is also to optimise our Navy’s transition to a new amphibious The FOC was designed to be the means platform preparedness for assigned tasks in capability with the introduction into service by which the Fleet would achieve directed a cost conscious manner. of HMAS Choules and the Landing levels of preparedness and ultimately, ‘Force The FOC recognises that there will be Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. 2030’. a large training overhead in preparing the The FOC combines new and proven crews of the new ships while at the same Advocates of climate change suggest means for scheduling activities to achieve time operating a number of the platforms there will be more natural disasters from quality sea days over quantity. Every day at that will eventually be retired. I consider that extreme weather conditions in the future. sea must count. Ships now routinely operate consolidation of our skills is vital if the RAN What is Navy’s approach to the possibility of in company and in task groups, including is to successfully deliver the future fleet of increased disaster relief responsibilities? during several Fleet Concentration Periods larger and more capable ships, submarines, Over the last few years in particular, per year, simultaneous Fleet unit workups helicopters and systems. the Navy has responded to several natural and a balanced program of domestic and disasters. The Navy’s approach is to overseas port visits. The (RNZN) ensure that at all times we are adequately The FOC aims to improve our high-end recently introduced the 9000 ton multi-role prepared for the possibility of disaster relief warfighting capability through complex vessel HMNZS Canterbury into service. What commitments. This includes planning for group warfare events and enhanced will this new ship mean to fleet exercises and executing the introduction into service tactical development periods. The FOC and operations with the RNZN? of new platforms, such as LHDs, which will assigns platforms to levels of readiness The introduction into service of HMNZS provide a significantly increased capability categories to increase training throughput, Canterbury is a significant development. to respond to natural disasters than the grow experience and conduct ‘batched’ Our Navy will work with the Royal New platforms they are replacing.

36 NAVY OUTLOOK

On a personal note, you took up the position of Deputy Chief of quantum leap in our amphibious capabilities. Joint Operations Command in December 2011. As you reflect on I LOOK This is an exciting time! your time as Fleet Commander, what are the achievements you are FORWARD TO On a personal level, I was very satisfied CONTINUING most proud of, and what will you take away with you from your time in with the implementation of the Fleet AS THE NEW charge of the Fleet? Operating Concept. As I indicated earlier, this DEPUTY Commanding Australia’s Fleet has been an immense privilege has been a key initiative to re-invigorate our COMMANDER and honour. During a period marked by change and several JOINT training and, through that, our preparedness significant challenges, I have been most proud of the way Fleet OPERATIONS and ability to deliver future capabilities. I Command personnel have responded positively and positioned the IN 2012...I FEEL have been most pleased with the results of Command well for the future. HONOURED TO this renewed focus on training, whereby even This was particularly demonstrated by the dedication of personnel BE APPOINTED ships on operational deployments have been within the Navy’s Amphibious and Afloat Support Group. Much TO A POSITION able to achieve very good training outcomes good work was applied to overcome well-publicised sustainment OF SUCH while also achieving their immediate mission. challenges with several older ships. This group is now well into a RESPONSIBILITY. I look forward to continuing as the new transformation. After over 15 years of successful service to the nation, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Command including responding to several humanitarian disasters, the Landing in 2012. At a time when Australia is deeply Platform Amphibious ships have been withdrawn from service and involved in several military operations we are seeing good progress in the introduction into service of HMAS around the world, including our significant Choules. Similarly, HMAS Tobruk has returned to sea and HMAS commitment to Afghanistan, I feel honoured Success completed her double hulling. We have also made good to be appointed to a position of such progress in planning for the introduction into service of the LHDs – a responsibility. NAVY OUTLOOK Norman Friedman

A computer generated image of the new Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock ships (LHDs) alongside army helicopters.

Australia is currently building the two largest warships in her naval history, the amphibious assault ships HMAS Adelaide (III) and HMAS Canberra (III). At 230 metres in length, with a displacement of 27,000 tonnes, they are the largest Australian warships ever built. NEW AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIPS – THE CANBERRA CLASS

he hull of HMAS Canberra was launched on 17 February THE CANBERRA case, the projectile is an Australian Army 2011. She is due to arrive in Australia in August 2012 and CLASS IS A Combined Arms Combat team, which is Tshould be delivered to the Defence Materiel Organisation DEVELOPMENT built around a battalion of troops and their during the first quarter of 2014. Her sister ship, HMAS Adelaide, is OF THE SPANISH supporting arms. Both Canberra class set to be launched during the second quarter of 2012 and should STRATEGIC ships, each carrying one thousand troops, arrive in Australia in 2014. PROJECTION could be required to land the whole team. The Canberra class is a development of the Spanish strategic SHIP, WHICH THE The Australian fleet is designed to protect ROYAL SPANISH projection ship, which the Spanish Navy employs as both an the amphibious ships against air and NAVY EMPLOYS amphibious assault ship and an aircraft carrier (as backup to the submarine attack, and to support the troops AS BOTH AN dedicated Spanish carrier) operating both Harriers and, in future, once they have gone ashore. Considerable AMPHIBIOUS effort is being put into making sure that F-35Bs. Because amphibious ships are increasingly being used for ASSAULT SHIP humanitarian purposes, much effort is being made to provide the AND AN AIRCRAFT the fleet, and the troops aboard the LHDs, new ones with extensive medical facilities. CARRIER. can survive in the face of the growing Many years ago, a British admiral described his fleet as the sophistication of regional naval forces that

cannon that fired a projectile consisting of the army. In the Australian may oppose them. Image courtesy of BAE Systems

38 NAVY OUTLOOK

For Australia, while an integrated a given unit. Not only do the new ships and supplies, all of which is supported by army unit onboard amphibious ships is carry more troops, these troops also require helicopters. Simply transporting this by not a new idea, the investment in such heavier vehicles and more support. sea is not too difficult. Moving it ashore a comprehensive amphibious capability Each of the Canberra class vessels without a port is another matter altogether. is. The Canberra class will replace two can accommodate up to 150 vehicles, Helicopters make it relatively easy to convey smaller ex-US amphibious ships, the including the new M1A1 Abrams main the troops and their light equipment ashore, Kanimbla class HMAS Kanimbla (II) and battle tank. Maximum troop capacity is even well inland of the beach. The number HMAS Manoora (II), that were modified in 1152 fully equipped soldiers, compared and capacity of troop-carrying helicopters Australia. Both these ships were withdrawn to 450 on a Kanimbla class ship. The new determines how quickly this can happen, from service in September 2010 due to LHDs will also have a full length , and that in turn may decide to what extent seaworthiness problems. Manoora was later from which a helicopter can make a rolling the team can benefit from the element of decommissioned at Fleet Base East on 27 take off, carrying more than it would have surprise. May 2011, and Kanimbla followed suit on 25 in a vertical take off. The extra helicopter The mass of vehicles and equipment, November 2011. capacity of the Canberra class will make it without which troops cannot fight (or even Like the upcoming Canberra class, the possible to deploy both a full complement live) for long, is another matter. Ashore, for Kanimbla ships carried troops, vehicles, and of troop carriers and armed reconnaissance example, the team relies heavily on their equipment. As they could not accommodate helicopters to support the troops once they vehicles for mobility. These vehicles have to all of the cargo their combat team needed, are ashore. be protected from threat and are therefore they were supplemented by the heavy lift A combat team encompasses troops, relatively heavy. In order to transport the ship HMAS Tobruk (II). Similarly, as large as vehicles (including tanks), other equipment mass and weight required by a combat they are, the two Canberra team over the beach, the RAN has typically class LHDs will not carry the used beaching craft (landing craft full complement of vehicles mechanised, or LCMs). The alternative, and cargo, and again will be which some navies, including the US supplemented by a heavy Navy, have adopted, is the faster air lift ship. This imbalance cushioned landing craft. between ships carrying The LCM is slow. Typically, this limits troops and helicopters, the distance its mother ship can stand and total vehicle and cargo capacity is not unique to HMAS Manoora (II) passing HMAS Tobruk Australia; the United States (II) while pulling into Townsville at sunset. (US) Navy had to build INSET: HMAS Kanimbla (II) ship’s company separate amphibious before her decommissioning in 2011. cargo ships (in its case, dock landing ships) for the same reason. As an interim measure before the Canberra class vessels arrive, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has purchased landing ship dock RFA Largs Bay from the United Kingdom, and commissioned her as HMAS Choules. Just as the RAN is being modernised to face a wider and more capable range of contingencies, the Army that it transports and supports is undergoing similar changes; so requiring extra ‘lift’ to support A leading Australian supporting our Defence Force

UGL is an ASX 100 listed global leader in engineering, rail transport, asset management and property services and solutions. We operate worldwide, across 14 countries. UGL’s three engineering divisions – Infrastructure, Rail and Resources – offer clients total life-cycle support, providing conceptual design services, through to construction and project delivery and the operation, management and maintenance of assets; offering market-leading services in the six core sectors of water, power, resources, rail, defence and transport systems. In each, UGL partners with the world’s leading technology providers, offering leading edge, innovative solutions. UGL’s property businesses in , North America and the Middle East provide world-class real estate and facilities management services to corporations, governments and institutions across the globe. Our end-to-end solutions model allows us to incorporate real estate advisory, integrated facilities management, project management, sustainability and engineering services with the flexibility and expertise to meet the most exacting of client service needs on a local, regional and global basis. The complementary nature of UGL’s products services means we can offer local customers tangible and tailored solutions to conceive, shape, develop or enhance their asset’s performance over the life of the asset. As a long-term partner to the Australian Defence Force, UGL is one of only four contractors pre-qualified to provide ship refit and repair services to the Royal Australian Navy. We provide other design, build, supply and support services for a range of equipment and systems to the Navy. UGL is a leading provider of integrated communications systems. We have mature partnerships with leading global OEMs, and a proven capability to design and deliver advanced communications systems and solutions to the Defence Force. Our capabilities include design, manufacture, installation and through-life support for equipment installed on ANZAC Class frigates, Amphibious and Afloat Support Vessels, HUON Class Minehunters, and Collins Class Submarines. UGL provides capability upgrades requiring engineering, project management, fabrication, assembly, installation, maintenance and asset management skills. With over 48,000 talented employees, our people are our biggest asset. Their enthusiasm, leadership, knowledge, expertise and – above all – commitment to safety, enables UGL to help our customers realise success.

UGL LIMITED CORPORATE OFFICE Phone +61 2 8925 8925 www.ugllimited.com A leading Australian supporting our Defence Force

UGL is an ASX 100 listed global leader in engineering, rail transport, asset management and property services and solutions. We operate worldwide, across 14 countries. UGL’s three engineering divisions – Infrastructure, Rail and Resources – offer clients total life-cycle support, providing conceptual design services, through to construction and project delivery and the operation, management and maintenance of assets; offering market-leading services in the six core sectors of water, power, resources, rail, defence and transport systems. In each, UGL partners with the world’s leading technology providers, offering leading edge, innovative solutions. UGL’s property businesses in Australasia, North America and the Middle East provide world-class real estate and facilities management services to corporations, governments and institutions across the globe. Our end-to-end solutions model allows us to incorporate real estate advisory, integrated facilities management, project management, sustainability and engineering services with the flexibility and expertise to meet the most exacting of client service needs on a local, regional and global basis. The complementary nature of UGL’s products services means we can offer local customers tangible and tailored solutions to conceive, shape, develop or enhance their asset’s performance over the life of the asset. As a long-term partner to the Australian Defence Force, UGL is one of only four contractors pre-qualified to provide ship refit and repair services to the Royal Australian Navy. We provide other design, build, supply and support services for a range of equipment and systems to the Navy. UGL is a leading provider of integrated communications systems. We have mature partnerships with leading global OEMs, and a proven capability to design and deliver advanced communications systems and solutions to the Defence Force. Our capabilities include design, manufacture, installation and through-life support for equipment installed on ANZAC Class frigates, Amphibious and Afloat Support Vessels, HUON Class Minehunters, and Collins Class Submarines. UGL provides capability upgrades requiring engineering, project management, fabrication, assembly, installation, maintenance and asset management skills. With over 48,000 talented employees, our people are our biggest asset. Their enthusiasm, leadership, knowledge, expertise and – above all – commitment to safety, enables UGL to help our customers realise success.

UGL LIMITED CORPORATE OFFICE Phone +61 2 8925 8925 www.ugllimited.com Advertorial: Siemens

SIEMENS SCHOTTEL PROPULSOR

SSP stands for Siemens Schottel Propulsor (SSP), the electric propulsion system suspended in pods under the sterns of the Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships.

When the new LHDs arrive, they will come with the first all • Eight network transformers between 2500 kVA and 3500 kVA diesel-electric podded drive (PODs) propulsion system for the Royal • Four propulsion transformers rated at 6920 kVA Australian Navy. • Four PWM converters GM150 Fitted on ships, PODs provide a high degree of manoeuvrability • One power management system as they can be rotated freely through 360 degrees in the vertical • Various uninterruptible power supplies axis. The thrust from a POD can thus be exerted in any direction. The two generators are not sufficient to drive two 11-megawatt Two special characteristics distinguish the SSP from other motors, which is why there is an additional onboard gas turbine PODs on the market. Firstly, the SPP has a permanently excited generator set with a rated output of 20 MVA supplied by General rotor, which means the motor is very compact in design and is also Electric/Brush. exceptionally reliable as there are no electric components in the Siemens is also delivering two transverse thrust motors (bow rotor. Secondly, the SSP is the only POD to be equipped with two thrusters) for the LHDs, each with a power rating of 1500 kW, so propellers – a push and a pull propeller. This configuration achieves that the vessel is also easily manoeuvrable at the bow end. a higher hydrodynamic efficiency with smaller propeller diameters. On 22 September 2009, the order was given to cast off for the SSPs have been in service for years in product tankers, ferries trial voyage of the naval vessel Juan Carlos I. After a construction and special vessels. For military purposes, a further innovative step time of two years at the Spanish shipyard of Navantia in Ferrol, the was undertaken over a four year period during which the SSPs ship left for a three day sea trial on the SSP propulsion system. were re-engineered. One challenge for the developers was that Bernd Kallbach, Siemens the installation space at the aft end of an LHD is very restricted, Lead Project engineer, meaning the external dimensions could not be significantly reported: “The sea trials increased. The result was SSP11, now in use in the Spanish Navy’s went successfully. The LHD Juan Carlos I and due to be installed in the Canberra class. diesel-electric drive For the Navantia LHD ship design there are two SSP11s, with with PODs proved its an output of 11 megawatts each, mounted on the ship. This is viability in a military equivalent to the aggregate drive power of about 220 well-powered application, and the re- medium range cars. design of the SSP has However, the two electric drives together weigh more than that laid the foundation for number of cars. With their bronze housings and propellers, the further vessels of this PODs have an aggregate weight of about 350 tonnes. The propeller type.” has a diameter of 4.5 metres. Naturally, the electric power required The shipyard received the order for operating the motors also has to be generated onboard. for the construction of the Royal Australian Navy LHDs in the early Siemens delivered the medium-voltage (known to Navy as high- summer of 2008. The following spring, Siemens received a follow voltage) generators, the control panels with accessories and the up order to equip the Canberra class with the same SSP diesel- required converters for this. electric propulsion system. Details: The SSP11s will be fitted and basin trials will commence in • Two diesel generators each rated at 9310 kVA April/May 2012. They will then be transported to BAE Systems • Three grounding resistors in Williamstown for the top deck. Sea trials for the SSP11s are • Two medium-voltage switchgears, 24 6.6-kV bays scheduled for March 2013. NAVY OUTLOOK

Exactly how these LCMs are launched is also significant. While the vessel can be lowered into the water, and its cargo lowered into it, both the LCM and the loading ship tend to move in the water, making the whole process somewhat difficult. Since World War II, it has been clear that it is far better to load heavy vehicles into a landing craft that is locked into an internal dock in a ship, and launch the craft by flooding the well. That is how the Canberra class A Sea King Mk 50A helicopter LHDs will work. Each has an internal well deck accommodating an preparing to land on the forward flight LCM. This is connected to a cargo deck by ramp, so that vehicles deck of HMAS Kanimbla (II). with their cargo onboard can be driven down directly onto the LCM before it is launched. This is the first time Australian troops will enjoy away from the shore to a few nautical miles, THE CURRENT that sort of facility. which is sufficient only if the landing team AUSTRALIAN The Kanimbla class represented a kind of intermediate position. does not have to avoid shore defences. LCM IS THE They had no well decks, because they had not been conceived as The US Navy selected the air cushioned LCM-8, BUT such ships (a well deck demands a large hull). The vessels had been craft so that it could make surprise landings THE CANBERRA initially built for the US Navy as large beaching ships, unloading their from beyond the horizon against beaches CLASS WILL vehicles over long ramps at the bow. The ramps were removed when HAVE THE defended by the Soviets. The idea was that the ships were modified for RAN service. SPANISH LCM- the Soviets could not defend their entire Below their weather decks, the Kanimbla class had vehicle 1E. EACH OF coastline and, given sufficient surprise, the decks leading both to the ramps in the bow and to a stern gate, THE FOUR LCMS Marines could get ashore before the Soviets ONBOARD A which the RAN retained. This turned the large area forward of the could move troops into place to oppose CANBERRA superstructure into a flat flight deck served by a large crane. When them. CLASS LHD CAN the ship had her two LCMs onboard, they filled most of that forward Of course, the RAN is likely to land ACCOMMODATE flight deck, which was then lowered into the water. in a far less hostile environment. A ONE MAIN Instead of also loading the LCM using the crane, which was an beaching craft like an LCM also requires BATTLE awkward method, the Kanimbla ship would use her stern gates. The a sloping shore, and such beaches are TANK, TWO LCM would move to the ship’s stern and use her bow ramp to link up widely available in Australia’s operating ARMOURED with the vehicle deck. As in a Canberra class vessel, vehicles would environment. PERSONNEL then drive onboard. Unlike the LHD, this technique was, however, The current Australian LCM is the CARRIERS OR vulnerable to weather, since the LCM hooked to the stern gate could TRUCKS, OR SIX LCM-8, but the Canberra class will have ride up and down and roll one way or the other. By the time the HUMMER-SIZED the Spanish LCM-1E. Each of the four Kanimbla class was being designed for the US Navy (in the early VEHICLES. LCMs onboard a Canberra class LHD can 1960s), it was already in the process of adopting internal well decks accommodate one main battle tank, two wholesale. The Canberra class finally offers the RAN this advantage. armoured personnel carriers or trucks, or six With an LCM onboard, a Kanimbla has a helicopter deck abaft Hummer-sized vehicles. her superstructure. Helicopters can be stowed on that level inside

5811 DEFENCE NAVY OUTLOOK ADVERT_HOR_FA_OUTLINES.indd 1 23/11/11 3:43 PM NAVY OUTLOOK

the superstructure, but total numbers A computer generated image of army helicopters are limited and the aircraft cannot make flying above the new Canberra class LHDs. rolling take offs, which would increase their capacity. A Canberra is very different. She has a full length flight deck, with a carrier-style hangar under it. At the bow is a runway ski-jump. Although the RAN does not currently expect to operate STOVL aircraft from the ships, the ski-jump makes it possible to cross-deck such aircraft and, in future, it will probably make it easier for the the Hobart class air warfare destroyers. In shallow offshore waters. ships to operate unmanned aircrafts. effect, both ships are part of a package, The building arrangement for these The flight deck has six take off spots the choice being announced on 20 June ships is relatively unusual. The hulls are (compared to three for a Kanimbla 2007 and the contract signed in October of being built in Ferrol, Spain, but are then class ship, and only two if the LCMs are that year. The Spanish design was selected being transported to the BAE Systems embarked), and the hangar accommodates in preference to the French Mistral and to (formerly Tenix) yard at Williamstown another 11 helicopters of NH90 or S-70 the much larger US Wasp. The Spanish in Victoria, where the Australian built Blackhawk size. prototype is the multi-purpose strategic superstructure will be added. The two upcoming amphibious assault projection ship Juan Carlos I. The Canberra “The hull of the first ship was launched ships are being built to a Spanish design by class vessels will have podded (i.e. in February in Spain which was a major

the same yard, Navantia, which designed rotatable) propellers for manoeuvrability in milestone for the project,” says Harry Image courtesy of BAE Systems

Sin título-3 1 09/01/2012 9:10:35 NAVY OUTLOOK

Bradford, Director of Maritime, BAE Systems. According to Bradford, “Block THE SYSTEM “Other achievements for the year include the installation of ONBOARD A production at Williamstown for equipment in the land-based test site completed at Williamstown CANBERRA superstructure blocks is also progressing in July and commencement of integration of both the combat and CLASS LHD well, with the first block now through the communications system, which will carry through to 2012.” IS RELATED new blast and paint facility at the yard. In This system was developed by BAE Systems, in combination with TO THAT addition, BAE Systems delivered the training SAAB Systems and L-3 Communications. As in the Kanimbla class, it USED BY THE needs analysis and secured a contract provides the ability to plan and execute an operation. ANZAC CLASS change for development of the training Planning requires a direct connection to the intelligence and FRIGATES, systems for the RAN.” command centre back in Australia and a special Joint Task Force MAKING USE “BAE Systems Henderson Yard in Headquarters (JTFHQ). Once the operation begins, the ship controls OF A SEA Western Australia (WA) also had a part to GIRAFFE RADAR troops, boats and helicopters as they move ashore, just as an aircraft play in this major project, with the production AND A VAMPIR carrier controls her air wing. The Kanimbla class had the JTFHQ of the mast modules for both ships. Work is ELECTRO- but not the automated command system for either the troops and well progressed in WA on these structures.” OPTICAL their transports or for accompanying ships. The system onboard SENSOR. With such significant developments a Canberra class LHD is related to that used by the ANZAC class having taken place on the Canberra class frigates, making use of a Sea Giraffe radar and a Vampir electro- LHDs in 2011, the RAN looks forward to the optical sensor. commissioning of HMAS Canberra in early The LHDs could also operate as command ships for the group of 2014, followed by the arrival and expected other warships supporting the operation. Onboard weapons include commissioning of HMAS Adelaide in June four 25mm Typhoon cannons for self-defence against attack by boats. 2015.

