THE NAVYcommencement <strong>of</strong> our new Patrol Boatconstruction programme here in WA. Ienclose details <strong>of</strong> the craft now beingconstructed by Austal Ships at their yardssouth <strong>of</strong> Fremantle WA.THE NAVYTHE ADF & INTER-SERVICECO-OPERATIONRxhard ColemanAs a <strong>Navy</strong> <strong>League</strong> member <strong>of</strong> many yearsstanding and always look forward toreceiving my copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Navy</strong>.Whilst I have never served under theWhite Ensign I have had an interest inthings naval since childhood, having grownup with a step father who |Oined theRAN in September 1939 and who had avery interesting time serving on a number<strong>of</strong> ships and in a number <strong>of</strong> theatresthroughout the WarI have been an amateur military historiansince my early teens and a member <strong>of</strong> theNaval Historical Society since the sixties.I have had a lot to do with the RANduring my twenty odd years in the<strong>Australia</strong>n Customs Service, also a proudservice with a direct line <strong>of</strong> descent fromthe British Royal Charter <strong>of</strong> AD 732.It is in my capacity as a member that Ienclose some material, which althoughnot strictly <strong>Navy</strong>, could be <strong>of</strong> interest tomany <strong>of</strong> your readers. With the| DARLINGTON WA <strong>60</strong>70Patrol VesselsDear SirFirst and foremost. I would like tocongratulate you on the excellentpublication <strong>The</strong> <strong>Navy</strong>.Are any fellow readers able to assist mewith information regarding to WW2Patrol Vessels (particularly US PTs &British MTBs) that still maybe inexistence here in <strong>Australia</strong>.I have particular interest in obtaininga motor from one <strong>of</strong> these vessels,namely a Packard unit, to transferthis information on to a friendwho is requiring it for an upcomingproject.If any reader can assist me withinformation. I can be contacted03 9484 9498.M.AHandreckPRESTON VIC 3072onReader Dennis Ford sent in this oldphotograph <strong>of</strong> a navy diver. He asked whenand where the photograph was taken. Canany former members <strong>of</strong> the ClearanceDiving Teams assist?By <strong>Navy</strong> <strong>League</strong>rInter^Service cooperation in the<strong>Australia</strong>n Defence Force hasachieved various levels <strong>of</strong> effectivenessand ineffectiveness in the past.In general, the three Services havecooperated effectively at the operating levelin the field, those who have to fight togethertrain for that so to the best <strong>of</strong> their ability,regardless <strong>of</strong> the colour <strong>of</strong> their uniform.<strong>The</strong> nearer the need for cooperation andunderstanding get to the major equipmentand force structure decision levels, thegreater become the difficulties anddisagreements. At these levels, the PublicService has become involved. Each <strong>of</strong> thefour groupings in Defence, the threeindividual Services and the Public Service,have participated in decision making anddebate, <strong>of</strong>ten with one eye on the sectionalinterests <strong>of</strong> their grouping.Relations between the RAN and the RAAFwere at a low at the time <strong>of</strong> the decision toacquire the F/A-18A/B tactical fighter forceand to abolish the fixed wing Fleet Air Arm.Between the RAAF and the <strong>Australia</strong>nArmy, relations were at a low when it wasdecided that the newly ordered BlackHawk troop lift helicopters would bemanned and operated by the <strong>Australia</strong>nArmy. <strong>The</strong> RAAF managed the acquisition<strong>of</strong> the aircraft for the Army.Some years earlier, the decision that theRAN would man and operate theBalikpapan class heavy landing craft(originally ordered for the Army) wasdeeply resented by many in the Army.Each <strong>of</strong> these issues clouded relationsbetween the Services involved for manyyears afterwards.In recent years, strenuous efforts have beenmade by successive Defence Ministers.Chiefs <strong>of</strong> the Defence Force andSecretaries <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Defenceto reduce inter-service stresses and toensure that the three Services operate andtrain to fight as one <strong>Australia</strong>n DefenceForce, with the added objective <strong>of</strong> achievingthe maximum value for the defence dollar.<strong>The</strong>se changes have resulted in theestablishment <strong>of</strong> operational joint servicecommands, such as Northern Command,and the establishment <strong>of</strong> the post <strong>of</strong>Commander <strong>Australia</strong>n <strong>The</strong>atre. Additionaljoint force commands have beenestablished temporarily for particularoperations and excercises.Within the Department <strong>of</strong> Defence, a triserviceorganisation has been establishedto manage the key functional areas. <strong>The</strong>serange from personnel through intelligenceand strategic planning to force structure. Itis in the latter case that the friction canbecome particularly damaging. It is necessaryto stay the right side <strong>of</strong> the fine linebetween the pr<strong>of</strong>essional debate necessaryto ensure that all factors involved in akey decision are considered and thecounter productive effects <strong>of</strong> destructivecriticism.In recent times, many key force structureissues have enjoyed the support <strong>of</strong> allServices, the acquisition <strong>of</strong> an airborneearly warning and control aircraft is an^ A U S T A LSHIPS35.0m CUSTOMS PATROL VESSELGeneral arrangement plans <strong>of</strong> the new LPAs, HMA Ships MANOORA and KANIMBLA. (Courtesy Naval Engineering Services)Design <strong>of</strong> the 35.0m customs patrol vessel, to be built in Western <strong>Australia</strong>.PAGE 2PAGE 3
