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EDITORIAL INFORMATION<br />
Sponsor<br />
CDRE Mike Deeks<br />
Editorial Office<br />
SMFEG<br />
Building 80<br />
HMAS STIRLING<br />
Rockingham WA 6958<br />
Disclaimer<br />
The Trade is produced as a means of promoting<br />
the Submarine Force Element Group throughout<br />
the RAN. The content of this publication and<br />
opinions of the authors do not necessarily reflect<br />
service policy and, unless stated otherwise,<br />
should not be construed as Orders, Instructions or<br />
Directives.<br />
2
table of contents<br />
CANSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4<br />
Target setup for the Silent Service . . . . . . . . . . . .5<br />
COS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6<br />
Qualified Submariners Since April 2002 . . . . . . .7<br />
DECHAINEUX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8<br />
SHEEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10<br />
WALLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12<br />
SMWOC 2002 at Perisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13<br />
Wayne Gilligan commended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14<br />
COLLINS Yearbook 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14<br />
EX LONGLOOK 2002 - UK Report . . . . . . . . . .15<br />
FIMA(SM) Perth in Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16<br />
WO “Buck” Rodgers 50? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17<br />
Vacant position - DFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17<br />
The Perisher report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18<br />
VICTORIA vs JULIETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22<br />
Pam Sharman leaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23<br />
Submarine mentor program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24<br />
Maritime Museum, WA - a tour . . . . . . . . . . . . .26<br />
Recruit Training School, CERBERUS . . . . . . . . .27<br />
Hawaii Five-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27<br />
Four into One (DSMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28<br />
Fight On in Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30<br />
The other left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32<br />
Vale - Val Gardiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33<br />
Book Review - Lost Subs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34<br />
Stop the Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36<br />
Defence Families of Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38<br />
National SM Association office bearers . . . . . . .39<br />
3
CANSG COMMODORE Mike deeks<br />
Welcome to the 2002 Christmas edition of<br />
The Trade. I would like to take this<br />
opportunity to thank all members of the<br />
Submarine Group and the wider submarine<br />
community for their tremendous efforts this year. We<br />
have had some significant successes that you will read<br />
about in the following pages and we can all take pride<br />
in our achievements.<br />
My aim since joining the Submarine Group a little<br />
over a year ago has been to refocus our efforts on<br />
‘operations’. By this I mean, adopting an operational<br />
approach to everything we do. Our primary aim is to<br />
provide submarines in a ready state for the Maritime<br />
Commander, as he needs them for operations. These<br />
operations may include support to other Fleet and<br />
Defence units; participation in joint or combined<br />
exercises either within <strong>Australian</strong> waters or overseas, engagement of our regional allies or operational<br />
deployments in support of national objectives. All of these activities are important in different ways.<br />
I am pleased to report that there has been a marked improvement in the submarine force’s operational<br />
readiness and ability to meet our commitments. Recent Assisted Maintenance Periods have been<br />
completed on time and close to cost. The take-on of work by FIMA has increased and their support<br />
of SHEEAN in Hawaii was most noteworthy. Similarly, the Submarine Engineering Response Group<br />
(SERG) has continued to provide sterling service to boats both deployed and at FBW. There has been<br />
a marked shift in emphasis away from "how are we going to fix this defect" to "how are we going to<br />
allow the submarine to achieve its tasking". There can be a significant difference in the outcome of<br />
these two ways of addressing a problem. We are making progress.<br />
The boats themselves have had a remarkable year with several successful deployments and<br />
completion of a range of exercises and operations, much, of which you will read about in this edition.<br />
They have also carried a heavy load of training new submariners. This is a very important part of all<br />
our jobs and the ship’s companies of the submarines have done a great job.<br />
We have achieved several firsts in the operational arena. I am limited by security by what I can say<br />
in this journal but I will say that we have experimented with new ways of operating and we have<br />
made a very significant contribution to national objectives. Well done to all those who have<br />
conducted and supported those operations.<br />
I trust you all have a happy Christmas with your families and enjoy the Christmas break. For those<br />
that are working over the holiday period, I thank you for your commitment. I look forward to another<br />
exciting year for the Submarine Group in 2003. Keep safe.<br />
4
Target setup for the silent service<br />
COMMODORE Mike deeks<br />
I want to convey to you my thoughts on the direction that the Submarine Group is heading and the values<br />
I see as important to us achieving our objectives. You would all be aware that we continually face<br />
challenges in matching our resources to our objectives. By resources I am applying the broadest definition<br />
including finances, people, stores, equipment, even time. I believe the one thing we can do to alleviate<br />
most of our resource problems is to make the Submarine Group an ‘Employer of Choice’ in other words<br />
make the Group an attractive place to work, one where people are knocking down the doors to join and<br />
which people don’t want to leave. I am not just talking about submariners here but all people who make<br />
up the submarine group; the uniformed people from other specialisations, Defence civilians and<br />
Contractors.<br />
Let me explain how I see this working. If we can make the Submarine Group an organisation where people<br />
are queuing up to get in then that will mean we have all our sea and shore billets filled. More than that,<br />
we will be able to be even more selective about who we have in the Group because we will be able to<br />
choose the very best people from those who want to join. This will mean that the boats (our reason for<br />
being here) will be properly supported and can expect the right level of service when they come alongside<br />
and when they are deployed. We will have people with time on their hands so they can do those projects<br />
we all know of, which are great ideas but that we just don’t have the time to initiate, which will make life<br />
even better for ourselves and those we support. We will be able to complete outstanding work such as<br />
stores OQE reviews, develop Service Level Agreements with other organisations, get stuck into systems<br />
engineering, look for new efficiencies in Usage Upkeep Cycles and maintenance procedures, and<br />
brainstorm and develop new tactics to better use these wonderful submarines ASC has built for us.<br />
So how are we going to achieve this? This is where I need your help. Big time! I want everybody who has<br />
anything to do with operating or supporting the submarine arm to understand clearly how their job<br />
contributes to the goals of the submarine arm and ultimately, to the Defence of Australia, because that’s<br />
what we are here for. I have been working my way through the senior hierarchy of the Submarine Group<br />
talking to individuals about where they fit in and asking them to talk to their subordinates along the same<br />
lines. Hopefully we will soon have engaged everyone in this dialogue.<br />
The second prong to my approach of making the Submarine Group an employer of choice concerns<br />
leadership. On occasions, we rest on our laurels with regards to leadership. I think the <strong>Navy</strong> does a pretty<br />
good job of training us as leaders for the particular scenario at sea in ships and submarines. Also, when<br />
we are surrounded by water we have the benefit of tried and proven mechanisms evolved over hundreds<br />
of years designed to support leaders. I am not so sure good leadership comes so automatically in the shore<br />
environment and I think it is therefore important that we all regularly remind ourselves of what is<br />
important about being a good leader. Again, I am talking about the broadest definition of the term<br />
‘leadership’. ALL of us are leaders because at some time or other in our lives we are placed in the position<br />
where we interact with others in such a way that we want them to do something they otherwise would<br />
not do. This is leadership.<br />
There is a ‘Defence People Leadership Model’ currently in vogue which I think is a useful aide-memoir for<br />
those practicing the art of leadership. It is available on the DEFWEB homepage as follows - [through the<br />
“Information Resource” drop-down heading select “Defence Matters” then go to the Trust in Leadership<br />
heading] or you can get a copy from my office. If all those in leadership positions use the elements of this<br />
model as a basis for dealing with others then the end result will be that people feel good about themselves<br />
and about what they do. We will then have an organisation where people wake up in the morning, eager<br />
to get to work.<br />
This may seem a little far-fetched and there may be some of you thinking I’m in fantasy land but I truly<br />
believe to get the best out of people they must be happy about what they are doing. If you give them clear<br />
direction, make sure they know where they fit in and why they are doing something, make sure they are<br />
properly resourced to do the job you are asking of them, they are given the elbow room to get on with the<br />
job and they are given adequate feedback on their performance then, they should feel pretty good about<br />
themselves and they will tell others that life is pretty good. That is what I am striving for.<br />
5
SMFEG CHIEF OF STAFF<br />
COMMANDER steve davies<br />
By the time you read this edition of ‘the Trade’ 2002 will be drawing to a close and many of us will<br />
be starting to sit back and reflect on the year that was – but at the time of writing (mid-October),<br />
we’re still very much in the thick of it! 2002 is well on the way to being a great year for the Submarine<br />
FEG. At the time of writing we have two submarines (DECHAINEUX and SHEEAN) deployed in our<br />
region, RANKIN conducting the final stages of sea trials in Western <strong>Australian</strong> waters and WALLER<br />
getting ready to undock in Adelaide, where COLLINS and FARNCOMB are undergoing the first Full<br />
Cycle Dockings.<br />
DECHAINEUX and SHEEAN’s deployments have been a highlight of the year. With <strong>Navy</strong>’s surface<br />
combatants playing big patrol boats, our commitment to overseas exercises has largely been met by our<br />
submarines. SHEEAN was thus the only RAN unit in Exercise RIMPAC (Hawaii, July) while<br />
DECHAINEUX was one of the few in Exercise STARDEX (Singapore-Malaysia, August). While in<br />
Hawaii SHEEAN also took part in exercises with our US <strong>Navy</strong> counterparts from COMSUBPAC,<br />
specifically the combined RAN/USN Prospective Commanding Officer training and Exercise<br />
LUNGFISH. PCO training is the ‘growth industry’ in our increasing cooperation with the US<br />
submarine force – for this year’s exercise SHEEAN was fully integrated into the US PCO course and<br />
gained a huge amount of experience in undersea warfare tactics, shooting 26 practice torpedoes against<br />
USS OLYMPIA and receiving a similar amount of ‘incoming’ in return. Overall the two submarines<br />
proved a close match for each other and demonstrated to our <strong>Navy</strong> what we in the FEG have always<br />
known, ie that Aussie submarines can hold their own against the best the world can throw at us! As I<br />
write this SHEEAN is still at sea, due home in a few weeks after more than 5 months away.<br />
DECHAINEUX and SHEEAN have reached high levels of operational readiness during their current<br />
deployments and their performance is building the support we need within Government and Defence<br />
senior leadership.<br />
In the last Trade FARNCOMB was on her way home from Japan; this edition finds her high and dry in<br />
Adelaide after completion of a very successful first commission and the start of her first Full Cycle<br />
Docking. All those who have served in and supported FARNCOMB through this time can be proud of<br />
her achievements. We look forward to seeing FARNCOMB crewed-up again in the second half of next<br />
year then home in early 04, ready to serve the country in her second commission. FARNCOMB will<br />
have the distinction of being the first boat out of FCD, COLLINS’ docking being extended to repair<br />
weld defects in its Swedish-built sections. We expect to see COLLINS back in action later in 04.<br />
WALLER has been doing the hard yards in Adelaide since Easter, but the end is in sight. A successful<br />
battery change docking was almost complete in September when the hard decision was made to delay<br />
the boat by a further two months to conduct a series of weld inspections. These inspections were<br />