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interoperability, schedule, cost, Australian industry opportunities, intellectual property and overall risk. The Seahawk ‘Romeos’ are being purchased through the foreign military sales MH-60R SEAHAWKS – process from the US Navy (USN), which already uses the helicopters. They are expected to be in operation with the RAN from mid-2015. This will be preceded by THE ‘ROMEOS’ acceptance testing as each helicopter is delivered, operating envelope development The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ome 24 MH-60Rs, more for the ANZAC class frigates in mid-2014 affectionately known as ‘Romeos’, is due to take delivery of one of the and Hobart class air warfare destroyers in were ordered by the Australian 2015, and a dedicated Navy operational test world’s most advanced maritime S Government in June 2011 at a cost of more and evaluation period commencing from helicopters in 2014, when the first than A$3 billion. This decision followed a late 2014 to early 2015. The 24th and final two Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin MH- 15 month competitive acquisition process MH-60R is scheduled for delivery by 2017. 60R Seahawks join the fleet. involving both the ‘Romeos’ and the NATO Capability is expected to have matured to Helicopter Industries NH90 NFH (NATO provide eight embarked flights by July 2018. frigate helicopter) assembled by Australian The ‘Romeo’ will be able to conduct Aerospace. a range of maritime missions, having The Defence Materiel Organisation advanced anti-submarine warfare conducted a rigorous and thorough capabilities and the ability to fire air-to- selection process before opting for the MH- surface missiles. The primary role of the 60R. Following this evaluation, a number of helicopter will be anti-submarine and independent reviews were also conducted. anti-surface warfare, with secondary roles According to Captain Scott Lockey, including surveillance, search and rescue Project Director of AIR 9000 Phase 8, and utility functions. The new fleet will criteria considered included capability and replace the RAN’s 16 ageing S-70B-2

A US Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

46 NAVY OUTLOOK

Seahawks, which currently fill the combat helicopter role. ‘Romeos’ “The MH‑60R is equipped with a will also cover the air-to-surface strike capability role that was meant THE sophisticated open architecture mission to have been provided by the Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite, a ACQUISITION system that integrates a multi-mode radar, project that was cancelled in February 2008 due to scheduling and OF 24 MH-60RS an acoustic processor supporting both technology problems. MEANS THAT the aircraft’s active low frequency dipping The acquisition of 24 MH-60Rs means that the RAN will have THE RAN WILL sonar and expendable sonobuoys, a multi- capacity to provide at least eight warships with a combat helicopter HAVE CAPACITY spectral electro-optical targeting system, TO PROVIDE AT at the same time, including the ANZAC class frigates and new air an electronic warfare surveillance and self LEAST EIGHT warfare destroyers. The remaining helicopters will be based at HMAS protection system, a full suite of radios and WARSHIPS WITH Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales, and will be in various stages data links, and a glass cockpit,” says the A COMBAT of the regular maintenance and training cycle. HELICOPTER AT Department of Defence. Weapons include The ‘Romeo’ is largely a military off-the-shelf solution, produced THE SAME TIME, the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile, by aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky and mission systems integrator INCLUDING THE Mk-54 lightweight anti-submarine torpedo Lockheed Martin. For Australia’s AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement, the ANZAC CLASS and GAU-21 .50 calibre machine gun. manufacturers formed ‘Team Romeo’, which consisted of engine FRIGATES According to the Australian Government, manufacturer GE Aviation, sonar and sensor provider Raytheon, and AND NEW the ‘Romeo’ was ultimately selected over training and simulator provider CAE, in addition to both Sikorsky and AIR WARFARE the NH90 NFH as it represented the best Lockheed Martin. DESTROYERS. value for money for taxpayers and was Manufacturers say the ‘Romeo’ is the most capable naval assessed as the lowest risk option. The helicopter available today, having been designed to operate from helicopter already has a proven capability frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers. According to with the USN, which has received more Sikorsky, “The MH-60R elevates tactical maritime mission capability than 100 mission-ready MH-60R helicopters to a new level.” Powered by two T700-GE-401C General Electric since 2006, and is expected to procure 300 engines, the helicopter has a maximum gross weight of 10,659 by 2017. ‘Team Romeo’ is delivering these kilograms and a maximum cruise speed of 267 kilometres per hour. Its cabin is 3.2 metres in length, 1.8 metres wide and 1.3 metres Members of the Visit, high, giving a total area of six square metres. Board, Search and According to an overview from Sikorsky, features of the ‘Romeo’ Seizure team aboard helicopter airframe include: a marinised airframe structure for USS Pinckney (DDG 91) improved survivability (meaning it is designed to operate in the salt- retrieving a rescue basket laden enviroment of the sea); multi-functional and durable cabin line lowered from a US flooring; two jettisonable cockpit doors; a single cabin sliding door; Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk recovery, assist, secure and traverse (RAST) system; automatic helicopter. main rotor blade fold; built-in work platforms, engine cowlings and hydraulic deck; external rescue hoist; 6000 pound external cargo hook; and an active vibration control system. In the cockpit, there is an advanced flight control system with naval modules and coupled hover capability; four 20.3 by 25.4 centimetre full colour, night vision device capable, sunlight readable, multi-function mission and flight displays; secure VHF/UHF communication; inertial navigation system; satellite communications; data link; and FLIR night vision goggle (NVG) capability. Sikorsky says the ‘Romeo’ is a rugged and durable helicopter, constructed to the highest standards of survivability and crashworthiness. The RAN’s helicopters will also be equipped with a sophisticated sensor and weapon system.

47 NavyOutlook_4Nov11_APPROVED.pdf 1 04/11/2011 15:35

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“The MH-60R helicopter is a sophisticated sensor platform that has proven its ability to protect the US fleet from submarines, ships and fast attack boats,” says Dan Spoor, Vice President of Aviation Systems in Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems Sensors. “We are committed to providing the Australian fleet with the same advanced capabilities as the US Navy continues its investment in the aircraft.” The ‘Romeo’ helicopters will be delivered to Australia in standard USN configuration, with seven minor modifications scheduled to occur between 2018 and 2020 in order to meet Australian requirements. These updates include fitting low power beacons associated with the Aircraft Ship Integrated Securing and Traverse (ASIST) system in the Hobart class air warfare destroyers; incorporating VOR/ILS, which is already a capability in the MH-60S; and enabling the voice recording capability for the Crash Data Recorder, which is disabled in the USN’s MH-60Rs. In addition, the RAN will install a Variable Message Format (VMF) data link, add further Link 16 message sets, integrate Automatic Dependent Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Eric Clairday inspecting the Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), and update the recording format of interior of a US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter. These helicopters the acoustic data recorder. are expected to be in operation with the RAN from mid-2015. Limited modifications will also be made to the ANZAC class frigates and Hobart class air warfare destroyers. These include helicopters at a rate of 25 to 30 per annum, THE ‘ROMEO’ minor adjustments to the weapon magazines to permanently but says it has the capacity to deliver 18 HELICOPTERS accommodate the MH-60R’s weapons. The ANZAC class will also be to 23 additional aircraft annually to foreign WILL BE adapted so it is able to supply 115 volt AC external power to the MH- military customers. Given this background, DELIVERED TO 60R, and both classes will receive night vision device compatible interoperability with the United States is AUSTRALIA IN ship and flight deck lighting. In addition, the ships will require another significant advantage that the STANDARD USN minor modifications to appropriately store the authorised spares, ‘Romeo’ will bring to Australia. CONFIGURATION, tools, documentation, ground support equipment and aircrew life “US naval forces have found the WITH SEVEN support equipment for the MH-60R, which is a slightly different MINOR ‘Romeo’ platform to be an operationally configuration to the current S-70B-2 Seahawk. These adjustments MODIFICATIONS effective and reliable first responder for all will be conducted during planned ship maintenance between 2014 SCHEDULED missions and contingencies encountered at and 2023. TO OCCUR sea around the world,” says Rear Admiral BETWEEN 2018 The Australian Government departments of Defence and Steven Eastburg, the USN’s Program AND 2020 IN Innovation, Industry, Science and Research are working together Executive Officer for Air ASW, Assault and ORDER TO MEET with ‘Team Romeo’ members to identify opportunities for Australian Special Mission Programs. The ‘Romeo’ AUSTRALIAN small and medium enterprises to join their global supply chain. entered service with the USN after 1900 REQUIREMENTS. The Department of Defence also has a head agreement with ‘Team hours of rigorous evaluation by the force. Romeo’ to support local industrial activity. Australia will also benefit from past and When complete, the ‘Romeos’ will be a significant change for future investment in the MH-60R airframe Navy pilots. According to Lieutenant Eugene Cleary, RAN, who has and mission systems, which have received flown the MH-60R on secondment with the USN, “Compared to the US$10 billion for development over the last RAN’s current helicopters – the S-70B-2 and the SK-50 Sea King decade. A technology roadmap will take – the Romeo is just amazing. Leaving the Sea King, which has a this development forward, adding new cockpit full of analogue gauges, dials and switches, and going to an capabilities to the platform as they become aircraft with multiple displays, mission computers and databases is mature. very exciting.”

49 NAVY OUTLOOK Norman Friedman

The Hobart class air warfare destroyers (AWDs), which have appropriately been named after Australian cruisers, will be the core of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for many years to come. These ships are being built to a modified version (incorporating Australian technology) of the Spanish F100 design, itself derived from the Spanish Navy’s Álvaro de Bazán class. AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS THE HOBART CLASS

he three ships are being built The Hobart class AWDs are built around the US-developed Aegis HMAS from 31 pre-fabricated ‘blocks’ HOBART (III) IS anti-air missile system, which has been widely exported and proven Tand assembled by the Australian SCHEDULED TO extremely effective in service. The system uses a large phased Submarine Corporation (ASC) shipbuilding BE DELIVERED array SPY-1 radar – the Hobarts have the SPY-1D(V) – to create a yard in Osborne, South Australia. HMAS IN DECEMBER precise picture in the system computer of air activity around the ship, Hobart (III) is scheduled to be delivered in 2015, WITH THE stretching out to more than a hundred nautical miles. This picture is December 2015, with the other two ships, OTHER TWO so accurate that it can be, and is, used directly for fire control, i.e. for HMAS Brisbane (III) and HMAS Sydney SHIPS, HMAS firing air defence missiles. (V), following over the next few years. The BRISBANE (III) Most air defence ships use a very different system in which Spanish design was selected in favour of AND HMAS air targets are detected and tracked to a much lower standard of a larger US design in June 2007 and the SYDNEY (V), precision. In these ships, targets selected on the basis of that wide FOLLOWING ships were officially ordered in October of area picture are passed to a separate air defence system that has OVER THE NEXT that year. to make data more precise before it tracks and engages the targets. FEW YEARS. The difference – that, in Aegis, the overall air picture is also the means of fire control – makes for much quicker reactions against suddenly appearing, or ‘pop-up’, threats such as anti-ship missiles fired from behind hills ashore or from submerged submarines. Pop- ups are a terrifying problem because even a subsonic missile covers more than 10 nautical miles each minute. A ship may have only a minute or two to react against a missile that crosses its horizon 10 or 15 nautical miles away (and is invisible until then), or that suddenly pops out of the sea at that kind of range. The US Navy (USN) retired its pre-Aegis air defence ships at the end of the Cold War because only an Aegis system seemed able to handle the pop- ups it thought would dominate the post-war world. Aegis works as it does because the SPY-1 radar

LEFT: Fire Controlman 2nd Class Orrin Puckett and Lieutenant Commander Rod Cooper watching on as Lieutenant Beck Russell familiarises herself with the Aegis weapons system onboard USS McCampbell. NAVY OUTLOOK

A computer generated image of a Hobart class AWD front view and (INSET) back.

is electronically scanned; it does not rotate a target more precisely – enough, say, to fire a missile at it – is to the way a more conventional air search AEGIS WAS assign a separate tracking radar to that particular target. The faster radar does. In both cases, the point of the CONCEIVED the radar rotates, the closer are the dots, and the more accurate radar is to discover what is happening, not LARGELY the estimated target course and speed. However, the faster the TO MEET A only where airplanes or missiles are at a radar scans, the less time it spends looking in any one direction – DIFFERENT KIND particular moment, but also where they are an important issue considering detection depends on how much OF THREAT going. A conventional radar plays connect energy the radar puts out and on how long it pours that energy onto – MASSED the dots. A target found on one scan is ATTACK. LIKE ITS a target, i.e. stares in the appropriate direction. This is why most ship found again on the next, and the system fed PREDECESSORS, radar systems cannot be precise enough for missile firing. by the radar compares the two positions – in IT WAS DESIGNED SPY-1 consists of four static antennas. It moves its beam effect, connecting the dots they represent – TO CONTROL electronically, under computer control, and can stare in any one to decide how fast the target is moving, and MISSILES direction, then instantly shift to another. The radar also automatically in what direction. It then projects ahead the THAT WOULD detects its targets; that is, its computer decides when the radar target position on that basis, assuming the HOME ON energy it picks up represents a real target rather than noise. Once target keeps moving in a straight line. RADAR ENERGY it does this, it quickly generates four beams in slightly different The only way such a system can track REFLECTED BY

Images courtesy of AWD Alliance. Images courtesy of AWD directions around the point where the target was initially detected. THE INCOMING The target cannot have moved far, so knowing which beam it is ATTACKERS. caught in provides the SPY-1 computer with information about course and speed. The computer periodically returns to the predicted target position and checks to see whether its estimate of course and speed tallies with reality. Because everything is done very quickly, SPY-1 offers a far higher standard of precision than any rotating radar. At the same time, because its beam can stare in any desired direction, it also offers considerable range. This combination of range and tracking precision is a key virtue. Aegis was conceived largely to meet a different kind of threat – massed attack. Like its predecessors, it was designed to control missiles that would home on radar energy reflected by the incoming attackers. There was, however, a key difference. Previous missile

51 NAVY OUTLOOK

ships, like the Australian Adelaide class, assigned a director to each will replace three old Perth class destroyers, target. The director radar had to track that target, providing the THESE AWDS all of which have now been scrapped, and illuminating radar energy on which the ship’s own missile homed. A WILL REPLACE all six Adelaide class guided missile frigates. THREE OLD director was tied up throughout the engagement, so the ship could This exchange is acceptable considering PERTH CLASS only engage as many targets at one time as she had illuminators. each Hobart can engage so many targets DESTROYERS, That was not too bad if the targets were distant and the defending at much the same time, whereas the ships ALL OF missiles were very fast. In that case, the ship could shoot down a WHICH HAVE being replaced were limited to two targets few targets, then switch to another batch. If, however, the attackers NOW BEEN each. were fast, or if they popped up at short range, then the ship would SCRAPPED, The Aegis system was designed to work be doomed. AND ALL SIX with the SM-2 missile. Unlike the SM-1, the Considering the Aegis radar picture is so precise, the ship’s ADELAIDE CLASS missile originally fired by the Adelaide class main computer can use it directly to keep track of both the incoming GUIDED MISSILE and the old Perth class vessels, SM-2 has attackers and the outgoing interceptors. It can command the FRIGATES. an autopilot that the ship can command as interceptors into position near their targets. Only then need the ship the missile flies. When the Adelaide class switch on an illuminator. In fact, the system is so precise that, instead ships were modernised, their SM-1 missiles of tracking the target at all, the illuminator is ordered (or ‘slaved’) into were replaced by SM-2s. At least in theory, position to shine its beam on the incoming target. It need do so for only a few seconds. While the Hobart class vessels have only two of these slaved illuminators, they are able to engage a lot more closely-spaced targets thanks to the precise picture in their computers. These AWDs

HMAS Sydney (IV) firing an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile in the Hawaii Exercise Area INSET: The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile launching from the Vertical Launch System onboard HMAS Perth (III) NAVY OUTLOOK those missiles can be controlled in flight by the Hobart class vessels or other AWDs. The Aegis system can also control the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, which arms the modernised ANZAC and Adelaide class vessels. It has a relatively short range of about 10 nautical miles, but provides self-defence using that same integrated picture. In total, a Hobart class vessel has 48 launching cells, which are capable of taking a mix of SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. At least some of the missiles able to be carried onboard these ships will not need slaved illuminators at all. The RAN may consider buying the latest version of the Aegis ship missile, SM-6, which has an active radar seeker. Once it has been ordered into position near the target, SM-6 switches on its own radar to complete the engagement. Current plans for development of the Evolved Sea Sparrow also include an active radar seeker. If all of a ship’s missiles Developments on the new Hobart class AWDs. have active seekers, only the capacity of the ship’s computer limits the number of targets she can engage at the same time. THE AWD ship can pass on the precision air picture it SM-6 dramatically changes what the ship can do in another way. PROJECT creates to non-Aegis units. This can allow The combination of computer and slaved illuminator work only if the ACHIEVED A other vessels to see beyond their own enemy missile or airplane is in view of the ship when the illuminator NUMBER OF horizons, hence adding considerably to their is flicked on. However, with SM-6 in play, although the picture is IMPORTANT air defences as they can fire their missiles normally associated with the SPY-1 radar, it can be supplemented MILESTONES before an enemy comes onto their radars. by other information, giving the vessel a view beyond her horizon. A IN 2011, WITH An Aegis ship can also receive remote missile can hence be ordered into position on that basis. THE AMOUNT information, for example from another Aegis Imagine, for example, HMAS Hobart supporting Australian OF WORK AND ship, allowing it to fire missiles at a target WORKERS ON soldiers pushing inland. They find themselves under attack by it cannot see. That is the logic of the SM-6 THE PROJECT enemy aircraft. If the position of the enemy aircraft can be entered missile. EXPECTED into the ship’s computer, she can fire an SM-6 to save the troops by A Hobart vessel does, of course, have TO INCREASE shooting down the enemy airplane, even though she cannot possibly FURTHER IN capacities beyond mere air defence. As part see it directly. 2012 AND of a group of ships supporting Australian Another possible growth path is the adoption of SM-3. Using 2013. troops, she has a long range five inch gun, a this further version of the SM missile, an Aegis ship can easily be sonar system (bow sonar and variable depth adapted to intercept ballistic missiles (SM-6 can deal with shorter sonar), a helicopter to attack submarines range ones). Again, the key is a precise picture coupled with the and lightweight torpedoes for self-defence. ability to command the SM missile through its autopilot. SM-3 adds To deal with other vessels, the Hobart ships a further stage to the missile plus a kinetic warhead. The further have eight anti-ship missiles. stage takes the missile above the atmosphere, and the Aegis system Their helicopters can also carry anti-ship guides it into position to intercept an incoming ballistic missile. In missiles, while the air defence missiles have this case, that means a position from which the warhead can see significant ability to damage a surface ship. the incoming missile and manoeuvre to collide with it. The USN has The AWD project achieved a number demonstrated that Aegis plus SM-3 works. In 2008, for example, of important milestones in 2011, with the a US Aegis ship used the system to destroy a satellite tumbling amount of work and workers on the project unpredictably through the atmosphere. expected to increase further in 2012 and The USN has also added a further feature that is due to be 2013. The RAN eagerly awaits the expected incorporated in the Hobart class ships – Cooperative Engagement delivery of the first Hobart class ship, HMAS Capability (CEC), or shared air pictures. Using this feature, an Aegis Hobart, in 2015.

53 NAVY OUTLOOK Norman Friedman

In November 2011, the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced Government approval for the upgrade of all eight ANZAC class frigates with an advanced Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) system. The total project cost is in excess of A$650 million, including funds already spent on the upgrade of HMAS Perth (III), which was successfully completed in early 2011.

THE ANZAC CLASS UPGRADES – AN ANTI-SHIP MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

ooking back, it is a little more than Sparrow missiles for air defence. While a couple of decades. One way to insure 20 years since the Royal Australian these were intended to defend against against unexpected threats is to buy ships LNavy (RAN) first ordered the ANZAC aircraft, they could not react quickly enough that are somewhat larger than necessary to class ships to replace its River class to deal with incoming missiles. As such, carry their planned armament, leaving space destroyer escorts. The ships were built the only threat that the ANZACs could and weight for the future – a technique that and commissioned into the RAN between not reasonably counter was from sudden is sometimes described as ‘fitted for but 1996 and 2006, and are expected to stay short range surprise attacks, which would in service until they are gradually replaced probably be mounted by submarines armed from 2024. with anti-ship missiles that were launched As completed, the ANZACs were underwater. In the 1990s, no navy in Asia generally described as gunboats or anti- had such weapons available, so an anti- submarine frigates, with their main surface submarine frigate did not need expensive air armament being a lightweight five inch gun. defence. The ships also had sonar, a helicopter and Regardless, ships last a long time, and eight vertically launched short range Sea circumstances can change radically over

54 NAVY OUTLOOK not with’. This is exactly what was done when the ANZACs were ship missile. Even a subsonic missile like conceived. Such a process saves money when the ships are built, THE RAN IS the French Exocet or the Chinese Silkworm but is much more important as insurance against an uncertain future. MODERNISING or C-802 flies at about 10 nautical miles For the ANZAC class vessels, that future is now. Several Asian navies ALL OF THE per minute. Considering the ANZAC ship’s either have, or will soon have, exactly the sort of pop-up missile that ANZAC SHIPS horizon is little more than 10 nautical miles the ships, as they were initially built, simply could not counter. WITH AN away, she would only have about a minute The RAN is modernising all of the ANZAC ships with an ADVANCED in which to react against a sea skimming advanced ASMD system, primarily to meet the increasing threat of ASMD SYSTEM, missile. Ideally, she should be able to fire missile attack. This is being done in two phases. In the first phase, PRIMARILY a missile of her own, decide whether it has ships receive the new Evolved Sea Sparrow missile in place of the TO MEET THE succeeded and have time to fire again. That earlier Sea Sparrow. This new missile has about twice the range of its INCREASING doesn’t leave much chance for the ship’s THREAT OF predecessor, is far more manoeuvrable, and can be ‘quad-packed’, system to detect something, decide that it is MISSILE ATTACK. meaning four missiles can fit into each vertical launcher cell. The a threat and work out its track before firing ships also have space and weight reserved for another eight cells. back. They thus carry a total payload of 32 Evolved Sea Sparrows, and Taking this into account, a big change can be modified to carry an additional 32. HMAS Warramunga (II) of in the first phase of upgrades is to redesign the ANZAC class was the first warship in the world to be fitted with the ANZAC combat system so that it the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, which she fired for the first time in includes the missile fire control system January 2003. rather than passing a target from one Another related upgrade to the ANZAC class is a radical change system to another. This is how the Aegis to the ship’s command and control system that dramatically cuts system in the new Hobart class air warfare a missile’s reaction time. In the initial ANZAC vessels, a target destroyers (AWDs) achieves a very fast was detected by the main SPS-49 air search radar, selected for reaction rate, but on a much smaller scale. engagement, and then passed to a completely separate fire control In the initial phase of the ANZAC system. Typically, the fire control radar would spend further time upgrades, the updated ships retained both scanning its own narrow beam over the arc defined by the search of their original search radars – the long radar before locking on to the target. In other words, the ship would range SPS-49 and a shorter range higher detect an incoming aircraft long before her Sea Sparrow could precision Sea Giraffe. Ultimately, fire control possibly be launched. requires some method of tracking the target Issues could arise when an ANZAC ship faced a low flying anti- so that the system can, for example, predict

HMAS Perth (III) in Jervis Bay following her ASMD upgrade.

