THE NAVY RESERVIST - Royal Australian Navy

THE NAVY RESERVIST 

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY RESERVIST MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 2

The Navy Reservist is a journal of the Director-General Reserves – Navy. 

It is published twice a year in May and November. 

Views expressed within the Navy Reservist may not necessarily be those 

of the Royal Australian Navy or the Royal Australian Navy Reserves. 

Contributions 

Contributions and feedback are welcomed 

from serving PN and Reserve members and 

former members via the contact details below. 

Articles should be normally between 450-600 

(for news) and 450-1000 (for features). 

Images should be of the highest resolution 

possible, and they should not be less than 

180dpi and a width or height of 20cm to 

meet commercial print standards. If lo-res 

(less than 180dpi) only is possible, then they 

must be at least 50cm wide/high. 

For ease of filing, photos are preferred 

electronically. Any photographs received in 

hard copy form will be returned to the owner. 

Items submitted from operational areas must 

be cleared through the relevant command, 

and this must be advised to the editor. A 

clearance template is available on request. 

All items submitted will be sub-edited by 

editorial staff and the final draft will be 

returned to the originator for concurrence. 

Style remains the prerogative of the editor. 

Contact Information 

For any advice on contact information, 

including style, please feel free to 

contact the editor. 

Director: 

CMDR Dina Kinsman, DRES-N 

Editor: 

LCDR Andrew Stackpool, DDRES-N 

Phone: (02) 6266 7611 

Mobile: 0411 181 613 

e-mail: 

andrew.stackpool@defence.gov.au 

Editorial staff: 

CAPT Richard Phillips 

SQNLDR Deanna Nott 

LEUT Anna Glover 

SBLT Carolyn Docking 

Contents Foreword 1 

From the Editor’s Desk 2 

NGN - making the change 3 

Naval intelligence comes of age 4 

Streaming the log 5 

PRELS lead the way in NGN reform 6 

Naval Reserve Capability under review 7 

Security review 7 

Riding the trident 8 

BRAVO ZULU 10 

Amphibious data up to speed 11 

Paradise safe 12 

Full fathom five 13 

Amphibious MASH 14 

Variety the spice of life in the MEAO 15 

GOA, another side to the story 16 

Copping it sweet 17 

Reserves to the fore in Navy Week 18 

Navy Musos hit the right chord 19 

The Search for the Sydney 20 

The Navy Reservist - ISSUE #2

NAVY RESERVIST 1 

ON SEPTEMBER 14 last year, I attended CN’s 

Navy Symposium. 

In addition to VADM Russ Crane, presenters 

included Chief Capability Development Group 

(VADM Matt Tripovich), DCN (RADM Davyd 

Thomas), COMAUSFLT (RADM Nigel Coates), 

Head Maritime Systems Division (RADM 

Boyd Robinson), Director General Maritime 

Operations (CDRE Simon Cullen), Head Navy 

People and Reputation (CDRE David Letts), 

Head Navy Engineering Division (CDRE John 

Bryson), and WO-N (WO Mark Tandy). 

During the day, speakers outlined the 

successes Navy has enjoyed and the many 

challenges both in the short and long term. 

Not surprisingly, the Defence White Paper 

2009, the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) 

and New Generation Navy (NGN) featured 

prominently in every aspect. 

CN, DCN, COMAUSFLT, HNPAR and WO-N 

specifically mentioned the Navy Reserve and 

the integral part it plays in today’s Navy. They 

pointed out that Reservists are now being 

regarded more as part-time members of the 

RAN. 

CDRE Letts showed a slide depicting the 

Reserve contribution to capability in Navy’s 

trained force over the past three fiscal years. 

The percentage rose from 7.6 per cent in 

FY06/07 through 9.65 per cent in FY07/08 

to 10.47 per cent in FY08/09. The number of 

CFTS postings in the last FY rose to 521 and 

the figure at time of going to press is close to 

540. All speakers acknowledged the valuable 

contribution the Naval Reserve was making to 

Navy and that without that commitment, Navy 

would not be able to operate as efficiently as 

it currently does in the continuing operational 

tempo. 

The Symposium provided a measured and 

balanced view of Navy in 2009 and looked to 

the future with confidence that Navy people 

would rise to the challenges of Force 2030 

and the new equipments and processes that 

will define Navy in the coming years. 

The SRP brings with it significant challenges 

for the ADF as savings and efficiencies will 

need to be realised if Force 2030 is to 

become a reality. 

Presenters were confident that these savings 

and efficiencies would be met but stressed 

that it is up to each and every member of the 

RAN to play his/her part to transform Navy. 

NGN will help us get to that point. The 

‘Making the Change’ workshops will soon be 

rolled out to selected members, and the Navy 

community is urged to take on board the 

messages presented thereby. 

2009 was an exciting time to be part of the 

Navy and I look forward to the Navy Reserves 

continuing to play its part in the challenges 

ahead in 2010; each and every member, in 

‘making the change’, realising the NGN Vision 

(An Australian navy renowned for excellence 

in service to the nation) and Motto (Navy - 

Serving Australia with pride) to deliver Navy’s 

Mission (To fight and win in the maritime 

environment). 

In closing, may I thank each and every one 

of you who contributed during 2009 for your 

hard work and dedication. You can be proud 

to have contributed to making the Navy what 

it is today. 

Foreword 

By CDRE Ranford P Elsey, RFD, RANR 



From the 

Editor’s Desk 

LCDR Andrew Stackpool 

WELCOME to the second edition of “The Navy 

Reservist”. 

I hope you enjoy the publication. 

Again, I would like to acknowledge the input 

from SQNLDR Deana Nott, LEUT Anna Glover, 

and SBLT Carolyn Docking and thank them 

for their enthusiasm and input. 

Also, my thanks to CMDR Steve Dunning and 

the other contributors. 

Without their input this magazine would not 

be possible. 

In this edition, we have a wide range of 

important matters to cover, as well as looking 

at more of the dedicated individuals in the 

part-time arm of the Royal Australian Navy. 

We are updating on Navy’s most important 

program for many decades, the New 

Generation Navy (NGN). We are covering the 

introduction of the new intelligence (INT) and 

operational logistics (OPLOG) PQs, which will 

have significant outcomes for many people. 

Also, we are providing an update on the new 

Public Relations (PREL) structure. 

The divers have been busy and we are 

reporting on two of their major activities, 

a deployment in support of the Clearance 

Diving Team world and Exercise Dugong in 

Tasmania. Also, in Brisbane, we have the 

Geospatial Intelligence Library. 

From ‘out there’, we have stories from the 

Gulf of Aden, Northern Trident and other 

places. Included, also, is a book review on 

the finding of HMAS Sydney II. It is worth 

recollecting that the majority of her ill-fated 

ship’s company, like the ships’ companies of 

most RAN ships during WWII, were Reservists 

‘hostilities only’ personnel. It is also worth 

contemplating that three of the ship’s 

company of HMS Hood in her final battle 

with the Bismarck were also Australian Naval 

Reservists. The modern Navy Reserves is built 

upon a solid record of Service and Sacrifice; 

truly service to “Country Not Self”. 

As I said in the first edition, this magazine will 

only be as good as the information and as 

importantly, the photos we receive from you, 

the Navy Reservists. I can seek input from 

Headquarters, the Forces, State Directors 

and other Command outlets, etc., but at the 

end of the day we are about the stories of the 

individual Reservists at home, on deployment, 

on the sporting field, in the community; even 

your hobbies and interests. 

So, please, if you have or are doing something 

you think is of interest, please let me know. 

For the Command at all levels, if you have 

Reservists doing things, especially at part-ofship 

or desk level, let us know. 

We do not require flowing prose; we can 

provide you guidelines, but we do want your 

stories. 

May you all have fair winds and following seas. 



NEW Generation Navy has entered a new 

phase, with the focus now on culture change, 

leadership and the way Navy does business. 