needed to prove that the <strong>Australian</strong>-built submarine sections don’t have the same problems seen in<br />
COLLINS’ sections. We’ve now proven this, as our safety systems require us to, but at the cost of two<br />
months in WALLER’s programme. The WALLER crew is now in the final stages of pre-sailing training<br />
and by the time you read this WALLER will be at sea and getting ready for a busy programme in 2003.<br />
I was able to visit RANKIN in Adelaide earlier this year and was impressed with what I saw – like<br />
getting behind the wheel of a brand new car! RANKIN has certainly benefited from the developments<br />
trialed in all her sister submarines, and will deliver to the <strong>Navy</strong> with all the latest mod cons. As I write<br />
this RANKIN is at sea here in WA conducting sea trials under the ‘Red Ensign’. She heads off back to<br />
Adelaide in a week or so and we look forward to seeing her back here next year for the last submarine<br />
commissioning for 20 years or so.<br />
Not surprisingly, when we count our successes, we turn first to what the submarines have been doing.<br />
But we need to keep in mind that they can’t have these successes without a lot of behind-the-scenes<br />
hard work by our people ashore, comprising <strong>Navy</strong>, defence civilians and contractors. We had a big<br />
6
SMFEG CHIEF OF STAFF<br />
COMMANDER steve davies<br />
win in September when the Government announced that it had agreed to the Replacement Combat<br />
System for the submarines. This is a vital step on our path to full submarine capability and was the<br />
result of a lot of work by many people in the submarine community. We look forward to a similar<br />
decision on the new torpedo before the end of the year. The logistic support we provide to the<br />
submarines is constantly improving, as shown by the long deployments this year. It’s not cheap to<br />
maintain and support submarines to this level however, and our logistic funding is one of the biggest<br />
challenges we face over the next few years. We need to keep kicking goals operationally to keep our<br />
share of the dollars.<br />
Our safety systems have served us well this year. The safety culture within the submarine arm is strong<br />
and continues to grow - this was demonstrated earlier in the year when DECHAINEUX sailors<br />
investigated corrosion in a water pipe and discovered a contaminant in our water systems that we<br />
weren’t aware of. Considerable effort has been put into this problem and we can now say with<br />
confidence that we don’t have a health problem in our people and that we know exactly the source of<br />
the contamination and why it’s occurring. In many ways the Submarine FEG safety systems are<br />
leading the rest of <strong>Navy</strong>.<br />
The people in the Submarine FEG are without doubt its greatest asset. Whether they are <strong>Navy</strong>, defence<br />
civilian or contractors and whether they work in the submarines or ashore in the many support<br />
organisations our people continue to impress visitors with their professionalism, dedication and<br />
commitment. As 2002 draws to a close we can all be proud of the achievements of our submarines this<br />
year and we can be satisfied that they couldn’t have done so well without the hard work of us all.<br />
The following personnel have qualified as<br />
COLLINS Class Submariners<br />
since April 2002<br />
(Listed in order of date qualified)<br />
LSETSM Everett DM 24 Apr 02<br />
ABCISSM Lane RL 24 May 02<br />
ABROSM Williams RM 1 Jun 02<br />
ABMTSM Dobner MJ 21 Jun 02<br />
ABETSM Slywa BJ 22 Jun 02<br />
ABMTSM Weldon JM 22 Jun 02<br />
ABCKSM Pappas AH 23 Jun 02<br />
ABETSM Ward RG 5 Jul 02<br />
LEUTSMNSM O’Grady SL 5 Jul 02<br />
LSETSM Reilly DJ 12 Jul 02<br />
ABCISSM Shackleton RT 25 Jul 02<br />
LSETSM Ross SJ 26 Jul 02<br />
ABMTSM Williams AJ 2 Aug 02<br />
ABMTSM Westman MT 11 Aug 02<br />
ABETSM Piper LS 18 Aug 02<br />
ABMTSM Wiles DP 19 Aug 02<br />
LEUTSMNSM Drake MJ 22 Aug 02<br />
SMNEWASM Young CW 27 Aug 02<br />
ABMTSM Philps DM 3 Sep 02<br />
LEUTWESM Wren S 10 Sep 02<br />
ABEWASM Jones RA 28 Sep 02<br />
LEUTWESM Ashdown CR 2 Oct 02<br />
ABETSM Sletten BA 14 Oct 02<br />
LEUTWESM Ritchie M 17 Oct 02<br />
7
HMAS DECHAINEUX DEPLOYMENT 2002<br />
HMAS DECHAINEUX (CMDR<br />
P.M.J. Scott, CSC, RAN)<br />
has had a busy year to date. Returning from<br />
mid cycle docking, DECHAINEUX completed<br />
an operational and safety work-up and port<br />
visit to Geraldton. During this period the<br />
following personnel were awarded their<br />
dolphins and have joined the ranks of the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Submarine Community:<br />
LEUT O’Grady, LSET Reilly, ABET Ward,<br />
ABMT Williams and ABMT Westman.<br />
DECHAINEUX then commenced an assisted<br />
maintenance period in early July prior to<br />
her South East Asian deployment.<br />
Several of the crew were presented with<br />
awards during the AMP, recognising their<br />
previous efforts. On Wednesday 31Jul02<br />
the crew of DECHAINEUX and their<br />
families held a pre-deployment barbecue.<br />
It was here that LSEWASM Bruce Dening<br />
was awarded the 2001 Submariner of the<br />
Year award by the Submarine FEG<br />
Commander, CDRE Mike Deeks.<br />
LSEWASM Dening earned this<br />
prestigious award for his consistent<br />
outstanding performance in his role as<br />
the EW2 during 2001. His family and<br />
friends were on hand to assist with<br />
celebrations. LSETSM Dave Reilly was<br />
awarded his dolphins at the barbecue by<br />
the Commanding Officer.<br />
On Friday 02Aug, during a visit by<br />
RADM R.W. Gates, CSM, RAN, Maritime<br />
Commander Australia, DECHAINEUX’s<br />
catering department was presented with<br />
the 2001 Silver Platter Award for<br />
outstanding food services in the<br />
Submarine FEG. ABCKSM Rush<br />
accepted the award in recognition of the<br />
catering department’s hard work and<br />
diligence during a very busy 2001. The<br />
Maritime Commander also presented<br />
LSETSM Tavis Bell with a Maritime<br />
Commander’s Commendation for his<br />
efforts as a maintainer in the Submarine Escape<br />
Training Facility and, ABMTSM Williams was<br />
privileged to have the Maritime Commander<br />
on hand to witness the award of his dolphins in<br />
front of the crew.<br />
After a busy work-up period and AMP, the<br />
boat deployed for South East Asia on 09Aug02.<br />
After waving farewell to family and loved ones<br />
the Ship’s Company completed a sea check on<br />
the first two days out of HMAS STIRLING.<br />
The task was not made any easier when faced<br />
with rough weather whilst on the surface on<br />
8
HMAS DECHAINEUX DEPLOYMENT 2002<br />
the first night out. After dropping Submarine<br />
Sea Training Group and CDRE Deeks off on a<br />
boat transfer off Geraldton, course was shaped<br />
for Sunda Strait and four months "Up Top".<br />
The transit to Sunda was occupied with<br />
country briefs, training and exercise<br />
preparations in a relatively contact free<br />
environment. This however, was all to change<br />
on the approaches to Sunda Strait when<br />
DECHAINEUX encountered a large increase in<br />
merchant traffic and fishing vessel activity.<br />
The next fews days were spent transiting on<br />
the surface, with the crew taking the<br />
opportunity to get some sun and fresh air. One<br />
of the bridge lookouts was keen to spot a<br />
floating thong, believing that would truly<br />
mean that we had arrived "Up Top".<br />
Unfortunately for him, the first floating thong<br />
was spotted ten minutes after he was relieved<br />
from the bridge. DECHAINEUX took<br />
advantage of this period of surface running to<br />
conduct a Crossing of the Line ceremony for<br />
the newer members of the Ship’s Company,<br />
combined with a Swimex and casing BBQ, a<br />
rarity in the Collins age, an enjoyable time was<br />
had by all. DECHAINEUX spent one more day<br />
dived, exposing personnel to the operating<br />
area and environment expected for upcoming<br />
exercises "MASTEX" and "STARDEX" before<br />
arriving in Kuantan on Friday 23 Aug for a port<br />
visit and exercise briefs. With the visit in<br />
Kuantan being a relatively short one, personnel<br />
confined their activities to shopping at the<br />
"Megamall" and sampling the local bar scene.<br />
Several more adventurous members of the<br />
Wardroom tried their hand at jet skiing and<br />
sailing, fortunately without serious injury.<br />
Following the port visit, it was down to<br />
business with the inaugural Exercise MASTEX,<br />
involving HMAS DECHAINEUX and three<br />
Malaysian surface units. This exercise<br />
provided the <strong>Royal</strong> Malaysian <strong>Navy</strong> with<br />
valuable experience in operating with<br />
submarines, whilst providing exposure to<br />
shallow water operations in company with fast<br />
moving surface units for DECHAINEUX. The<br />
high contact environment also provided an<br />
added challenge for all participants. A three<br />
day port visit to Singapore split the two<br />
exercises and provided the crew with the<br />
opportunity to sample Asia’s culinary delights<br />
and engage in some "reconnaissance" shopping<br />
in preparation for the next visit after Exercise<br />
STARDEX. Much of the time alongside was<br />
spent with exercise preparations, briefings, and<br />
several cocktail parties providing personnel<br />
with the opportunity to relax in a more social<br />
environment.<br />
Exercise STARDEX involved air and naval<br />
units from the United Kingdom, Australia,<br />
Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand,<br />
providing the opportunity to expand on the<br />
experience gained over the previous few<br />
weeks. During this period DECHAINEUX<br />
successfully completed another sea check,<br />
hosted COMFLOT onboard and rafted up<br />
alongside RFA DILIGENCE. This was a rare<br />
opportunity for a RAN submarine and one the<br />
crew was keen to take advantage of, since<br />
DILIGENCE was able to offer ample washing<br />
facilities and showers. This was the half way<br />
mark of the exercise and the next week saw the<br />
commencement of the Warex phase with the<br />
submarine operating in an area with 24 hour<br />
Maritime Patrol Aircraft activity, which<br />
certainly provided a challenge for all.<br />
With the completion of two weeks of<br />
demanding operational running<br />
DECHAINEUX transited back to Singapore for<br />
a port visit from 13-20 Sep. Many personnel<br />
took advantage of this extended stay to fly<br />
loved ones up to meet the boat and enjoy the<br />
break before continuing on with the remainder<br />
of the deployment. DECHAINEUX looks<br />
forward to more sea-time before arriving back<br />
in Australia in early November for a well<br />
earned Christmas leave period.<br />
9
SHEEAN’S RIMPAC 2002, PCO OPS 02 AND LUNGFISH 02<br />
HMAS SHEEAN arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 26 Jun 02 to participate in RIMPAC 02. With the<br />
exercise planning and briefings already underway, SHEEAN’s arrival in Pearl Harbor meant busy<br />
times for all in order to meet exercise commitments. The focus of RIMPAC 02 was undersea warfare,<br />
an environment that SHEEAN thrives in.<br />
With a wide range of air, surface and sub-surface platforms, the SHEEAN team was looking forward<br />
to participating in such a large international exercise. Pitting themselves against the forces of the USA,<br />
Peru, Chile and South Korea SHEEAN performed extremely well, maintaining her "Fight On" spirit<br />
throughout. As the only RAN vessel at RIMPAC, SHEEAN maintained the RAN reputation for<br />
professionalism and skill.<br />
RIMPAC 02 was broken into two phases, the workup phase and the tactical free play phase. Separated<br />
by a photo exercise, the workup phase proved invaluable in ensuring that SHEEAN was operationally<br />
on " the step" to take the war to the Multinational Task Force (MTF), and the Amphibious Task Force<br />
(ATF). Following the PHOTEX, SHEEAN re-positioned as part of the Opposition Force (OPFOR),<br />
playing the part of a rogue diesel submarine along with the South Korean submarine ROKS<br />
NADAEYONG and Japanese submarine NATSUSHIO.<br />
"Fighting on" through defects, SHEEAN used innovative ideas to ensure she remained at sea for the<br />
tactical phase and the remainder of the RIMPAC exercises and in doing so, ‘sinking’ 85 000 tonnes of<br />
shipping. SHEEAN started the ‘war’ sinking the civilian cruise liner Norwegian Star and USS<br />
CROMELLIN (FFG).<br />
The next day SHEEAN penetrated a P3C and S60B anti-submarine screen before sighting the<br />
Amphibious Task Force of eight vessels, including the two amphibious assaults ships RUSHMORE<br />
and TARAWA. Waiting silently for the previous 16 hours, SHEEAN penetrated the final surface unit<br />
screen to sink both the<br />
RUSHMORE and the TARAWA<br />
during the hours of darkness.<br />
RIMPAC 02 proved to be a<br />
successful exercise with<br />
SHEEAN performing extremely<br />
well, achieving all her<br />
operational aims. RIMPAC was<br />
closed out with a function held<br />
on the hangar deck of USS<br />
TARAWA. Each country<br />
represented in RIMPAC set up<br />
stalls offering some of their local<br />
fare. The chefs from SHEEAN<br />
barbecued large quantities of<br />
prawns; kangaroo and emu, all<br />
washed down by <strong>Australian</strong><br />
beer. The stand was very well patronized, with the victuals exhausted in the first hour and a half.<br />
With the spoils of war tallied from RIMPAC and the maintenance period running on schedule,<br />
SHEEAN again prepared to sail for the HAXA. This time with a bow full of MK 48 P’s and Wardroom<br />