55 NAVY OUTLOOK

where and when the Evolved Sea Sparrow The second phase upgrade to the ANZAC class ships solves ought to hit it. Following the first phase EVOLVED SEA this problem. The difficulty with the current system is that it relies upgrades, this is still achieved by locking the SPARROW HAS on radars that search the sky (and the horizon, in the case of ship’s one fire control radar onto the target. AN AUTOPILOT the Sea Giraffe) and create computer tracks of incoming objects The missile itself then homes on radar THAT THE SHIP such as enemy missiles. In effect, they play connect the dots. If a energy reflected by incoming attackers. CAN CONTROL, radar detects the same target on two scans, then the associated SO THAT THE Problems arise if the ship is faced with computer can compare these positions and use the difference MISSILE CAN several incoming missiles at once – she can between them to decide how fast the target is moving and in what BE FIRED EVEN survive only if she destroys one so quickly direction. If it keeps detecting the target on later scans, it can check IF THE FIRE that she can shift her system ‘gaze’ to the CONTROL its previous calculation and update it. This technique works, but next. RADAR IS only approximately, and the more the target manoeuvres, the less Evolved Sea Sparrow has an autopilot TIED UP accurate it becomes. that the ship can control, so that the missile DEALING WITH The time gap between scans determines how well the system can be fired even if the fire control radar is A DIFFERENT can handle a moving target. The Sea Giraffe radar, which attempts tied up dealing with a different target. Even TARGET. to detect low flying objects near the horizon, scans rapidly, once per so, the ship’s search radars cannot track a second. Despite this, it takes several scans to be sure it has detected target very precisely, and a missile must still something as small as a sea skimmer, and the ship cannot launch depend on a concentrated fire control radar her own missile until the course and speed of the approaching part way into its flight. attacker has been determined. The less accurate this track, the more time that single fire control radar must spend finding BELOW: HMAS Perth (III)’s Air Warfare and tracking the target so that the missile defending Officer Lieutenant Adrian Scott with the ship can be guided. Commanding Officer Captain Mal Enter CEA Australia, an Australian-owned Wise in the ship’s operations room.. electronic system design company that has INSET: HMAS Warramunga (II) berthed developed the revolutionary CEAFAR active at Fleet Base West. phased array radar. Such a radar offers two great advantages over the earlier Sea Giraffe. The obvious one is that it scans far more rapidly since its computer controlled beam does not have to cover the entire horizon before focusing on a detected threat. CEAFAR automatically decides whether radar energy it has detected is a real target rather than just noise, and then returns almost instantly to that target to determine the direction it is taking. The radar can scan its beam vertically as well as horizontally, so an incoming attacker can be tracked in all three dimensions, rather than the previous two. A second, more subtle advantage is that the CEAFAR six faced phased array antenna can be made larger than that of the rotating Sea Giraffe. Being able to ‘stare’ out over an entire coverage area, rather than revolving at the top of a ship, it does not have to fight inertia and the wind while turning. It can hence have a tighter beam, which ultimately gives it greater precision. To guide the Evolved Sea Sparrow to the target, the upgrade also provides a separate four faced CEAMOUNT phased array that illuminates targets with radar energy for the missile to conduct terminal target homing. In a latter stage of the upgrade, the four illuminators will each be enhanced

56 to provide illumination of multiple targets does, however, have to be over the horizon simultaneously, enormously increasing for the last few moments of the Evolved Sea the ANZAC frigates ability to deal with Sparrow’s flight, because the missile still demanding future combat scenarios. needs those final seconds of illumination With Evolved Sea Sparrows, CEAFAR on which to home. Regardless, there is and CEAMOUNT active phased array radars, an enormous difference between trying to and a recast command and control system, intercept an incoming attacker at 10 nautical ANZAC vessels are finally able to handle the miles and being lucky to engage at 6.7 anti-ship missile threat. An upgraded ANZAC nautical miles or less. Unlike its predecessor, ship can be seen as a small scale (horizon Link 11, Link 16 offers information precise range) equivalent to the much longer range enough to support just such an engagement. Aegis system onboard the Hobart class air In a future improved version, the Evolved warfare destroyers. Sea Sparrow is likely to acquire its own active A separate upgrade project will provide seeker. With this capability, the missile will no the ANZACs with an enhanced ship-to-ship longer need even a few moments of support data link – Link 16, or the Joint Tactical from the ship’s fire control radar, and will Information Distribution System (JTIDS). hence be able to engage an attacker that the Without this link, the ship cannot begin to ship itself cannot see, but has rather been react to an attacker until they pop over her informed of by a separate ship or airplane. own horizon. In theory, an Evolved Sea To supplement the radars, the ANZAC Sparrow missile has the range to take it to ships are also being fitted with a new Sagem roughly to the vessel’s horizon, but much of VAMPIR infrared search and track system. that range cannot be used. Imagine a ship Other new capabilities include the Australian- detecting a target at the horizon, around developed Nulka missile decoy, which backs 10 nautical miles out. If the defending up the Evolved Sea Sparrow defensive missile is fired instantly, it will intercept the missile, as well as simpler decoy launchers. target somewhere considerably closer – for All vessels of the class now carry Harpoon example, if it is twice as fast as the attacker, anti-ship missiles, which complicate the task this will occur about two thirds of the way out of any enemy ship attempting to strike. (6.7 nautical miles). If that does not work, Continued modernisation has also and if the decision to shoot again is instant, provided the ANZAC ships with a new Petrel then the next interception is made four ninths Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar system of the way out. It is unlikely that the ship will and the Eurotorp MU90 lightweight torpedo. get a third shot. With eight vessels of the class expected Another ship, however, might well detect to be in active service with the RAN well into the missile before it pops over the ANZAC the next decade, upgrades to the ANZAC vessel’s horizon. So might an airborne early vessels will continue throughout 2012. warning aircraft, such as the Royal Australian Following on from the upgrade of HMAS Air Force’s Wedgetail. Either vessel could Perth and recent approval from the Australian pass this important tracking information Government, the RAN awaits installation of on to the ANZAC ship. Considering the the ASMD system into the seven remaining Evolved Sea Sparrow missile relies on its ships by 2017. Making the announcement, autopilot as a guide, it can be fired even if Minister for Defence Stephen Smith said this a fire control system cannot be locked onto was the latest weapon in Navy’s arsenal and the target, provided the ANZAC ship knows meant the ANZAC frigates would be a lot where the attacking missile is. The target more capable going into the future. NAVY OUTLOOK Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, AO, CSC, RAN Rtd FUTURE SUBMARINES The Defence White Paper (DWP) released in May 2009 calls for a doubling of Australia’s submarine capability, with at least 12 submarines of greater range and capability than today’s Collins class, and development of a submarine design, construction and repair capability. Why is the growth required? How might it be achieved?

58 NAVY OUTLOOK

y 2030, our region will be dominated by the growing political, economic and strategic power of China and India. There will B be an increasingly fierce global competition for resources – energy, minerals and water – made more important by alteration in the strategic balance between China, India and the US in terms of political, economic and strategic reach. Australia has many of the resources SUBMARINES that will be critical to the new powers’ economic prosperity. This is not a ‘business as usual’ scenario, nor should we presume it will be a smooth, linear process, free of confrontation and crisis. Australia is an island; the maritime environment will continue to be increasingly important to our economic wellbeing. Significant growth in regional navies, including use of advanced military and commercial surveillance systems, will make it more difficult for our Navy to operate freely. Add to this a growth of modern European and Russian designed submarines and advanced military technologies being deployed in our region. China and India are also developing nuclear powered and armed vessels. This developing situation will constrain Australia’s strategic options. A capable Australian Submarine Force will be able to operate in these difficult circumstances, providing a ‘strategic sting’ to discourage potential aggressors from military confrontation with Australia.

WHY SUBMARINES? Submarines are the ultimate stealth platform, able to operate without fuss in zones where sea and air control are not assured, and gain access to areas denied to others. Large submarines, such as the Collins class, are able to operate at long range for weeks. They can carry a flexible payload of sensors, weapons and specialist personnel. A capable Australian Submarine Force creates great uncertainty; countering them is difficult, expensive and cannot be guaranteed.

HMAS Collins dropping anchor in Jervis Bay at sunset.

59 NAVY OUTLOOK

More than just a good insurance policy, In many situations, submarines can strategic signals being inferred by its submarines are unique in many ways, being offer unique indications of others’ long- deployment. able to: term intentions, facilitating diplomatic A submarine’s stealth and access • Loiter without replenishment and countermeasures and force preparation that confers significant opportunity, and a force simultaneously observe activities will hopefully deter an escalation to conflict. should be employed proactively to exploit underwater, on the surface, in the air In order to exploit the initiative gained from this. Where appropriate, this capability and over the electromagnetic spectrum their stealth, Australia’s submarines must is best used offensively to maximise the in areas denied to other eyes and ears, be able to covertly reach sensitive areas benefits gained. Keeping that in mind, let us including satellites. with sufficient mobility, operational radius of consider how this outcome can be achieved • Deliver the most potent anti-submarine action, payload and habitability for the long in Australia. capability. missions involved. • Covertly position precision land attack The strategic sting of the Submarine WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? missiles, retire if not required, or Force is underpinned by stealth. Australia It is worth reviewing what the DWP launch and withdraw undetected. should avoid a dependency on forward analysis concluded. • Assist in the protection of surface naval bases to conduct submarine operations; operations. access to such bases cannot be Why at least 12 submarines? • Covertly launch and recover special guaranteed. The use of a depot ship, 8.40 In the case of the submarine force, forces. requiring a forward base with appropriate the Government takes the view that our • Lay sophisticated precision mines to protection to support it, suffers from future strategic circumstances necessitate a deny access to selected facilities and similar limitations. There is also the added substantially expanded submarine fleet of 12 areas. disadvantage of certain diplomatic and boats in order to sustain a force at sea large

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enough in a crisis or conflict to be able to defend our approaches ONE OF THE (including at considerable distance from Australia, if necessary), LESSONS protect and support other ADF assets, and undertake certain strategic FROM THE missions where the stealth and other operating characteristics of COLLINS highly-capable advanced submarines would be crucial… CLASS IS 9.9 …The construction program for the Future Submarines will THE NEED be designed to provide the Government with the option to continue TO PROVIDE building additional submarines in the 2030s and beyond, should GENEROUS DESIGN strategic circumstances require it. MARGINS OF STABILITY AND What broad level of capabilities is required? BUOYANCY 9.3 …The Future Submarine will have greater range, longer TO ALLOW endurance on patrol, and expanded capabilities compared to the FOR FUTURE current Collins class submarine… GROWTH 9.4 The Future Submarine will be capable of a range of tasks THROUGHOUT such as anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare; strategic strike; THE LIFE mine detection and mine-laying operations; intelligence collection; OF THE supporting special forces (including infiltration and exfiltration SUBMARINE. missions); and gathering battlespace data in support of operations. HMAS Dechaineux returning 9.5 Long transits and potentially short-notice contingencies in to Fleet Base West. our primary operational environment demand high levels of mobility

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CENTENARY OF AUSTRALIAN SUBMARINES

TSP15889 NAVY OUTLOOK

HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Waller on exercise. and endurance in the Future Submarine. INSET: HMAS Farncomb at anchor during Fleet Divisions 2009. The boats need to be able to undertake prolonged covert patrols over the full distance of our strategic approaches and in operational areas. They require low signatures across all spectrums, including at higher speeds… No current European conventional submarine design has the mobility, operational radius of action, through life growth or payload capacity needed to meet the requirements of the DWP. This is a matter of size. A European sourced Military Off-the-Shelf (MOTS) submarine, designed for shorter distances and cooler waters than Australia’s, is too small to meet the requirements. Even adapting an Off-the- a suitable ratio, i.e. a new design. Shelf submarine to meet a lesser capability The closest conventional will impact on many systems in the vessel, submarine starting point for the and is not easily or efficiently achieved. capability sought in the DWP is Such modification would require significant the Collins class. Further, the changes to a highly integrated and compact design, operational experience and vehicle, entailing cost and capability risks support capability developed for Collins, expense. In developing the design, Australia that are arguably greater than those of a combined with the extensive data gathered should aim to minimise this total cost; if new concept. Adapting an existing vessel by operating it in Australia’s environment, necessary, being prepared to pay more in would result in a unique design, requiring provides a valuable starting point for the acquisition phase to achieve a platform Australia to sustain it through life as the development of the Future Submarines that will be cheaper to operate in the long- parent navy, probably without owning all the (FSM). We should not lightly discount term. underpinning intellectual property. the value of this experience. It offers the In developing the design, Australia One of the lessons from the Collins opportunity to build on strengths and design should make maximum use of proven class is the need to provide generous out weaknesses, an option that would be European and US submarine technologies design margins of stability and buoyancy less accessible if we were to start afresh. to reduce risks and achieve the capability to allow for future growth throughout the Any submarine adapted or developed required. The most sensitive information life of the submarine. Once these relatively for Australia’s requirements needs a may not be available. Additionally, there small design margins are exceeded, the significant level of design expertise to will be some areas of the submarine where only option to add capability is to increase maintain, operate and develop the vessel suitable equipment is not accessible. the size of the vessel to regain the buoyancy through life, along with the engineering In both cases, solutions will have to be required to offset the weights that have been and skills to safely oversee its operations. developed. A research and development added. Co-location in Australia is the cheapest and (R&D) program involving both industry For maximum underwater efficiency most effective solution for providing these and the Defence Science and Technology and quietness, the submarine must have essential services. Organisation (DSTO) will therefore be a a length:diameter ratio within certain limits. Being a parent navy can be expensive. key part of reducing risks and achieving a This restriction determines that a substantial In the case of a submarine, the cost of capability edge throughout the life of the increase in volume cannot be simply acquisition is 25-30 per cent of the total FSM. achieved by adding length; the pressure hull cost of ownership; in-service support and An Australian design environment will diameter must also be increased to maintain operating costs make up the majority of the allow us to balance these competing issues.

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designs will provide the necessary capability. Any adaption would make it a unique submarine, not a MOTS vessel, and would require a significant developmental project with concomitant risk. The Collins class is the closest starting point to the DWP requirements, and benefits from the operating experience gained in Australia’s environment.

IMPACT ON THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY With the DWP requirements firmly in mind, Navy should review its management of the Collins class to ensure that it provides a foundation for the FSM project. It will not be sufficient to merely hand the scheme to the Defence Capability Division and Defence Materiel Organisation and await delivery in 2022. Rather, we must view Collins and FSM as interdependent capabilities. Appropriate leadership structures should be put in place to ensure a high level of coordination towards achieving current and future submarine We have significant and unique advantages THE STRATEGIC capability, establishing a long-term road map to promote coherence, in our ability to access both European ENVIRONMENT minimise risk and disruption, and source efficiencies through and US-sourced submarine technologies, FACING common procedures, training and logistics. although such access must be based on AUSTRALIA Crewing and availability of the Collins class is slowly improving Australia’s demonstrated ability to protect IN 2030 WILL from a near terminal level. Improved management and increased this information to the satisfaction of the BE A VERY funding of the manning, sustainment and operational capability owners, and to avoid advances achieved DIFFERENT should be seen as part of a continuum leading to the FSM. by an Australian led R&D program being ONE FROM Public perception of the Collins class capability has suffered exported back into our region. To minimise TODAY. significantly as a result of the recent availability and manning hiatus. SUBMARINES risks, we must make best use of lessons Defence and Navy need to demonstrate that the causes have been WILL PROVIDE from the Collins class and ensure adequate understood, the lessons learnt and the way ahead set so as to AN ESSENTIAL design support, backed up by ownership of avoid a repeat in the future. The Coles Review into the Collins class STRATEGIC the intellectual property necessary for the CAPABILITY sustainability is an opportunity to initiate a recovery program and parent navy role. IN THIS start the long journey back to regain this capability. SITUATION. The strategic environment facing Australia in 2030 will be a CONCLUSIONS ON ACQUIRING very different one from today. Submarines will provide an essential CAPABILITY strategic capability in this situation. While there are no easy options, The 2009 DWP has set a justified, if an evolved Australian vessel based on the Collins class, engaging challenging, list of top level requirements support from the US and Europe and leading to establishment of for Australia’s future submarine capability. a local design and construction capability is the lowest risk way In order to achieve a viable deterrent and, forward. The forthcoming concept development phase should aim to if necessary, an effective strategic sting, better manage risks and minimise the cost of ownership. Australia requires a force of long range, In a 1907 speech to Parliament, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin highly capable submarines, able to carry announced a plan to acquire nine submarines that would be built, significant and flexible payloads to potential manned and maintained in Australia. It seems that in 100 years, adversaries’ sensitive areas. the wheel has come full circle. Australia now needs to marshal Current European MOTS options are its national resources to deliver a strategic insurance policy for designed for different requirements and uncertain times ahead. consequently have a smaller hull diameter. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and should not necessarily be It is unlikely that adapting one of these attributed to the Royal Australian Navy or other organisation.

63 NAVY OUTLOOK Dr Michael White QC

WWI submarine HMAS AE2. he first of the newly built ships for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) arrived into Sydney Harbour in 1913, followed closely Tby the first two submarines, HMAS AE1 and HMAS AE2. When World War I (WWI) broke out in August 1914, these submarines, along with most of the fleet, were sent to capture the German colony in New Guinea. On arrival, while the landings were taking place, AE1 and AE2 were charged with patrolling against an SUBMARINE attack from the German fleet. On 14 September 1914, AE1 was on patrol with HMAS Parramatta (I) and was last seen that afternoon several miles to the south-east of Duke of York Island, offshore from Rabaul. The submarine has never been seen since and, despite searches, no trace of her or her 35 officers and crew has ever been HISTORY found. AE2 returned to Sydney with the fleet and was sent back to the After the Australian colonies federated into the United Kingdom to join the RN submarines there. When she reached Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901, one Suez, however, she was directed to Gallipoli and the Dardanelles of the early decisions was to construct an Australian campaign. Despite other ships and submarines having tried (and Commonwealth fleet to take over Pacific area naval duties many sunk in the attempt), AE2 got through the Dardanelles on the morning of the landings on 25 April 1915. In a most courageous, from the Royal Navy (RN). skillful and hazardous venture, she torpedoed a Turkish ship, fired at other vessels, disrupted merchant shipping in the Sea of Marmara and sent a wireless signal of success that allowed for other submarines to come through too.

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Despite this, in the early hours of 30 April, Torpedo Establishment in Neutral Bay when the swell became too AE2 lost depth control due to varying water AS THE heavy to stay alongside the jetty at Penguin. A steady stream of ‘T’ and densities in the Marmara and was holed in OBERON ‘A’ class submarines served with the squadron, making yearly voyages the pressure hull by Turkish torpedo boat BOATS to New Zealand for anti-submarine training with the Royal New Zealand Sultanhisar. The submarine was scuttled, with GRADUALLY Navy. This arrangement was a great success for all parties. all of the crew escaping and being rescued CAME TO THE In the early 1960s, the British Government advised that the by Turkish ships. Sadly, four of them later END OF THEIR agreement would be ended, and Australia decided to once again LIVES, A MAJOR died of illness during the years they spent as venture into having its own submarine fleet. It contracted with Scotts DECISION prisoners of war. The wreck of AE2 was found Shipbuilding of Greenock in for construction of the Oberon WAS TAKEN in 1998 and is protected by continuing efforts class, and made arrangements with the RN for training of personnel. TO BUILD THE from the AE2 Commemorative Foundation in NEXT CLASS OF The first Australians were sent off for this training at HMS Dolphin in conjunction with the Australian and Turkish SUBMARINES Gosport, England in 1963, and regular drafts of officers and sailors navies and governments. IN AUSTRALIA. followed over subsequent years. They served with the RN submarines After WWI ended in 1918, the RN gave THIS ALLOWED and were gradually posted to the newly built vessels, which returned six of its ‘J’ class submarines to Australia. THE DESIGN TO with them to Australia – HMAS Oxley (II) arriving first in 1967, followed These were mainly based in Corio Bay near MEET LOCAL by HMAS Otway (II) in 1968. By this stage, HMAS Platypus (II) had been Geelong, until they were steadily scrapped OPERATIONAL built at the Torpedo Establishment in Neutral Bay, and it was from here in the 1920s. Following this, two ‘O’ class NEEDS, that the ‘O’ class boats were based. vessels, HMAS Oxley (I) and Otway (I), INCLUDING In 1987, the Australian Government called for a ‘Two Ocean Navy were constructed in the UK and entered LONG RANGE policy’ to accommodate an ever expanding RAN, and implementation PATROLS, into service with the RAN, supported by of this took place over the following years. Much construction work was WHILE ALSO HMAS Platypus (I), the submarine depot done to make Garden Island, off in Western Australia, into a SERVING TO ship originally built for AE1 and AE2. major base for frigates, submarines and clearance divers. Transfer of IMPROVE Financial constraints meant the two vessels AUSTRALIAN the squadron from HMAS Platypus in Sydney to the newly constructed were transferred back to the RN in 1931. SHIP BUILDING west coast base at HMAS Stirling soon followed in the 1990s, and the Both served in World War II (WWII), with SKILLS. Australian submarines have operated from there ever since. Oxley being tragically torpedoed by one As the Oberon boats gradually came to the end of their lives, a of her sister submarines due to an error in major decision was taken to build the next class of submarines in navigation that had them both in the same Australia. This allowed the design to meet local operational needs, patrol area. including long range patrols, while also serving to improve Australian Australia did not venture into submarines again for many years. An exception came in 1943 when it commissioned one of the old Dutch vessels that had escaped when the Japanese Imperial Forces overran Indonesia. HMAS K9 was based in Sydney and used in anti-submarine training for the surface ships until a battery explosion in 1944 put her out of commission. To meet the ongoing need for anti- submarine training, under an agreement between the Australian, New Zealand and British governments, the RN Fourth Submarine Flotilla was established in Sydney in 1949. It was based at HMAS Penguin near HMAS Oxley (I) leaving Portsmouth, 1928. Middle Harbour, and later moved to the RAN

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ship building skills. A diesel electric design The current debate in Australia was selected from Sweden, with the first surrounds what type of submarines we need FROM A two complete hull sections of HMAS Collins next and whether it is better that these be SUBMARINE being constructed there and shipped out to designed and built locally or purchased from POINT OF VIEW, WHILE THE 1914 Australia. The new submarine building yard overseas. ARRIVALS WERE at Port Adelaide in South Australia gradually With nearly 100 years of naval SIGNIFICANT, took over the task, and thousands of local experience behind us, the centenaries of THE MAJOR subcontractors steadily increased their various important events in RAN history DATES TO BE expertise in submarine construction and are quickly approaching. In 2013, there OBSERVED ARE fitting out. The first of the new Collins class will be a major fleet entry into Sydney to 14 SEPTEMBER was commissioned in 1996, and the sixth commemorate the new Australian fleet that 2014 AND 30 and last was completed in 2003. arrived in 1913. From a submarine point of APRIL 2015, As with any new class of submarine, view, while the 1914 arrivals were significant, WHICH MARK there were initial design, operational and the major dates to be observed are 14 100 YEARS crewing issues, but these were gradually September 2014 and 30 April 2015, which SINCE AE1’S addressed and a sound operational vessel mark 100 years since AE1’s disappearance DISAPPEARANCE was soon achieved. During the mining boom and the loss of AE2 respectively. The AE2 AND THE LOSS OF AE2 years, however, the very skills required of centenary is planned to be commemorated RESPECTIVELY. submarine technical personnel were equally with the Turkish Navy on the date of its battle valued by the big mining companies. As with Sultanhisar, i.e. 30 April 2015. a result, crewing difficulties emerged, and As for the loss of AE1, commemorations these are still with us today. have already begun, with the unveiling NAVY OUTLOOK

of a memorial plaque at Garden Island planned in both Australia and England Heritage Centre on 14 September 2011. over the coming years leading up to 14 The 35 men lost in AE1 were a mixture September 2014. of RAN and RN sailors. While some of The history of Australian submarines the descendants’ families still live in the is a long and interesting one, particularly UK, others have settled in Australia, New given that the RAN was one of the first Zealand and elsewhere across the globe. navies in the world to maintain operational The family of Third Officer Lieutenant the underwater vessels. Sadly, both AE1 and Honourable Leopold Florence Scarlett, AE2 were lost in active service within a for example, is spread across England, year of commissioning. It is appropriate, Australia and Europe, with James Scarlett, therefore, that due honour be given to those 9th Baron Abinger currently residing in who served in these early submarines as the France. More memorials for AE1 are centenary of their loss draws ever closer.