NGN - making the change 

“Navy’s Leadership Framework reflects the 

ethical foundation and unique requirements 

of leadership,” CN said after the launch of 

the Navy Leadership Framework at the Navy 

Symposium in September. 

“This Framework is centred on the Navy 

Values, and includes the Signature 

Behaviours, and other time-tested leadership 

principles. It is the basis for training all 

leaders, regardless of rank.” 

The Framework is being implemented through 

Navy’s existing Leadership, Management and 

Personal Development Training Continuum 

for junior officers and sailors, and via new 

Leadership Development workshops for 

middle and senior - rank officers, senior 

civilian managers and WOs. 

These workshops will address leadership in 

terms of the impact that individual behaviour 

has on team effectiveness and on Navy’s 

culture. Participants will also be able to 

access a voluntary ‘360 feedback’ program 

to receive ‘real’ feedback on their personal 

leadership impact. Participation in the 

workshops is voluntary for Reserve personnel 

but is strongly encouraged for people 

undertaking regular periods of Reserve 

service. 

The Leadership and Ethics Project has 

delivered a number of pilot “leadership 

development” workshops and modules. The 

full program will be rolled out in 2010. 

The work on culture change also continues, 

with the “Making the Change” (MTC) program 

now embedded in Navy. 

The program commenced with a series of 

MTC ‘Train the Facilitator’ sessions aimed at 

personnel who were identified as suitable 

facilitators, and they have begun to present 

the engagements with their staff or in their 

Division. Attendance at the four workshops is 

compulsory for all Navy personnel, and they 

are to be completed by June 30, with the 

results recorded on PMKeyS. 

CMDR Gary Brown is conducting the “Train 

the Facilitator” sessions for MTC around the 

country, and has met with Navy members of 

all ranks, both permanent and Reserves. 

“Under the total force, the Reserves are an 

important component,” CMDR Brown said. 

“They must also comply with the Behaviours, 

and are strongly encouraged to get involved in 

the MTC engagements where possible.” 

The program will reach all Reserves currently 

on CFTS or completing diary days, as part of 

their divisional meetings. With the amount of 

ground covered by the “Train the Facilitator” 

team, there will be officers and senior sailors 

in every area in Navy that can provide the 

MTC training. 

“Getting the training to all Reservists is 

challenging, especially when they are 

geographically dispersed,” he said. ‘We will 

reach them through the Divisional system 

so that everyone in Navy is engaged in 

the interactive and inclusive way the MTC 

program provides.” 

Attendees at the workshops also receive a 

copy of the new booklet “Navy Values: Serving 

Australia with Pride”, and an ID card-sized 

plastic card that lists on one side Navy’s 

vision, motto, mission and values and the 

Signature Behaviours on the other. 

“They have been enthusiastically accepted 

and have been a great way to engage 

constructive conversation on the Signature 

Behaviours,” CMDR Brown said. 

“It’s positive to see acceptance across all 

ranks, and all who have participated in the 

workshops so far are looking forward to rolling 

out MTC in their divisions.” 

Further information on the NGN program, 

including the Leadership development 

workshops and “Making the Change” is at 

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/ 

sites/NGN/ 

MTC will encourage, through a series of four 

engagements, how to better live by the Navy 

Values and Signature Behaviours through 

scenarios and discussion in a group setting. 

The four interactive engagements examine 

the Signature Behaviours generally, and 

then more closely in the context of People, 

Performance and Professionalism. 

Senior personnel aboard HMAS Stuart braved heavy weather to do their first MTC tasks. 

Photo: LEUT Stuart Cayzer. 



Naval intelligence 

comes of age 

By CMDR Peter Saxton, RANR 

SIGNIFICANT changes are in train for the 

future of Naval Intelligence, including among 

its ANR ranks. 

In order to ensure the ongoing viability of 

the maritime intelligence function as an 

element of war fighting capability, CN directed 

the establishment of a formal intelligence 

community and career continuum for the 

RAN. 

The primary driver was the need to develop 

well-trained intelligence specialists in support 

of commanders at sea (embarked N2 – or 

Intelligence Staff Officers), coupled with the 

ever-increasing mandate of, and demands 

within, the joint intelligence environment. 

As part of this process, the Intelligence 

Primary Qualification (INT PQ) was stood-up 

on December 1 last year. It will be common 

across selected officers from both the 

Permanent Navy and Reserve. The new INT PQ 

will replace the former Intelligence Functional 

Qualification introduced into the PN in 

2003 and the INT PQ that has been worn by 

members of the Naval Intelligence Reserves 

(NIR) over its various iterations. 

In parallel with the INT PQ is the creation 

of the Maritime Intelligence Support Centre 

(MISC) at FHQ in Sydney. It will be the 

centre of excellence for Navy intelligence 

support and will have all the necessary 

command and control, intelligence and data 

connectivity through state-of-the-art systems. 

The MISC has collocated all of Navy’s 

intelligence capability and has brought the 

Naval Imagery Units, RANTEWSS, AJAAC and 

other intelligence functions together in one 

organization under the command and control 

of the Director General Maritime Operations. 

Appointment into the INT PQ will be 

management-initiated, founded upon a 

merit-based selection process focusing on 

value analysis, competency benchmarking, 

eligibility criteria and future employability of 

the candidate within the RAN intelligence 

domain. 

The recently-formed Navy Intelligence Officer 

Qualification Board (NIOQB) is responsible 

for the management of this process including: 

a. selection of Navy Intelligence Officer 

(NIO) candidates; 

b. tier allocation within the INT PQ 

continuum; 

c. providing direction on courses and 

experience for progression to the next 

tier; and 

d. recommendations to DNOP for dual 

qualifications. 

The first NIOQB selected the first PN and 

Reserve NIOs for transitioning to the INT PQ 

last September. 

Sea-going deployability is an integral 

component of the INT PQ. All NIOs must be 

willing to present for mandatory training and 

sea postings as required. 

From the NIR perspective, there is a further 

expectation of greater commitment from 

its workforce. This requirement is based 

not only upon workplace commitment 

and deployability, but also on the member 

transitioning along the training and 

developmental continuum. 

The continuum sets out the training courses, 

career posting options and Intelligence tier 

structure. Completion of designated courses 

and posting opportunities is necessary for 

progression to the next tier. The tier to which 

NIOs are assigned determines their relevant 

Pay Group. 

The then LEUT Laurie Gray (right) visited Baghdad while deployed 

in HMAS Ballart as the N2. Photo: LCDR Laurie Gray. 

For those NIR members selected for the 

new INT PQ, the rationalisation of the RAN’s 

intelligence capability will provide them with 

the opportunity to fully align and integrate 

themselves with their PN counterparts. This 

will result in their ability to develop their 

skill-sets in a defined and structured career 

progression and exploit significant long-term 

career opportunities. 

Further information is available at http:// 

intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/ 

NCIW/. 

This is an exciting time for Navy’s intelligence 

capability and intelligence officers. There 

are tremendous opportunities available for 

Reservists who are prepared to accept the 

challenges that lie ahead. 

The standing up of the new INT PQ is also 

significant because it reflects for the first 

time the total integration of part time and full 

time personnel within a single capability, and 

is the final stroke in the dissolution of the 

last vestiges of the Port Division system; an 

important achievement in the evolution of the 

Navy Reserve. 

Further information from peter.saxton@ 

defence.gov.au 



ARE you looking for a change of PQ or just 

a PQ? 

Do you enjoy demanding and challenging 

work but with potential for a wide range of 

opportunities and the feeling of a job well 

done? 

Then you may wish to consider a second 

career – in Operational Logistics (OPLOG). 

OPLOG involves managing the processes 

necessary to move PMC (Passengers, Mail 

and Cargo) from a forward location to fleet 

units operating away from home base. 