full of anxious PCO’s, (Potential Commanding Officers) including Australia’s own LCDR Mark Potter<br />
and LCDR Gary Lawton) most of whom had never even set foot on board an <strong>Australian</strong> submarine<br />
before.<br />
The PCO’s quickly adopted the SHEEAN motto, ‘Fight on’, and wasted no time hunting down our<br />
prey for the next two weeks, USS OLYMPIA. The relentless battle between diesel and nuke carried on<br />
10
SHEEAN’S RIMPAC 2002, PCO OPS 02 AND LUNGFISH 02<br />
24/7 with both sides exploiting any advantage over the other, unleashing a volley of torpedoes any<br />
time, day or night. Those of us fortunate enough to be berthed in the WSC can pay testament to that.<br />
After a short stopover in Pearl and a change of PCO’s, SHEEAN was back on the step for the second<br />
round of PCO OPS. This was the first time that a Collins Boat had taken part in ‘Hollywood’<br />
operations, and SHEEAN came to the party in admirable fashion. The exercise was broken up into<br />
eight phases each involving a different mode of anti surface and sub surface warfare. The opposition<br />
consisted of two surface combatants, Arliegh Burke class DDG’s the USS O’KANE and USS RUSSELL<br />
as well as the elusive 688 submarine OLYMPIA. All in all, SHEEAN fired a total of 28 Mk 48P<br />
torpedoes during the exercises against both surface and sub surface targets with excellent results.<br />
A snappy dived transit back to ‘Pappa Hotel’, another boat transfer and SHEEAN had bid farewell to<br />
the last of the PCO’s (until the obligatory end of exercise wash up) before embarking our celebrity sea<br />
rider for exercise LUNGFISH. CDRE Deeks, aka COMAUSNAVSUBGRP. ‘LUNGFISH’ provided a<br />
gradual step back from the excitement of the previous two months with the program centring on<br />
tracking runs between SHEEAN and the 688, USS SANTA FE. The exercise phase of the deployment<br />
culminated in a western style shoot out over a ‘gun line’ near the popular diesel boat hangout<br />
"Penguin Shoals". Unfortunately, SANTA FE had all the bullets!<br />
With all the excitement of the Hawaiian Islands in our wake, SHEEAN commenced her transit to<br />
Guam with an anxious eye on FBW in the distance.<br />
LCDR Brown (CO SHEEAN) and RADM Padgett (COMSUBPAC), displaying the prize for the raffle conducted onboard. Proceeds<br />
of the raffle went to the boats charity (Seabrooke House, Rockingham), and the ships ball funds. The winner was LEUT Watters.<br />
11
waller<br />
Since her last feature in The Trade, WALLER has<br />
conducted<br />
a conducted a passage from Fleet Base West to ASC,<br />
arriving in Adelaide on 10 April 02, to<br />
commence Intermediate Docking 3 – due<br />
to complete on 5 September 02. This will<br />
lead WALLER into her end of year<br />
preparations for safety workup and<br />
return transit to Fleet Base West arriving on 6<br />
December 02.<br />
In what has been a quiet period<br />
operationally, WALLER ship’s company<br />
has enjoyed the opportunity to clear<br />
outstanding recreational leave, attend<br />
various and much needed training<br />
courses and to prepare for the end of<br />
year activities and deployment in 2003.<br />
Significantly during the periods,<br />
there was a change of command<br />
with the previous CO, LCDR Brett<br />
Sampson handing over the boat to<br />
LCDR Jason "JJ" Cupples, who<br />
assumed Command on 29 May 02.<br />
LCDR Cupples completed the "Perisher"<br />
and Submarine Command Courses in<br />
June/July 2001, prior to a<br />
short stint at the STSC<br />
where he headed up<br />
Warfare Training until<br />
joining WALLER this<br />
year.<br />
Similarly there will have<br />
been a 50% change out of<br />
Officers in the wardroom prior to<br />
the undocking later this year. The<br />
remainder of the ship’s company remains<br />
relatively intact, allowing the team to retain<br />
the experience gained during 2001 and early 2002.<br />
WALLER will have been on the hard stand at ASC for the best part of 25 weeks when she plans to<br />
undock on 31 October 02. During this long overdue ID, WALLER will have replaced her submarine<br />
battery, completed diesel engine modifications, conducted hull forgings work and repaired the battery<br />
sump defects which forced her into an early ID in April. Additionally, the Collins class hull weld<br />
survey would have been completed. In all, it could be agreed that this docking was an extremely busy<br />
and much needed one.<br />
The undocking will, no doubt, be accompanied by the frenzied activity of watchkeeper training,<br />
command team training and full pre-sea preparations prior to sailing on 22 November 02 for workup<br />
and the much looked forward to – transit home to FBW.<br />
12
SMWOC 2002 at PERISHER<br />
L<br />
ate one night in June the SMWOC 2002 students, with confidence sky high, decided that they were<br />
ready to accept the challenge of the dreaded Perisher.<br />
After much late night deliberation at the bar over angles, velocity, duration of attack, and collision<br />
avoidance, it seemed all were prepared for the challenge ahead. So early the next morning the five<br />
SMWOC students packed the car and began the trek into the ski hills of Canberra.<br />
The first hurdle to be overcome was the issue of whether to obtain wheel chains. Debate raged for<br />
hours with the team divided into two camps, those who regarded the use of any safety device as an<br />
affront to the SMWOC image of masculinity (coincidentally those members who had never seen snow<br />
before) and those who actually knew what they were talking about. Fortunately, further confrontation<br />
was avoided by an independent arbitrator (namely the Mt Kozsciosko National Park Warden), who<br />
stated that if there was no chains there would be no skiing. In any case there was no stopping the<br />
intrepid adventurers who were prepared to forge ahead regardless of the perils.<br />
What the student’s lacked in experience and coordination was made up in overconfidence, bravado<br />
and a determination to return in one piece. How hard could it be? At least three out of the five<br />
members of the group had seen snow and the other two had read about it. In any case it was believed<br />
that too much foreknowledge<br />
would only have engendered<br />
poor practices and habits that<br />
would have to be stamped out.<br />
Therefore the advantage<br />
definitely lay in the lap of<br />
those who had never been<br />
skiing before.<br />
Or that was the theory.<br />
More than a few bruises later,<br />
sore, tired and dragging what<br />
should have been a ski outfit<br />
behind them the fallen<br />
warriors retreated from the<br />
slopes some hours later to the<br />
safe and eminently more<br />
familiar surroundings of the<br />
Perisher Bar. At this point all<br />
falls, ignominious disasters<br />
and general ineptitude were<br />
instantaneously transformed<br />
into acts of grace and heroism.<br />
That is until the Ski instructors<br />
turned up with comments<br />
such as:<br />
“Are you guys still alive?<br />
I think you might have killed that tree.<br />
That giant pole has always been there you know; and,<br />
I have never seen someone walk away from a crash like that”!<br />
In the end the students of SMWOC 2002 emerged victorious, confident in the knowledge that Perisher<br />
was, after all, just another little hill on the way to Canberra.<br />
13
eservist excellence award 2002 - recognition<br />
Chief Petty Officer Wayne Gilligan was employed within the<br />
Submarine FEG Engineering Department as the Deputy Senior<br />
Marine Engineer Officer (SMEO) from December 2001 to August 2002.<br />
This very challenging position, normally filled by a Warrant Officer, is<br />
primarily responsible for the management of the submarine<br />
headquarters Technical Administration Authority office.<br />
CPO Gilligan worked tirelessly to ensure that all technical<br />
administration functions within the SMFEG were efficiently and<br />
effectively carried out during what was a difficult period in Collins<br />
class submarine maintenance engineering. In particular, his<br />
outstanding devotion to duty ensured that all urgent defects<br />
impacting on the operational availability of the submarine fleet were<br />
handled professionally and expeditiously. His efforts directly<br />
contributed to the safe operational availability of submarines.<br />
CPO Gilligan was also responsible within the Submarine FEG for the<br />
disposal of the decommissioned Oberon Class Submarine OTAMA<br />
from HMAS STIRLING to Westernport Bay in Victoria. He successfully conducted this challenging<br />
task with little supervision, often sacrificing his own time to ensure completion within the allocated<br />
time frame.<br />
CPO Gilligan’s professional and dedicated attitude toward his duties reflected highly on the RAN and<br />
served as an excellent example to all submariners. He is an outstanding submarine technical senior<br />
sailor who is a very worthy recipient of a Reservist Excellence Award for 2002.<br />
HMAS COLLINS<br />
DEPLOYMENT 2000<br />
CRUISEBOOK/CD ROM<br />
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
Postal Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P/Code: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
Please send me ________ Cruisebook/Cruisebooks at $35.00 each. Make cheque payable to<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Canvas Prints or Simon Polling.<br />
18 months in the making, the books are now ready. Included is a CD-ROM with 2454<br />
photographs of the Deployment. Delays regretted, Enjoy.<br />
Mail to: POCISSM Polling, Navcommsta Canberra<br />
C/- HMAS HARMAN, Canberra ACT, 2600<br />
14
exercise longlook 2002<br />
By CMEA(ML)(SM) Paul D. Hepworth,RN<br />
E<br />
xercise Longlook is a tri-service, tri-country evolution<br />
carried out on an annual basis using serving members<br />
from all three armed forces of the UK, Australia and New<br />
Zealand. The application process starts in September and<br />
carries through to departure in May the following year<br />
with return in the autumn normally September. Longlook<br />
2002 was ultimately led by the Army but each service is<br />
responsible for the processing and vetting of applications<br />
and matches. The main objective of the exercise is to<br />
enable servicemen and women the unique experience of<br />
sampling military life and career in a different<br />
environment and country with the expectations that the<br />
exerciser both learns and grows from the experience.<br />
After the initial confusion, well it initially lasted several<br />
months; I was off to Australia with Exercise Longlook<br />
flying with the RAF under the watchful eye of the Army<br />
in the guise of Maj. JA Hughes and his tri-service Admin.<br />
Staff. Confusion reigned initially, as stated, due to the fact<br />
that it was and probably is a rare event for a <strong>Royal</strong> Naval Submariner to be selected to take part let alone a MEAOW. Still,<br />
everyone in the UK, and especially at the Clyde Submarine Base were quick to sort out problems and therefore here I was, at<br />
RAF Brize Norton on my way to the southern hemisphere and ultimately HMAS STIRLING in Rockingham, Western Australia.<br />
It has been quoted that half the fun of going anywhere is the journey but on this occasion I would beg to differ. The flights were<br />
efficient but it took four days until we reached our destination in Perth. We did stay in fine hotels in the cities of Qatar and<br />
Singapore but these respites were brief and we were marching to Army time, still ‘nough said’.<br />
Arriving in Perth gave everyone a chance to rest. We arrived on the Friday, picked up by an ex-RN submariner (well diesel<br />
submariner) POMT D. Naldrett, to minimise any language difficulties, as he was an adopted ‘Geordie’. Our trip to Rockingham<br />
and over the causeway to our final island home took in a few<br />
tourist sights and general location information but eventually<br />
the holy grail came in sight - basically the base, a cabin and<br />
thankfully a bed no belay that – my bed. The priority was rest<br />
and over the weekend everything caught up and by the<br />
Monday I was ready to see what Australia had to offer.<br />
Australia fortunately, had a lot to offer and is such a big place<br />
– attending meetings where the travel arrangements went<br />
through two time zones was an eye-opener for example.<br />
<strong>Australian</strong>s are renowned for their friendliness and it soon<br />
became apparent how true this was. Everyone I met over the<br />
course of the exercise was happy to take time out and explain<br />
his or her duties and responsibilities. People, both servicemen<br />
and contractors, all helped to make my exercise a success from<br />
tours of establishments, departments, schools to the supply of<br />
a laptop computer to assist with an Open University course<br />
started in the UK. Everyone was determined that I would<br />
achieve as much as possible from the experience and<br />
suggestions came from all quarters as I worked within the<br />
departments of the Submarine Squadron. Then, as I visited establishments throughout Australia (work, work, and work!), I<br />
realised that the <strong>Australian</strong> attitude was endemic throughout the country. Travelling to the heat of Darwin, the beauty of Cairns,<br />
the splendour of Sydney and the officialdom of the capital, Canberra, it was apparent that servicemen are basically alike<br />
throughout the commonwealth and in my opinion none more so than the submariner. To have so much in common with people<br />
from a different country and culture was a pleasant surprise and the methods and attitudes I learned during the course of the<br />
exercise will stay with me long after the exercise has finished. Travel opportunities were frequent and of minimal, if any cost.<br />