HMAS Collins (foreground), HMAS Waller and HMAS Rankin transiting in formation through Gage Roads, off Perth.

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30 40 OnWArds And UPWArds ASC is proud of its building capability, both in and out of the water. 50 From building and maintaining the Collins Class submarines, to the next generation of warships – the Hobart Class Air 60 Warfare Destroyers. For more than 25 years ASC has served the frontline of Australia’s naval defence capabilities. We look forward to building on our relationship with the 70 Royal Australianthere Navy for manyAre years toc come.Areers. And then there Are cAreers At Asc.

80 JAM ASC/0112 Congratulations to the Royal Australian Navy on its first 100 years. It’s been an exciting www.asc.com.au partnership, working on the Collins Class Submarines as well as your Hobart Class Destroyers.

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ASC 0112 Navy Outlook 138x213.indd 1 2/11/11 5:09 PM NAVY OUTLOOK Terence Roach

8:15pm, 14 September 1914: “Submit had AE1 a destroyer scouting with her today. She has not yet THE SEARCH returned to harbour.” – HMAS Australia (I) Signal Log. FOR AE1

his signal from Lieutenant Henry Stoker, RN, the Commanding NOW THAT THE AE1, under the command of Lieutenant Officer of HMAS AE2 (the sister submarine to HMAS AE1), WRECK OF Commander Thomas Besant, RN, sailed Tto Rear Admiral George Patey, MVO (later Vice Admiral Sir HMAS SYDNEY from Simpson Harbour at Rabaul at 7:00am George Patey, KCMG, KCVO), Commander of the Australian Fleet, (II) HAS BEEN on 14 September and rendezvoused with instigated an initial search when AE1 failed to return from patrol on DISCOVERED, HMAS Parramatta (I) to patrol St George’s the night of 14 September 1914. The submarine was never found. THE LOSS OF Channel and keep watch for enemy ships. Now that the wreck of HMAS Sydney (II) has been discovered, THIS SUBMARINE The submarine was last seen by Parramatta the loss of this submarine and its 35 crew remains the greatest AND ITS 35 at 3:20pm off Berard Point on Duke of York outstanding mystery of the Royal Australian Navy. CREW REMAINS Island. Having been told personally by Rear THE GREATEST Admiral Patey to be back in daylight, AE1 OUTSTANDING THE DISAPPEARANCE OF AE1 was expected to leave the patrol area and MYSTERY OF After the outbreak of World War I, the two submarines AE1 and then conform to this order. She was never THE ROYAL AE2, newly arrived from the United Kingdom, were despatched seen again, and her loss remains a mystery AUSTRALIAN as part of the Australian Fleet to seize the German colony in New NAVY. still. Guinea. The Fleet was deployed at the request of the British AE2’s signal instigated a wide-ranging Government to take the township of Rabaul and destroy the German search of the area of operations over the radio stations in order to disrupt communications with the German next few days by HMA Ships Encounter (I), Pacific Squadron. Sydney (I), Warrego (I) and Yarra, as well as a number of captured German motor launches. No trace of the vessel was found. AE1 on passage to Rabaul with HMAS Indigenous people on the nearby Duke of Australia (I) and HMAS Yarra (I). York Island reported having sighted the submarine but they knew nothing of her loss. Rear Admiral Patey directed Encounter to hold a Board of Enquiry into the disappearance of AE1 but despite a thorough and comprehensive search of the archives, the report was not found. Lieutenant Commander Stoker of AE2 submitted a report on the loss but had no explanation as to why it should have occurred. NAVY OUTLOOK

The Australian Fleet still had to find and destroy the German Numerous searches have been made warships, so they could not linger. In the circumstances, the THE SEARCH since then without success. The technology search for AE1 was as thorough as it could be with the technology FOR AE1 LAPSED used has had only limited capability – available. Sonar would only be developed in time for use in World AFTER THE mostly shallow water side scan sonar and War II (WWII) and even then it would not have the capability to INITIAL ACTIVITY magnetometer systems towed behind small search the challenging underwater topography of the seabed AND IT WAS craft. The shallow water areas close in to the NOT UNTIL 1976 where AE1 disappeared. Only now that high definition sonar reefs around the southern side of the Duke THAT THE THEN and magnetometers are available are there any real prospects of York Islands have been searched. ASSISTANT of success in the deep, steep sided subsea valleys. The nearby Commander Foster’s tireless efforts DEFENCE volcano means that earthquakes are common. ATTACHÉ IN continued after his retirement from the PORT MORESBY, Navy. His passion and energy inspired MODERN SEARCHES FOR AE1 COMMANDER his associates and his willingness to use The search for AE1 lapsed after the initial activity and it was JOHN FOSTER, his own resources to fund various search not until 1976 that the then Assistant Defence Attaché in Port OAM, RAN, activities is a testimony to his dedication Moresby, Commander John Foster, OAM, RAN, rekindled interest REKINDLED and persistence. in looking for the submarine. With some like-minded individuals, INTEREST IN 1976: Foster obtained support from Navy he established Project AE1 to scour for the missing vessel. He LOOKING FOR for HMAS Flinders to conduct a limited published the results of his research and the searches he instigated THE SUBMARINE. side scan sonar search while she was on in the book ‘AE1: Entombed but not Forgotten’. passage.

HMA Submarines AE1 and AE2.

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scan sonar survey of the coast in close Map of Duke of York islands displaying the proximity to southern Mioko Island and two last known position of AE1. adjacent islands along a possible return ST GEORGES CHANNEL track by AE1.

NEW IRELAND Waterhouse 2007: HMAS Benalla (II)’s side scan sonar Cove BISMARCK SEA located what looked like a submarine close Watara Pt DUKE OF YORK to Wirian Reef on the south-east corner of ISLAND Nabual AE1 LAST KNOWN Mioko Island. Its location was consistent RABAUL POSITION Foul Bay Mioko with AE1’s possible return track to the Levington Tomwalik Passage harbour. POSSIBLE PLANNED Kabakon Kerawara I RETURN BACK 2007: HMAS Yarra (IV) conducted a follow

Blanche Bay up search to check the Benalla contact. Despite a close resemblance to a submarine BISMARCK SEA fin, it was classified NONSUB – a natural PORTION OF CHART AUS 554 rock formation. 2009: With some private donations and 1990: Jacques Cousteau (Calypso) agreed to conduct an ad hoc THE AE1 Seven Network sponsorship, Foster search in the area. Unfortunately, equipment problems limited his INCORPORATED investigated a claim by local diver George search to a magnetometer survey. TEAM ARE Tyers to have seen a submarine in 1971 off 2002: Sponsorship from documentary filmmaker Baypond CONFIDENT Vulcan Island in Simpson Harbour. A search Productions enabled a search off Wirian Reef (Mioko Island) using THAT THERE by divers failed to find the submarine. The local divers. The presence of large numbers of sharks limited the WILL BE story was broadcast on Seven’s ‘Sunday search. A SOUND BASIS TO Night’ program. 2003: Another search by local divers was funded by Foster. Sharks RECOMMEND A 2009: A further magnetometer search in the again constrained the search. SEARCH AREA Tyers contact area, again with the assistance 2003: Sponsorship from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation WITH A HIGH of local divers and Jeremy Green from allowed Foster to charter a boat for Jeremy Green from the Western PROBABILITY OF the Western Australian Maritime Museum, Australian Maritime Museum, to conduct a magnetometer and side SUCCESS. located many magnetic anomalies in the area. This was largely due to close proximity An artist’s impression of HMAS AE1. of the volcano Vulcan. Further, it was discovered that the Japanese WWII wreck adjacent to the site where Tyers has claimed to have seen AE1 was now buried under 30 metres of pyroclastic matter due to the 1994 eruptions.

AE1 INCORPORATED In 2011, under the new leadership of Dr Michael White QC, a former submarine officer, Project AE1 was re-established as an incorporated association – AE1 Incorporated. A team of volunteer maritime researchers and submarine experts has been assembled to review the history by searching archives in Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

70 UNVEILING OF THE AE1 COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE

ith financial support from the Association of Australia. The plaque has been Submarine Institute of Australia, positioned next to a similar plaque dedicated WAE1 Incorporated has erected a to AE2 and the bow of HMAS Parramatta (I), commemorative bronze plaque, designed the last ship to have had contact with AE1 The Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms by Dr Ross Bastiaan, at the RAN Heritage before her disappearance. Quentin Bryce AC, laying a wreath at the newly Centre at Garden Island in Sydney. In her speech, the Governor-General paid unveiled AE1 Memorial Plaque. On 14 September 2011 (the 97th heed to the work of AE1 Incorporated. “On anniversary of the submarine’s loss), the behalf of all Australians, I sincerely praise yearn for the day the Navy family, and the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms the extraordinary effort and commitment of families of the Navy, can close the book on Quentin Bryce AC, jointly unveiled the the many individuals who have worked so this sad chapter. We can then celebrate their plaque with the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral long and so hard without reward,” she said. sacrifice. This plaque will serve to remind Ray Griggs, AM, CSC, RAN, in the presence “Urged on by their passion to find answers to us of the contribution of those 35 men who of a large number of descendants of the the AE1 mystery, but more by the need to pay gave their lives in the name of world peace. crew and members of the Submarine a final and respectful tribute to its crew. We We, and a thankful nation, salute them.”

They have derived a series of hypotheses for the loss and have endeavoured to find corroborative detail from these archives. SHARE THE EXPERIENCE Scenarios examined have ranged from enemy action to underwater collision and grounding, both surfaced and dived. Investigation WITH YOUR FAMILY! has included computer modelling of the effects of loss of buoyancy resulting from damage to ballast tanks. Steering gear failure, mechanical defects and battery explosions in other boats of the class have also been considered. The AE1 Incorporated team are confident that there will be a sound basis to recommend a search area with a high probability BRING THIS of success. Nonetheless, finding the wreck will be a challenging AD IN & RECEIVE task, particularly given the precipitous nature of the general area, * the strong tidal flows and the warm tropical water that is highly 20%y TOFFo All ENTR VESSElS um’S conducive to coral growth. muSE *Not valid with any other offer – 201203. Valid to Dec 2012. The organisation is developing a proposal to put to the Australian Government to undertake a thorough search for the submarine as the centenary of her loss approaches. The granting of deductible gift recipient status by the Minister for Defence The Big Ticket lets you explore our submarine; discover Stephen Smith MP on 14 September 2011 will mean that all BIG our big gun destroyer; experience the magnificent TICKET donations above A$2 towards this continued search can be replica of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour* and see claimed as an income tax deduction. our replica Dutch jacht and 1874 tall ship. (*when in port). It would be marvellous if the missing submarine could be found 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour in time for the commemoration of the centenary. Open 9.30 am–5 pm daily (6 pm in Jan)

NMM1141_NAV (02) 9298 3777 anmm.gov.au NAVY OUTLOOK Mick Toal

he RAN forms the cutting edge of this Border Protection Command (BPC) operation, which began in 2006 to protect Tour nation’s interests in the Australian Maritime Domain (AMD). This effectively takes in 10 per cent of the world’s oceans, from the Indian Ocean in the tropical north, to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean to the east, and down to the frigid climes of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. OPERATION BPC is a multi-agency taskforce, which uses assets assigned from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Defence, exercising powers under the Customs Act, Migration Act and Fisheries Management Act to protect Australia’s RESOLUTE Exclusive Economic Zone. Over the past five years, Operation RESOLUTE’s most visible Sunday 17 July 2011 may have been just another day enforcers have been the RAN’s 14 Armidale class patrol boats, with for hundreds of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel at least seven of these vessels patrolling Australia’s northern offshore aboard vessels in Australian waters, but the date marked maritime areas on any given day. The ships work hand in hand with a significant milestone in the history of our nation’s government agencies and each year provide up to 3000 patrol days most comprehensive and ambitious border protection as part of the BPC-coordinated national surveillance effort. Regardless, while the sleek Armidale class ships are integral operation – the fifth anniversary of Operation RESOLUTE. to operations, they are but one part of a much bigger and more formidable team. This includes the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft that provide aerial surveillance of Australia’s north-west and northern approaches; the Australian Army Regional Force Surveillance Unit patrols, which conduct land-based Attack Five conducting boarding training security operations, and a Navy Major Fleet Unit that is always on onboard HMAS Armidale (II) during an standby for northern waters response. Other RAN vessels, including Operation RESOLUTE patrol. minehunters, also complete patrols as required.

72 Until June 2011, even the crews of individual RAN ships were often not exclusively Navy – as many as 37 RAAF or Army personnel could be aboard as a Transit Security Element (TSE) to secure crafts that had been deemed to be Suspected Illegal Entry Vessels (SIEVs) by a Navy boarding party and were under tow. Each TSE served a Sailors, soldiers, airmen and three month deployment and personnel could airwomen teaming up to mark five be allocated to Customs vessels as well as years of Operation RESOLUTE at Navy ships. HMAS Coonawarra. When the Customs Charter Vessel is unavailable, a major RAN fleet unit and vessel patrols the IN AUGUST FISHERMEN CAUGHT IN THE NET Southern Ocean. 2006, A LARGE In August 2006, a large Indonesian flagged fishing boat was INDONESIAN apprehended after it was intercepted inside the Australian Fishing COMMAND AND CONTROL FLAGGED Zone. Following initial detection by a Coastwatch aircraft, HMAS In 2006, Operation RESOLUTE FISHING Launceston (II) apprehended the vessel on 22 August and escorted consolidated previous Australian Defence BOAT WAS it to Darwin on 24 August for further investigation by the Australian Force (ADF) operations including Operation APPREHENDED Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). RELEX II (SIEVs), Operation CRANBERRY AFTER IT WAS The boat was a steel-hulled stern trawler, similar to two Chinese (illegal fishing and smuggling), Operation INTERCEPTED vessels caught earlier in the year. Initial investigations found significant CELESTE and MISTRAL (patrols of Australia’s INSIDE THE quantities of reef fish, estimated at 15 tonnes, onboard. The AUSTRALIAN southern ocean), along with patrols protecting apprehension of a vessel of this size was a major blow against those FISHING ZONE. Australia’s gas and oil infrastructure. attempting to fish illegally in Australian waters. Commander BPC Rear Admiral David In September of the next year, illegal fishermen became some Johnston, RAN coordinates and controls of Operation RESOLUTE’s biggest catches when 61 vessels were both Defence and Customs assets out of brought into Darwin for investigation in a single weekend. HMAS Pirie BPC headquarters in Canberra. Based in (II) detected, intercepted and boarded vessels in the Australian Fishing Darwin, the Deputy Commander of Operation Zone, in the vicinity of Evans Shoal, north of Darwin on 14 September RESOLUTE Air Commodore Ken Watson is 2007. AFMA officers requested that fresh trepang found onboard be responsible at the frontline for ADF assets returned to the ocean and that the vessels be brought into Darwin functioning under the operation. for investigation. HMAS Maitland (II) took over from Pirie to escort the The Border Protection Command fishers into port. The 57 crew were handed over to Customs officers Intelligence Centre processes and analyses on arrival into Darwin for processing and transfer to Department of information and intelligence relating to Immigration and Citizenship custody. offshore maritime areas, focusing on the Also on 14 September, a Customs Coastwatch aircraft spotted a following civil maritime security threats: foreign fishing shark boat inside the Australian Fishing Zone, east of • Illegal exploitation of natural resources; Cape York. The Australian Customs Vessel Botany Bay intercepted • Illegal activity in protected areas; and boarded the shark boat approximately 60 nautical miles south of • Unauthorised maritime arrivals; Thursday Island. The four crew were taken to Weipa for processing by • Prohibited imports and exports; Customs before being transferred to Darwin for further investigation. • Maritime terrorism; “The continued success of these operations is due to commitment • Piracy, robbery or violence at sea; of all agencies involved to protect the Australian Fishing Zone against • Compromise to bio-security; and illegal activity,” Deputy ADF Commander BPC Air Commodore Ian • Marine pollution. Meyn, RAAF said at the time.

73 marine life. While this was an easy task in theory, the execution proved to be another story. Using the fo’c’sle’s capstans, lines were rigged in a pulley system to heave the net in. While this worked initially, the net’s sheer weight began to take its toll, forcing it to break under its own mass and fall back Chief Petty Officer Raymond Macey from into the sea. The evolution became more HMAS Gascoyne (II) working to release a challenging when, in addition to the pulley struggling shovelnose ray from a gillnet. system, strops were attached to the stores crane to lift the bulk of the soaking, heavy

MARINE LIFE SAVED AND SET FREE net out of the water. After four hours of ALL SEEMED On 6 March 2007, minehunter HMAS Gascoyne (II) lived up to careful juggling, the crew finally succeeded ROUTINE in bringing the last portion of netting onto her motto, ‘Return to the Sea’, when the crew released a number of WHEN THE the deck. marine life back into the ocean after discovering them entangled in INDONESIAN a three kilometre gillnet. Gascoyne and Australian Customs Vessel VESSEL, LATER THE SIEV 36 INCIDENT Storm Bay had responded to a Coastwatch sighting in the Gulf of DESIGNATED Carpentaria and, after locating and apprehending an illegal fishing SIEV 36, WAS All seemed routine when the Indonesian vessel, further inspection of the area found the gillnet stretched INTERCEPTED vessel, later designated SIEV 36, was across the ocean floor. BY HMAS intercepted by HMAS Albany at Ashmore “We managed to haul the massive net onboard Gascoyne and ALBANY AT Reef in the Timor Sea early in the morning were able to release marine life, which had been trapped and were ASHMORE of 15 April 2009. At just before 10am, a six struggling to break free,” said Lieutenant Commander Max Muller, REEF IN THE person boarding party ascertained there TIMOR SEA Commanding Officer of HMAS Gascoyne. “At the end of the day, were 47 Afghan asylum seekers and two EARLY IN THE the final tally of marine life rescued was 22 shovelnose rays, three Indonesian crew aboard the vessel. MORNING OF stingrays and an adult loggerhead turtle. Unfortunately the crew At 12:48pm, HMAS Albany began to 15 APRIL 2009. could not save all the creatures found entangled in the net, as a tow SIEV 36 towards Christmas Island, and further nine shovelnose rays were found deceased.” was taken over by HMAS Childers before Just prior to this, on 5 March 2007, Gascoyne rescued a dawn the following day. The asylum seekers loggerhead turtle that was tangled in empty plastic bottles and became agitated when Childers arrived, string. The turtle was released by the crew and immediately swam and at 7:22am SIEV 36’s engine stopped away. and a strong smell of petrol was reported Meanwhile, Saturday 22 September 2007 was unlike any other on the ship. Officers signalled a ‘high threat’ day of ‘patrolling the line’ during Operation RESOLUTE for the and reinforcements were despatched, as a Hydrographic Ship Blue crew, who were embarked in HMAS Melville lighter was wrestled from an asylum seeker (II). Thanks to the keen gunnery eyes of the watchperson on deck, a apparently trying to detonate the petrol. fishing net was discovered abandoned in the middle of the Arafura Mayhem followed. At 7:45am, SIEV Sea. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a number of 36 exploded with nine ADF personnel turtles were entangled. More importantly, they were still alive. aboard, some of whom were injured. HMAS The rescue of these protected marine creatures quickly became Childers signalled mass Safety of Life at Sea a mission for the whole crew when, just like an iceberg, it was (SOLAS) emergency as severely injured found that at least three quarters of the discarded net was below passengers and crew fell or were blown the waterline. It was ‘all hands on deck’ aboard HMAS Melville to into the water from the stricken vessel. By successfully juggle the tricky task of releasing the five trapped turtles 8:35am, ADF personnel retrieved the last before hauling in the massive net to prevent the capture of further body from the water. Three asylum seekers

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were dead. The bodies of two more were helm of Albany’s rigid-hulled inflatable boat coordination back at Headquarters Northern unable to be recovered, but they too were (RHIB) with two crew members to render Command and beyond – it was a whole team presumed drowned. At least 30 survivors assistance. effort,” says Petty Officer Hetherington. suffered serious burns. HMAS Childers “We were last to launch and headed Able Seaman Michael Lordan, RAN, says steamed away from the scene carrying the straight for the transom of the SIEV to start he was humbled by the award, but agrees worst injured, who were flown to hospital from getting people off,” he says. “It was still on that it was a team effort. “I am stunned a bit the Front Puffin oil rig. A Coroner’s Inquest fire and people were jumping off into the (to get the award). It was not something I had would later find the explosion was the result of water; about a dozen of them could not expected, given there were so many of us a fire that had been deliberately lit. swim and it was a very chaotic situation. working hard on that day,” he says. In August 2011, the swift, decisive and Fear never crossed our minds – we just “I was in the initial boarding team when professional work of 15 RAN personnel had to get them off because they had no we first boarded and after the explosion I involved in the tragedy was recognised choice.” was in the rescue boat that pulled a number by the Governor-General, Her Excellency “It wasn’t just us that day, it was of deceased people out of the water. We Ms Quentin Bryce AC. The sailors were the supplies dropped from the air, the rescued a number of severely injured people out of the water and then we approached the BELOW: Survivors of the SIEV 36 explosion receiving treatment under the flight deck of Front Puffin. burning vessel and collected people off that INSET: HMAS Albany closing in on the scene as RAN rigid-hulled inflatable boats rescue survivors too – we just wanted to save as many lives as from the water after an explosion aboard SIEV 36 in 2009. possible because that is our job.” Able Seaman Quinton Boorman says he will cherish the award for himself and on behalf of his Navy mates. “It was a group effort, it wasn’t just me, it was a whole lot of people pulling together in trying circumstances,” he says. “We were just doing the job that we had been trained for.”