The Reserve is currently looking for 

suitable people interested in a career in 

forward logistics support. OPLOG offers 

the opportunity for Reservists to provide a 

valuable contribution to defence capability. It 

is a rewarding career choice for those with a 

suitable background, the right aptitude and a 

desire to serve. 

The requirement for the OPLOG organisation 

was first identified in 2004 by the Supply 

community under the Supply Officer ten year 

plan, SO2013. The community determined 

that, given the right training, Reservists with 

the right background could provide a valuable 

contribution in an operational logistics role. 

The timing for creating the capability tied in 

perfectly with the Defence White Paper which 

endorsed the government’s policy for a bigger 

navy, with larger ships and greater capability. 

domestic and international exercises, 

be assigned to operations and assist in 

humanitarian relief. 

After completing initial training, OPLOG 

officers will attend the two-week long 

initial operations logistics course (IOLC). 

This will be followed by on-the-job training 

and assessment consisting of a series of 

competency-based tasks contained within 

a Work Experience Journal (WEJ). Tasks 

include participation in logistics planning, 

coordination of front end logistics support to 

ships and making necessary arrangements 

for port visits for Fleet Units away from home 

base. 

An OPLOG PQ will be awarded to those who 

successfully complete the IOLC and WEJ. 

The first IOLC was held at HMAS Cairns last 

April and the six candidates passed. During 

Exercise Talisman Saber, they were deployed 

Streaming the log 

By CMDR John Willy and LEUT Anthony Gilmour 

to Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville to 

provide the necessary shore support. 

The development of the new OPLOG branch 

is already a success. As the capability 

grows, the ability to provide a surge capacity 

whenever required, at sea or ashore, will 

increase dramatically. 

While the pilot IOLC members were all 

serving Reservists, future recruiting plans 

to target civilians “off the street”, as well as 

lateral transfers by Reservists. People with 

a logistics or supply background or working 

in the maritime industry are ideally suited 

for OPLOG. However, equally important 

are the soft skills: good people skills, 

assertiveness, excellent time management 

and organizational skills, ability to recognize 

priorities and common sense and logic. 

The next IOLC is planned to take place in the 

first half of 2010. 

While the capability is in its infancy, OPLOG 

personnel will mainly deploy to commercial 

ports around Australia to provide the “port 

services” support needed during fleet unit 

port visits. They will work for the Port Services 

Managers. However, as the capability matures, 

Reserve ‘loggies’ will be deployed overseas to 

work in logistic support elements or forward 

operational sites. The Navy’s acquisitions plan 

places a demand for Reserve personnel to 

be at the forefront of future logistics support. 

‘Loggies’ will provide that front end support. 

As the capability matures, OPLOG personnel 

will be given chances to travel, work in 

different environments, participate in 

In future, OPLOGSs will play a vital role in tasks like this as HMAS Tobruk loads humanitarian stores. 



PRELS lead 

the way in 

NGN reform 

By LCDR Fenn Kemp 

THE RAN’s Public Relations (PREL) primary 

qualification (PQ) is undergoing the most 

significant reform since its inception, with its 

members being brought under the control of 

the Permanent Navy (PN). 

The RAN’s PREL capability is unique within 

the ADF, in that it is wholly staffed by Reserve 

members. Their civilian employment in 

media, marketing, public relations, event 

management and the like allows them to 

bring a raft of skills and experience that 

Permanent members may not have. However, 

until recently the PREL capability was 

managed outside of the main stream of the 

PN and, as a result, has arguably been ‘out of 

sight and out of mind’. 

The 2009 Defence White Paper (WP) and 

Strategic Reform Program (SRP) highlighted 

the challenges facing the Australian Defence 

Organisation over the next two decades. The 

WP identifies the significant increase in ADF 

capabilities needed for Force 2030, while the 

SRP encompasses the resource efficiencies 

required to deliver these capabilities, 

particularly over the next ten years. 

Effective and efficient workforce management 

is a key element of Navy’s SRP strategy, 

noting that SRP reforms aim to achieve a 

sustainable, integrated uniformed and civilian 

workforce that has the right skills and is the 

right size and shape for the future. One of the 

key aims of the New Generation Navy (NGN) 

program is to centralise and streamline the 

way the RAN does business. This included 

bringing the PREL PQ into the Navy fold to 

optimise its effectiveness. 

In 2009, nine PRELs signed CFTS contracts 

with Navy and all have ‘hit the ground 

running’. Some served overseas, while others 

took part in exercises ashore and afloat 

or were employed within Navy Strategic 

Command or Joint Operations Command in 

Canberra. A growing number of PRELs have 

indicated their preference to accept Navy 

work they can carry out from home. 

These new PRELs have joined the Navy team 

on the crest of a wave of change. The recent 

decision to re-name and re-focus the PHOT 

category and move it into the Intelligence 

community could soon require Public Affairs 

specialists to include basic imagery skills 

in their repertoire. This is one of a number 

of issues incorporated into the review of 

PREL requirements and their job description 

that is now underway. The review should be 

completed by mid-2010. 

The PREL PQ management changes already 

implemented along with those anticipated 

in the near future will facilitate opportunities 

for PRELs who want to actively contribute. For 

Navy, the WP and SRP changes will underpin 

its ability to operate, maintain and support a 

larger, more potent force of surface platforms, 

submarines and aircraft. Marketing the new 

Navy capabilities will be a challenging task. 

On launching the NGN program, CN made 

it clear that marketing Navy now and into 

the future is a fundamental job for all Navy 

people. The PREL PQ has a leadership role 

in this regard and that means more work for 

more active PRELs. 

PREL LEUT Gary McHugh (rear) with 

personnel from HMAS Kanimbla meet 

young locals in Padang, Indonesia during 

Operation Padang Assist. PRELs are on 

the crest of a wave of change ashore, at 

sea, at home and on deployment. 

Photo: ABIS Andrew Dakin. 



Naval Reserve Capability under review 

By CMDR Glenn Tinsley 

THE work performed by the Naval Reserves 

and the personnel required to carry it out is 

under review. 

DCN announced the NR Capability Review by 

signal on November 16. 

It comes at a time when spending on the 

Naval Reserve is expected to exceed budget 

by almost 40 per cent this financial year. A 

key requirement of the review will be to state 

the level of capability that the NR will deliver 

from within its budget. To that end, the review 

will align the NR construct to prioritised 

capability outputs in accordance with Navy 

Strategic Plan 09/10 as well as ensuring 

a sustainable workforce to meet future 

capability requirements. 

DGRES-N stated that the review is an 

important ‘one-off’ opportunity to mould 

the structure of the Reserve force and 

its contribution to Navy capability for the 

foreseeable future. 

The review will comprise two distinct phases. 

The first phase was data collection. Position 

owners and supervisors were asked to 

provide a range of information on each 

position including a position’s capability 

output, appropriateness of the rank and PQ/ 

CAT to achieving its output and adequacy 

of resources to support the position. This 

information was provided by December 11. 

The second phase, which will take place 

between January and March 2010, will 

centre on analysis of the data. DGRES-N 

stated that this will be the key phase when 

some important judgements will have to 

be made regarding the relative priority of 

positions. With only a finite amount of cash 

in the Reserve budget, it is imperative that 

we ensure that it is spent wisely and that the 

optimum level of capability is delivered from 

within the cash boundary. 

When this phase is completed, initial 

guidance will be issued regarding the 

availability of Funded Reserve Commitment 

positions for the following financial year. 

The review will also serve to inform the Navy’s 

commitment to the Strategic Reform Program 

(Reserve Reform Stream), which stands at 

$19m savings over the next decade. The 

completion of the review is prerequisite to 

understanding if there is scope for any roles 

or functions currently undertaken by the 

Permanent Force being addressed on a part 

time basis to deliver capability at a lower 

cost. 

Security review 

THE ADF is currently undergoing a range of 

improvements to policy and actual physical 

security procedures and measures. 

These initiatives follow the recent review 

of base security and subsequent risk 

assessments that were conducted at all 

bases. 