THE NAVYTHE NAVYexample <strong>The</strong> acquisitions <strong>of</strong> light tacticaltransports to succeed the Caribous areanother, where the RAAF will acquire, manand operate the new aircraft Ninety percent <strong>of</strong> their cargoes will be carried forthe Army.However, the impending ADF blockobsolescence problem will test the ability<strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Defence to worktogether in the best interests <strong>of</strong> thecountry.During the next decade, decisions will benecessary on whether and how to replacethe RAAF's Tactical Fighter Force (F/A-I8A/B strike fighters), strike andreconnaissance group (F-1 lis andmodifications there<strong>of</strong>) and maritime patrolgroup (AP-3C Orions).A decision will alsobe necessary on successors to the RAN'sAdelaide class FFG7 surface combatants.All <strong>of</strong> these projects will involve multibilliondollar purchases.<strong>The</strong>re are a number <strong>of</strong> smaller, but nonethe less expensive - prospective purchases.<strong>The</strong>se include successors to the C-I30HHercules and Boeing 707 transport and airto air refuelling aircraft fleet support ships,mid-life updates for the Collins classsubmarines, successors to the Army'sLeopard tanks and a number <strong>of</strong> others.RAAF F-111 and RAN guided missile destroyer<strong>The</strong> need for all <strong>of</strong> these pro|ects. in someform or other, can be argued strongly onthe grounds <strong>of</strong> the maintenance <strong>of</strong> thenation's independent position in a regiongrowing not only in economic but alsotechnological strength. <strong>Australia</strong> hassurvived in defence terms through itstechnological edge That edge is beingeroded. We must redouble our defenceeffort to maintain this technological edge<strong>The</strong>re are those who argue that an increasein the defence budget is necessary.However, no <strong>Australia</strong>n Government couldaccept this without rigorous examination Itwill be tempting to allocate funds on apriority basis, allowing some capabilities tolapse not as the result <strong>of</strong> a consciousdecision but as a particular successorprotect is repeatedly delayed until theexisting capability is no longer effectiveAnother temptation will be to modifythreat assessments to reduce theexpenditure necessary to meet themInevitably, these decision making processeswill strain inter-service relations. <strong>The</strong>sehave to be overcome without the badaspects <strong>of</strong> the ma|or historical decisionslisted earlier in this article.Particular areas are the tactical fighter andstrike aircraft replacements (regarded bythe RAAF and many others as essential tomaintain an independent air force withregional credibility as a fightingforce.Another is the successor to the RAN'sAdelaide class frigates. <strong>The</strong> RAN and manyothers regard the operation <strong>of</strong> a substantialmajor surface combatant force as essentialfor an <strong>Australia</strong>n maritime force withregional credibility.One opportunity that must not beforegone is that <strong>of</strong> arming our "platforms",the ships, submarines, military units andaircraft to their maximum capability.Examples include providing the RAN'ssurface combatants and submarines withsurgical strike land attack missiles and theRAAF's strike fighters with effective andmodern "beyond visual range" air to airmissiles.Both RAAF and RAN needs are essential tothe maintenance <strong>of</strong> a balanced <strong>Australia</strong>nDefence Force <strong>of</strong>fering the <strong>Australia</strong>nGovernment a range <strong>of</strong> options in meetinga wide variety <strong>of</strong> threat levels andrequirements to participate in internationalpeace keeping and natural disasteroperations.<strong>The</strong> key to success is making the rightdecisions in selecting the most suitable andcost effective equipment available toprovide the balanced force.GAWLER BACK ON THEJOBHMAS GAWLER is back at sea (August<strong>1998</strong>) after eight months' repair andmaintenance in a Darwin shipyard.GAWLER was damaged last year when theDarwin naval base synchrolift failed. <strong>The</strong><strong>Navy</strong> took the opportunity while she wasunder repair to carry out major plannedmaintenance that had been scheduled for<strong>1998</strong>Total cost <strong>of</strong> the repair was $1.2 million,most <strong>of</strong> which has been spent in theDarwin area, either with Darwin ShipRepair and Engineering at Francis Bay orwith associated contractors.GAWLER conducted sea trials and relatedactivities for the remainder <strong>of</strong> Augustbefore her