BELOW: Leading Seaman Matthew Keogh received a Bravery Medal for his efforts after SIEV 36 exploded in 2009.

included in a group of 18 ADF personnel acknowledged and awarded a Group Bravery Citation for their efforts after SIEV 36 exploded. One of these personnel, Leading Seaman Matthew Keogh, RAN, also received the Bravery Medal for his contribution. The citation praised the entire group for reacting “swiftly and professionally” when rescuing people in the water and onboard the burning vessel. Petty Officer Paul Hetherington, RAN, who is currently serving on Operation RESOLUTE with Assail Two, says he immediately knew “something was amiss” and scrambled to the NAVY OUTLOOK Emma Kelly

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) EXERCISE undertook one of its most important training activities of 2011 in July when around 1400 Navy personnel took part in TALISMAN Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 (TS11). SABRE 2011

ALISMAN SABRE is the largest joint TALISMAN SABRE is jointly sponsored by training program conducted by the the US Pacific Command and Australian TAustralian and United States defence Defence Force (ADF) Joint Operations forces, and is undertaken every other year Command to train the US 7th Fleet and in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Australian Deployable Joint Headquarters adjacent maritime areas. It was launched in staff as a designated combined task 2005 when two smaller training exercises – force. The exercise is a major undertaking TANDEM THRUST and CROCODILE – were that reflects the closeness of the alliance merged to form one biennial combined between Australia and the US and the exercise between the two countries. strength of the ongoing relationship

HMAS Sirius during Exercise TS11.

76 NAVY OUTLOOK

Sarelle Woodward (second left), Commander Phillip Henry (third right) and Captain Grant Prendergast (second right) with their US counterparts from the CTF 660 planning cell onboard USS Blue Ridge during Exercise TS11.

to practice combined and joint defence capability between the two countries. “This is a major undertaking which reflects the closeness of the Australian and US alliance and the strength of the military-to-military relationship,” he says. between the countries’ defence forces. Such a joint training exercise is a vital The 2011 training program, which took element in maintaining close ties between place between 11 and 29 July and was led the forces, agrees Vice Admiral Scott Van by the US, was slightly smaller than the last Buskirk, Commander of the US 7th Fleet event in 2009, but no less effective. It involved and overall combined Joint Task Force more than 22,000 Australian and US defence Commander. “By exercising together we personnel – 14,000 US and 8500 Australian will increase interoperability, flexibility and – alongside 18 sea vessels, 150 aircraft and readiness which will help us maintain peace 1500 road vehicles. and stability in the Pacific,” he says. TALISMAN SABRE is devised to train TS11 was conducted at ADF training Australian and US forces in planning and facilities throughout Queensland and conducting combined task force operations in the Northern Territory (NT), including the order to improve bilateral combat readiness Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central and interoperability across the spectrum of Queensland, Townsville Field Training Area, military operations, from conventional conflict Delamere Range Facility (NT) and Bradshaw to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance Field Training Area (NT), air space over the efforts. It is part of the ADF’s extensive training northern part of the Northern Territory, port program, designed to ensure the force is facilities in Queensland, and adjacent waters prepared to protect and support Australia and in the Coral, Timor and Arafura seas. its national interests. “The purpose of TS11 was to train US 12.7mm rounds ready to be loaded onto the and Australian joint task force and operations 50 calibre machine gun on the gun direction staff in crisis planning to conduct contingency platform of HMAS Ballarat (II). operations. TS11 provided an opportunity to work together in a combined and joint environment, test interoperability and to refine procedures and doctrine,” says the Australian Department of Defence. Such exercises ensure that ADF personnel are better prepared for deployment into areas of conflict and crisis by enhancing their high-end warfighting skills. Brigadier Bob Brown, the Australian spokesman for TALISMAN SABRE, says the exercise is a unique and invaluable opportunity NAVY OUTLOOK

The program consisted of preparatory planning in accordance with theatre planning processes, including training followed by more intensive TS11 MARKED capability, proficiency, training and interoperability; deploy a tactical training in real world scenarios, THE LAST maritime-based joint task force for the planning and conduct of all designed to test interoperability MAJOR joint operations in a littoral setting; benchmark and improve RAN between the ADF and US forces and to EXERCISE warfighting capabilities; validate RAN maritime warfare and ADF refine defence procedures. This included FOR THE RAN amphibious doctrine; maintain maritime warfighting capability and exercising the combined joint force in WESTLAND proficiency in core mariner skills, professional standards and safety; SEA KING air, surface and sub-surface warfare, and derive maximum individual and unit training benefit, including MK 50 FLEET, mine countermeasures, explosive live fire activities. WHICH ordnance disposal and logistics. Training exercises undertaken in TS11 built upon the foundations RETIRED AT Tactical development activities were also THE END OF of previous years. For the first time, one of the RAN’s upgraded programmed according to a defence 2011 AFTER Adelaide class frigates, HMAS Darwin, was embedded with the US spokesperson. MORE THAN Navy’s USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group. The crew of RAN vessels and equipment used in 35 YEARS OF another RAN frigate based in Sydney manned the Guided Missile the training activities included the ANZAC SERVICE. Frigate (FFG) simulator facility at HMAS Watson and was involved and Adelaide class frigates, HMA Ships as a virtual exercise participant. There was also an amphibious Ballarat (II), Darwin, Newcastle, Perth landing by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit on Freshwater Beach, (III) and Sydney (IV); the Huon class Queensland, which involved more than 15 amphibious assault minehunters, HMA Ships Diamantina vehicles and 350 marines and sailors. (II) Gascoyne (II); afloat support ship Another TS11 exercise involved the 816 Squadron Seahawk HMAS Sirius; heavy landing crafts, HMA helicopters hunting US submarines. During the training, three Ships Tarakan (II) and Wewak; Armidale Seahawks and a detachment of 85 RAN personnel were based class patrol boat HMAS Childers; three at Bundaberg Airport conducting anti-submarine and surface Sikorsky S-70B Seahawks and three warfare operations with the United States Navy (USN). Working with

© Commonwealth of Australia Mk 50 helicopters. Australian and USN ships, the squadron dropped sonar buoys into Rolls-Royce design vessels, Some 1097 personnel embarked in ships the water and used the Seahawk helicopters’ onboard acoustic, supply systems and were involved, along with 162 individual radar and infrared systems to pursue the submarines. deliver support solutions. augmentees, 160 naval aviation personnel “We conducted a number of serialised and war-ex events. and 12 members from RAN Clearance Sometimes the submarine made itself easy to find, other times it Diving Teams One and Four. was very difficult to find. TS11 has provided us with valuable anti- According to the Department of submarine warfare training,” says Lieutenant Commander Helen Defence, the RAN had six core objectives Anderson, Detachment Commander and Operations Officer for for TS11: to practice deliberate joint 816 Squadron. “As always, it has been good operating with the Americans. They train to the same high standards as we do and we didn’t have any issues working with them. In fact, working with HMAS Newcastle, HMCS Ottawa and USS them was almost as smooth as with one of our own Australian Navy McCampbell (DDG 85) conducting Officer of the ships.” Watch manoeuvres while en route to TS11. TS11 marked the last major exercise for the RAN Westland Sea King Mk 50 fleet, which retired at the end of 2011 after more than Rolls-Royce has been providing through life support, supplying applications around the world. Each vessel is equipped with 35 years of service. Three Sea Kings, normally based at HMAS equipment and designing vessels for over 40 years. Innovative integrated Rolls-Royce propulsion, automation and motion control Albatross air station, were flown to the exercise area at Shoalwater designs are today breaking new ground in efficiency and emissions systems and deck machinery when required, including all-electric Bay, where their main role was to assist the Combined Force Logistic in the offshore and commercial sectors. These fl exible designs are replenishment-at-sea systems. From initial design, to tailored Component and Combined Force Maritime Component Commander evolving to fulfi l a range of coastguard, naval support and logistics through-life support you can trust Rolls-Royce to deliver a roles, and provide low-risk and cost effective solutions for naval complete solution. Trusted to deliver excellence with resupply and logistics tasks. In addition, Australian Clearance Diving Teams (ACDT) Three and Four, comprising six members each, worked with a US mobile unit

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NavyOutlook_halfpageAd_final_V2.indd 1 18/11/2011 16:07 during the exercise, and were responsible for clearance of the surface and underwater areas of the wharves, ship-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and conventional explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). ACDT equipment includes the RE70 Disrupter, which can be deployed either close up or at a significant distance from the target. The RE70 can be configured HMAS Ballarat (II)’s five inch gun firing a barrage during a naval gunfire support exercise as part as a disarmer for firing a range of solid of Exercise TS11. projectiles or a disrupter for firing various fluid and frangible projectiles. Clearance air combat operations. Several military and trained alongside each other at sea, on the divers also use the Talon EOD robot, which humanitarian assistance scenarios were ground and in the air. In doing so, we have is controlled by radio or line from a portable also conducted with US and Australian developed new and lasting friendships or wearable control unit that provides interagency participation. between us and our US counterparts. The continuous data and video feedback for Ultimately, according to both Australian deep and enduring bond between the precise vehicle positioning. and US forces, TS11 was a great success. people of our armed forces has only been Other TALISMAN SABRE training “This exercise has been two years in enhanced by the successful conduct of activities included urban operations, the planning and we have had a highly Exercise TS11,” he says. strategic forced insertion by a parachute successful outcome,” says Brigadier Planning is already underway for the drop, refugee camp simulations and air-to- Brown. “We have worked, eaten and 2013 exercise.

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NavyOutlook_halfpageAd_final_V2.indd 1 18/11/2011 16:07 NAVY OUTLOOK Grant McDuling

LIFE OF A MARINE TECHNICIAN

There’s something about machinery – big machinery – that is ithout a fully functioning engine, a Royal Australian Navy incredibly captivating. This doesn’t mean just massive lumps of (RAN) ship is nothing but a lifeless hulk. When the engine metal, but rather essential, breathing things that function as the heart Whas been shut down, the ship has a ‘dead’ feel about it, of any ship. In fact, ask anyone who works with them, and they will but as soon as it has been fired up, things start to happen. The ship tell you that these machines are more than that; they are both the comes to life. heart and the soul of a vessel. These days, ship machinery is a far cry from what it used to be even a few short decades ago. It is more powerful, efficient and clean, requiring less manpower to run and maintain. Despite this, it also necessitates a far higher level of expertise and technical know- how to ensure performance at the highest standard. Today, the men and women who make up this important branch of the RAN are not thought of as ‘knuckle-draggers’, ‘grease monkeys’, stokers or mechanics. Rather, they are highly respected marine technicians, and there is something about what they do

Able Seaman Marine Technician Jacob Evans in the engine room of HMAS Perth (III).

80 for a living that most outsiders find simply fascinating. Leading Seaman Marine Technician (LSMT) Nathan Williams, RAN, an experienced marine technician based at Fleet Support Unit Sydney, speaks a little more about life in the branch.

What is it about big machinery that you find so appealing? I think it is the size; something so large, powerful and expensive, and I’m the guy fixing it. You need to follow things to the letter with them. When working with massive pieces of machinery like gas turbines or diesel generators, I derive a lot of pride and satisfaction, and it’s something one wouldn’t normally ABOVE: LSMT Nathan Williams performing get to work on outside Navy. maintenance on a ship supply diesel generator. INSET: Able Seaman Marine

What is special about ships’ Technician Daniel Power inspecting engines in particular? one of the electrical terminals in HMAS They are all marinised with Waller’s weapons stowage compartment. salt water running through them. They are also found in extremely What are the requirements to confined spaces and are difficult qualify as a marine technician? to work on as a result. You’d often When I joined back in 1996, have to dismantle an engine and things were different to what they drag it through hatches and up steep are now. I did, however, go to Recruit School and then spent 14 ladders, which makes the job challenging. THESE months doing category training before being posted to a ship. These I recently had to pull an 800 kilogram fire DAYS, SHIP days, things are more sophisticated due to new technology. pump from a ship and haul it up four flights MACHINERY IS A of stairs to get it onto the deck, all of which FAR CRY FROM Do you receive the same pay as other sailors, or do you get WHAT IT USED makes working on ships’ engines so much recognised for your technical qualifications? TO BE EVEN A harder and more time consuming than other In the Navy, we have different pay grades, so everything FEW SHORT types of engines. depends on your rank and rate. As technical specialists, we get DECADES AGO. IT IS MORE rewarded financially, but we are also rewarded for our ability to Did you join the Navy knowing you POWERFUL, supervise. I train new recruits, something that helps keep me up-to- wanted to be a marine technician? EFFICIENT date as well. My family is a military family going back AND CLEAN, to my great grandfather. My brother is in the REQUIRING Is it dangerous working down in the engine room of a ship? Navy and I wanted to follow him. However, LESS Yes, it certainly is. For a start, there are the low deckheads and due to my eyesight, I was offered a job MANPOWER overhead pipes, valves and things like that. Then there are all the as a marine technician, which I jumped TO RUN AND steep ladders and trip hazards. I have had quite a few falls over at – being an old farmhand I was always MAINTAIN. the years. Chain blocking can also be dangerous, so you have to involved with technical things. believe in yourself and your capabilities. You really do need to be

81 NAVY OUTLOOK

competent in order to move an engine. That outside Navy, then your qualifications, from said, the RAN has very strict safety controls Certificate III to post graduate degrees, in place, such as comprehensive hazard are nationally recognised for civilian assessments and reporting chains so that employment. dangerous activities are only permitted after being fully risk assessed and approved by What career path is there for a marine the chain of command. Safety is the main technician? consideration as you have to struggle with I think there is an excellent career path. things like moving large pieces of machinery You first need to get your competency log along narrow passageways and through signed off, and once you have done that, hatches, all while contending with a rocking progression can be quite quick. Of course, a ship! What’s more, you might also have to lot will depend on the person. deal with a lack of sleep, especially if you’re at action stations. What prospects are there for promotion in the branch? What are the advantages of qualifying as Prospects are really good. We are short a marine technician? of supervisors and experienced personnel. It’s a very specialised job so if it is a naval career you’re after, then it’s perfect. How does the job compare to Petty Officer Marine Technician Tammy The course is formatted extremely well. If something similar in the private sector? Sprott in the engine room of HMAS Sirius you are looking to progress your career I’ve worked before as part of during Exercise TRITON STORM 2.

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Navy Outlook - 04.11.11.indd 1 11/4/2011 1:51:45 PM maintenance teams on outside jobs and found that we are more Explain a typical day as a marine specialised and sophisticated. I think we also have far more pride in I FIND IT’S technician out at sea. our jobs, probably because of the uniform we wear. I find it’s much MUCH LIKE We are split into two types of marine like working on my own home when I’m at sea, and this I think tends WORKING ON technicians: there are the day-hands and MY OWN HOME to make us work harder and with more pride. the watch-keepers. The day-hands do all the WHEN I’M AT repairs, maintenance jobs and that sort of SEA, AND THIS Do you feel tempted to leave the Navy at some stage and work thing, whereas the watch-keepers work four I THINK TENDS in the private sector? TO MAKE US hours on, eight hours off. The watch-keepers I’m not driven by money as it’s job satisfaction that I’m after. Here WORK HARDER run the machinery. They do machinery I get free medical, dental and help with my rent. This is something AND WITH rounds, maintain the control panels, that my mates outside Navy just can’t comprehend. MORE PRIDE. sort of thing. I prefer being a watch-keeper because, when I’m off watch, the time is my What does a career in the Navy offer you that the private sector own. I find this more fulfilling. doesn’t? I get to travel for free, and I get to visit overseas countries with a What does the future look like for your bunch of mates. This is something outside firms wouldn’t offer. branch? With all the new ships due in the next few Has the branch changed since you joined? years, the future is very exciting. I foresee Experience-wise, yes. When I joined it was far more regimented. good postings and good overseas trips. But These days, new recruits tend not to respect the uniform as much as the thing I am looking forward to most is that we did and they see it more as a nine to five job. we are all going to have to learn together.

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ENDURANCE

Navy Outlook - 04.11.11.indd 1 11/4/2011 1:51:45 PM          NAVY OUTLOOK Mick Toal

Chaplains are an integral part of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and, on the eve of their centenary of service, their calling is as relevant today for the men and women serving at sea as it ever has been. 100 YEARS OF NAVAL CHAPLAINCY haplains are often among the care. They provide the ministry on behalf of the Church in which they THE PURPOSE Navy’s most visible members, are ordained. Additionally, because of the many different religious OF THE RAN’S presiding over national and traditions and faith groups found within the military environment, a C CHAPLAINCY international events and commemorations. BRANCH IS TO Navy chaplain must also facilitate religious ministry and effective On most occasions, however, their vital role ATTEND TO pastoral care for all RAN personnel even if they do not identify with also places them among its quietest and THE SPIRITUAL the Chaplain’s own church, or indeed with any formal faith or church. most understated achievers. RAN Director NEEDS OF “The highly mobile lifestyle of Navy families often results in General Chaplaincy – Navy, Principal MEMBERS OF only temporary attachment to local churches, so more reliance is Chaplain Garry Lock, CSC, RAN, sums up THE NAVY, AND often placed on Navy chaplains to provide pastoral care, personal this position: TO PROVIDE THE guidance and help in crisis situations, and calls for assistance with “The purpose of the RAN’s Chaplaincy OPPORTUNITY family occasions such as marriages, baptisms and funerals. Branch is to attend to the spiritual needs AND FACILITIES “Chaplains therefore lead worship in all its forms including formal of members of the Navy, and to provide FOR THE ceremonies like ANZAC Day, provide pastoral care to all, and teach PROPER the opportunity and facilities for the proper character and personal development courses at the Australian OBSERVANCE observance of the practice of religion. When Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and naval training establishments OF THE young men and women enter the Navy, they HMAS Cerberus and HMAS Creswell. They also run ‘Lifeskilling’ and PRACTICE OF are separated from the influence of home RELIGION. ‘Faith Under Fire’ courses for all Navy people.” and the local place of worship with which they have been associated. A BIT OF HISTORY “RAN chaplains are required to provide The rich history of RAN chaplains begins on 17 June 1912, a religious ministry, which is comprehensive when a formal agreement on the appointment of chaplains with the and is a highly specialised field of pastoral Anglican and Protestant Churches, and a separate agreement with the Roman Catholic Church, were both given ministerial approval. Just over a month later, on 8 August 1912, the Reverend Garnet Eric Shaw (Anglican) and the Reverend Alexander Tulloh (Presbytarian) were commissioned by the RAN. The first Catholic Chaplain, Patrick Gibbons, was commissioned soon after, on 16 August 1912. By the end of 1913, a nucleus of full time chaplains had been joined by 63 reservists in most ports around the country. After less than nine months in uniform, in January 1913, Chaplain Tulloh was standing on the deck of the fledgling RAN’s new HMAS Melbourne (I) at a dock in Liverpool, England, leading prayers and the singing of ‘God Save the King’ at the vessel’s commissioning ceremony. Melbourne was 456 feet long, displaced 5400 tons, had a speed of 23 knots and a crew of 485 men. She had NAVY OUTLOOK

TOP LEFT: Chaplain Ian Lindsay is the chaplain for HMAS Creswell and the Royal Australian Naval College. OPPOSITE BOTTOM LEFT: Principal Chaplain Garry Lock scattering soil on the coffin of the unknown serviceman from HMAS Sydney (II), who was laid to rest at the Geraldton War Cemetery.

HMAS Melbourne, which entered the harbour with other ships of her new fleet unit. A native of Portland in Victoria’s south-west, where he was an accomplished cricketer and captain of the Portland Federals, it would be a few years before Tulloh would see his hometown again. Throughout the next century, chaplains formed an integral part of the RAN’s rich history, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with officers and sailors through two World Wars and several other conflicts. A comprehensive history of the branch can be found in the book ‘Chaplains in the Royal Australian Navy: 1912 to the Vietnam War’, authored by Associate Professor Rowan Strong of Murdoch University.