They follow the discovery of the alleged 

terrorist plot to attack Holsworthy Army 

Barracks. 

The improvements include strengthening 

Defence’s protective security alert system and 

improving the policies underpinning security 

arrangements, an additional patrolling 

presence by the Australian Federal Police and 

contracted security guards and a range of 

physical security measures. 

Defence is also implementing enhanced 

security measures to strengthen and 

make more consistent existing security 

arrangements across all Defence bases and 

facilities. They include a new alert system, 

refined lockdown procedures and updated 

emergency response plans. 

Secretary of Defence Dr Ian Watt said 

he was pleased with the progress that 

Defence was making with implementing the 

recommendations. 

“Actions are either complete or in progress on 

all recommendations,” Dr Watt said. 

“These security enhancements reflect the 

importance that Defence and the government 

places on the safety, security and well-being 

of ADF members, Defence employees and 

contractors.” 



Trip of a lifetime 

By LEUT Anna Glover 

In April last year, I joined HMAS Sydney and 

sailed on Northern Trident 09, a five-month 

circumnavigation visiting ports in India, Spain, 

France, the UK, Canada, the US, Bahamas 

and Samoa. 

I was away for 7 ½ months CFTS. 

LEUT Anna Glover contemplates going 

down to the sea in ships. 

My 60,000 nautical mile journey started 

when I answered an expression of interest for 

a Public Affairs Officer (PAO) to join Sydney 

on her world trip. Until then, my Public Affairs 

contribution to Navy was directed more at 

writing for publications; however I was keen to 

apply. I strongly believe that the best way to 

get the most out of your time as a Reservist 

is to go to sea and experience life aboard a 

ship. REOC training can only teach you so 

much –five months away in a ship will show 

you so much more and give you experiences 

that will add significant value to your overall 

Reservist experience. 

My deployment would never have happened 

if it had not been for an extremely supportive 

workplace that believes in the contribution 

that Reservists can make to the business. I 

was a Business Development Adviser for Corrs 

Chambers Westgarth Lawyers in Brisbane. 

However, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public 

Relations, I was keen to use my PR skills and 

what better way than on a world trip. 

In response to the global financial crisis, 

Corrs was offering people leave without pay 

for six to 12 months, so I thought it would be 

a good time to put my hand up. Corrs has 

an excellent Military Leave policy, which gave 

me a bit of extra security and I was pleased 

that they would be eligible for the Employer 

Support Payment. 

When I found out that I was accepted, I was 

very excited but a little daunted as there was 

so much that needed to be done before I 

embarked. 

I was one of only two Reservists on the 

deployment; the other, WO Bob McCann, left 

the Navy after 29 years. He was a fantastic 

help to me and was always ready to give me 

some useful advice on the best way to ‘get 

things done in the Pus’. 



I was made to feel very welcome and many 

of the officers helped me to settle in to 

shipboard life, although there were times 

when I missed my family and friends. 

The great thing about life aboard was that 

there was always someone around to make 

me laugh and another port to look forward 

to. Many of the ship’s company had family 

and partners meet them in various ports, and 

when my sister and her partner met the ship 

in Pearl Harbour, it was fantastic. 

My duties were extremely busy and at 

times exhausting as ship routine and the 

deliverables expected for such a high profile 

trip often left me with very little time to see 

the sights in each port. 

Much of my time was taken up with writing 

stories for the Northern Trident 09 website 

and Navy News, and media releases for 

port visits, as well as liaising with Defence 

Attaches and High Commission and 

Australian Embassy staff to ensure that 

media coverage of our visit was maximised. 

The hard work paid off, especially when I 

saw footage from every television station in 

Australia of Sydney sailing past the Statue of 

Liberty on her way to berth in New York for a 

four-day visit. 

Life at sea is an interesting experience with 

new terminology, the food and the culture; 

however I was not expecting to be sent to 

Action Stations. That happened when Sydney 

came to the rescue of a merchant vessel 

under attack from Somali pirates while we 

were while transiting the Gulf of Aden. I was 

in the Operations Room to prepare a brief 

that could be sent to Canberra as soon as 

the situation was resolved. At the time I was 

running on pure adrenalin and it was not 

until later, once the threat had subsided, that 

the enormity of the situation sank in and I 

realised how dangerous events could have 

become. It was certainly one of the stand-out 

experiences of the trip. 

The deployment gave me the opportunity 

to really increase my exposure to the RAN, 

learn about its culture and get to know some 

incredible men and women who work at a job 

that is very different from my desk job. 

It changed many things for me. It gave me an 

experience that took me out of my comfort 

zone and enabled me to grow both personally 

and professionally. 

Northern Trident 09 really was the “trip of a 

lifetime”. 

LEUT Anna Glover with LEUT Joshua 

Watkin and LCDR Jon Goulder taking 

the scene from Sydney’s gun direction 

platform after departing Cochin, India. 



BRAVO ZULU 

By LCDR Brett Lane 

Two senior sailors based at HMAS Stirling 

have been recognised for excellence in their 

Reserve service to the RAN. 

CPOCD Mark Graham and POMTSM Warren 

Webb received Reserve Service Excellence 

Awards from the Western Australian 

Committee of the Defence Reserves Support 

Council (DRSC). 

The announcement was made at a DRSC 

formal dinner at Irwin Barracks, Perth. 

CPOCD Graham’s award acknowledged 

his “dedication, unflagging enthusiasm, 

commitment and selfless outstanding 

contribution to Navy diving operations”. 

CPOCD Graham serves as Chief of Operations 

with ANR Diving Team Seven, AUSCDT Four. 

He is a station officer at Fremantle Fire 

Station with the Fire and Emergency Services 

Authority of Western Australia. 

POMTSM Webb was recognised for his 

exceptional service to Training Authority – 

Submarines (TA-SM), and the submarine 

community at large as manager of the 

Competency Management Cell and as 

a member of the TA-SM Quality Control 

department. 

LEUT Joe Francis, a Navy Reservist 

submariner and the State Member for the 

Perth metropolitan seat of Jandakot in the 

Western Australia Parliament, represented 

Premier Colin Barnett at the dinner. 

DRSC provides a link between the ADF, 

employers and the community. It aims to 

enhance the availablity of the Reserve 

component of the ADF by promoting the 

benefits of employing Reservists. 

Left: POMTSM Warren Webb. 

(alone, in rig – NIU PHOT picture) 

Right: CPOCD Mark Graham (right) 

receiving his award with his employer 

representative Bruce Chamberlain, 

Fire & Emergency Services Authority of 

WA acting district manager (Cockburn 

Sound). PHOTO: CPL Renee Leighton 

RESERVE support was firmly under the 

spotlight at a glittering formal dinner held for 

nearly 600 small business representatives 

recently. 

The gala affair was held at the Sheraton on 

the Park Hotel in Sydney on October 20. 

The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, and 

NSW Minister for Small Business, Mr Steve 

Whan hosted the event, which included a 

brief audio-visual presentation on the current 

roles of ADF Reserves. 

Seven Network’s Sunrise talk show host David 

Koch was the Master of Ceremonies. 

The Defence Reserves Support Council 

(DRSC) team was led by its Chairman, Mr 

Rodney Cavalier. 

Director of Naval Reserve Support-NSW 

CMDR Peter Collins presented the Melbourne 

Perfume Factory with their award in the 

Manufacturing category. 

“This sort of exposure to such a dynamic 

audience of young achievers is a great way of 

increasing both awareness of and support for 

ADF reservists,” CMDR Collins said. 

“For a lot of people there, it was probably the 

only contact they’ve had with the ADF and it 

drew a lot of favourable comment.” 

DGRES-N CDRE Ranford Elsey attended the 

function and was invited to speak at the 

DRSC’s leadership forum after the event. 