With a little effort and flexibility it was possible to visit the working environments of the RAN throughout Australia. On a leisure<br />
note, my wife and family flew out in the middle of the exercise. Once again the hospitality of the <strong>Australian</strong>s was apparent and<br />
my family were made to feel equally welcome within the community. Assistance finding accommodation and transport was<br />
forthcoming ensuring a comfortable time enabling the unique experience to be shared as if any option had been available.<br />
Our aim as Longlookers was to represent the UK and in particular the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Submarine Service, a task I hopefully achieved<br />
but in doing so was equally matched if not surpassed with the representations of Australia and its ‘can-do’ people.<br />
To summarise, throughout my time in Australia I have sampled, I have learnt and hopefully grown over the run of the exercise<br />
and the experience was certainly unique and most certainly one that I would heartily recommend to the rest of the fleet –<br />
submariners first!<br />
15
FIMA PERTH LOOKING AFTER THE sQUADRON<br />
By CPOETSM Bill Mansfield<br />
FIMA Perth Submarine Manager<br />
A team of sixteen personnel from FIMA Perth<br />
supported HMAS SHEEAN with a two-week<br />
Assisted Maintenance Period in Pearl Harbor<br />
Hawaii between 22 July – 5 August 2002. This<br />
proved to be a valuable exercise in liaison<br />
between FIMA Perth, SERG, ASC and various<br />
contractors. The FIMA Perth team completed<br />
almost sixty per cent of the Intermediate Level<br />
Maintenance package including EABS checks,<br />
Pre Combustion Nozzle maintenance, nearly all<br />
diesel work, main motor maintenance and<br />
generator work. This ensured that <strong>Navy</strong><br />
personnel gained experience in performing tasks<br />
normally given to contractors.<br />
windsurf, some found the bars and some even<br />
decided to do a submarine acquaint!<br />
Petty Officer Joe Hackenberg getting a few tips<br />
onboard the WW 2 submarine USS BOWFIN (the<br />
Pearl Harbor Avenger)<br />
ABAWASM Terry Webster and LSETSM Mark<br />
Cheffins undertaking maintenance on EABS<br />
masks.<br />
The activity was accomplished in a spirit of<br />
mutual cooperation with all parties working<br />
towards a satisfied customer. From my point of<br />
view it was good to see all agencies cooperating<br />
so well and the fact that SHEEAN sailed twentyfour<br />
hours early with all essential maintenance<br />
completed speaks for itself.<br />
After two weeks of long hours (and two<br />
Amazonian rain forests worth of paperwork!) the<br />
FIMA Perth team was able to relax and explore<br />
the sights and sounds of Hawaii. Some chose to<br />
LS Ricky Clist, LS Rod (Rocket) Turnbull, AB<br />
Matt Moala and AB Andy Wotton enjoying the<br />
facilities in the BEEMAN Center<br />
FIMA’s motto is "Where and When needed" and<br />
I would like to take this opportunity to say that<br />
we are ready to provide a Deployed Forward<br />
Action Group (DFAG) in support of deployed<br />
Submarines, 24/7 as they say.<br />
See you at RIMPAC 2004!<br />
16
WOMTsm ‘BUCK’ RODGERS CELEBRATES<br />
On 21 July this year, WOMTSM ‘Buck’ Rodgers of the Sea<br />
Training Group celebrated his 50th birthday aboard<br />
NUSHIP RANKIN during a safety training period in the<br />
SAXA. This was a highlight for Buck who had mentioned his<br />
desire earlier in the year to spend his 50th at sea – in<br />
particular, wielding the trusty smoke machine that he has<br />
become so attached to since joining the Sea Training Group.<br />
WOMTSM Buck Rodgers joined the RAN in July 1969 and<br />
spent twelve years in surface ships before joining the<br />
Submarine Arm in 1981. During that period he served on<br />
HMA Ships BRISBANE, SYDNEY, SWAN, STUART and<br />
MELBOURNE. In 1981, after completing trade training at<br />
HMAS NIRIMBA, he was posted to HMS DOLPHIN in the<br />
United Kingdom to undertake initial submarine training. He<br />
qualified as a submariner in 1982 and went on to serve in<br />
submarines OTWAY, OTAMA and ONSLOW (with the<br />
occasional pier head jump). In 1995 he moved his family to<br />
the west and, after a stint in the Squadron Technical Office,<br />
underwent COLLINS conversion training. He was posted to HMAS WALLER as the DMEO in June 2001 and<br />
is currently serving as the WOMT STG-SM. Buck’s career highlights have been taking part in the Queen’s<br />
Silver Jubilee 1977, qualifying as a submariner and seeing his son Scott join the <strong>Navy</strong>.<br />
Interesting to note: To date the Rodgers family has a total of eighty-eight years service in the RAN starting<br />
when Buck’s father joined the <strong>Navy</strong> in 1944.<br />
VACANT POSITION<br />
NATIONAL CONVENOR for DEFENCE FAMILIES AUSTRALIA (DFA)<br />
Applicants are sought for the position of National Convenor of the Defence Families of Australia (DFA) to<br />
commence in February 2003.<br />
The DFA is a voluntary group within Defence representing the needs and interests of Defence families. As<br />
National Convenor, your duties will include:<br />
• Managing a regionally based Executive Committee.<br />
• Managing the DFA daily operations including 250 voluntary Defence spouses.<br />
• Attend high level meetings with Defence and external service providers.<br />
• Prepare high level written submissions and correspondence.<br />
• Deliver presentations and conduct media or Government Senate interviews as required.<br />
This permanent part time position must be appointed to the spouse of a current full time serving member of<br />
the ADF. The position is located in Canberra.<br />
The successful applicant will have prior involvement with the DFA (previously known as the National<br />
Consultative Group of Service Families NCGSF) and possess excellent organisational, interpersonal and<br />
communication skills.<br />
The National Convenor is remunerated as a Part Time Office Bearer under the Remuneration Tribunal. Board<br />
duties may also apply.<br />
Interested applicants should contact Judy Swann on 02 6266 2768 or judy.swann@defence.gov.au to obtain<br />
the selection criteria and the duty information. Only applications that address the Selection Criteria will be<br />
considered. Applications close at C.O.B. Friday 13 December 2002.<br />
17
eighteen hours of perisher<br />
Lieutenant Commanders Gary Lawton and<br />
Mark Potter successfully completed the<br />
Netherlands Submarine Command Course held<br />
between March and July of this year. The final<br />
sea phase of the course lasts for 28 days and is<br />
conducted off the West Coast of the United<br />
Kingdom and Ireland. The following piece<br />
covers an eighteen-hour period towards the end<br />
of the course.<br />
"All round look, raise attack". Silence fell<br />
quickly in the control room as the periscope<br />
rose to a height half a metre above the<br />
choppy, grey waters. Spray, whipped up by<br />
the strengthening norwester, flew onto the<br />
periscope window obscuring the Duty<br />
Commanding Officer’s view out to the west.<br />
With a silent curse, he ordered the attack<br />
periscope to be lowered after a single, slow<br />
sweep of the horizon. He knew that he<br />
would have to raise the pericope again<br />
within four minutes to see if the<br />
‘SOMERSET’ was still within engagement<br />
range. Sonar had reported that the Type 23<br />
frigate had faded on sonar two minutes ago.<br />
This information was unsurprising as the<br />
DCO knew from experience that the 23’s<br />
were extremely quiet below 10 knots when<br />
they used their diesel-electric propulsion.<br />
The warship could still be as close as 4000<br />
yards away. The DCO murmured to his<br />
Attack Coordinator "If that contact is not<br />
visible after the next look we will carry on<br />
with the approach".<br />
ORCA had spent the last three days<br />
approaching the North Channel from the<br />
west coast of Ireland. The crew had threaded<br />
their way through a NATO task group that<br />
was, and still known to be, supported by<br />
Nimrod and P3 Orion maritime patrol<br />
aircraft. The poor weather had helped mask<br />
their presence, especially during the transit<br />
of the treacherous Orsay Gap. The Gap lies<br />
25 miles to the north of Ireland; one mile<br />
wide and 100 metres deep, it follows an S-<br />
shaped groove that cuts through granite reef<br />
20 metres deep. Countering the tidal<br />
currents that reach speeds of 5 knots ORCA<br />
had navigated her way through using the<br />
stream to assist in conserving the battery. The<br />
echo sounder provided the necessary clues to<br />
determine where the boat was from her<br />
expected track.<br />
The Gap was effectively the gateway to the<br />
North Channel and then the Clyde<br />
Approaches, home of the ORCA’s target – a<br />
Ballistic Missile Submarine based at Faslane,<br />
Scotland. Intelligence had reported the<br />
imminent departure of one of the ‘bombers’<br />
to her patrol areas deep in the Atlantic<br />
Ocean. The tasking was explicit and direct –<br />
destroy the SSBN before it entered the<br />
Atlantic. The DCO and his team had thought<br />
long and hard on how to achieve this aim<br />
and knew their best course of action to<br />
achieve their goal was to penetrate the<br />
coastal waters and gain contact on the target<br />
before it submerged. Once it had dived the<br />
target would be a hole in the ocean and<br />
virtually impossible to detect.<br />
"Bearing that! Down". The DCO stepped<br />
back from the descending periscope and off<br />
the viewing platform that dominated the<br />
centre of the control room. Pacing over to the<br />
chart table he examined the detail of the<br />
island that he considered offered the best<br />
opportunity of a safe snorting haven. Yes, he<br />
had just identified the ruins of the castle that<br />
dominated the skyline of the ridge that ran<br />
through the centre of the island. Following a<br />
brief exchange with the AC and navigator he<br />
briefed the control room. "Right team,<br />
during that last all-round look there was no<br />
sign of the SOMERSET. I believe she has<br />
continued to open out to the west. I saw the<br />
castle ruins of the large island – the bearing<br />
and the echo-sounder depth indicate we are<br />
18
eighteen hours of perisher<br />
just to the north of the 40 metre patch where<br />
we will await our target. Standby bearings<br />
for a fix".<br />
The fix placed ORCA 2 miles north of the<br />
island. The island was some 5 miles by 2<br />
miles in size and its north coast was<br />
dominated by a series of cliffs and granite<br />
outcrops, battered by Atlantic gales for<br />
millenia. The chart revealed that the water<br />
was deep enough close inshore for ORCA to<br />
safely operate. The DCO believed he also<br />
had a good chance of being able to snort<br />
without detection from patrolling ASW<br />
aircraft due to the sheer face of the cliffs and<br />
the abundance of rocks and reef protruding<br />
through the waves.<br />
"Standby to snort on three diesel engines!"<br />
The two engine room watchkeepers made<br />
their way aft through the crew mess to<br />
monitor their compartment as the snort was<br />
prepared from the Control Room. The sun<br />
had set ninety minutes ago and only one P3<br />
racket was held at low levels. The previous<br />
DCO had not snorted for the duration of his<br />
watch. The battery was now at 17% and the<br />
atmosphere needed to be changed.<br />
Additionally, the crew were already on edge<br />
as smoking had not been permitted for over<br />
5 hours and the DCO knew the team<br />
performed better when they could smoke.<br />
The DCO briefed the oncoming watchleader<br />
of his intentions; snort (snort and snort<br />
again) and remain undetected from the MPA<br />
and use the island to minimise their radar<br />
capability.<br />
"Danger, danger, danger!" After just 20<br />
minutes the snort was stopped and all masts<br />
lowered as the P3 radar signal strength<br />
increased suddenly. The DCO returned to<br />
the Control Room quickly scanning the plots<br />
and sensor displays. Following a short<br />
situation report from the Watch Leader he<br />
checked ship control and conducted an all<br />
round look on the attack periscope. As he<br />
looked out into the night two lights, one red<br />
the other green, traced arcs in the darkness.<br />
It was the P3 – had ORCA been detected or<br />
was the aircraft conducting a search in the<br />
vicinity of the island? The P3 had been on<br />
station for over four hours. The DCO knew<br />
the aircraft would have to return to its base to<br />
refuel and change crews within the next two<br />
hours – what aircraft, if one was available,<br />
would replace it? Checking the battery<br />
capacity and reducing speed he ordered the<br />
submarine to a new course to stem the tidal<br />
stream so that the boat maintained its<br />
position over the 40 metre patch. After seven<br />
minutes the DCO conducted another all<br />
round look. The aircraft revealed itself as a<br />
single, strobe light flying low at a range of<br />
five miles. Waiting a further seven minutes<br />
the Watch Leader conducted the next visual<br />
sweep simultaneously checking the intercept<br />
strength of the P3 radar. The radar strength<br />
had decreased and the aircraft was no longer<br />
visible.<br />
For the remainder of the night ORCA<br />
continued to snort at intermittent periods<br />
clearing the atmosphere and improving the<br />
battery capacity to 65%. The DCO slept<br />
soundly until "Danger, danger, danger!"<br />
woke him with a start. Upon entering the<br />
Control Room he managed to hear the last<br />