SHARING THE BURDEN During World War II, two RAN chaplains were killed in action, one was taken prisoner by the Japanese and several others survived ship sinkings. The first RAN chaplain to be killed on active service was eight six inch guns, four three-pounders, DURING WORLD Anglican priest George Stubbs, who was one of the 645 crew of one 12-pounder, 10 heavy machine guns WAR II, TWO the Leander class light cruiser HMAS Sydney (II), which was lost and two 21 inch torpedo tubes. RAN CHAPLAINS with all hands after her fateful encounter with the German auxiliary Tulloh took charge of the ship’s sporting WERE KILLED IN cruiser Kormoran on 19 November 1941. One of the RAN’s most clubs, which on the maiden voyage to ACTION, ONE experienced chaplains, Stubbs had an eventful military career. A Australia included a cricket club, swimming WAS TAKEN New Zealander, he joined the RAN at age 31 in 1915 and served club, rifle club and an Australian football PRISONER BY aboard HMAS Encounter (I) and HMAS Brisbane (I) during World club. He also ran the seamen’s library, THE JAPANESE War I, and on HMAS Tingira between the wars. began school lessons for the illiterates and AND SEVERAL Stubbs served in the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy senior sailors seeking promotion, arranged OTHERS from 1921-26 before returning to Australia with the intention of SURVIVED SHIP communal singing, and gave lectures on leaving naval life behind for a shore parish. However, a shortage of SINKINGS. a range of topics. Other duties when the naval chaplains saw Stubbs return to the RAN for a five year tenure, ship arrived in Australia included visiting with special ministerial approval given for him to serve beyond his the crewmen if they were hospitalised and compulsory retirement age of 45 years. their parents’ homes when the ship was in In the interwar years, Stubbs served for short periods at HMAS the appropriate port, answering letters from Cerberus naval base, HMAS Adelaide (I), HMAS Australia (II) and anxious families, organising ship visits from HMAS Penguin naval base in Sydney, where he was stationed at various parties (such as school children), the outbreak of World War II. He was appointed to HMAS Sydney (II) listening to the woes and family strife of the in October 1941, at the age of 57, just four weeks before the light crew, and visiting the ship’s sick bay and cruiser’s final battle. Stubbs replaced Vivian Thompson, who had cells. been the ship’s chaplain since 1938. With the storm clouds of war gathering, The second chaplain lost in World War II was English-born Chaplain Tulloh sailed to Sydney aboard Anglican priest Ronald Bevington, a Cambridge graduate and keen

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F_LADS_95x124.indd 1 07-11-11 08:48 NAVY OUTLOOK rower, who joined the RAN in 1939 and was memoirs, entitled ‘Railroad’. special service officers at the Royal posted to HMAS Perth (I) – a cruiser of the Also during World War II, on 9 August Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell at same class as Sydney – in June 1940, one 1942, Chaplain Laurence Nash survived Jervis Bay, which qualifies them to function month before his 30th birthday. the sinking of HMAS Canberra (I) off as part of the crew when deployed at As fate would have it, Perth would have Guadalcanal in the , which sea. Despite this, RAN chaplains are now two chaplains aboard for its ill-fated final resulted in the loss of 84 hands. Likewise, essentially administered by the ADF and action against overwhelming Japanese Chaplain Ernest Laverick was one of only complete their final training at the Defence forces at the Sunda Strait on 1 March 1942. 64 survivors aboard Australian Hospital Force Chaplains College, which is part The second was Chaplain Keith Mathieson, Ship (AHS) Centaur, which was torpedoed of the Army Logistic Training Centre near a Methodist, who was a ‘sea-rider’ en route by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Albury/Wodonga. Similarly, despite RAN to his posting on HMAS Hobart (I). Queensland on 12 May 1943. chaplains being well qualified to go to sea, Of Perth’s 681 crew, Bevington and they are now just as likely to be deployed to Mathieson were among 328 members A PROUD TRADITION OF SERVICE a landlocked desert location as part of an who survived the ship’s bloody encounter Chaplains continue to serve the ADF headquarters. and made it into the water. A weakened RAN aboard vessels at sea, at shore Regardless, perhaps the biggest Bevington drowned a few days later while establishments and as part of Australian change to RAN chaplaincy in recent years attempting to swim ashore to Sangiang Defence Force (ADF) contingents deployed – an innovation the Reverend Alexander Island, and Mathieson was among those in all parts of the world. Although the Tulloh would not have foreseen in 1912 – is crew members taken prisoner by the RAN chaplains maintain a proud tradition that positions are now open to women. Imperial Japanese Army, of whom only established throughout a century of service In 2006, Christine Senini became the first an estimated 229 survived after facing to the Navy, there have been some changes female full time RAN chaplain, and deployed harrowing privations. in recent years. operationally in 2008 when she joined Rohan Rivett, who got to know Chaplains complete the intensive Operation CATALYST in the Middle East Mathieson well during his three and a half Reserve Entry Officers Course alongside aboard HMAS Parramatta (IV). years in captivity, wrote: “In the prison camps of the Burma Chaplain Christine Senini, the first female full time RAN chaplain, delivering a service at the jungle, few men were to do so much to Kranji Cemetery. maintain morale and aid the sick as the slender, bearded figure who became known to one and all, quite simply, as ‘Padre’. “Despite his own illness, he was untiring in his attention to the sick men lying miserably on the bare bamboo slats of the ‘hospital’ huts. His ready smile, his kindness and unflagging energy were an inspiration. “He organised discussion groups and Bible study circles in addition to the normal church services whenever the Nips would allow us to hold them.” On 19 September 1945, Mathieson was released from captivity and wrote of his arrival back home in the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury: “There at the gate stood the wife I had not seen for nearly four years; at the doorway was my mother; I was home.” Four years later, Mathieson composed his NAVY OUTLOOK Tara Sena-Becker

Bravery. Perseverance. Physical fitness. Mental strength. Teamwork. Grit. Determination. Such are the qualities required of a clearance diver – one of the most dangerous and challenging, yet equally respected and valued, defence professions in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). NAVY CLEARANCE DIVERS: UNITED UNDERWATER

hile specialist naval diver units first emerged during World OUR BRANCH draws most people in,” says Lieutenant War II, the Clearance Diving Branch of the RAN was IS KNOWN TO Commander Dawe, who took command Wofficially formed in 1951, with the primary role of “location, BE ONE OF of CDT1 in January 2011. “The other thing identification and disposal of mines underwater”. Its secondary THE MOST of course is the challenge. Our branch is role included “underwater maintenance, training of the Fleet in DEMANDING known to be one of the most demanding ship defence against saboteurs, beach reconnaissance and minor BRANCHES IN branches in the Navy, both mentally and salvage.” THE NAVY, BOTH physically.” Since these early beginnings, the function of a Navy clearance MENTALLY AND Considering the events of last year diver has continued to evolve, encompassing an ever expanding PHYSICALLY. alone, ‘challenge’ is certainly the term that variety of challenging roles and responsibilities. According to springs to mind. From the very beginning Lieutenant Commander Brett Dawe, RAN, Commanding Officer of of 2011, operational tempo was extremely Australian Clearance Diving Team One (CDT1), these duties include high in the Australian clearance diving everything from mine countermeasures diving missions, explosive teams, with deployments to Afghanistan, ordnance disposal (EOD) and improvised explosive device (IED) the Gulf region, Vanuatu, Papua disposal, through to underwater battle damage repair, enhanced New Guinea, Singapore and boarding capabilities and maritime tactical operations. Malaysia to name a few. “The sheer variety in any normal working year that you get out “This year, CDT1 had quite of a clearance diving team is a lot of fun, and I guess that’s what a few people rotate through operations in Afghanistan to support EOD and IED disposal. We now push people up to 20 EOD Squadron to assist their operations to Afghanistan as well,” says Lieutenant Commander Dawe. “We’ve also supported a number of rotations of enhanced boarding capability

INSET: Lieutenant Commander Brett Dawe, RAN, Commanding Officer of Navy Clearance Diving Team One. LEFT: Australian Clearance Diving Team One staff photo at HMAS Waterhen. ABOVE: POCD Brenton Walters showing Rabaul locals the remote triggering unit used to detonate WWII ordnance as part of Operation RENDER SAFE 2011. BELOW: Australian Clearance Diving Team Four conducting training for operational duties at HMAS Stirling. to the Gulf region with the major fleet units – they’re the guys that do not on the ball and able to think no matter FROM THE VERY the counter-piracy and anti-terrorist type boarding activities.” what the conditions are or how tired you BEGINNING “On another level, we’ve been involved with Operation RENDER OF 2011, are, then you’re going to put the whole team SAFE throughout the region. This year, the main pushes have been OPERATIONAL into danger. What we need are ‘thinkers’ to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, where explosive remnants of TEMPO WAS who are also physically fit, determined and war are left behind, and it’s quite dangerous – as you can imagine – EXTREMELY able to work as a team,” says Lieutenant in the local villages. Just recently, for example, there was about a two HIGH IN THE Commander Dawe. and a half week operation in a local area around Rabaul. There were RAN CLEARANCE One individual who ticks all these boxes over 2000 bits of ordnance that the team was able to get rid of, so DIVING TEAMS. is Petty Officer Clearance Diver (POCD) that’s quite significant work. Michael Barnes, RAN. POCD Barnes joined “On the exercise front, we’ve been to a couple of international the RAN in July 1994, when he was just 16 exercises just recently. BERSAMA LIMA, for example, involves years and nine months old. After completing exercising with five different nations throughout the world. This year two and a half years as a seamanship sailor, we went to Singapore and Malaysia and concentrated on mine he changed over to the Clearance Diving countermeasures diving, EOD and IED with those guys. It’s a really good forum to see their level of capability and consider how they do their work. “In amongst all those major activities there’s quite a bit of ongoing training that we need to do to keep our skills up; military skills training where we go out bush into the field and practice our army skills for maybe five or six weeks on end.” In other words, forging a career as a Navy clearance diver is not for the faint of heart. While extensive training requirements certainly necessitate strong physical fitness, perhaps the more important condition is a high level of dedication, commitment and mental alertness. “In any aspect of the work that clearance divers do, if you’re NAVY OUTLOOK

Branch in 1997, completed his course at the end of that year and was posted into the diving team in 1998. He never looked back. Having returned from a nine month deployment in Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER at the end of June 2011, POCD Barnes speaks about his experiences as a RAN clearance diver.

Being a clearance diver is obviously quite a dangerous profession. Given that, why are so many Navy personnel drawn to the branch? I think for that very reason. It’s such a select bunch of guys who get to do it. After all, it’s not a job that just anyone who joins the Navy can walk into. You put yourself under a lot of pressure when you take on the training, and the reward at the end of it – to do this job – is fantastic. Personally, the fact that not many people can do the job was a pretty TOP: POCD Michael Barnes receiving his medals from Lieutenant Colonel Darren Huxley during a enticing factor in why I wanted to complete medal parade at Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. INSET: Leading Seaman Clearance the training. It sort of put me on a different Diver Tim Almond with an ammunition cache and insurgent weapons in Uruzgan Province, career path to where I was already heading. Southern Afghanistan. ABOVE: Able Seaman Imagery Specialist Jo Dilorenzo taking photographs at Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Afghanistan. What does your role as a Navy clearance diver entail? by the Taliban, whether these were on roads experience at times. You knew there was It depends on where you are within or in the green scrub area of Afghanistan. I enemy watching you and wanting to have the diving community. I’ve done pretty was pretty much a soldier for nine months, a crack at you, but all I cared about was much every facet of the diving branch, but patrolling around and clearing those that device. It was so peaceful to do it. I I’d say my main job now covers anything devices. loved it. from the ocean to the high water mark. That could be doing salvage work or mine Explosive ordnance disposal in Where would the other members of countermeasures, clearing of IEDs or Afghanistan certainly sounds risky! What your team be during this process? explosive ordnance disposal. goes through your head when you’re I think normally the guys would be with involved in that sort of operation? me, between 100 and 150 metres away. You recently returned from a nine month Excitement. For the first couple, my You get very isolated down there when stint in Afghanistan as part of Operation adrenalin was going through the roof, but you’re on your own. Most of the time you SLIPPER. Tell us a little more about what you after that it was probably the most peaceful can’t even see the guys out of the cordon, were doing there. of my clearance diving years. When I was and they generally can’t see you either. I was one of four navy divers over going down range and doing the jobs, You’re sort of at the mercy of the device there working with the Army. I was primarily I was all on my own. It was just me and you’re going to work on, and whoever else responsible for clearing of IEDs laid down the device, and that was a really surreal is watching, i.e. the Taliban.

90 NAVY OUTLOOK

How did you feel when you were first There seems to be a great camaraderie even got our own Facebook page and all deployed and landed in Afghanistan? Did that develops between the RAN clearance the guys are constantly on that, which keeps nerves kick in at all? divers. Did you experience that during your us in touch. I think prior to heading over there and time away? even when I first landed in the country, We definitely had a pretty close-knit You returned home from Operation I thought every step I took would be my bunch of guys. Within my patrol base, I SLIPPER in June 2011. What was it like last one. It wasn’t until I spent a couple of used to organise a ‘wheel spin’ – it was just being back? weeks out on the ground and got a feel for a wheel with numbers on it, so the guys I was very jumpy. You think you’ve the area that it all changed. One of my first would get together and buy numbers off the adjusted well and all of a sudden you hear experiences was the first patrol I went on – it wheel and we’d auction off prizes. I used to a noise that replicates something back was 12 and a half kilometres, in 38 degree order in computers and Sony PS3s, iPods overseas – your heart nearly pops out of heat, up and down hills, with all that weight and all that sort of stuff from the States; we your chest and you jump out of your seat. (close to 30 kilograms) on me. I thought ‘I had Americans on our base as well so I’d That happened to me a few times. But my can’t do this for nine months!’ then pretty give them money and they’d get it all in. reintegration back into normal society was much did the same thing the following day! Every fortnight, the whole base would pretty pretty good other than little things like that. That was my introduction to it. much come together and get involved with these wheel spins. The first couple that we What’s so rewarding about being a Navy In situations like that, you’d definitely did people wore their uniforms or their PT clearance diver? require a level of mental as well as physical gear, but by the last one everyone had crazy The diversity of the job is fantastic. fitness. outfits! That camaraderie and mateship And I’d say equally as rewarding as the I think that’s one thing I probably found that the guys had out there was just diversity and the work that we get to do is out about myself there. I was really crook at unbelievable. Everyone got involved in it. the guys that we’re working with. They’re all one stage; I dropped about 10 kilograms very like-minded and all here for the same just from a bug that was going around. I was Do you still keep in contact with the guys reason. It’s not so much the diving or getting so sick in fact that I had to walk in the guy’s you met over there? to blow stuff up; it’s pretty much about the footsteps in front of me just so I could see A lot of the guys I was overseas with are people you meet and work with. You’re in for where I was going. And then the guys found from Darwin. We all keep in contact. We’ve something different every day. an IED, and I had to deal with it. Being able to dig deep enough to go and do the job and put your sickness aside for a little while For those considering a career as a Navy clearance diver, Lieutenant Commander Brett – you can’t train for that. You can practice Dawe offers a few words of advice: “I’d say do as much research on clearance diving as and practice and practice but it’s not until you can. Make sure that the lifestyle and what we do suits, because it is a lot of effort to you get put in that situation for real, for the go to if, at the end of the day, you get to the front door and figure out you don’t want to be sake of all the guys with you, for their safety here. Keep fit. Be sure in your own mind that you want to do it. Go for it. There are no other as well, you have to hook in and do that job. requirements than ‘go for it’. We’ll decide for you whether or not you’ve got the capability.”

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Programs are available across multiple International Law and Security is a Find out what postgraduate disciplines including: new program offered together with the study can do for you? UNSW Law Faculty. – Project Management www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/navy Applications for semester 2 close 20 – Systems and Engineering T: 02 6268 8721 – Military History June 2012. – Strategy and Security UNSW Canberra also – Business provides a range of CANBERRA – Engineering Science professional short courses. – Science Defence Funding is available. Never stand still – Systems Engineering CRICOS Provider Number: 00100G MR13059 12/11 – International Law and Security. NAVY OUTLOOK Mick Toal

A CENTURY OF RAN RUGBY Rugby union has been ‘showing the flag’ in ports across the world since the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was first formed in 1911. Despite this, the rich history of the sport with the Senior Service Down Under actually began decades before then.

ust as the RAN has completed a big through the officer corps and fostered by the year commemorating a centenary of various training establishments across the Jservice, the Royal Australian Navy nation,” Kehoe says. “It has enabled naval Rugby Union (RANRU) is gearing up to officers and sailors to represent their unit or celebrate its own fabulous century in 2012. ship and, in a limited number of cases, their The game’s rich Australian naval heritage country.” and comprehensive history will be brought “The book will review the growth of the together for the first time by Sydney author sport within the naval forces of Australia, Jim Kehoe, who has been a keen supporter from its earliest appearance in the mid-19th of RAN Rugby and its unofficial scribe for century up to 2011, and will also reveal how many years. rugby union has enabled the RAN to play “Australian Navy rugby was inherited significant roles in many communities, not from the UK Royal Navy, sponsored primarily just within Australia. At the end of the day,

92 NAVY OUTLOOK the RAN has played rugby for Australia in far more countries than teams from visiting ships on fields at The the Wallabies have, or ever will for that matter.” POSSIBLY THE Domain, Hyde Park and Moore Park. FIRST ‘OFFICIAL’ In August 1869, a team from the British HISTORY OF THE GAME GAMES OF RUGBY wooden screw sloop HMS Rosario played Based on what many pundits consider to be very dubious IN AUSTRALIA against a side from the University of historical credentials, the Rugby School in England lays claim to WERE BETWEEN Sydney at The Domain. Records show that hosting the first clash of ‘the game they play in Heaven’ at the SOLDIERS the University won the first game by one behest of one William Webb Ellis. A plaque on the school grounds FROM SYDNEY’S goal to nil, while the second was a nil all reads: “This stone commemorates the exploit of William Webb Ellis VICTORIA draw. BARRACKS, who with a fine disregard for the rules of football, as played in his OPPOSED BY time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it, thus originating the EARLY DAYS OF RAN RUGBY TEAMS FROM distinctive features of the rugby game. AD 1823.” One of the earliest records of actual VISITING SHIPS Royal Navy officers brought the ever-evolving fledgling game ON FIELDS AT THE Australian Navy rugby in Sydney appears in to the outpost colony of New South Wales (NSW). Noted Australian DOMAIN, HYDE a 1907 version of ‘The Referee’, the annual rugby historian, Professor Tom Hickie, has recorded games PARK AND MOORE report of the NSW Rugby Union. During the between visiting ships’ companies and civilian workers at Mort’s PARK. 1906 competition, the Royal Naval Depot Dock in Balmain as early as the 1840s. “These games apparently (RND), Garden Island participated in the had few rules and the best you could say was that they resembled 2nd Grade Borough Competition in a less rugby football, although the naval ship’s personnel appeared to than stellar fashion – most games were lost have an appreciation of how the game was developing in England,” by more than 25 points and some games he writes. forfeited because a side could not be Possibly the first ‘official’ games of rugby in Australia were fielded. The team finished at the bottom of between soldiers from Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, opposed by the table, having won just two of 17 games.

A team comprised of personnel from HMAS Perth (III) and HMAS Sydney (IV) playing rugby union with a local club, The Harlequins, during their deployment in Hawaii.

93 NAVY OUTLOOK

decided that it was not possible to continue their competitions for the duration of the war. Although play essentially never stopped, wherever there was a RAN presence – no matter how temporary – the blow of the whistle for kick off was very much determined by the fortunes of the war. ‘Rugby News’ summed up the state of play for the RAN throughout World War II: “The RAN announced in June 1944 that they had commenced a mid-week competition that had (the theme) ‘wherever Navy goes, the rugby game is played’ and almost every ship was able to turn out a Rugby XV that gave a good account of itself. Gathering a combined Navy rugby team is difficult because of the scattering of this service to many battle areas. But the missionary spirit is always manifested in any port of call by either a game or by a party taking their togs and a ball along for a kick and some exercise. ABOVE: A RANRU team in 1938, just prior to WWII. BELOW: RAN When at strength, the Navy was a factor in Sydney’s mid-week personnel competing against a local Hawaiian side during Exercise MID competition.” PACIFIC 2011. The succeeding decades in times of peace and conflict have been no less challenging and colourful for the RAN Rugby Union By April 1914, the Australian fleet had IN 1912, and, when pulled together, the statistics, characters and anecdotes a complement of 18 ships, backed up by NAVY RUGBY of the game are certainly enough to fill a book! an expanded cohort of 299 officers and BECAME ‘RAN 8300 other ranks (many of them Royal RUGBY’. THE THE SPORT TODAY Navy personnel). Alas, just when there RAN RUGBY Times have indeed changed since those Royal Navy sailors from was a considerable crop of potential RAN UNION IS NOW a copper clad wooden sailing ship grappled with dockworkers at A FORMAL Rugby recruits, war broke out in August Balmain for the ball during a game of indeterminate disciplines on ENTITY, AND and the NSW Rugby Union decreed that all Sydney’s harbour in the 1840s. Only 60 years later, Australia became CATERS FOR competition was to be suspended due to a nation, and the RAN began to proudly serve a decade after that. A VARIETY OF In 1912, Navy rugby became ‘RAN Rugby’. The RAN Rugby Union is depletion of club ranks as players ‘joined FORMS OF THE up’. GAME. The end of World War I saw a boom in RAN Rugby across Australia, particularly in NSW and Victoria. Unfortunately, however, this suffered a savage blow after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and resultant ‘Financial Emergency Act of 1931’, with the Permanent Naval Forces reduced to just 340 officers, 25 cadets and 2776 sailors by 1932. With the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, resources of the RAN were again placed at the disposal of the Royal Navy, which immediately asked for a cruiser and five destroyers for service beyond the . Mobilisation of the three services, primarily for duty overseas, meant that the future of senior rugby in Australia looked bleak, and local rugby unions

94 NAVY OUTLOOK now a formal entity, and caters for a variety camps held each year help to identify the triennial Commonwealth Navies Rugby of forms of the game. emerging talent and support those players Cup (Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, While all of these transformations would passionate about developing new skills. Royal New Zealand Navy and the South no doubt surprise those first practitioners “Each season includes the exciting one African Navy). of the ruck and maul, perhaps the most day knockout competition at inter-ship level “Our annual calendar also includes notable change is a strong participation for the prestigious Mons Cup. Intertwined matches between the Australian and New of women’s teams as an enthusiastic between unit level challenges, the annual Zealand navies for the fiercely contested and integral part of RANRU. The RAN first East Australian Area Sport Challenge Shelford-Stokes Shield (Senior Men) and admitted women as competitors into the includes a ‘Fleet versus Establishment’ Dowsett Trophy (Colts), Navy Rugby’s NSW Inter-Service Rugby Carnival in 1953, rugby match, which is also a significant equivalent to the Bledisloe Cup. This healthy and by the 1990s, they were making their selection opportunity for both the Men’s and rivalry between the two navies is extended to mark in a game that had long been male Women’s national Navy squads. inter-ship level challenges for the historic Lou dominated. “RANRU also strives to participate in Smith Cup,” says Commodore Kafer. “Today, RANRU proudly fosters both male and INSET:A member of the rugby union team (red socks) female rugby union at all holding the ball during a tackle against the RAN team (blue socks) in levels – from inter-ship a game held at Victoria Army Barracks. BELOW: A game taking place level all the way to regular during the Mons Cup at HMAS Nirimba in 1985-6. international matches and even Golden Oldies, within Navy, the Australian Defence Force and the community,” says RANRU President Commodore Bruce Kafer, AM, CSC, RAN. “A series of RANRU regional development

a number of development fixtures against “Several competitive players, men and other representative sides, such as women, plus coaching and support staff are Combined Police and NSW Fire Brigade selected each year from Navy to represent teams. From these various fixtures and the Australian Services Rugby Union in development camps, the Navy Senior national and international matches and Men’s and Women’s national squads are tours. selected for the Australian Services Rugby “Navy Rugby requires commitment and Championships (ASRC) – the pinnacle of dedication of our players and management the annual Defence rugby calendar.” staff. It also needs ongoing financial Moreover, the Navy Senior Men’s, Navy support to ensure we can undertake our Women’s and Under 21’s (Colts) squads annual program of events. RANRU relies on undertake special event tournaments and generous support from the corporate sector, overseas tours. This includes participation in and with this assistance Navy Rugby will National Women’s rugby tournaments and continue to grow in strength and stature.”