operational assessment inSeptember <strong>The</strong> boat then deployed toSouth East Asia until November when sherecommenced regular patrol in North<strong>Australia</strong>n waters.HMAS TORRENSRETURNS FOR LASTTIME<strong>The</strong> River class destroyer escort HMASTORRENS (DE-53) berth at HMASSTIRLING at 10am on Friday. August 14 atthe return from her final operationaldeployment before decommissioning.TORRENS had been absent from Western<strong>Australia</strong> for three months, during whichtime she visited Surabaya. Manila, SanFernando. Hong Kong. Singapore.Sandakan, Ambon and Port Moresby.Enroute to Stirling she also paid farewellvisits to Newcasde. Sydney. Melbourne,Devonport and Adelaide, where sheexercised her right to the Freedom <strong>of</strong>Entry for the last time.A team <strong>of</strong> cyclists from HMAS TORRENSconducted a 19 day charity bike ride fromNewcastle to the Ship's sponsoredcharity. St Anne's School for children withspecial needs in Adelaide.<strong>The</strong> Western <strong>Australia</strong>n public were givenone last opportunity to look over theship when she held an Open Day. six daysbefore she left the Fleet.Built at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard,Sydney and commissioned on January 19,1971 the 2750 tonne TORRENS has beenbased in Western <strong>Australia</strong> since 1991and has steamed in excess <strong>of</strong> 800,000nautical miles in her lengthy career.TORRENS was the last <strong>of</strong> the six Riverclass destroyer escorts which haveserved <strong>Australia</strong> so well over the past 38years. Anti-submarine ships, two <strong>of</strong> them.DERWENT and SWAN, still serve thecommunity in other roles. DERWENT wasscutded west <strong>of</strong> Rottnest Island in 1994after a series <strong>of</strong> survivability tests andtoday is a very successful fish attractiondevice. SWAN was scutded as a divewreck <strong>of</strong>f Dunsborough late last year andis proving a most popular touristattraction. Of the others, the formerlyWA-based STUART was scrapped as werePARRAMATTA an * YARRA.<strong>The</strong>re has been no decision madeon the future <strong>of</strong> TORRENS afterdecommissioning.Two views <strong>of</strong> the final arrival <strong>of</strong> HMASTORRENS in Sydney. (Brian Morrison)DEFENCEAMMUNITIONINGFACILITIES<strong>The</strong> Defence Department announced inlate August its intentions to furtherinvestigate options for the site <strong>of</strong> itsproposed armament facilities on<strong>Australia</strong>'s east coast in line with aParliamentary Public Works Committee(PWC) report tabled on 30 June this year.<strong>The</strong> PWC asked Defence to examine anoption that provides for separatelocations for the explosive ordnanceimport and <strong>Navy</strong>'s ammunitioningfunctions. <strong>The</strong> report cited the PWC'sconcern at the distance <strong>of</strong> Point Wilson inVictoria, where ordnance is imported,from <strong>Navy</strong>'s Fleet Base in Sydney and the<strong>Navy</strong>'s exercise area in waters adjacent toJervis Bay.Because the requirement for theammunitioning <strong>of</strong> ships no longerincludes ammunition storage facilities,Defence has begun feasibility, cost andenvironmental assessment studies <strong>of</strong> asite at Tw<strong>of</strong>old Bay, on the NSW southeast coast. This area was previouslyexcluded on the grounds <strong>of</strong> cost involvedin relocating part <strong>of</strong> the woodchippingfacility established there. whenammunition storage, and the associatedsecurity precautions, was part <strong>of</strong> therequirementAs Tw<strong>of</strong>old Bay cannot accommodate theEO import function, the PWC has askedDefence to examine the potential for use<strong>of</strong> Port Alma near Rockhampton.<strong>The</strong> <strong>Navy</strong>'s ammunitioning operation inSydney Harbour will close by the end <strong>of</strong>1999 and it is intended that the currentPoint Wilson Facility will be used as aninterim arrangement until alternatefacilities are identified.ANZAC SHIP UPGRADEMOVES FORWARD<strong>The</strong> Minister for Defence. Mr IanMclachlan.has announced the release <strong>of</strong> aRequest for Proposals to upgrade theRoyal <strong>Australia</strong>n <strong>Navy</strong>'s ANZAC classfrigates under Project SEA 1443 AnzacWarfighting Improvement Program.<strong>The</strong> request was issued to fourcompanies: ADI Limited, the <strong>Australia</strong>nSubmarine Corporation Pty Ltd. BritishAerospace <strong>Australia</strong> Limited, and TenixDefence Systems."This project contrasts with the flawedapproach <strong>of</strong> the previous Governmentwhich launched the ANZAC Ship Projectwith the vessels fitted "for but not with"essential sensors and weapons systems."Mr McLachlan said."It is a further step in implementing theCoalition's policy <strong>of</strong> enhancing combatcapability within the ADF'<strong>The</strong> four companies were asked to submittheir proposals by 22 Decembertoupgrade the anti-ship missile defence andair warfare capability <strong>of</strong> the ANZAC classships to better allow them to contributeto <strong>Australia</strong>'s defence in the 21 st century.PAGE 4PAGE I I
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