part of the report from the radar intercept<br />
operator "…classified Searchwater". So, the<br />
new dangerous racket was from a British<br />
Nimrod aircraft. This radar had the potential<br />
to detect a single periscope head at great<br />
range. The DCO questioned the Watch<br />
Leader about the new racket. The<br />
intercepted bearing was to the north-east of<br />
ORCA; this meant the aircraft was likely to<br />
be arriving within its, and ORCA’s, patrol<br />
area from its home airfield in the north of<br />
Scotland. The first wisps of light were<br />
19
eighteen hours of perisher<br />
apparent in the east as the Watch Leader<br />
conducted an all round look. The sun would<br />
rise in another 45 minutes. The Nimrod<br />
wasn’t seen during that single, slow sweep of<br />
the horizon.<br />
The DCO checked the chart with the Watch<br />
Leader. They had calculated that the SSBN<br />
would arrive to the northeast of their<br />
position in a further eight hours. ORCA had<br />
a further 25 miles to go to close towards that<br />
point. Intelligence traffic received overnight<br />
reported that Sea King helicopters, fitted<br />
with dipping active sonar, would be<br />
supporting the egress of their target. They, in<br />
addition to the warships, would make it very<br />
hard to get to an attacking position without<br />
being detected. He knew that he would have<br />
to use ORCA’s inherent stealth to get to that<br />
position.<br />
"Biiinnnggg". The underwater telephone<br />
loudspeaker turned everyone’s head as it<br />
relayed the first transmission of a sonobuoy.<br />
The sonar operators quickly classified it as a<br />
British sonobuoy at a level that suggested it<br />
may gain contact on ORCA. "I have the<br />
submarine" ordered the DCO, "Set<br />
revolutions for 2 knots". Had ORCA been<br />
detected by the Nimrod’s radar or was this<br />
the first part of a pre-planned acoustic search<br />
by the aircraft. Assume nothing, the DCO<br />
thought to himself as he conducted the next<br />
all-round look. There it was – the Nimrod<br />
looped around to the north of ORCA.<br />
Feeling very exposed, as though all the eyes<br />
of Nimrod’s crew were focussing on his part<br />
of the sea, the DCO lowered the periscope.<br />
He briefed the Control Room "Okay team, I<br />
believe that the Nimrod may have got a faint<br />
indication from her radar of our presence<br />
and is now attempting to verify that using<br />
active sonobuoys. We will remain at low<br />
speed in this shallow water to avoid<br />
classification."<br />
For the next hour the DCO continued with<br />
intermittent looks through the periscope as<br />
the single sonobuoy transmitted and the<br />
Nimrod patrolled at low level to the north of<br />
the submarine. ORCA continued to creep<br />
above the seabed at less than walking pace to<br />
reduce any wake from the periscope during<br />
its periods of exposure. "New contact on<br />
sonar, bearing 080, diesel audible, in/out,<br />
classified fishing vessel" reported the senior<br />
sonar watchkeeper. The DCO thought about<br />
this new piece of information. Could he use<br />
this contact to mask his exit from his current<br />
haven and skulk out to the northeast to close<br />
the expected track of the SSBN? What if it<br />
started trawling? Where was it likely to fish?<br />
Will it mask the presence of ORCA’s target?<br />
The all round look, essential to maintain<br />
safety from other quiet contacts, was due<br />
again. This time the fishing vessel could be<br />
seen, it was in transit and heading to the<br />
deep waters to the east of the Gap. But that<br />
wasn’t all that there was – the Nimrod had<br />
disappeared only to be replaced by two Sea<br />
King helicopters heading towards ORCA.<br />
The DCO was about to announce the sighting<br />
to the control room when the underwater<br />
telephone speaker again seized everyone’s<br />
attention.<br />
"Berrrrwuuuuppp!!!" The first transmission<br />
from the Sea King dipping sonar<br />
reverberated from the speaker. The dipping<br />
Sea King was 3000 yards to the north of<br />
ORCA. It was now apparent to the DCO that<br />
the Nimrod had gained some sort of contact<br />
on ORCA and the Sea Kings were being<br />
employed to prosecute the datum. The DCO<br />
was now forced to remain at slow speed to<br />
defeat the active transmissions from the<br />
helicopters. The shallow water and<br />
proximity to shore would also mean that<br />
there would be lots of reverberations that<br />
would confuse the sonar returns.<br />
20
eighteen hours of perisher<br />
It was time for the next all-round look. The<br />
DCO stepped up onto the viewing platform<br />
having checked the displays and plots. After<br />
a quick glance at ship control the attack<br />
periscope was raised and his assistant started<br />
his stopwatch. "5 ……, 10 seconds……". The<br />
DCO slowly turned the periscope keeping<br />
the horizon just in view as he searched for<br />
new contacts. Suddenly the eyepiece seemed<br />
filled with the bow-like structure and<br />
bulbous nose of the Sea King. It was just 600<br />
yards away and stationary lowering the<br />
sonar body into the water. The DCO felt the<br />
hairs down the back of his neck rise as he<br />
looked momentarily at the helicopter. He<br />
could almost look into the eyes of the pilot.<br />
"15 …….., 20 seconds". "Down!" the DCO<br />
barked as he completed the all round look.<br />
The underwater telephone speaker seemed<br />
to burst into life as it reported another sonar<br />
transmission. "That was from one of the Sea<br />
Kings, currently at red 130 at a range of 600<br />
yards" announced the DCO, "we will proceed<br />
deep, continue at low speed and hug the<br />
bottom to avoid visual counter-detection<br />
from the helos". "Five down, keep 35<br />
metres".<br />
Gradually ORCA descended from periscope<br />
depth. An operator was closed up on the<br />
echo sounder to report the changes in<br />
sounding as the boat inched its way above<br />
the seabed. After 12 minutes the closest Sea<br />
King ceased transmitting and opened away<br />
from ORCA to the north. Soon a new contact<br />
started pinging out to the west. The<br />
transmissions were quickly classified as<br />
belonging to a Type 23 frigate. The<br />
increasing strength and bearings of the sonar<br />
indicated that the frigate was conducting a<br />
search along the coast from the west. It<br />
appeared ORCA had slipped away just in<br />
time. The DCO now increased speed to open<br />
out away from the shallow water and as he<br />
did so he took the submarine deeper to get<br />
below the layer of warmer water to make it<br />
even harder for the different sonars to gain<br />
contact on the ORCA. He was also conscious<br />
that he had to make ground to where he<br />
anticipated the SSBN to be. It was probable<br />
that the SSBN would be routed to the north<br />
side of the channel if his opposition had<br />
believed that it was ORCA they had detected<br />
just off the island.<br />
After a two hour ‘stroll’ at a speed of eight<br />
knots ORCA was ready to return to periscope<br />
depth. The sonar traces were analysed<br />
revealing a cluster of contacts out to the east<br />
and faint transmissions from the Type 23 to<br />
the southwest. There hadn’t been any sign of<br />
aircraft activity for the last hour. "Ten up,<br />
keep eighteen metres" ordered the DCO.<br />
ORCA slowly came shallow, the DCO<br />
gradually ordering less and less speed as the<br />
submarine approached its ordered depth. He<br />
allowed the submarine to settle at eighteen<br />
metres before raising the attack periscope<br />
and conducting the all round look. With a<br />
racing heart he ordered the attack periscope<br />
lowered. "Ship Control, pipe the submarine<br />
to Action Stations". "All positions two<br />
contacts in sight, the SSBN at six thousand<br />
yards and just behind her a Type 22 frigate.<br />
Standby set-ups!" ORCA was poised to<br />
attack.<br />
Members of the Perisher 2002 course in the<br />
wardroom of WALRUS<br />
21
VICTORIA VS JULIETT<br />
By LCDR Lawrie Pappin<br />
During my time in Canada I was fortunate to gain exposure to a number of submarine platforms.<br />
During the early part of my tenure I rubbed shoulders with the trusted Oberon, including an<br />
Intermediate Docking in Marystown, Newfoundland. The arrival of HMCS VICTORIA in late 2000<br />
was my next experience and equally interesting. The Victoria Class boats are the ex-Upholders and are<br />
to be phased into service with the Canadians at a rate of about one submarine a year. Each platform<br />
received a ‘Canadianisation’ package that included a new communications suite, ESM and SFCS.<br />
Despite being a very capable platform, there were the natural problems that occur during<br />
introduction, many reminiscent of our own program. Availability of spares, OQE for spares and a<br />
maintenance system that needed some streamlining were recurring engineering themes.<br />
Notwithstanding these challenges, the Canadians did get some valuable sea time out of HMCS<br />
WINDSOR before her Canadianisation work period, and HMCS VICTORIA will be off the dock by the<br />
time this article goes to print. HMCS VICTORIA will soon be home based in Esquimalt on the West<br />
Coast and I am sure it is only a matter of time before we see her at a RIMPAC.<br />
My final experience was a tour with the production crew for the movie K-19 on a Soviet ‘Juliett’ Class.<br />
The Juliett was built during the 60’s as a missile launch platform, and after completing service with<br />
the Russian <strong>Navy</strong> was used for a time as a floating restaurant in the USA. The battery compartment<br />
had been stripped out and replaced with intimately arranged dining tables (as if they could be<br />
described in any other way). I marvelled that some people would pay to have a meal in a battery<br />
compartment. Other interesting features were the design that included ‘T’ frames on the outside of the<br />
pressure hull and torpedoes that must have been loaded through the tubes. (Whilst looking to refresh<br />
my memory on the Juliett, I discovered you can still buy a Juliett Class submarine over the Internet).<br />
On a more personal note, I am still an advocate for Canada as a place to live or visit, and encourage<br />
personnel to apply for the available exchange postings, or the 3 week ADAC course for AWA’s.<br />
22
FAREWELL – PAM SHARMAN<br />
Avery special person was farewelled at<br />
HMAS STIRLING on 13 September 2002<br />
when Mrs Pamela Sharman retired from the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Public Service. Pam’s real name is<br />
Catherine Pamela Sharman although she<br />
preferred to use the name of Pam.<br />
Pam began her navy association as far back as<br />
1960 when she joined the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> as a<br />
young caps WREN, early postings included a<br />
stint at a large Naval Air Station at Lossiemouth<br />
in Scotland. During her time as a WREN in the<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> she served as a communicator in<br />
Gibraltar and Malta. She came to Australia with<br />
husband Les (retired Lieutenant, RAN) and two<br />
boys when he joined the Naval Police. Her<br />
husband’s postings included lengthy spells at<br />
HMAS ALBATROSS and HMAS STIRLING.<br />
She arrived in WA in 1986 with her husband Les<br />
Sharman who was the navy’s Provost Marshal<br />
and Naval Police Inspector at HMAS<br />
STIRLING. She joined the Public Service on 20<br />
March 1987 and commenced work as a Defence<br />
Public Servant initially within the Naval Stores<br />
organisation as a purchasing officer, before<br />
moving into the Submarine Escape Training<br />
Facility and finally at the Submarine Training Systems Centre (STSC).<br />
Pam has been actively involved in many fund raising activities although, her most impressive effort<br />
took place when she organised a ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ which was held at the STSC during May 2002,<br />
an event that raised $763 for the Cancer Foundation. Always highly motivated with a passion and<br />
commitment to achieve the best possible result Pam will be sorely missed by her many friends within<br />
the navy community. Pam’s exceptional level of service and attention to detail was recognised many<br />
times, but more recently when she was awarded a Submarine Training Systems Centre ‘Staff<br />
Recognition Award’ for outstanding achievement. A real person who mixed well with all ranks and<br />
did an excellent job in her capacity as the secretary/personal assistant to OIC SETF/LA-SM and TA-<br />
SM.<br />
Congratulations to you Pam on the occasion of your retirement and all the very best from everyone at<br />
the Submarine Training Systems Centre.<br />
23
MENTORING<br />
Mentoring - The Concept<br />
• People are capability. In today’s <strong>Navy</strong>, job roles are changing at an ever-increasing<br />
rate. The <strong>Navy</strong> needs to have the right people with the right training, skills and<br />
experience to operate and maintain its platforms to undertake complex military<br />
operations using sophisticated equipment. The current concept and operation of<br />
minimum manned platforms, together with the resultant change in maintenance<br />
philosophies, has resulted in maintainers lacking mastery of intangible competencies.<br />
It is considered effective integration competencies, tangible or otherwise, requires<br />
mastery of a wide selection of disciplines and influencers both external and internal.<br />
• Mentoring is an initiative aimed at providing practical and meaningful work experience<br />
ashore, using commercial Defence contractors, whilst developing Defence staff skills,<br />