“It is excellent that the DRSC supports the 

awards and, thereby, the reservists and their 

employees who are willing to support their 

Reservist employees’ service to the nation,” 

CDRE Elsey said. 

Spotlight 

on reserves 

CMDR Peter Collins 

presents Melbourne 

Perfume Company’s 

Melinda Hewat with 

her award. 

Photo: Jaimie 

Williams Photography. 



IN THE midst of a predominantly “Army” 

town is a dedicated team of Navy Reservists 

preparing details for another high profile 

amphibious exercise. Known as the GSIL 

(Geospatial Intelligence Library), this small, 

but highly skilled team of Brisbane-based 

reservists has been the custodian of the 

Navy’s Beach Intelligence Library for more 

than 15 years. 

Amphibious data up 

to speed 

Known previously as the Amphibious Targeting 

Materials Library (ATML), the group had 

a name change when it moved out of the 

Intelligence community and into the then 

Hydrographic and Meteorological Force 

Element Group (HMFEG) in mid-2008. The 

HMFEG has since undergone a transformation 

under New Generation Navy to become the 

Hydrography, Meteorology and Oceanography 

Branch (HM Branch), which now includes 

a Maritime Military Geospatial Information 

(MGI) and Services Directorate of which GSIL 

is a Section. 

“The transition was a logical one,” said 

CMDR Andy Clowes, OIC of the team. 

“While a small part of what we do relates 

to intelligence activity, in the main, we see 

ourselves as both custodians and producers 

of amphibious-related product associated 

with amphibious operations and exercises.” 

The team had its genesis in the early 1990’s 

and over the years has gradually built an 

impressive on-line library of data covering the 

littoral zone in Australia’s area of operations. 

“The material that we supply is often the only 

data available to support an operation or 

exercise and can be used to either rule in or 

rule out potential sites,” CMDR Clowes said. 

With the organizational move to the HM 

Branch, the GSIL team relocated to the 1st 

Topographical Survey Squadron at Gallipoli 

Barracks at Enoggera. The move enabled a 

transfer of knowledge between the two groups 

and a merging of the near-shore, beach and 

back-of-beach data sets. 

While only a small team of four personnel, 

their jobs could not be completed without the 

substantial support of their civilian employers. 

Between them, the four officers contribute 

almost 300 days annually to the activities of 

the GSIL – a commitment which would not 

be possible without reserve-friendly leave 

policies. 

“My employers at the Queensland Racing 

Science Centre have been extremely generous 

over the years in enabling me to fulfill my 

obligations to the Navy,” LCDR Mark Jarrett 

said. The point was underscored by CMDR 

Clowes who has hosted the civilian employers 

of all members of the GSIL at various Navy 

functions on visiting warships in his dual 

capacity as Director Naval Reserve Support 

Queensland. 

“The Queensland Government is the biggest 

employer of reservists in Queensland and 

we are lucky to have an extremely supportive 

Premier and government here in Queensland,” 

he said. 

Since moving to the HM Branch, the Branch’s 

considerable resources have been brought 

to bear on the product, and planning is 

underway to further enhance it by linking 

it to the substantial data bases of the 

Australian Hydrographic Office and publishing 

the products using Web Mapping Services 

technologies. 

CMDR Andrew Clowes, CMDR James Huggett and LCDR Mark Jarrett work on a current Beach 

Intelligence File 



Paradise safe 

by LCDR Iain Weir 

and SBLT Carolyn Docking 

NAVY Reserve divers recently assisted the PN 

with a vital aid program when five members 

of the Hobart-based Diving Team 10 (DT10) 

deployed to the Solomon Islands for 33 days 

with just 13 days’ notice. 

The five-man team comprised DT10 OIC, 

LCDR Paul Gregg, POCD Bill Denholm, LSCD 

Steve Taylor, LSATV Nick Dingle, and ABCD 

Chris Van den Broek. 

LCDR Gregg runs his own financial company, 

LS Taylor is a commercial diver, and LS Dingle 

and AB Van den Broek are constables in the 

Tasmanian Police. 

The team were part of the ADF’s Operation 

Render Safe, an ongoing initiative designed 

to remove unexploded ordnance (UXO) from 

WWII from the islands. 

They were embarked in HMAS Melville and 

the task ’surfaced’ because Melville was 

unable to field a complete PN dive team. 

During an earlier inspection by the Mine 

Warfare Clearance Diving Group (MCDGRP), 

the team had asked if they could be 

considered for a deployment. 

“When the need arose, the task was offered 

to them,” LCDR Herman Westerhof from the 

MCDGRP said. “They are a highly motivated 

team and they jumped at the opportunity.” 

During the deployment, the team conducted 

a wide range of tasks, including surveys of 

potential anchorage sites, laying and recovery 

of hydrographic equipment, environmental 

data gathering, visual survey of Former Mined 

Areas, identification of an area containing 

potential UXO, the visual survey of WWII 

wrecks, hull inspections and daily training 

and shipboard tasks. 

A DT10 diver signals the all clear during deployment. Photo: LCDR Greg Weir. 

LCDR Gregg said one of the highlights of the 

trip was the survey of a Japanese submarine 

wreck, following concerns that torpedoes and 

other explosives might remain on the boat. 

“The wreck was in eight to 26 metres of 

water and was in surprisingly good condition 

notwithstanding that the forward part had 

been damaged by a civilian salvage team in 

the 1970’s,” he said. 

LS Taylor said the trip had been a fantastic 

experience. 

LS Dingle said the deployment was a huge 

eye-opener into what Reservists are capable 

of. 

The Naval Reserve provides a good 

opportunity to do something totally different 

from policing. 

“I’m a shift worker so it’s a bit of a juggling 

act but the police and the dive team respect 

each other’s work commitments and allow 

flexibility,” he said. 

LS Dingle served in the RAN from 1993 until 

2002 and joined the Reserves in 2005, the 

same year AB Van den Broek also joined. 

“It is something different, keeps me active 

and fit and gives me life skills,” said AB Van 

den Broek. 

His partner, Alex Marshal, was very supportive 

of his naval career. 

“It’s good for him to be a Reservist as he’s 

part of a team and gets to represent his 

country,” she said. 

“I am very supportive of his career in the 

Navy and I wouldn’t have any issue with him 

going full-time. I was happy for him to get a 

deployment.” 

Both LS Dingle and AB Van den Broek said 

the Tasmanian Police were very supportive 

of their deployment and they nominated the 

force for a Defence Employer Award, which it 

ultimately won. 

The team and its employers were later 

welcomed back at a reception at Anglesea 

Barracks. 

Melville’s CO later praised the team for its 

onboard efforts. 

“The DT was an extremely professional and 

experienced group who integrated quickly into 

routine soon after joining. They contributed 

to communal duties and watch on deck 

requirements and took an active interest and 

role in training in Melville,” he said. 



Full fathom 

five 

By LEUT Kara Wansbury 

THE Derwent River and waters in the vicinity 

of Hobart provided the setting for the Mine 

Warfare and Clearance Diving Task Group 

(MCDTG) when more than 200 personnel 

participated in Exercise Dugong there recently. 

The annual exercise is intended to test and 

enhance Navy’s Mine Warfare and Clearance 

Diving (MCD) capabilities. It focused on 

combined mine countermeasures, underwater 

battle damage, repair and salvage operations. 

More than 200 personnel and three ships, 

HMAS Huon, HMAS Diamantina and MSA (L) 

Bandicoot, participated. 

The personnel came from Australian 

Clearance Diving Team (AUSCDT) One and 

Four, and Diving Teams (DT) Six and Ten. 

Also making an appearance in colder waters 

than those in which they normally operate 

were members of the USN’s Mobile Diving 

Salvage Unit One, based in Pearl Harbour. 

HMAS Tobruk transported the 106 tonnes of 

equipment required for the exercise. 

During the exercise, members of AUSCDT 

One and DT 10 conducted a survey of the 

wreck of MV Illawarra, the ship that sank 

after colliding with Hobart’s Tasman Bridge on 

January 5, 1975. Twelve people died in the 

disaster. 