95 NAVY OUTLOOK Norman Friedman RISE OF THE CHINESE NAVY Let us consider the question, ‘Where he name of the Chinese Navy was on. This might require either an amphibious is the Chinese Navy going?’ A decade appropriate – it was the People’s operation or a credible threat precluding ago, the answer was pretty obvious: TLiberation Army Navy, the PLAN. This United States (US) intervention against one. Navy had been formerly created by Soviet Western analysts described this Chinese the Chinese wanted to make sure that advisors during the days immediately after Navy as a sea-denial force. It could try to no one could land on their coasts, so Mao’s victory in 1949, and their emphasis keep others out of Chinese waters, but they had built, and were enlarging, on coast defence clearly survived the violent was not designed to protect Chinese ships a coastal navy. Their destroyers and split with the Soviets in the 1960s. trying to operate within them. Regardless, it frigates, which in other navies would By the end of the 20th century, the seemed to be enough to make the waters be intended mainly to escort larger Chinese, like the Soviets of the past, had off the Chinese coast a no-man’s land. ships (like carriers), were armed with built a missile armed naval air force to keep Only a few years ago, a US strategist enemies even further offshore. They also at the 2007 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) anti-ship missiles. They were an outer had a substantial submarine force for the historical conference predicted that the layer of defence against anyone same purpose, which was dabbling with Chinese would never emphasise sea power. approaching China. submarine-launched ballistic missiles. If Reason being, in Chinese history, the the Chinese Navy was going to operate mortal threats had all come overland, from well offshore, the long standing hope of Manchuria. The West had often attacked regaining control over Taiwan needed to live by sea, but with minimal results. The main exception was the Japanese war against China, but it could be argued that much of the Japanese assault had come out of Manchuria, not out of the sea. Now things seem to have changed. For the past decade, while the West has been engrossed in battling Islamic extremists in the Middle East and Central Asia, China has had it sights set elsewhere. To be precise, China has been occupied by significant efforts to establish itself as a supreme maritime power in the Eastern Pacific and Indian Oceans. Backed by big

Rear Admiral maritime ambition, it has built an access Leng Zhenqing denial strategy and in turn mastered power shaking hands with projection. Two relatively straightforward Commander Australian actions, yet actions with far reaching Fleet Rear Admiral consequences. Steve Gilmore. For years, the PLAN was a mere NAVY OUTLOOK People’s Republic of China training ship Zhenge entering Sydney Harbour.

adjunct to the Chinese Army, but it is now clearly moving into new if they are backed by an ocean surveillance territory; establishing heightened power. The first Chinese carrier has FOR YEARS, THE system. There is evidence that the Chinese completed her sea trials, although she has apparently not yet begun PLAN WAS A are building such a system, based heavily operating aircraft. Without a carrier, a fleet is either limited in its MERE ADJUNCT on satellites, similar to the way the Cold War ability to face enemy aircraft, or it has to coordinate with land-based TO THE CHINESE Soviet and US navies did. ARMY, BUT IT IS aircraft. It is well over a decade since the PLAN NOW CLEARLY The Chinese are simultaneously building many other kinds of began its current build up. A larger navy MOVING INTO warships, but their meaning is open to various interpretations. It also means both more hardware and a lot NEW TERRITORY; appears that a larger strategic submarine program is underway, and ESTABLISHING more people. For the latter, the Chinese that too may have wider implications. Unless the new submarines HEIGHTENED Government had a simple solution. Tens are far quieter than anything the Chinese have yet achieved, they are POWER. THE of thousands of People’s Liberation Army unlikely to survive in wartime unless they operate in waters controlled FIRST CHINESE (PLA) soldiers were simply shifted into the by the PLAN. CARRIER HAS PLAN. The same was done with officers, During the Cold War, the Soviets eventually lost hope of COMPLETED some of them senior. This shift would not controlling any body of water well enough to protect their strategic HER SEA TRIALS, have been very difficult had the mission of submarines. They did plan to fight for some control of a submarine ALTHOUGH SHE the PLA remained the same: in effect, the sanctuary, but they also became interested in holding their HAS APPARENTLY Navy could have functioned as a seaward submarine in protected tunnels until they had to emerge to fire. NOT YET BEGUN extension of the Army’s coastal defences. OPERATING The big new fortified Chinese submarine base on Hainan Island This line of thought is demonstrated in AIRCRAFT. may have a similar rationale, and the South China Sea may be the the way the PLAN is divided into separate sanctuary area they hope to defend in wartime. regional fleets, the idea being that none None of this is to say that interest in Taiwan, which also means of them can move freely over the whole in denying US naval access to that area, has vanished. The Chinese Chinese seaboard. It is also apparent in the have been building large amphibious ships that would be needed official description of the Navy’s future: that for any Taiwan operation. The new anti-carrier ballistic missile, which it should extend defensive power from one may or may not work as advertised, is also probably intended to offshore island chain to the next. convince the US not to interfere in any operation against Taiwan. Armies think in terms of controlling In effect, the anti-carrier missile is probably seen as a relatively and occupying specific bits of territories. inexpensive way to extend coastal defence while money is poured Blue water navies, on the other hand, are into a blue water navy. Nothing is entirely inexpensive, of course, much more aware that the sea is so vast, and the anti-carrier missile and similar remote ship-killers work only and ships so few, that such occupation

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is unlikely to succeed. They tend to think dependence on the sea. This is, after all, the country’s primary link in terms either of bottling up an enemy or INSTEAD OF to valuable imports, such as the raw materials coming from Australia of destroying their fleet in decisive battle. EMPHASISING that are needed for headlong modernisation. Alternatively, they think in terms of moving THE NEED Given this focus, one ongoing issue is the rise of piracy in places more or less freely while successfully TO DEFEND like the Horn of Africa. Whatever their feelings about cooperating beating off attack. THE CHINESE with other countries, the Chinese find themselves compelled to keep During the Cold War, geography COAST, the seas safe; to enforce what others call ‘good order at sea’. In WRITERS HAVE favoured the West. Soviet warships, an effort to achieve this, in late 2008, China joined the international SHIFTED THEIR particularly submarines, trying to reach the naval flotilla battling piracy in the Gulf of Aden. While this was partly COMMENTARY open sea had to pass through a limited a demonstration that the PLAN could now operate far from home, TO HIGHLIGHT number of geographic ‘choke points’. If the CHINA’S it was also a natural development for a country whose government Soviets were unable to reach the sea, there GROWING had finally recognised that big changes were taking place. was no chance of denying the West their DEPENDENCE So, what happens now? While China is becoming wealthier, big free use of the same waters. Today, despite ON THE SEA. navies are expensive, and there are many other calls on resources. China’s efforts to sterilise the ‘first island The Chinese references to Mahan probably form part of an attempt chain’ from Western penetration in much to give the Navy a status equivalent to, rather than subordinate the same manner, such a result is not likely. to, the previously dominant Chinese Army. During the Cold War, Given the size and porous nature of this the Soviet Navy tried the same thing – and failed. It too had its area, the Chinese fleet simply cannot cover spokespeople explain how important sea power could be, but lacked every strait leading through it. the argument that the country’s economy was increasingly seaborne, Regardless, it seems that the situation i.e. that prosperity and sea power are inextricably linked. This fact may be changing. Chinese writers about may well make all the difference. naval future, including high ranking officers, Right now, China is partly prosperous and partly (mainly inland) are increasingly quoting the old prophet of impoverished. Probably the single greatest concern of the governing sea power, Captain Alfred T. Mahan. Instead Communist Party is to maintain and extend prosperity. Particularly of emphasising the need to defend the after the Tienanmen Square Massacre in 1989, the ruling Party’s Chinese coast, writers have shifted their winning argument to maintain loyalty has been that it alone can commentary to highlight China’s growing guarantee prosperity. Conversely, the Party almost certainly fears that any loss of prosperity will cost it power. A Song class diesel-electric submarine of the PLAN. The other fear must be that gross poverty is social dynamite. For instance, the Chinese Government reports tens of thousands of riots, strikes and other forms of social unrest every year. There is abundant evidence that the Party does not consider itself safe, even from talk on the Internet or from the growing number of Falun Gong adherents. While the state may be a great deal more stable than those in Beijing imagine, what also counts is what they feel they have to do for protection. The ultimate guarantee of government power is the PLA itself. The PLA may also argue that it has a larger potential role in securing Chinese prosperity. Many Chinese people have, for example, moved into the historically Chinese territory in Siberia, which was seized by the Russians in the 19th century. Eastern Siberia is rich in resources that the Chinese currently import by sea. If the Chinese were able to enforce unequal treaties against the Russians with a modernised PLA and its land-based air arm, then the blue water role espoused by the PLAN might no longer be central to future Chinese prosperity. A PLA leadership seeing its modernisation money go instead to the PLAN may well make this argument. All three Chinese services are currently being modernised. This is an expensive exercise, particularly for mass modern armies, which require a significant amount of equipment per soldier. A Houbei class (Type 022) missile boat of Considering this, it is the PLAN, with hull number 2211. INSET: A impossible to imagine that Chinese Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion China will somehow be (LCAC), with hull number 3320. immune to rivalry among the three services. Such then those local navies might be rivalry will inevitably intensify used not against China but rather in as the PLAN transforms support of local ambitions. into a blue water navy, Elsewhere in the world, a complete with carriers and combination of rising national power other major warships. The and unresolved disputes has led Chinese Government will face to local war. It is difficult to imagine a particularly difficult choice in why Southeast Asia should be any the coming years if it equates different, unless a perceived outside both the blue water fleet and threat, that of the PLAN, overrode army strength on the ground as amphibious ships, which the PLAN will use more local issues. Past attempts to create guarantors of its power inside China. to project its power. The consequences regional defence alliances have foundered A strong oceanic Chinese Navy would of such actions are twofold. Firstly, it may because China was perceived either as have enormous impacts on the surrounding mean an increased number of submarines unthreatening or as a land power unable to region. The PLAN undoubtedly sees such in Southeast Asia. Considering it takes a leap water barriers. a navy as a valuable means of projecting nuclear submarine to catch a fast warship, Rapid technical advancements Chinese national power in crucial areas several countries in the region may suddenly have clearly set China in good stead to like the Malacca Straits. For surrounding become interested in such craft. Secondly, accomplish a fully realised navy build governments, the Chinese Navy trademarks it may result in a much larger , up. What Australia should acknowledge, strength and stands as primary competition. which has for years used the supposed as many Western observers have noted These governments may prefer to do Chinese threat as justification for a greater already, is that Chinese maritime power something to deter such influence. At share of Indian defence spending. is now a force to be reckoned with. the same time, the Chinese may imagine For Australia, this kind of development is Perhaps the West might admit that it has that the US is no longer strong enough to double-edged. As the most technologically underestimated the extent of China’s balance their growing sea power. Whether advanced country in the region, Australia determination to amplify and modernise or not that is true, the US Navy could can become the core of a regional naval the PLAN. China is projecting a new certainly help create a regional counter to alliance. To do that, she would probably challenge, and the way the US and the the growing PLAN. have to spend more on the RAN, and buy West at large responds will map out the All of the countries in the region are, larger and more sophisticated warships in balance of power in the Asia Pacific for a then, likely to invest a whole lot more in their greater numbers. If Australia did not lead long time to come. navies. Moreover, a lot of that spending such an alliance, and if other countries in the * The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own will be dedicated to destroying the large region chose to build up their own navies and should not necessarily be attributed to the US Navy or to warships, particularly carriers and major independently of Australia and of each other, any other organisation with which he has been associated.

99 NAVY OUTLOOK Lieutenant Emma Williams, RANR

2012 RAN SEA POWER CONFERENCE: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SEA The 2012 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sea Power hroughout history, people have relied on the sea to provide Conference has, as its broad theme, ‘the naval spiritual, social and economic wellbeing. In recent years, contribution to national security and prosperity’. While Tthere has been increasing recognition of the need to manage the impact of human activity on the sea, with the 1996 a variety of papers at the conference tackle the issue United Nations Convention of the Law on the Sea (UNCLOS) of security, there are further questions to consider: providing a framework for nations to take responsibility for What exactly is meant by the term prosperity? How is managing their own marine environment. it measured in relation to the sea? How does the RAN Following on from this, the World Summit on Sustainable contribute to it, and in particular, help protect one of the Development in Johannesburg in 2002, recognised that “Oceans, world’s most important assets? seas, islands and coastal areas form an integrated and essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem and are critical for global food security and for sustaining economic prosperity and wellbeing of many national economies, particularly in developing countries.” Finally, in 2008, the importance of the sea was publicly acknowledged when 8 June was designated by the United Nations

Image courtesy of AFMA. as World Ocean Day. With this came an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges facing the international community. With about 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface covered by water, the sea is one of our most valuable natural resources – it provides food, transport, communication, recreation and minerals. Such factors are critical for creating and sustaining prosperity, both economic and social. Let’s look at each of these more closely.

FOOD The sea provides food in the form of fish and shellfish. Nearly one billion people worldwide already rely on the sea as a major source of nutrition and this reliance will only increase as the human population grows. In 2000, a world total of 86 million tons of fish was captured. Although the number of fish caught varies each year, the average annual figure is around 88 million tons. Due to the importance of fishing to the world’s economy and wellbeing, sustainable fishing practices are required to

LEFT: The fishing industry is a vital element of Australia’s economy. TOP RIGHT: A view of Swanson Dock at the Port of Melbourne. ensure there will be enough fish in the future. Without such regulation, countries THE RAN HAS risk overfishing the ocean’s resources, ALSO BEEN leading to fish stock collapse and potential INVOLVED IN THE THE IMPORTANCE economic disaster. In Australia, the ENFORCEMENT Australian Fisheries Management Authority OF AUSTRALIAN (AFMA), on behalf of the Australian FISHERIES REGULATION Government, manages offshore commercial FOR DECADES, fisheries and is responsible for deterring

OF THE SEA of Melbourne. Image courtesy of Port WITH RAN illegal foreign fishing in the Australian ASSETS, Fishing Zone. The RAN has also been UNDER THE with seaborne trade contributing A$368 billion. This trade flowed involved in the enforcement of Australian OPERATIONAL through about 70 commercial Australian ports, with an additional fisheries regulation for decades, with RAN CONTROL 51.6 million tonnes of trade transiting along coastal routes. With assets, under the operational control of OF BORDER only a relatively small Australian trading fleet of 77 vessels, the Border Protection Command, used against PROTECTION majority of trade to and from Australia is carried in foreign ships, both domestic and foreign fishers operating COMMAND, making Australia’s economy strongly dependent on external trade illegally in Australian waters. USED AGAINST and sea transport to reach its main markets. BOTH DOMESTIC In general, shipping is a safe and cost effective form of TRANSPORT AND FOREIGN transport for economies around the world. It is, however, not risk- FISHERS As an island nation with a coastline free, as the recent grounding of the Liberian flagged container OPERATING of some 34,000 kilometres and extensive ship, MV Rena, on the Astrolabe Reef off the coast of New Zealand ILLEGALLY IN offshore territories, Australia is heavily illustrates. Stuck on the reef and leaning at an 18 degree angle, the AUSTRALIAN reliant on seaborne trade for its economic WATERS. MV Rena not only lost 88 containers overboard but, with a huge prosperity. In 2008-09, the value of the hull crack, threatened a massive oil spill from its tanks and the Australian economy was about A$1.2 trillion, very real possibility of being split in two. Seaborne piracy is also a

MV Rena listing to starboard. Image courtesy of Maritime New Zealand. NAVY OUTLOOK

significant risk (with estimated worldwide losses of US$13 to US$16 billion per year), particularly in the waters between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, off the Somali coast, and also in the Malacca and Singapore straits, which are used by more than 50,000 commercial ships a year. Navies thus play an important role in protecting merchant shipping from piracy and in mapping of the world’s oceans to limit potential environmental disasters. Associated with trade is the shipbuilding and repair industry. In Australia alone, this industry was valued at nearly A$2 billion in 2008-09, employing about 15,000 people. The major re- equipping of the RAN through the 1980s-90s, and the current local construction programs for the Hobart class destroyers (DDGs) and large amphibious vessels (LHDs) will be major contributors to the Australian economy.

SUBMARINE CABLES THE MAJOR RECREATION AND TOURISM These days, submarine cables have multiple uses: as secure RE-EQUIPPING Tourism is the fastest growing sector telecommunications systems, undersea sensor networks, even OF THE RAN of the world economy and is responsible connecting offshore production platforms for remote operation. THROUGH THE for more than 200 million jobs globally. It is 1980S-1990S, However, with respect to international communication carried by one of the top five economic contributors AND THE fibre optic cables, no other means provides the reliable and secure to 83 per cent of all countries and the CURRENT LOCAL capability to absorb the exponentially increasing international most important economy for 38 per cent of CONSTRUCTION communication growth fuelled by the Internet. PROGRAMS countries. Defining the ‘marine’ component In the United States, there are about 29 international cables. FOR THE of tourism is difficult, but broadly speaking Each of these cables is about the size of a garden hose. While their HOBART CLASS this covers activities such as fishing, footprint on the seabed is minimal, their impact is huge, carrying DESTROYERS boating/sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, 70 per cent of America and Canada’s international telecom traffic. (DDGS) charter and game fishing. The 1989 report In comparison, submarine cables within Australia’s maritime area AND LARGE ‘Oceans of Wealth?’ classified 19 per cent carry 99 per cent of all overseas communication. Currently, there AMPHIBIOUS of international and 40 per cent of domestic are about nine cables linking Australia with the rest of the world, of VESSELS (LHDS) tourism as marine tourism. In 2008-09, it which three are of national significance: WILL BE MAJOR was broadly estimated that marine-related • the SEA-ME-WE3 cable, which links Australia to Southeast Asia, CONTRIBUTORS tourism contributed more than A$11 billion TO THE the Middle East and Western Europe; to Australia’s gross domestic product AUSTRALIAN • the Southern Cross Cable, which links Australia with New (GDP). ECONOMY. Zealand, and the United States; and While there is significant economic • the Australia Japan Cable, which links Australia with , value in the recreational use of the oceans Japan and Asia. (i.e. in 2007-08 around three million people Other cables link Australia with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia fished recreationally, spending some A$1.91 and New Caledonia, and some of these provide access for other billion on fishing equipment), from a naval countries into the global cable network. perspective, the impact of these activities is The importance of these cables to a nation’s communication limited to providing assets for search and infrastructure has resulted in tight government regulations to protect rescue operations. them from damage caused by dredging and fishing. This protection is also paramount when one considers the average A$1 million plus SEABED MINING cost of a cable repair and the potential disruption a cable break can The ocean floor is mined for diamonds, cause to a nation’s economic and strategic interests. gold, silver, metal ores like manganese

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LEFT: Containers just south of Mount Maunganui following the MV Rena incident. BELOW: Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. Image courtesy of Maritime New Zealand. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia. Image courtesy of Tourism

VALUE OF THE SEA value of employment in the marine industry, The protection and management estimated by the Australian Maritime College of Earth’s most vital resource is of to encompass about 132,500 people in fundamental importance to achieving 2011. ecologically sustainable economic and Clearly the importance of the sea, and social development. The sea provides us the activities and industries it supports, is with a range of goods, including food, oil inextricably linked to a nation’s economic and gas; services such as transportation and social prosperity. It is the role of navies corridors; and social benefits from around the world to ensure the protection of recreational activities. All up, the value of our ocean resources and seaborne trade, these marine industries to the Australian as well as perform other functions such as nodules (containing nickel, copper and economy is conservatively estimated at up search and rescue and naval shipbuilding, cobalt), gravel and sand, as well as drilled to A$60 billion (compared with agriculture to safeguard the future wealth and health of for crude oil and natural gas. Australia’s which is valued at just over A$40 billion), our nations. vast maritime area of 10 million square notwithstanding the additional economic kilometres, with the extended continental shelf generating a further 2.5 million square kilometres, contains a wealth of oil and gas deposits. In 2008-09, the value of oil exploration and production was estimated to be about A$3.3 billion and A$9.8 billion respectively, with exports of just over A$1 billion of liquefied petroleum gas and A$10 billion of liquefied natural gas. The RAN has provided both aerial surveillance and maritime patrols of the waters surrounding the Bass Strait oil platforms, as well as the oil and gas installations in the North West Australia’s defined Shelf. territorial waters. NAVY OUTLOOK Grant McDuling

FAREWELL TO 817 SQUADRON After clocking up more than 60,000 sed primarily in a maritime support shore and ship-to-ship transfers of stores operational hours of service over a role and based at Naval Air Station and personnel, search and rescue, maritime 37 year period, the Navy’s fleet of UNowra on the south coast of New reconnaissance and army support. But South Wales, the Sea Kings were built by times move on and their time has come. Westland Sea King helicopters are Westland in England and delivered to the As a fitting tribute to this outstanding making way for the newer, more Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1974. They workhorse of the sky, Commander Paul sophisticated multi-role military came with a good pedigree, tracing their Moggach, RAN speaks about his role as a helicopter, the MRH-90. roots to the first Sea King built by the famous Sea King pilot and as the Squadron’s last helicopter company Sikorsky back in 1959. Commanding Officer. Then, when the Royal Navy decided to order a replacement for their WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO FLYING, helicopters, they chose the Sea King design, GIVEN THAT YOU WERE ALREADY which Westland was to build under licence. A SEAMAN OFFICER BEFORE YOU Manned by a crew of four, the Sea King was COMMENCED PILOT TRAINING? powered by two Rolls-Royce Gnome gas I had always dreamed of flying and had turbine engines and could reach speeds of been attracted to the Navy from a young 230 kilometres per hour. age. I was one of those kids that had model The RAN’s fleet of Sea Kings hasn’t aircraft hanging from the bedroom ceiling! disappointed. They have done sterling I joined the Navy through the Australian service in such diverse roles as ship-to- Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in 1986.