and consequently enhancing Defence capability within the accords of Government<br />
policy of closer industry relationships to develop shared career structures. Mentoring<br />
allows formal and spontaneous learning to occur in a semi-controlled manner, by skill<br />
transfer from trained experienced personnel to those less experienced within a practical<br />
working environment.<br />
Mentoring - Pilot Trial<br />
• It is proposed to outplace selected uniformed personnel into Defence-related service<br />
industry / organisations for<br />
periods of two to six months, to<br />
work alongside contractors to<br />
develop a range of skills<br />
consolidation. The benefits to<br />
mentor, mentee and<br />
organisations (Defence and<br />
industry) could be profound,<br />
breaking down the existing<br />
‘contractor client’ paradigm,<br />
enhancing <strong>Navy</strong>’s capability and<br />
hopefully increasing personnel<br />
and skills retention.<br />
LSETSM Daniel Lee<br />
• Participants: Two personnel<br />
from FIMA PERTH are selected<br />
to participate in the Pilot trial<br />
program. LSETSM Daniel Lee<br />
24
MENTORING<br />
and LSMTSM Warren Bassie will be "loaned out" to Raytheon and ASC respectively.<br />
The initial trial period is from 1 Oct until 13 Dec 2002. The participation will be limited to<br />
the submarine arm in the WA area for the purpose of the trial, although Defence<br />
contractors in Sydney have already indicated interest in the program. If successful, it is<br />
intended to introduce the scheme throughout the RAN, in 2003.<br />
• Divisional: TA-SM will provide Divisional Support during the outplacement. The<br />
participants will comply with RAN discipline standards and regulations, and will be<br />
withdrawn if a dispute arises. Personnel will not be available as operational reliefs<br />
during the time of outplacement. Personnel undergoing discharge, compassionate or<br />
medical treatment are ineligible for outplacement.<br />
• Follow on: TA-SM anticipates that the follow on from this trail will expand up to four<br />
or six personnel for a period of four to six months from Jan 03. CFM will be taking up<br />
the management reigns in Jan 03 and hence expand the program to General Service<br />
and Executive branch sailors.<br />
• Human Resources Plan: The initiative is linked to the HR Plan Initiative 6.8.2 –<br />
Introduce Innovative Mentoring activities into the RAN.<br />
• Legal issues: The contractor will remain responsible for the quality of all goods and<br />
services provided to the RAN. The terms of employment will be covered under a<br />
Memorandum of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Contractor.<br />
In summary, it is an initiative<br />
aimed at providing meaningful<br />
employment ashore whilst<br />
enhancing personnel skills within<br />
their chosen profession. These<br />
skills can be directly translated to<br />
the workplace, and is an<br />
equitable arrangement for the<br />
Commonwealth and Defence<br />
contractors. It will enhance the<br />
capability of the individual, the<br />
organisation (RAN) and the<br />
Defence support organisation.<br />
Whilst the initial trial involves<br />
personnel with technical skills, it<br />
is intended that the concept be<br />
available to all categories in the<br />
future.<br />
David West (Project Manager) and Tim Hill explaining to LS Warren<br />
Bassie to workings of the SHEEAN refit cycle plan soon to be<br />
undertaken upon SHEEAN’s return alongside FBW.<br />
25
NAVAL DEFENCE GALLERY – maritime museum of wa<br />
The Maritime Museum in Fremantle is due to open to the public in early December 2002. The following is a<br />
description of the Naval Gallery exhibit.<br />
VISITORS TRAIL<br />
There are two ways of entering the Naval Gallery. Either by passing through the Trade Gallery and entering<br />
the gallery on the top floor or up the stairs through the Fishing Gallery on the ground floor.<br />
By following this route upon arriving on the first floor the visitor will face the front of a full-size replica of the<br />
upper deck and conning tower of the famous WWI <strong>Australian</strong> Submarine AE2, which appears with all its<br />
‘masts’ (periscopes, etc raised) just kissing the ceiling. As you walk partially into conning tower, panels will<br />
appear outlining the story of AE2’s historic clandestine voyage through the Dardanelles and the effect of its<br />
remarkable success in doing so on the decision to continue with the landing of the ANZACS at Gallipoli. There<br />
will be audios of the landings and the sounds of the battle and the famous order from General Hamilton to<br />
DIG, DIG, DIG.<br />
Adjacent to the conning tower will be the story of how the navy began in Western Australia including a<br />
uniform from that period.<br />
Following this section will be told the story of HMAS SYDNEY/EMDEN battle that occurred near Cocos<br />
Island, North West of Western Australia<br />
After this will appear a Carley Float similar to the type found from HMAS SYDNEY II in its battle with the<br />
German raider HSK Kormoran in November 1941. Models of the two vessels will appear along with objects<br />
confiscated from the German sailors.<br />
Past this display will appear two Folboats of the type used by the fabled Z force during WW2 with stories of<br />
some of the soldiers (with particular reverence to Jack Sue DCM and replica Sleeping Beauty which is located<br />
next to the Folboats) who carried out some quite amazing operations during this period.<br />
The next section will describe the story of the highly decorated submariner Max Sheean’s DSO famous cable<br />
cutting operation when his crew cut the communications cable from Singapore to the Mainland in WW2.<br />
On the wall opposite the Carley float there will be various displays outlining the story of the WW2 Submarine<br />
base in Fremantle. This will elaborate on Fremantle as a major allied base during this period and the secrecy<br />
surrounding the base and its activities.<br />
Past these displays is a WW2 mine suspended as it were suspended in a water column and anchored to the<br />
seabed by a detachment connected to the sinker. Adjacent to the mine the visitor will then view an exhibit on<br />
the activities of the <strong>Navy</strong> Clearance Diving Team 4 based at HMAS STIRLING and the story of LT CMDR Leon<br />
Goldsworthy CG, DCM, GM who was the most highly decorated member of the RAN in World War 2.<br />
After this display is a cut-a-way MK23 torpedo which shows the technical advances in torpedo weaponry since<br />
WW2. Beside the torpedo is a <strong>Australian</strong> developed missile called the Ikara which was deployed by a<br />
destroyer to hunt and sink submarines.<br />
Looking back, is the entrance to the Submarine simulator - a mock up of the room of a submarine which will<br />
include a periscope located at the centre of the simulator going through the roof focussed on historical<br />
buildings in Fremantle and the activities out in the ocean.<br />
The gallery will also include the history of <strong>Australian</strong> Submarines from WW2 climaxing with the development<br />
of the <strong>Australian</strong> Collins Class submarine.<br />
26
RECRUIT TRAINING SCHOOL, HMAS CERBERUS<br />
By LSETSM Green<br />
Since the Squadron has moved to Western Australia,<br />
there has been limited opportunity for postings<br />
outside of HMAS STIRLING. However, there are now<br />
billets available for Leading Seamen at HMAS<br />
CERBERUS as Recruit School Instructors.<br />
Continuing the long presence of a submariner at<br />
recruit school LSCKSM Sam Carman and LSETSM<br />
Andrew Green have carried the squadrons’<br />
representation at the initial entry level. Since the<br />
inception of Sea Eagle IV, the instructor billets have<br />
become Leading Seamen billets available to all<br />
categories. Selections for instructors are made by<br />
DSCM and Warrant Officer Recruit School, currently<br />
WOMTSM Ian Harvey, who further bolsters the<br />
submariner presence within Recruit School. The<br />
increased representation of submariners has<br />
prompted an increase of inquiry about life in the<br />
squadron from many of the recruits and LS Carman<br />
and LS Green can often be found soliciting a new<br />
supply of replacement submariners through general<br />
enquirers and after hours presentations.<br />
Life at Recruit School is particularly demanding as an<br />
instructor. Staff can be found hard at work both well<br />
before and after the normal working hours. There are<br />
a multitude of problems and inquiries to be dealt<br />
with from "I’ve lost my hat" to "I’m not an <strong>Australian</strong><br />
citizen" and "I want to go home". Unlike the majority<br />
of instructional billets, the role of a Recruit School<br />
instructor has many unique challenges. The new<br />
entry recruit needs to be introduced into the <strong>Navy</strong><br />
way of life which is foreign to them and, the problems<br />
associated with this transition have to be dealt with<br />
by the Instructors.<br />
Those who have already been through the system,<br />
and are now part of it, often undervalue this training.<br />
Taking the skills in military life for granted is a<br />
common thread and having to utilise these skills<br />
years later is testing. Before taking up their new<br />
posting new instructors undergo the Recruit<br />
Instructors course. This course is broken into<br />
components consisting of, but not limited to, parade<br />
training (a refresher for those who have avoided<br />
marching for some time), an OH&S refresher,<br />
physical training and outdoor activities, suicide<br />
awareness and team initiative activities. Included is<br />
the two-week Instructional Technique course as well<br />
as covering the Recruit course content.<br />
HAWAII FIVE-O<br />
Recently the five students and instructor of the 2002 Submarine Warfare Officers Course undertook<br />
two weeks of training in Hawaii. The days were spent conducting sonar training from the USN<br />
perspective in both the classroom and simulators. It also included a tour of the Los Angeles class SSN,<br />
USS Honolulu. Students also attended some valuable briefs about command and control issues<br />
pertaining to submarine operations from the USN viewpoint.<br />
Whilst the time spent in the classroom was intense, the SMWOC students were determined to make<br />
the most of the visit to the warm and friendly islands. The weekends and evenings were spent<br />
exploring the island in a rented monster truck (nicknamed "Truck-a-saurus"), hiking, scuba diving, game<br />
fishing, surfing and sampling the local food and beverages. A special mention has to be given to the fishing<br />
exploits of LEUT Chris Forward who battled with a monster Wahoo fish for 30 minutes before landing the 70<br />
pound leviathan of the deep and (most importantly) came home with the photographs to prove it!<br />
The highlight of the trip socially was definitely Anzac Day. It commenced at dawn with a gunfire breakfast at<br />
Pearl Harbour Naval Base Submarine Memorial. This comprised of the SMWOC students, a coffee percolator<br />
and a large bottle of Bundaberg Rum. This was perhaps an unusual sight for some USN personnel on their way<br />
to work and generated several inquiries from passers by. These questions were quickly answered and once the<br />
significance of the day was explained, the informal gathering soon generated a few extra participants.<br />
On completion of the gunfire breakfast, all hands shifted into dress whites and proceeded to the Punchbowl<br />
War Memorial. The service, conducted by the US Marines culminated with a thunderous 21 gun salute which<br />
was both dramatic and set off car alarms throughout the area. The day concluded with a lively cocktail party<br />
at the <strong>Australian</strong> Ambassador’s residence leaving some of the students lighter in the pocket in the best ANZAC<br />
tradition. Overall, the time spent in Hawaii was a professionally and personally rewarding two weeks. Sound<br />
like fun? Contact your poster on how to join submarines.<br />
27
FOUR INTO ONE<br />
The Creation of a ‘Super’ Directorate of Submarine Sustainment<br />
Creation of the Directorate of Submarine Sustainment (DSMS) on 6 September 2002, saw the<br />
amalgamation of the SMSPO South Australia, the SMSPO Western Australia, the Systems Support<br />
Facility Western Australia and the previous Submarine Warfare Systems Centre HMAS WATSON.<br />
All of these areas have distinct responsibilities for Materiel and In-Service Support (ISS) to the Collins<br />
Class Submarines. Although the level of responsibility has not changed a great deal, the programmed<br />
delivery of RANKIN (Boat 6) in early 2003, and with the winding up of the New Submarine Project,<br />
the immense job of sustaining our submarine fleet needed to be coordinated and overseen by the one<br />
authority.<br />
The person chosen to undertake this job is Captain Toff Idrus OAM, RAN. Toff is a submariner who<br />
has more recently served as a skimmer aboard HMAS ANZAC. Since posting off ANZAC in May of<br />
this year and returning to the submarine world, Toff has been sitting in Canberra undertaking the<br />
fight for personnel and resources to bring about the<br />
establishment of the DSMS. Taking into account the current<br />
financial climate within Defence, Toff achieved the direction<br />
given to him in a very short period of time. The substantial<br />
support provided to Toff by the Director General Submarines<br />
(DGSM) and the Heads of the four areas concerned helped<br />
greatly to reach this goal.<br />
So what does this new ‘super’ Directorate do. Simply, the<br />
DSMS is the authority responsible for the provision of materiel<br />
in service support to the Commander <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong><br />