The clearance divers confirmed the structural 

integrity of the wreck and that its position did 

not pose a hazard to the bridge. 

Commander Australian Mine Warfare and 

Clearance Diving Task Group, CMDR Dean 

Schopen, said the personnel from DT 10 were 

integral to the success of the exercise. 

“Their planning and stakeholder liaison in 

the lead up to, and during, the exercise has 

been first rate and is a reflection of the strong 

teamwork and leadership underpinning the 

team,” he said. 

CMDR Schopen said the focus for the task 

group would now turn to re-deployment and 

planning for the next MCD exercise in the 

Navy calendar – Mulgogger 2010. 

“Dugong’s success is a result of the personnel 

involved and their continued application of 

effort over the two-week period. 

“I am proud of the exercise outcomes and the 

competencies achieved,” he said. 



Amphibious MASH 

By LEUT Alistair Tomlison 

THE 1970’s hit television program MASH was 

about the escapades of a group of US Army 

medical personnel during the Korean War. 

Even though it was a comedy, the show also 

presented the unwavering dedication of its 

doctors and nurses in difficult circumstances. 

In many respects Navy’s Primary Casualty 

Reception Facility (PCRF) operates like 

MASH. It is mobile, it receives patients via 

helicopter, it has surgical capabilities and 

hospital facilities and many of its members 

have civilian careers but work for Navy as 

Reservists. 

The major difference is the PCRF operates 

on water from HMAS Kanimbla. The ship 

has Level 3 PCRF capabilities (the highest), 

and can provide surgery and intensive care 

support. 

Providing this specialist care requires a 

large number of medical personnel with 14 

different types of medical skills, from basic 

medical assistant through to specialist 

doctors, ensuring genuine interoperability. 

Exercise Talisman Saber 09 presented an 

opportunity for the PCRF to be thoroughly 

tested. Over a three-week period, 26 

members of the team undertook daily 

practice on land, in the air and at sea, to 

make sure they were ready and able to meet 

any future demands. 

The PCRF is divided into three areas and 

members of the team are allocated to each 

section according to their particular skills. 

During a medical emergency, the PCRF will 

be activated after being directed to receive 

wounded or injured personnel. It swings 

into action, beginning with the Aero-Medical 

Evacuation (AME) team. 

Consisting of a doctor, critical care nurse and 

clinical manager, the team will fly to the area, 

assess the injured and evacuate the most 

serious cases first. 

After arriving onboard Kanimbla, the 

helicopter is met by a triage manager who is 

responsible for allocating each case to one 

of the Resuscitation Stations. Each station 

consists of a doctor, nurse, clinical manager 

and advanced medical assistant, and their 

role is to prepare the most serious cases for 

surgery, placement in the High Dependency 

Unit and provide general medical care to less 

serious cases. 

PCRF senior medical officer, CMDR Ian 

Young, said: “For cases requiring surgery, we 

have one dedicated operating theatre with 

a potential to upgrade to two. Our ability to 

assist those seriously ill or injured is very 

advanced.” 

After the patient’s condition has been 

stabilised, they are transferred to onshore 

medical facilities, thereby allowing the PCRF 

to receive new cases. 

“The PCRF is a great example of the 

sophisticated way Navy is able to deal with 

a mass casualty situation, and this is why 

our expertise was so important to the recent 

peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions 

in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and 

Indonesia,” CMDR Young said. 

The PCRF relies heavily on Reservists, making 

up to half of the medical complement. 

Kanimbla’s PCRF team take a well-deserved break during Exercise Talisman Saber 09. Photo: ABIS Evan Murphy. 

OIC of the PCRF LCDR Don Jamieson 

said: “Naval Reservists bring with them 

irreplaceable experience, having worked for 

many of Australia’s largest hospitals. Our 

aim is to provide first class care, so having 

personnel from first class civilian hospitals is 

vital to our continuing success.” 



Variety the spice of life in the MEAO 

THE REQUIREMENTS of the ADF are providing 

more and more opportunities for naval 

reservists to spread their wings. 

Typical of these is PREL officer LEUT Andrew 

Silver who deployed to the Middle East Area 

of Operations and found himself engaged in 

everything from providing PA support to the 

Deputy Prime Minister to chasing pirates in 

the Gulf of Aden. 

LEUT Silver, who is a solicitor with the 

Melbourne law firm Stynes Dixon, was 

destined for a naval career. 

He was commissioned in 2007; the same 

year, his father, CMDR John Silver retired after 

38 years as a Reserve medical officer. 

“I was delighted and very proud when Andrew 

was commissioned as an officer in the RANR 

and also with his subsequent enthusiasm for 

the Service,” CMDR Silver said. 

“He has been fortunate to have been offered 

an operational deployment as important as 

Operation Slipper so early in his naval career. 

The experience will stand him in good stead 

for both his civilian work as a lawyer and his 

career in the Navy.” 

On his first operational overseas deployment, 

for six months LEUT Silver found himself in 

Iraq and Afghanistan and embarked in HMAS 

Toowoomba during her counter-terrorism and 

anti-piracy patrols. 

He was employed as the 2IC of the media 

operations unit (including six weeks as the 

OIC) and found himself providing PA support 

to a range of politicians, including the Deputy 

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Federal Leader of 

the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull, a number 

of former and serving Defence Ministers and 

Shadow Ministers, CDF ACM Angus Houston 

and CJOPS LTGEN Mark Evans. 

“Not surprisingly, this was a great experience,” 

LEUT Silver said. 

“By being immersed in the job over the last 

six months, I have learned a lot about how 

an operational Headquarters operates; the 

needs and priorities of those at the tactical 

and operational levels and the subtleties of 

working in a ‘purple’ environment.” 

Following in his father’s foot steps, LEUT Andrew Silver 

has found his Navy career to be a great experience. 

LEUT Deidre Smith is a theatre 

nurse with more than thirty years’ 

experience. 

“It is very gratifying teaching local 

health workers. They are really 

keen and eager to learn, and their 

enthusiasm is infectious,” she said. 

LCDR Neil Smith is a general and 

respiratory physician. 

“I volunteered because I was 

impressed by Navy’s commitment to 

delivering humanitarian assistance 

in neighbouring countries,” LCDR 

Smith said. 

LCDR Rod McLean is one of the 

longest-serving members in the RAN. 

Enlisting in 1968, he rose through 

the ranks to become a medical 

administration officer. 

“The Navy has provided me with 

many fantastic opportunities to 

help others,” he said. 

LEUT Jen Evans is a Registered Nurse 

at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital. 

Asked why she had volunteered to 

serve in Navy she replied: “I heard that 

there was a shortage of theatre nurses 

with Navy.” 

She had not completed her REOC 

before she deployed on Sumatra Assist. 



GOA, 

another side 

to the story 

By LEUT Gregory Hill, RANR 

LEUT Hill is a merchant marine officer who 

is the captain of the Liquefied Natural Gas 

(LNG) ship, the 72,000-tonne Sohar LNG, 

operating between the Persian Gulf and 

Spain. 

During her passages, the ship transits the 

pirate waters of the Gulf of Aden (GOA). Much 

has been written about incidents there and 

Navy News has run stories about the RAN’s 

involvement. Here is the story told from the 

point of view of a merchant ship at risk in 

those waters. 

“I FLEW from Sydney to Kuwait on September 

6 and rejoined the Sohar LNG at anchor two 

days later. 

It was an eerie sight as we skirted down the 

seaward side of the 20nm long anchorages 

off Fujairah and Khwar Fakkan, with the sun 

setting and the lights of over 300 ships at 

anchor slowly becoming visible through the 

haze. 

We reached our rendezvous position and then 

sailed east. We had to clear the Gulf of Oman 

and dispose of 90 days accumulated galley 

waste before returning to Qalhat in Oman to 

load some cargo. 