A Sea King conducting flying exercises at sunset.

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An old Navy Sea YOU’VE HAD MANY INTERESTING King helicopter. POSTINGS AS A PILOT. WHAT IS THE HIGHLIGHT SO FAR? All of my flying postings have been interesting and challenging in different ways. If I had to pick one highlight then it would be my current posting as Commanding Officer of 817 Squadron. It has been an enormous privilege and honour to work with and lead the aircrew, maintainers and support staff who make up the Squadron. This posting has also been extremely busy, with the Sea Kings being used in a variety of operations and exercises, the most significant of which was our support to the residents of south- east Queensland as part of Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST. Two Sea In those days, you could not join as a pilot so I headed down the Kings, along with two Blackhawks from the seaman officer path, although only for a few short years until I was HELICOPTERS Army Aviation Training Centre conducted able to apply for selection as a pilot. Years earlier, my parents had WERE NEVER evacuations and rescues in the Lockyer taken my brother and I to Jervis Bay for school holidays, where we THE MAIN Valley on 11 January, making a real often saw Navy aircraft and helicopters flying over the bay doing all ATTRACTION difference for the residents who were under FOR ME; SIMPLE manner of exercises with the ships that came and went. The ships threat from the rising waters. FLYING WAS THE and aircraft intrigued me and I always thought I’d like to give that In 2009, a detachment of two Sea ATTRACTION lifestyle a go one day. Kings embarked in HMAS Kanimbla (II) and AND I WOULD

HAVE BEEN deployed to Indonesia, providing support WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO SPECIALISE IN HAPPY FLYING to victims of the Padang earthquake. This HELICOPTERS? ANYTHING. occurred just after I took command and All Navy pilots train in helicopters after completing a course immediately tested my risk management with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). I completed this training skills. I was relieved to find that the team at the ADF Helicopter School at RAAF Base Fairbairn in Canberra performed marvelously. during the last half of 1991. I then completed a six month posting Petty Officer Aviation Technician Avionics on the officer career lecture team, travelling southern New South Michael Wratten of the Fleet Aviation Wales (NSW) selling ADFA to high school students. This was a great Engineering Unit inspecting the engine of a posting and gave me a decent break before I was posted to 817 SK-50 Sea King aircraft. Squadron. Helicopters were never the main attraction for me; simple flying was the attraction and I would have been happy flying anything. I did want to go to sea with a helicopter and had been influenced by the aircrew I had met at sea when I was training as a seaman officer. I’d worked with an AS350 crew from 723 Squadron in HMAS Canberra (II) and a Sea King detachment from 817 Squadron in HMAS Stalwart (II). I would later go on to fly with a number of the aircrew who were on that trip in Stalwart. They were all businesslike, professional yet knew how to have a good time. They also had the best office on the ship! NAVY OUTLOOK

Flying the Prince of Wales in 2005 and then his son, Prince William, in March 2011 were two other memorable events. Other highlights include providing support to the bush fires on the south coast of NSW in 2001, flying around Bougainville in 1994, flying in support of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, flying around the Solomon Islands in 2001 and flying around the Hawaiian Islands in both 1994 and 2010.

LEFT: A Sea King conducting flying exercises off the flight deck of HMAS Kanimbla (II). BOTTOM: Leading Seaman Aircrewman James Inglish assisting Forest Hill residents towards a Sea King helicopter to escape rising flood waters.

As for other highlights, I had a very short OVER THE PAST Regardless, perhaps the most satisfying moments are those that but highly rewarding posting as an instructor 20 YEARS I’VE have nothing to do with flying! Over the past 20 years I’ve worked at the ADF Helicopter School. I have had the WORKED WITH with some fantastic people – seeing them advance through the recurring pleasure of meeting up with my SOME FANTASTIC system, gain qualifications, get promoted and then lead their own former students, both Navy and Army, who PEOPLE – SEEING teams has been very rewarding. In particular, I have felt much pride are now accomplished pilots in their own THEM ADVANCE in being able to promote sailors while serving as Commanding right. THROUGH THE Officer. SYSTEM, GAIN There are particular moments that stand QUALIFICATIONS, out too. I gained my anti-submarine warfare WHAT IS LIFE ABOARD SHIP LIKE FOR A PILOT? GET PROMOTED captaincy in the Sea King during a fleet Life for an embarked pilot is fantastic. My first posting to a flight AND THEN concentration period off the coast of NSW. LEAD THEIR was on HMAS Success (II). We were still fitted and trained for anti- This was not unusual in those days, but my OWN TEAMS submarine warfare and spent much of our time hunting submarines sortie involved two Sea Kings in a dip gang; HAS BEEN VERY with our dipping sonar. As a junior pilot, my primary job was to learn. a Seahawk, a P-3C Orion, two frigates and REWARDING. This was a period where on the job training involved continuous a submarine. We were in contact with the study of the warfare skills that I would need to be upgraded to an submarine for much of the sortie and it was aircraft captain. I was also the flight’s divisional officer, responsible a fantastic way to have your skills tested. I for looking after the welfare and administration of my sailors. Plus I passed, thankfully! had ship secondary duties, one of which was the ship’s beer officer!

106 Commander Paul Moggach with HMAS Kanimbla (II)’s aviation NAVY department and three embarked OUTLOOK Sea King helicopters after Exercise RIMPAC 2010. The routine for a pilot at sea is focused with new aircraft in the service of the RAN. The decommissioning around either preparing for flying or actually THE LEGACY OF of squadrons is nothing new. 808 Squadron has not been in flying: preparing briefing material, gathering THE SEA KING commission since the early 1950s yet it is back now with the MRH- meteorological information, collating WILL BE THE 90. 817 Squadron, and most importantly, those who served in 817 information on adversaries and allied units, MEMORY OF Squadron, will be remembered through the Navy historical section THE SUPPORT researching airspace and water space and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra. There is already a rich IT PROVIDED TO management procedures, determining history of 817 Squadron going back to the first days of the RAN Fleet AUSTRALIANS communication issues, understanding Air Arm and this current period of service will be added to that history. WHEN CALLED weapons requirements, and preparing the UPON. IN aircraft. FIRES, FLOODS HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP THE SEA KING AS A NAVAL A great thing about flying at sea is that AND OTHER AIRCRAFT? WHAT DO YOU THINK ITS LEGACY WILL BE? you have the opportunity to get off the ship DISASTERS OR The Sea King is a magnificent naval aircraft that has stood the regularly. This may involve flying to other ON OPERATIONS test of time. The fact that so many remain in service around the globe ships in the task group or flying ashore. IN THEATRES OF is testament to the enduring quality of the aircraft. The Sea King It’s challenging, busy and very CONFLICT, THE was in its element at sea. In either the anti-submarine warfare or the rewarding. SEA KING AND maritime support role, it was able to deliver capability where and HER CREWS when it was needed. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE HAVE BEEN The legacy of the Sea King will be the memory of the support it AVAILABLE OF 817 SQUADRON? provided to Australians when called upon. In fires, floods and other TO MAKE A 817 Squadron will still exist within the disasters or on operations in theatres of conflict, the Sea King and DIFFERENCE. naval hierarchy – in reserve, waiting for her crews have been available to make a difference. That’s it, they the time when it will be re-commissioned made a difference!

Commander Paul Moggach with HMAS Kanimbla (II)’s aviation department and three embarked Sea King helicopters after Exercise RIMPAC 2010.

107 NAVY OUTLOOK Grant McDuling

THE : RECOGNISING GALLANTRY AND VALOUR IN THE RAN

n 1991, the Australian Government The Victoria Cross (VC) is without doubt the most famous and prestigious decided that a new medal, the Victoria bravery award in the world today. It had its beginnings in the Crimean War of ICross for Australia, should replace the 1854-56, when Queen Victoria of England decided to institute a new gallantry VC in the Australian Honours and Awards medal made from the melted down metal of two cannons supposedly captured System. Six of these were awarded during from the Russians at the Siege of Sebastopol in 1856. She the Boer War, 64 during World War I (WWI), 20 during World War II (WWII), two in the instructed a London jewellery firm by the name of Hancocks & Co Russian Civil War, four in the Vietnam to manufacture the medal – something they still do to this day. War and, more recently, two for valour in Afghanistan. THERE ARE investigate the matter, with a view to possibly None of these medals have ever been 13 MILITARY awarding posthumous VCs if warranted. A list of 11 awarded to members of the Royal Australian PERSONNEL, deserving cases was submitted for consideration. Navy (RAN). In October 2010, the then Chief INCLUDING SIX Under normal circumstances, the procedure of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief NAVY OFFICERS, for the award of the VC involves three distinct Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC, was FIVE SAILORS steps: asked by Senator Barnett during a Senate AND TWO ARMY 1: A commanding officer makes a Estimates hearing why this was so. Barnett SOLDIERS, recommendation. There must be at least three pointed out that 117 VCs had been awarded CURRENTLY eyewitnesses to verify the act of valour. to members of the Royal Navy out of the UP FOR 2: The Chief of the Defence Force then forwards the total 1353 issued since 1856. Similarly, CONSIDERATION. recommendation to the Defence Minister, who sends it to the Prime out of the 94 Canadians who received the Minister for approval. award, four were seamen, and in the case of 3: The Prime Minister sends the recommendation to the Governor- New Zealand, one out of 25 VC winners was General, who submits it to Her Majesty The Queen for consideration a sailor. According to the Senator, reasons and approval. most often cited for this were administration Following on from the October 2010 hearing, the Tribunal’s factors and a lack of will by some British and Inquiry commenced in April 2011 and received 55 written Australian naval officers. submissions relating to various acts of gallantry and valour. There Then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ are 13 military personnel, including six Navy officers, five sailors Crane, AO, CSM, RAN added: “It is a fact and two Army soldiers, currently up for consideration. To ensure the that up to and including the Second World Inquiry has all relevant and accurate historical evidence available, a War the process for a service award for, in number of public hearings have been taking place throughout late particular, the Royal Australian Navy went 2011 and continuing into March 2012. A Tribunal spokesperson says through the British Admiralty.” that once the public hearings are finished and all the evidence has Responding to these questions, Air been gathered, it will arrive at a decision and present a report to the Chief Marshal Houston asked the Defence Australian Government for consideration. Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal to So who are these men being considered? More importantly, what

108 NAVY OUTLOOK did they do that warrants a rethink of awarding the VC for the sake of to attack, even though he knew he was Australian naval heritage? LEADING SEAMAN hopelessly outgunned, and after sustaining RUDD WAS, heavy damage, gave the order to abandon LEADING SEAMAN DALMORTON RUDD UNUSUALLY, ship. He lost his life when the bridge took Leading Seaman Rudd was, unusually, involved in a ballot for INVOLVED IN A a direct hit. Rankin received no award for BALLOT FOR the award of a VC as the actions of his unit in the 1918 Zeebrugge his bravery. THE AWARD OF raid were deemed worthy enough at the time. While he didn’t win A VC AS THE the coveted award, he was granted a Distinguished Service Medal ACTING LEADING SEAMAN RONALD ACTIONS OF HIS instead. UNIT IN THE 1918 TAYLOR Rudd served aboard HMS Vindictive in April 1918, which was ZEEBRUGGE Leading Seaman Taylor was aboard tasked with landing shore parties on the breakwater at Zeebrugge, RAID WERE HMAS Yarra (II) on its fateful final voyage in a village on the Belgium coast. As she approached, the ship came DEEMED WORTHY March 1942. Choosing to ignore Lieutenant under enemy fire and suffered heavy casualties. Once ashore, the ENOUGH AT THE Commander Rankin’s order to abandon landing parties found that Vindictive had overshot her assigned TIME. ship, Taylor instead opted to remain at position, and instead decided to hold ground under fire in a his gun, firing continually at the Japanese diversionary measure to draw the enemy’s attention. cruisers until he was killed shortly before In a strange twist of fate, Rudd was later stripped of his the ship went down. His bravery went Distinguished Service Medal for the part he played in a mutiny unrewarded. aboard HMAS Australia (I).

Lieutenant Commander ROBERT DAVIES Robert Rankin. Midshipman Davies was serving aboard HMS Repulse when the ship was dispatched in response to Japan’s invasion of Malaya and Thailand in December 1941. Repulse was initially attacked by the Japanese and sustained some damage, before being assaulted by waves of torpedo bombers. Davies went down with the vessel, still at his gun position and firing at the attacking aircraft. He was later Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery.

LEADING COOK FRANCIS EMMS Leading Cook Emms was serving aboard HMAS Kara Kara in Darwin when the Japanese attacked on 19 February 1942. He was hit in the stomach while manning a machine gun, but remained at his post until the action was over. Emms subsequently died from his wounds after being transferred to the hospital ship Manuda. The commanding officer of the Boom Defence Squadron said at the time that Emms “probably (saved) the ship and many of the ship’s company”. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for his bravery.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROBERT RANKIN Lieutenant Commander Rankin was in command of HMAS Yarra (II) in March 1942 when the ship was escorting a convoy bound for Australia. On 4 March, a squadron of three Japanese cruisers was sighted, and Yarra took up a position between the convoy and the enemy in an attempt to shield the merchantmen. Rankin decided NAVY OUTLOOK

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER FRANCIS SMITH Smith was the first lieutenant and officer of quarters of No. 3 gun FIRING onboard HMAS Yarra (II) when she was lost to the Japanese. His RELENTLESSLY, bravery in that final battle also went unrewarded. SHEEAN BROUGHT CAPTAIN DOWN ONE Captain Waller took command of HMAS Perth (I) in February BOMBER AND SUCCEEDED IN 1942. Having just survived the , he was making KEEPING THE his way back to Australia when he ran into a Japanese invasion OTHERS AT BAY. convoy and its escort at the entrance to the Sunda Strait. Despite DESPITE BEING the odds, Waller decided to engage the enemy and create as much WOUNDED, HE havoc as possible. REMAINED AT A fierce battle ensued, where Perth continued firing at the HIS POST AND Captain Hector Waller. Japanese until she ran out of ammunition and became a sitting CONTINUED TO duck. She was eventually hit by a torpedo and sunk in the early ENGAGE ENEMY Firing relentlessly, Sheean brought down hours of 1 March 1942, her captain still onboard. Waller was AIRCRAFT AS one bomber and succeeded in keeping posthumously Mentioned in Despatches. THE SHIP WENT the others at bay. Despite being wounded, DOWN. he remained at his post and continued to ORDINARY SEAMAN EDWARD SHEEAN engage enemy aircraft as the ship went Edward (or Teddy) Sheean was serving onboard HMAS Armidale down. For this selfless act of bravery, (I) when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft in the Timor Sea Sheean was Mentioned in Despatches and on 1 December 1942. Armidale was severely damaged and the order later had a Collins class submarine named to abandon ship was given. Despite this, when Sheean noticed that after him. the surviving crew members were themselves becoming targets for the Japanese planes, he climbed back aboard the sinking LIEUTENANT DAVID HAMER ship and remanned his gun in an attempt to protect his fellow Lieutenant Hamer was serving as a shipmates. gunnery officer aboard HMAS Australia (II) in January 1945 when the ship was targeted by BELOW: Lieutenant David Hamer. Japanese suicide bombers. The vessel was INSET: Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean. struck four times, with three officers and 41 ratings killed, and a further one officer and 68 ratings wounded. Hamer was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery throughout the action.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER HENRY STOKER Henry Stoker was an Irish-born Royal Navy Officer and cousin of Irish author Bram Stoker of ‘Dracula’ fame. He joined the Royal Navy at age 15 and soon became interested in the fledgling submarine service. Within two years of switching to this new branch, he obtained his first command – HM Submarine A10. Early in 1914, Stoker was selected to command one of Australia’s first submarines, HMAS AE2, and set sail for Australia on 2 March of that year in company with HMAS AE1. Until that date, most submarines had never managed to sail more than 200 miles without breaking down. At the outbreak of war in July 1914, Stoker persuaded the Minister of Defence to send AE2 back to Europe in support of the war effort there. While this was agreed to, the submarine only got so far as the Mediterranean before being diverted to participate in the Gallipoli campaign. Stoker quickly devised a daring plan to Leading Aircrewman Noel Shipp (right) with Lieutenant Robert Ray. threaten Constantinople from the sea by diving and travelling submerged through WHILE THE a Turkish fort. Luckily, these weapons could not be positioned to hit the Dardanelles Strait and into the Sea of ROYAL NAVY the submarine, and so AE2 resumed her journey, now pursued by Marmara. This was exceedingly risky, as AWARDED dozens of Turkish warships. Stoker held his nerve and eventually he knew he would be up against strong OTHER reached his intended destination at a time when the morale of troops currents, heavily mined seas and the Turkish SUBMARINE on the Gallipoli Peninsula was at an all time low. Navy that completely controlled the area. SKIPPERS News of this triumph came as an enormous morale booster and While Stoker knew he could avoid the mines THE VC FOR ultimately changed the course of history. Instead of withdrawing COMPARABLE by diving deep, he was forced to rule this the troops from Gallipoli, General Sir Ian Hamilton, Commander in EXPLOITS option out and instead travel at periscope Chief of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, instead sent his now DURING WWI, depth in order to navigate the narrow Strait. famous message, optimistically encouraging troops to “dig, dig, dig, STOKER WAS Having set out in the early morning INSTEAD until you are safe”. of 25 April 1915, AE2 was soon spotted GRANTED THE Stoker was ultimately forced to scuttle AE2 as a result of enemy by a Turkish ship and forced to dive as DISTINGUISHED gunfire piercing her pressure hull. All of the crew were taken prisoner deep as possible underneath the mines. SERVICE ORDER by the Turks, where they remained in captivity for the next three and In his autobiography, ‘Straws in the Wind’, FOLLOWING a half years. Stoker recalls how the crew could hear HIS EVENTUAL While the Royal Navy awarded other submarine skippers the VC the mine’s mooring wires scraping along REPATRIATION. for comparable exploits during WWI, Stoker was instead granted the the submarine’s hull as they inched their Distinguished Service Order following his eventual repatriation. way forward. “Choose a wrong moment to rise for observation through the periscope LEADING AIRCREWMAN NOEL SHIPP and you choose a moment to hit a mine During the Vietnam War, Leading Aircrewman Shipp found – so choose as few of these moments as himself serving as a helicopter door-gunner. In this role, he possibly,” he dryly observes. flew numerous missions providing suppression fire for troop-lift AE2 soon found itself pursued by helicopters and also participated in frequent ground assaults on the Turkish Navy. Going on the offensive, enemy positions and troop concentrations. Stoker fired a torpedo at a cruiser, which On 31 May 1969, the aircraft Shipp was flying proceeded to a missed its target but hit and damaged a pickup zone in support of friendly helicopters that had come under destroyer. What followed next now ranks intense enemy fire. In an attempt to provide more effective support, in the annals of Australian naval history. In Shipp hung half out of the helicopter’s door, exposing himself to an attempt to avoid being rammed, Stoker rocket back blast and enemy fire. His chopper was hit and brought dived the submarine, but hit rock bottom down, killing everyone on board. Shipp was not recognised for his and ran aground right beneath the guns of bravery at the time.

111 ADVERTISER INDEX

Able Industries Engineering 86 HamiltonJet 48 UNSW-ADFA 91 James Fisher Defence 48 ANZGT 11 Mermaid Marine Australia 37 AkzoNobel – International Paint Australia 45 MSA Australia 82 ASC 67 Navantia 44 ASP Ship Management Group 34 PMB Defence 60 Australian Inhibitor 48 Qantas Defence Services OBC Australia Marine Services 86 QinetiQ 57 Australian National Maritime Museum 71 RMIT University 86 AVEVA 66 Rolls-Royce 79 Each night across Australia thousands of Compass Group 2, 3 Siemens IFC, 1 Vision Defence Housing Australia 8 Sir David Martin Foundation IBC teenagers and young adults bed down in refuges, Department of Business & Innovation - Victoria 43 Smartsalary 35 To create an environment squats and various public places in our big cities. DeWALT 83 Submarine Institute of Australia 61 where young people can grow Fugro LADS 86 ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems – Blohm + Voss Naval 6 up in safety, with hope and For many of these kids, homelessness begins the Germanischer Lloyd 27 UGL Limited 40, 41 descent into alcohol and drug abuse, violence, opportunity. Varley Group 48 Wärtsilä 4, 5 involvement in serious crime and other behaviours damaging their physical and mental health.

Our goal at the Sir David Martin Foundation is to get more young people off the streets, away from Mission unhealthy situations into care and rehabilitation. We aim to encourage in them a new sense of belief so Our mission is to provide that they can face the community at large without the the resources to ensure need for drugs, crime and homelessness. disadvantaged youth Faircount congratulates the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on achieve their full potential. Join us in helping young people in crisis. 100 years of service and looks forward to providing publishing services to the RAN and the other services of the ADF in the years to come.

NAVY

2012 EDITION All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be forwarded to: Sir David Martin Foundation

FAREWELL TO Level 7, 580 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 817 SQUADRON Ph: (02) 9219 2002 Fax: (02) 9264 3517

INTERVIEWS: CHIEF OF NAVY Visit us at www.sdmf.org.au COMMANDER AUSTRALIAN FLEET

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW FUTURE SUBMARINES Vision Each night across Australia thousands of teenagers and young adults bed down in refuges, To create an environment squats and various public places in our big cities. where young people can grow up in safety, with hope and For many of these kids, homelessness begins the descent into alcohol and drug abuse, violence, opportunity. involvement in serious crime and other behaviours damaging their physical and mental health.

Our goal at the Sir David Martin Foundation is to get more young people off the streets, away from Mission unhealthy situations into care and rehabilitation. We aim to encourage in them a new sense of belief so Our mission is to provide that they can face the community at large without the the resources to ensure need for drugs, crime and homelessness. disadvantaged youth achieve their full potential. Join us in helping young people in crisis.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be forwarded to: Sir David Martin Foundation Level 7, 580 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9219 2002 Fax: (02) 9264 3517

Visit us at www.sdmf.org.au QDS Navy Outlook 2011 26/10/11 2:56 PM Page 1

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