Submarine Group (CANSG) and his submarines.<br />
What it really CMDR means Mike Houghton is that presenting DSMS Lee runs Ann contracts Jones with and her award. provides<br />
coordination of activities such as maintenance, stores support,<br />
configuration management, engineering analysis, refits,<br />
dockings, software support and just about anything else to do<br />
with materiel assistance to the Submarine Force Element Group<br />
(SMFEG). Sounds simple doesn’t it?<br />
So, who are the leaders of the team that will achieve this? As<br />
stated previously, the boss is Captain Toff Idrus. The following<br />
people are the leaders of the five groups that make up the<br />
DSMS:<br />
Commander Phil Hudson is the Principal Naval Representative<br />
South Australia (PNR-SA) who is responsible for the conduct of<br />
all maintenance engineering activities for Full Cycle Dockings<br />
(FCD), and docking activities undertaken at Outer Harbour<br />
CANSG, CDRE Mike Deeks,<br />
welcomes the inaugural Director<br />
of Submarine Sustainment<br />
South Australia. Additionally, given the unique nature of PNR-SA’s co-location with the <strong>Australian</strong><br />
Submarine Corporation (ASC), Phil will also continue to enact corporate responsibilities as required<br />
by DGSM and through the Director.<br />
Lieutenant Commander Mal Waugh is the Principal Naval Representative Western Australia (PNR-<br />
WA). Recently returned from overseas, he has stepped into the breach as PNR-WA and is responsible<br />
for the conduct of all maintenance engineering activities, except for FCD’s or dockings undertaken at<br />
28
FOUR INTO ONE<br />
Outer Harbour. While predominantly this entails scheduled availabilities, it also includes the<br />
management of any contracted activities for corrective maintenance whenever and wherever it is<br />
required.<br />
Mr Trevor Grainger is the Business Executive and Finance Group Leader. Trevor’s function is critical<br />
to achieving the rationalisation of administration and finance services across the Directorate. The BEFG<br />
will implement common business practices including Human Resources, Contracting and Quality<br />
Systems in all DSMS activities and locations. Much has already been achieved in adopting the best<br />
practice with the aim of standardising all practices to meet the Directorate’s responsibilities.<br />
Commander Adam Lindsay is the Systems Support Group (SSG) leader. The SSG has assumed the<br />
management and governance over all software domains including Combat Systems, ISSCMC and<br />
SIMS/SIS. Headed by Adam, the SSG will also assume responsibility for the coordination of all<br />
category and integration software testing providing the Commander <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Submarine<br />
Group (CANSG) with a central agent for software quality assurance.<br />
Commander Michael Houghton is the Integrated Logistics<br />
Engineering Group leader (ILEG). The formation of a single<br />
Engineering and Logistics Group is the most significant<br />
initiative in the establishment of the DSMS. The two key roles<br />
of the ILEG will be the provision of direct engineering and<br />
logistics support to the PNRs and the improvement of the<br />
supportability of the Collins Class Submarines. The ILEG will<br />
direct and monitor the efforts of the major ISS contractors to<br />
ensure that design, maintenance and logistic support changes<br />
are effected to improve the system and equipment reliability,<br />
availability and maintainability. Michael will undertake the<br />
role of ILEG until the end of 2002 when he leaves to take up a<br />
new posting as the Senior Naval Officer, Queensland. The<br />
reigns of this very important initiative will be handed to<br />
Commander John Chandler, a former member of the old<br />
Submarine Sustainment Management Office (SSMO) and, fresh<br />
from his Staff Course.<br />
(DSMS), CAPT Toff Idrus, back to<br />
the fold after his time ‘<br />
above the waves’<br />
So, that is an albeit brief description of the new Directorate of<br />
Submarine Sustainment. The <strong>Australian</strong> people have spent a<br />
substantial amount of money on designing, building and the<br />
development into a very capable platform that is the Collins<br />
Class Submarine; DSMS’s job is to make sure that money<br />
remains well spent for the remaining life of the submarines.<br />
The Collins Class Submarine is here for at least the next thirty<br />
years. The creation of the Directorate of Submarine<br />
Sustainment, which is staffed with a group of dedicated<br />
professionals, has established a dedicated and coordinated area that will ensure the ongoing<br />
maintenance and development of this platform, so as to get ‘value for money’. Just as importantly,<br />
the DSMS is ready to undertake the task of supporting the submarine FEG and together they will<br />
ensure our Submarine Force is the benchmark for conventional submarines that other countries will<br />
look to.<br />
29
FIGHT ON IN HAWAII<br />
By LSEWASM Tony "William" Nicol<br />
Tuesday 25 June 2002, sitting off the coast of Oahu, race-tracking on the roof, conducting our missile<br />
drills whilst the people of Hawaii listen to their Rock’n’Roll music.<br />
We had finally made the islands of Aloha, albeit with the diffuser hanging off the back of the fin, but<br />
that was not to be the only<br />
bizarre defect during our stay in<br />
Pearl Harbour. However it was<br />
not all work, as we did have a<br />
little bit of time to have some<br />
fun. In fact the first night saw AB<br />
Dobner and LS Slyva enter the<br />
club as qualified submariners,<br />
and we all celebrated over some<br />
non-alcoholic beers and nonalcoholic<br />
spirits at Mooses. It<br />
was not to end there either, as<br />
we discovered the Longboard<br />
Bar which served 95c mai tais<br />
between 6pm and 9pm every<br />
night! We had to investigate, but<br />
evidence was inconclusive and<br />
had to be re-investigated in<br />
more detail.<br />
Nevertheless, the reason for<br />
being here was called RIMPAC<br />
2002, war games on a global<br />
scale, with multinational forces<br />
taking part from all over the<br />
Pacific. Between days where the<br />
crew of SHEEAN had to keep up<br />
relations with the crew of USS<br />
HONOLULU, the fin was put back together, the bottled water was stowed aboard, and we were ready<br />
for RIMPAC 02. Out to sea and the first stage of the exercise involved work up serials prior to the war<br />
stage. During this time the UC2, LS Varian, and ABEWA Spencer took a well earned break aboard the<br />
USS LASSEN (Arleigh Burke FLT IIA DDG), whilst we played host to a couple of their boys. The battle<br />
to remain at sea was proving difficult as we suffered several independent defects including comms<br />
and fridges. Food began to thaw and it looked like we would have to abort the second stage of the war<br />
games.<br />
Prior to the second stage we had to come into West Loch and disembark our MK48 Torpedoes. During<br />
this time the HODs put their brains together to try and come up with a solution that would allow<br />
SHEEAN to Fight On. They did! The following day we took part in the PhotEx for RIMPAC 2002, and<br />
it was quite an impressive display of naval firepower with ourselves leading the pack. On completion,<br />
we conducted a boat transfer at the entrance to Peal Harbour where we embarked a few hundred bags<br />
of ice and some bags of meat. We were all set!! The mission was to ‘sink’ the Norwegian Star, and we<br />
did. The first sinking of RIMPAC 2002, the war games had begun. We continued to remain undetected<br />
30
FIGHT ON IN HAWAII<br />
and ‘sank’ several more units before returning to Pearl Harbour. It was time for mai tais, the AMP, and<br />
did I mention, mai tais.<br />
During the AMP AB "Bungy’ Williams got married at the foot of the picturesque landmark Diamond<br />
Head. LS Ewing and LS Wernas had the honour of being bridesmaids, and looked absolutely fabulous.<br />
As well as people getting married, several members of the crew were able to visit the other islands of<br />
Hawaii, whilst other members of the crew were required to drink more mai tais which we discovered<br />
to have a nutritional value in the form of a slice of pineapple on the side. It was during this AMP<br />
however that another defect occurred which was the most puzzling of all. The microwave mast was<br />
raised for maintenance and on completion the mast would not lower. This defect did not prevent the<br />
submarine from sailing for PCO Ops, we sailed with it raised. Prior to sailing for PCO OPS, ABEWA<br />
Eadie asked if LS Nicol and AB Farmer could be landed as they had worked so hard over the past few<br />
months, his wish was granted and the boat sailed.<br />
PCO Ops was broken into two parts and SHEEAN managed to fire off 28 MK48Ps in total. During the<br />
exercise SHEEAN displayed not only her ability to fire weapons at a capable opponent, but also her<br />
cheekiness when playing the ‘Teddy Sheean’ song over the underwater telephone. USS OLYMPIA and<br />
USS SANTA FE were the unsuspecting audience to the tunes that we played. It was during the<br />
Lungfish exercise that SHEEAN’s youngest sailor turned 21. AB ‘Junior’ Hume became legal to drink<br />
American liquor, but there was still another day at sea until that first drink would pass his lips.<br />
It is at this point that this article ends, and it is safe to say that HMAS SHEEAN has so far enjoyed the<br />
good with the bad, but in true "Teddy Sheean" tradition we will continue to FIGHT ON!!<br />
31
THE OTHER LEFT<br />
by LSCKSM Sam Carmen<br />
It seems only yesterday I was getting off the bus at Recruit School wide eyed and wondering what<br />
all the shouting was about, who was that guy in white, what was a "PO", why can’t I say bathroom,<br />
‘durrie’, ‘heads’, ‘getters’, ‘goffa’? What planet were these people from, what language were they<br />
speaking, what had I got myself into, this wasn’t on the brochure!<br />
Now, eight years later, I find myself on the other end of these questions and what seemed like an<br />
impossible reality then is now second nature.<br />
As each new group of recruits is collected from the airport I see many of the same questions in their<br />
faces, I’m that guy in white, I’m talking with the funny phrases and they’re about to find out a lot of<br />
things that weren’t in the brochure.<br />
One of the toughest things about training new entry recruits is inducting them into the <strong>Navy</strong> way of<br />
life. On top of the modules they learn including drill, physical training, kit maintenance, theory and<br />
practical lessons is the requirement to turn civilians into sailors. This transition from civilian to sailor<br />
is not something that happens over night, it is a gradual process and provides a unique challenge to<br />
Recruit School Instructors.<br />
The opportunity of coming back to Recruit School was a little daunting. The only marching I had<br />
done since leaving CERBERUS was on ANZAC Day and I hadn’t touched a Steyer since being a<br />
Recruit myself. My kit, like most submariners, consisted of some black coveralls, a white shirt, and a<br />
borrowed set of ceremonials. Now I find myself teaching all those things I had been eager to forget.<br />
The hours are long and uncompensated, the responsibility factor is high but, it is still a rewarding job<br />
that I would recommend to anyone willing to give it a try.<br />
LS Sam Carmen briefing his class prior to undertaking<br />
an unarmed drill module.<br />
32
MRS VAL GARDINER<br />
The smiling face, friendly welcome greeting either over the phone or in person, cheerful<br />
conversationalist and longstanding personality in HMAS STIRLING, Building 15, will soon be lost<br />
when Mrs Val Gardiner, Personal Assistant to CDRE Deeks, retires from the <strong>Australian</strong> Public Service<br />
(APS) in late December 2002.<br />
Val joined the APS in 1990 when she was first employed in the Bankruptcy Office in Perth, but after a<br />
years service there decided to take on the demanding position as the Personal Assistant to what was<br />
then known as the Naval Officer Commanding Western Australia (NOCWA). During the period 1991<br />
until her retirement, Val has worked for the senior naval officer at HMAS STIRLING and has seen a<br />
number of major organisational changes occur within that office. Those included the transitions from<br />
NOCWA to Commanding Officer HMAS STIRLING in 1993, to Commodore Fleet Bases in 1997 and<br />
then finally to the office of the Commander <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> Submarine Group in March 2000.<br />
Over the ten years she has been at HMAS STIRLING, Val worked for six different Commodores and<br />
has been witness to a vast number of changes both materially and organisationally around HMAS<br />
STIRLING. If there was ever a person to ask about historical facts about Garden Island, HMAS<br />
STIRLING or people who have worked in the Base, Val was the one to see. As the Personal Assistant<br />
to the senior naval officer, Val established and then maintained a close and well organised relationship<br />
with the vast network of government, military, executive, industry and community organisations that<br />
is located within WA; and this also included interstate and overseas agencies.<br />
Val’s cheerfulness and easy going nature made her a delightful person to work with and she is highly<br />
regarded through her extensive network as a friendly and helpful source of information. Her<br />
dedication to her work and performance as a Defence Public Servant was officially and publicly<br />
recognised in June 2001 when she was presented with a Public Service Centenary Anniversary<br />