The ship berthed 14 days later, loaded and 

sailed the following evening. We cleared 

the Strait of Hormuz on the afternoon of 

September 25 and proceeded to Fujairah. 

There, we loaded a full cargo of LNG and next 

day sailed for Bilbao, Spain. Shortly after 

departure, we conducted anti-piracy drills 

and implemented the anti-piracy contingency 

plan. Four charged fire hoses were discharged 

over the stern, dummies were tied in place 

on deck, the accommodation went into lockdown, 

we darkened ship and watches were 

doubled. The only lights visible at night were 

our navigation lights. 

We entered the Arabian Sea on September 

30 and set course for the GOA. 

As we steamed down the coast of Oman, all 

was quiet. The 27 knot head winds reduced 

our speed to less than 17 knots at times; the 

moon shone brightly, making our five newlypainted 

domes glow in the dark. 

It was an uncomfortable feeling. We stood 

out like a sore thumb, and with our speed 

down, our main defence against attack was 

degraded. The only thing going for us was our 

size; our 16m freeboard makes boarding an 

LNG tanker at sea a very daunting task. 

We entered the westbound corridor in the 

GOA at on the night of October 1. There were 

several warship broadcasts on VHF channel 

16 and lots of ships coming and going. We 

passed several “Group Sailings” and saw 

several warships and traditional small craft. 

Next day the winds abated and we increased 

speed. For the first time in 48 hours it looked 

like I might make my Suez Canal Convoy on 

the 6th.” 

At this point, CAPT Hill sighted a suspicious 

vessel. It was a fishing vessel that was 

steering erratically at 7 knots and did not 

seem to be following any specific course. The 

vessel passed closed down Sohar’s port side. 

“I submitted a suspicious small craft report 

and a warship investigated. 

It was good to hear warship 156 (HMAS 

Toowomba, which had only a few days before 

disarmed a suspect pirate vessel closing on 

another merchant ship, Ed.] on the VHF, an 

Aussie voice so far from home. 

That night we experienced a lot of radar 

interference; it was almost impossible to 

identify any small targets on the radar. We 

saw a flare low on the horizon on the port 

beam and reported it to another warship. 

Our passage ended when we exited the 

westbound corridor the 3rd and entered the 

Bab el Mandeb Straits. We transited the Red 

Sea and Suez Canal, arriving in Alexandria on 

the 7th. 

A week later, we arrived safely in Bilboa.” 



Copping it 

sweet 

By SBLT Carolyn Docking 

PONPC Norman Absolom has advice for all 

PN personnel paying off. 

“Seriously consider looking at the Reserves 

as it has such a lot to offer,” he says. 

“Everyone has different lifestyle requirements 

so Reserves can work really well for people 

who only want to do a few days.” 

His time in the PN meant he was often far 

away from family with gaps as long as seven 

months. 

PO Absolom lives in Maroochydore, 

Queensland, with his wife and 16-year-old 

son and reckons he has found the perfect 

balance between family life and his passion 

for the Navy. 

He joined HMAS Norman late last year and 

is currently working with the same crew in 

HMAS Huon. 

“It’s working well for me and so far, I’ve been 

really lucky with this crew,” he says. 

“It’s a great crew and I’m hoping to come 

back.” 

His military career started in 1980 with a 

stint in the Army as a cook followed by time 

in the Army reserves. He joined the Navy in 

1990. 

Initially, he aimed to do 10 years in each 

service but Navy was where he found his 

passion and ultimate career as a naval police 

coxswain. 

“I always wanted to have a policing role and 

I’m glad I did it as there have been different 

areas to go into such as investigations, small 

boats and major fleet units,” he says. 

“There is so much variety in this branch.” 

On board Huon, PO Absolom acts as the 

Divisional Senior Sailor for the Supply 

Department, enforces discipline, handles 

leave and posting movements and provides 

general advice to the command on the 

Defence Force Discipline Act and other 

matters. 

He started his NPC career at Maritime 

Headquarters (MHQ) and then worked at 

HMAS Watson before posting to HMAS 

Newcastle as a Leading Seaman. 

He was promoted to Petty Officer at 

HMAS Kuttabul where he worked as the 

disciplinarian coxswain before completing 

a navigation course and posting to HMAS 

Warrnambool. 

PONPC Norman Absolom pipes the Still. 

Photo: SBLT Carolyn Docking. 

He discharged for a short time and joined 

the Reserves but the lure of the Navy soon 

beckoned him back into permanent service. 

He posted to HMAS Norman, then to MHQ 

and finally to the Armidale Class patrol boats 

before paying off in Darwin. 

PO Absolom describes his career as enjoyable 

and still going ahead on a part-time basis. 

“Throughout my military career, it has been 

exciting and challenging, and I’ve made many 

new friends,” he says. 

“It’s good how the permanent Navy and 

Reserves work so well together and with 

proper planning, you can still have the 

military life and family life. 

“I now try and work one month on and one 

month off, which means I’m virtually working 

six months of the year. 

“I can look at a ship’s movements and maybe 

go for two months but then I’ll have two 

months at home. 

PONPC Norman Absolom lays down the law aboard HMAS Huon during Exercise Dugong off Hobart. 

Photo: SBLT Carolyn Docking. 

“That means the ship’s happy, the family’s 

happy and I’m happy.” 



Reserves to 

the fore in 

Navy Week 

By CMDR Steve Dunning 

Top Image: From left, Navy Reserve band SA’s LS Luke 

Thompson, LS James Atkinson and AB Sergei Grynchuk 

are joined by an enthusiastic admirer. 

Centre Image: HMAS Parramatta comes alongside for 

the first time. 

Bottom Image: Visit coordinator WO Jeff Schultz calls 

on the ship. 

A HIGHLIGHT of the recent South Australian 

Navy Week celebrations was the visit of the 

Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta when 

she attracted approximately 4,000 people 

during the ship’s open day and achieved a 

couple of personal ‘firsts’. 

It was her first visit to the capital of the 

southern state and she was the first naval 

vessel to berth at the South Australian 

government’s new 213 metre-long wharf at 

Techport, which is part of the new Air Warfare 

Destroyer project. 

Her visit also provided the local Naval 

Reserve Dive Team Nine (DT 9) an opportunity 

to exercise their wharf clearance and hull 

search skills. 

DT 9 played a key role behind the scenes 

when it searched the dock prior to 

Parramatta’s berthing to ensure the area was 

free of hazards. 

“We found two objects that needed to be 

moved, right under where Parramatta was to 

berth,” POCD Nic Dirubbo said. 

“One object was a solid structure protruding 

more than one metre high from the bottom. 

“It was lifted using air bags and moved to a 

shallow location. The second object was not 

so solid and ended up breaking apart with 

the pressure of the lift bag. 

“Once Parramatta was alongside, we assisted 

with a routine check on her sonar dome. 

“We also carried out two hull searches for our 

own training.” 

The CO NHQ-SA, CMDR Craig Pritchard 

acknowledged the key role his small team of 

PN and NR personnel played in ensuring the 

success of Navy Week celebrations. 

“We conducted a range of activities under 

the banner of Navy Week which enabled us to 

engage the South Australian community at a 

number of levels,” he said. 

“The SA detachment of the RAN Band played 

a key role, performing at a number of country 

and city locations including the Jamestown 

air show and daily performances for shoppers 

and workers along one of Adelaide’s busy city 

precincts.” 

Bandmaster CPO Doug Antonoff said it was 

“one of the best Navy Weeks ever” and, apart 

from the usual ceremonial aspects, the band 

“also got out among the community and 

engage a diverse cross section of people 

from school children to visitors for HMAS 

Parramatta’s open day.” 

With the focus of promoting Navy to the 

South Australian community, Navy Week 

also provided an opportunity to showcase 

some of the career opportunities in the RAN 

while allowing the public to see some of the 

equipment and technology in the Navy work 

environment. 