Commemorative Medallion at a dinner in Parliament House, Canberra, by the Secretary for Defence.<br />
Val joins two other members of the HMAS STIRLING "Dragon’s Club", Pam Sharman (STSC) and<br />
Barbara Ashfield (FBWHC),<br />
who have retired in recent<br />
months after many years of<br />
dedicated work with the APS<br />
in HMAS STIRLING. While<br />
she may be finishing full time<br />
work, Val is keen to continue<br />
helping others and is looking<br />
at providing part-time<br />
assistance as a teacher’s aide<br />
at a local primary school.<br />
She will be surely missed by<br />
many people, especially by<br />
her immediate work<br />
colleagues in the CDRE’s<br />
office.<br />
Farewell and best wishes for<br />
the future Val. Thank you.<br />
‘Fellow office worker’<br />
33
B<br />
O<br />
O<br />
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W<br />
"LOST SUBS"<br />
From the Hunley to the Kursk, the greatest submarines ever lost - and<br />
found.<br />
By Dunmore Spencer<br />
Published by Allen & Unwin/Madison Press and published on 4 October 2002.<br />
Hard cover and containing 176 pages, 204 photographs, 105 paintings and illustrations and one<br />
map. Recommended retail price: $49.95.<br />
This book is a fascinating first - it plunges into the dark depths to locate some of the world's most<br />
famous lost submarines.<br />
Our very own AE-2, the American Civil War Confederate States Ship (CSS) Hunley, the large<br />
Japanese I-52, German U-boats of two world wars, the mysterious loss of Israel's Dakar, the<br />
United States Cold War warriors USS Thresher and USS Scorpion and more, including the recent<br />
Russian Kursk, are included.<br />
It is perhaps prophetic that on 8 August, 2000 the Confederate submarine CSS Hunley was raised<br />
at Charleston, South Carolina after being sunk 136 years previously during the American Civil<br />
War and only four days later the modern 14,000 tonne Russian Kursk plunged to the bottom of<br />
the Barents Sea after an accident.<br />
With revolutionary new technology, divers and deep-sea submersibles are giving scientists and<br />
marine archaeologists unprecedented access to these lost submarines, and in some cases,.<br />
revealing new evidence as to their fates.<br />
Fittingly renowned maritime archaeologist Dr Robert Ballard has written the Introduction for<br />
this book. He says "Whether these submarines were lost in war or peace, whether they were<br />
Russian or American, British, <strong>Australian</strong>, German of Japanese, all share in common the<br />
outstanding men who served on them. Like aviators, submariners from different navies have<br />
more in common with one another than they do with members of the their own fleets who sail<br />
on the ocean's surface". How very true.<br />
The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong>'s most famous submarine, AE-2, receives four pages of coverage<br />
under the heading of "AE2 - A Hero of Gallipoli". Opening with a reproduction of the superb<br />
painting of the boat by Charles Bryant - which hangs in the <strong>Australian</strong> War Memorial - the<br />
feature includes present day underwater photos of AE-2, which is a section of the chapter<br />
devoted to World War One.<br />
There is a chapter devoted to 'Lost in Peace', which predominantly is devoted to the two major<br />
disasters of the 1930s which dominated world headlines involving two modern submarines, the<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Navy</strong>'s HMS Thetis and the United States <strong>Navy</strong>'s USS Squalus.<br />
Chapter Seven, titled 'A Casualty of the Cold War' focuses mainly on the US <strong>Navy</strong> nuclearpowered<br />
boats Thresher and Scorpion, but among other inclusions is the Israeli <strong>Navy</strong>'s Dakar<br />
which disappeared on 28 January, 1968.<br />
After 25 separate unsuccessful expeditions to find the submarine, finally the Israeli <strong>Navy</strong><br />
consulted US <strong>Navy</strong> experts and hired an US-based company to undertake the mission.<br />
Dakar was finally located and identified on 28 May 1999 - 10,000 feet below the surface of the<br />
Mediterranean. There are some fine photos of the site accompanying the story.<br />
'Lost Subs' is profusely and superbly illustrated with more than 300 archival photographs,<br />
paintings and illustrations. Jack McMaster has provided the illustrations and the well-known<br />
American artist Ken Marschall, whose artwork graced many of Dr Robert Ballard's' books on<br />
34
Titanic, Bismarck, Lusitania and The Lost Ships of Guadalcanal. There are reproductions of<br />
other superb paintings by a number of fine artists.<br />
One poignant photo is a 1998 shot of the wreck of HMS Perseus, which struck a mine while on<br />
patrol in the Ionian Sea on 6 December, 1941 with the aft escape hatch still open from where<br />
sole survivor stoker John Capes escaped using his Davis escape gear.<br />
Other striking photos include a haunting full page view of a diver approaching the conning<br />
tower of the U-352 which was sunk off the North Carolina coast and an incredible series of<br />
shots of the large Japanese cargo submarine I-52 which lies 17,190 feet down in the Atlantic<br />
Ocean, some 870 nautical miles off Cape Verde Islands and sunk in 1944 by US aircraft.<br />
Amazingly, the submarine has not been crushed and its anti-aircraft guns still point skywards.<br />
Two metric tons of gold bullion remains locked inside the hull, the depth having foiled at least<br />
one attempt at its retrieval.<br />
A list of 15 websites are listed in the back of this book to assist the reader to further pursue any<br />
of the 'lost subs' listed if they so desire.<br />
'Lost Subs' has it all. It is superbly illustrated and designed, crammed with information and<br />
very reasonably priced for a work of this magnitude. Released in time for Christmas.<br />
Vic Jeffery, Regional Manger, Defence Public Affairs (WA)<br />
B<br />
O<br />
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35
STOP THE PARTY<br />
THE SOCIAL SIDE OF RIMPAC 02 BY THE COB<br />
Well, you would think after 20 odd days at sea from Sydney to Hawaii, with no crossing the line<br />
ceremony (of course), the last three days on the surface in sea state three, a fin that had what looked<br />
like a SAM launcher on the back of it and no RO units, that you might never want to go to sea again.<br />
If only this was true.<br />
SHEEAN has been deployed for RIMPAC 2002, PCO OPS and LUNGFISH, already dealt with by<br />
TORPS. However, these were small commitments in comparison to the most important part of the<br />
deployment "the senior sailors social commitments". In fact, the sea time provided important<br />
recovery periods between the overwhelming social programs organised by our hosts.<br />
This year we were well hosted by No. 3 Squadron and our host boat USS HONOLULU. The Chief’s<br />
Mess of HONO put on one of the biggest parties we can remember with gifts, food and lots of beer<br />
(yes free US beer is not bad).<br />
On we must go, to the next compulsory function. The Dockyard Command Master Chief made us at<br />
home with a well-intended Aussie BBQ. However we must do something about Fosters being an<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> beer. With his wife out of town we made his place home and were able to change the beer<br />
in the fridge.<br />
So, to the next party and the next and so on until we thought we must return the hospitality. A Senior<br />
Sailors Cocktail Party was held onboard for about 25 guests, Force Master Chief Rick West,<br />
Command Master Chief Billy Cronin, Robert Hamilton, Ron Johnson, Chief Petty Officer Darren<br />
Smith (RAN) and their wives just to name a few. This was a wonderful experience for them, as the<br />
US doesn’t allow any functions like that onboard.<br />
Chief (doing it hard on exchange posting) Darren Smith and his wife held a BBQ for us at their house.<br />
(Picture below, nice pool) However, again US beer (but still free).<br />
CPO Gorsch, PO Appelbee, PO Preston, Niki and CMC Billy Cronin, PO Masters and PO Cossey.<br />
36
STOP THE PARTY<br />
THE SOCIAL SIDE OF RIMPAC 02 BY THE COB<br />
All jokes aside we have never been treated better. The USN and their Chiefs have gone out of their<br />
way to make us feel welcome and we have endeavoured to return the same. I can only hope we are<br />
able to return the hospitality when we have USN boats visit us.<br />
Some people should not be allowed to dress themselves.<br />
When do men grow up!<br />
Finally, special thanks go to Billy Cronin’s wife Niki who, on return from Aussie, still allowed us to<br />
use her garden for many a night of horse shoes and an Italian card game of Scoppa.<br />
RIMPAC 02 – Where ‘fighting on’ meant more than just overcoming the operational challenges!!<br />
37
defence families of australia<br />
NEW NAME FOR BUSY GROUP<br />
The Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the new official name for the National Consultative<br />
Group of Service Families (NCGSF).<br />
Despite a substantial growth in members and an increasing awareness of the group within<br />
Defence, the NCGSF has often battled with it’s long name. Judy Swann, National Convenor,<br />
explained “For 16 years we have been an effective group within Defence, made up of Defence<br />
spouses and representing the interests of families<br />
- but our name has always been hard to<br />
pronounce and remember!”<br />
The new name and logo was officially launched<br />
by the group’s Patron, Mrs Julia Anderson, wife<br />
of Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, at the<br />
Annual Dinner in August.<br />
The guests were impressed by Mrs Anderson’s<br />
DEFENCE FAMILIES AUSTRALIA NEW LOGO<br />
strong support for the group and the volunteer<br />
work that they do in representing the needs of Defence families. The guests included CDF<br />
General Cosgrove, Lieutenant General Leahy (Chief of the Army), Air Marshall Houston (Chief<br />
of the RAAF) and Vice Admiral Ritchie (Chief of the <strong>Navy</strong>). Present also were Minister Danna<br />
Vale and Defence Parliamentary Secretary Fran Bailey.<br />
Judy Swann addressed the guests and thanked Minister Vale and General Cosgrove for the<br />
overwhelming support that the group has enjoyed over the years. “With the support of the<br />
Minister and the Senior levels of the ADF, we are able to improve areas of Defence policy that<br />
affects Defence families - if the families are happy, the member is happy and more likely to<br />
enjoy a fulfilling and lengthy career<br />
with the ADF”.<br />
Western <strong>Australian</strong> Delegate, Robyn Ritchie (left) talks with<br />
Judy Laschelle, Director General DCO (Right) & South<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Delegate, Patricia Clive (Centre)<br />
The DFA’s new mission statement<br />
“A voice for Defence Families”<br />
captures the exact purpose of the<br />
group when it was formed in 1986.<br />
Judy Swann says “We provide a<br />
forum for Defence families to have a<br />
say about Defence life and what<br />
things could be improved to enhance<br />
their quality of life. As Defence<br />
spouses ourselves, we know what its<br />
like out there and how the ADF<br />
could help you with deployments or<br />
relocations”.<br />
The ADF has a strong history of listening to this group and many policies have been introduced<br />
or improved as the result of the great work of the voluntary spouses. The DFA currently has over<br />
250 members. If you would like more information, please call Judy Swann 1800 100 509 or visit<br />
www.defence.gov.au/dfa<br />
38
SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION<br />
National and state branch office bearers<br />
National President Treasurer Secretary.<br />
CAPT Barry Nobes RAN (Rtd) Peter Vidler Peter R. Smith<br />
307 Hudson Parade 3 Fyall Street 98 Yelverton Street<br />
Claireville Erminton Sydenham<br />
NSW 2107 NSW 2115 NSW 2044 H 02/9519-8745 F 02/9557-1480<br />
Email: nsecsaa@localnet.com.au<br />
ACT BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
G. W. (Geoffrey) Burns LEUT R. C. (Rob) Thurston RAN<br />
201 Longmore Crescent 15 Starritt Place<br />
Wanniassa<br />
Macarthur<br />
ACT 2903 ACT 2905<br />
H 02/62910395<br />
NSW BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
M.A. (Max) Hardy<br />
R.I (Bob) Marsland<br />
1 Robina Place 13 Goliath Avenue<br />
Alfords Point<br />
Winston Hills<br />
NSW 2234 NSW 2153 H 02-9624-4057 W 02/9359-3437<br />
QLD BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
J.M. (John) O’Brien<br />
R. S.(Rod) Gould<br />
27 Loffs Road MS 2213 Lowood<br />
Loganholme QLD 4311 P/F 07/54268366<br />
QLD 4129<br />
Email: rgould@gil.com.au<br />
SOUTH AUST BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
F. R. (Fred) Butcher OAM Allen Francis<br />
107 Mount Osmond Road 25 Osborne Road<br />
Mount Osmond<br />
North Haven<br />
SA 5064 SA 5018 H 08/8248-0643 W 08/8438-7816<br />
TASMANIAN BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
Commodore Kim F. Pitt AM RAN (Rtd)<br />
David Byrne<br />
61 Burwood Drive 54 Woodcutters Road<br />
Blackmans Bay Lindisfarne TAS 7051<br />
TAS 7052 03 6223 5880<br />
Email: djbyrne@bigpond.com.au<br />
VICTORIAN BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
Gerry France<br />
Charlie Bonnett<br />
18/152 Underwood Road PO Box 6038<br />
Ferntree Gully Karingal LPO Vic 3199<br />
VIC 3156 03 9789 1509<br />
Email: emncee@bigpond.com.au<br />
WEST AUST BRANCH President<br />
Secretary.<br />
John A. Rana<br />
Norm T. Williams OAM<br />
6 Banksia Place STSC PO Box 599<br />
Yangebup<br />
Rockingham<br />
WA 6064 WA 6168<br />
Email: aussubco@iinet.net.au<br />
Visit the Submarines Association national website at http://submarinesaustralia.com<br />
39