Navy Musos hit the right chord 

By CMDR Steve Dunning 

THE South Australia (SA) detachment of the 

RAN Band continues to hit the right notes 

and reach out to new audiences under the 

direction of Bandmaster CPOMUSN Doug 

Antonoff. 

With the addition of a number of new recruits, 

the SA detachment has completed several 

community and ceremonial performances 

during the year, which culminated in a highly 

successful 10 days of performances under 

NHQ-SA’s community engagement strategy 

during Navy Week celebrations. 

While the band comprises a number of long 

serving stalwarts, including CPO Antonoff, the 

recent addition of talented musicians such 

as brass instrumentalist SMNMUSN Ivan 

Cooper have added another dimension to the 

detachment’s repertoire. 

CPO Antonoff said that SMN Cooper, a 

Bachelor of Education student at Adelaide 

University, was a great role model and 

earlier this year had performed in uniform 

at the Tabor Christian College where he was 

completing a teacher practicum placement. 

“Since enlisting in the RAN reserves as 

a musician earlier this year, SMN Cooper 

has been proactive in using his civilian 

connections in the SA education system to 

promote performances by the RAN Band at 

schools and Tabor College,” CPO Antonoff 

said. 

“During Navy Week, the detachment 

conducted a workshop with eight middle 

school music students who later performed 

in one of two concerts performed by the 

detachment at the college. 

“One staff member said many students had 

asked: ‘Can we leave school at 15 and join 

the Navy?’” 

The performance was the highlight of the 

week for the band members, too. 

Tabor College’s Junior Primary Coordinator, Ms 

Esme Leibbrandt described the detachment’s 

performance as a “wonderful musical 

experience”. 

“The children and staff enjoyed every minute 

and we would love you to come back next 

year,” she said. 

Ms Leibbrandt was keen to also include some 

feedback from the students, which included: 

“One word ‘Awesome’!” 

“I want to play with them in the future.” 

“They were heaps fun, exciting and 

entertaining.” 

“They are very professional and everyone 

really listens to the conductor.” 

“They are energetic and know what they are 

doing and are really tight with each other.” 

“It was a great experience to have.” 

SMN Cooper described the workshop as “an 

exciting challenge” for him to help organise 

and coordinate as a new member of the 

detachment. 

“The event was a tremendous success 

and the band members received many 

compliments from staff and students, which 

made it all the more worthwhile,” he said. 

SMN Cooper said comments from the middle 

school students inspired him to look at future 

opportunities to showcase the RAN Band. 

“It was a huge success and for most of the 

students it was the first time they had had 

the opportunity to work and perform with 

professional musicians. 

Caption: L-R - LSMUSN Joel Walker, ABMUSN Darcy Fitzpatrick and SMNMUSN Ivan Cooper 

performing with Year 10 Tabor College students. Pic: CPO Doug Antonoff 



Second time around By LEUT Anna Glover 

WARRANT Officer Bob McCann loved to tinker 

with engines as a child, so it was no surprise 

to his parents when he joined the Navy in 

1980 as a Stoker (Marine Technician), at the 

age of 17. 

Twenty-nine years on following his retirement 

from the PN earlier this year, Navy Reservist 

WO McCann enjoyed his second world trip, 

this time as the Senior Marine Technician 

onboard HMAS Sydney during the ship’s 

recent five-month Northern Trident 

deployment. 

During his Navy career, WO McCann deployed 

to the Persian Gulf four times, as well as 

several trips to South East Asia. Coincidentally, 

his first circumnavigation also was aboard 

Sydney. 

“I have served in five ships, but it was a 

particular highlight to be posted to Sydney 

after being part of the original commissioning 

crew back in 1983,” WO McCann said. 

“Some of the highlights of this deployment 

have been getting to visit some great ports 

and see some famous sights. I loved the 

chance to visit New York. We arrived early on 

a Sunday morning, with perfect clear skies 

and the view as we sailed past the Statue 

of Liberty was incredible. It was fantastic to 

be able to experience the city from a Navy 

perspective rather than just as a tourist. 

“I was also lucky enough to participate in a 

photo shoot in Times Square. About 20 of us 

got dressed in our ceremonial uniforms and 

the shoot was filmed and streamed live on 

the NewsCorp Astrovision Screen. Everyone 

walking past stopped and watched us and 

I felt really proud to be an Australian and to 

have the opportunity to promote the RAN to 

people in New York. 

“It was great to go on such a high profile 

and extensive deployment such as Northern 

Trident. I went on Sydney’s world trip in 

1990, but never thought that I would get 

another opportunity to go around the world 

again, let alone in an Adelaide Class Frigate. 

“The great thing about being a Reservist is 

the flexibility it affords me. I had the choice 

of a CFTS contract from three months to 24 

months if I wanted to. I get the same benefits 

as the PN and I get to maintain my pension.” 

“There have been plenty of changes to the 

Navy since I joined, some good and some 

bad, but the main message is still the same – 

Navy is a fantastic career. 

“Whether you are in the PN or a Reservist, the 

opportunities are endless and going to sea 

is something everyone should experience,” 

he said. 



Harper Collins Publishers 2009 – RRP $55. 

The Search for the Sydney 

By David L Mearns 

BY SGT Dave Morley 

MANY of the myths surrounding the 1941 

disappearance of HMAS Sydney (II) with 

its entire 645-man crew were finally laid to 

rest in March 2008 with the ship and HSK 

Kormoran’s discovery off Western Australia. 

US-born shipwreck hunter David Mearns 

commenced searching for the wrecks of the 

Sydney and Kormoran after conducting six 

years of research and interviews. 

Although Mr Mearns had located 21 major 

shipwrecks, including HMS Hood [sunk 

in May, 1941 by the German battleship 

Bismarck], and been awarded three Guinness 

World Records, he said his biggest challenge 

was finding Sydney. 

“The search appealed to me because two 

ships would be found in one expedition,” he 

said. 

“Once we found the Kormoran we would find 

the Sydney.” 

Using information gleaned from wartime 

archives and given by former crew members 

of the Kormoran, Mearns located the ship 64 

hours after commencing the search. 

While Kormoran’s discovery was being 

announced by the Prime Minister, HMAS 

Sydney was found. 

Mr Mearns said that within days of the ships 

being found there were 12 million hits on his 

website. 

“I have never seen a similar case where there 

has been so much excitement in a ship being 

found,” he said. 

Now, he has written of the search. His book is 

called The Search for the Sydney. 

Its subtitle is “How Australia’s greatest 

maritime mystery was solved”. 

The book looks like a coffee table book 

but is a serious historical account of HMAS 

Sydney’s service to Australia, the subsequent 

inquiries into her loss, the interviews and, 

finally, her discovery. 

“It was never my mission to get into the 

conspiracy theories or to debunk rumour – 

I’m just a shipwreck hunter,” Mr Mearns said. 

This is his second book (the first was called 

Hood and Bismarck), and the publishers have 

done an excellent job with it. 

The inside of the dust jacket features a copy 

of the shipbuilder’s plans of Sydney while the 

hard cover is embossed with her crest and 

the map reference of her final resting place. 

The book includes dozens of never-beforeseen 

photos of the wreckage of Sydney 

strewn over the sea floor. 

It is well worth a read, regardless of what 

branch of the ADF you happen to be from. 

The Search for the Sydney is available from 

Harper Collins Publishers and all major book 

retailers for a recommended retail price of 

$55; it is money well spent. 

“We just found Sydney. 

We’ve got it. It’s absolutely 

crystal clear. 

She’s sitting upright in a 

small debris field. There’s no 

doubt about it. 

The Prime Minister or 

anybody else can announce 

it. 

We have found HMAS 

Sydney.” 


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DPS - DEC017/09 Navy Reservist Magazine ISSUE #2

THE NAVY RESERVIST - Royal Australian Navy

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