Aug-Sep-Oct, Nov-Dec 1971-Jan 1972 - Navy League of Australia

R A N. TODAYRAN TODAYFLEET OILERH.M.A.S. Supply has the importanttask of refuelling fleet units to giveships greater range and mobilityShe supplies furnace fuel, aviationgasoline, dieseline and water toother ships while they are underwayA typical operation sees adestroyer steam alongside Supply at15 knots. With only about 100 ft.Oetween the ships, lines are shotacross, hoses are run across andconnected, and pumping begins. Adestroyer can be refuelled in thisway in less than half an hour.H.M.A.S. Moresby She is one of the most modern survey ships In the world and has advancedequipment. Including electronic aids, for surveying in all conditions.The Fleet oiler, H.M.A.S. supply Site has the most important task of refuelling fleet units at sea togive them greater cruising range and mobility. Supply is able to deliver furnace fuel, aviationgasolene, dieselene and water to other ships while they are under wayapproaches and the resurvey ofexisting routes, notably the GreatBarrier Reef and Torres Strait, tocope with the deep draught shipsThe surveying task is a formidableone and presents a challenge to thetwo R A N survey ships Moresby andPaluma.Moresby is one of the mostmodern survey ships in the worldShe operates her own helicopter andhas advanced equipment includingelectronic aids for surveying in allconditionsA new hydrographic ship to replacePaluma is being builtDiamantina and Kimbla undertakeoceanographic research both formilitary and scientific purposes,including programmes for theC.S.I.R.O. universities and museumsDiamantina, a converted frigate,will be replaced by a modernhydrographic ship, now underconstruction, which will be similar indesign to H.M.A.S. Moresby, butSlightly larger to incorporaterequirements for modernoceanographic research.FUTURE SHIPSIncreased demands and newlydevelopedtechniques are providingthe Navy with a need for new shipsSeveral different types are on thedrawing boards and they will becomean important part of the Fleet for the1980sThe biggest project is thedesigning and construction of aseries of new destroyers designedspecifically for AustralianconditionsAn artist's Impression ofthe new hydrographicship. H.M.A.S. Flinders ItIs expected that she willdisplace about 700 tonsThe survey ship H.M.A.S. Malum.) Originally a motor stores lighter of war construction she wasconverted for surveying In 1956 She wtN shortly be replaced by a new hydrog» hydrographic ship. H.M.A.S.SURVEY SHIPSHydrographic surveys andoceanographic research are carriedout by H.M.A. Ships Moresby,Paluma, Diamantina and Kimbla,aided at times by other Fleet ships.The R.A.N. Hydrographic Service isthe charting authority for Australianwaters, which cover about oneeighthof the earth's surface.The recent increase in theexploitation of Australia's nationalresources has seen the developmentof a number of new ports, such asGove. Weipa. Port Latta. Spring Bay.Hay Point and Dampier and heraldedthe era of the bulk carrier. This hasnecessitated the surveying of newshipping routes and harbourH.M.A.S. Diamantina one of two oceanographic research ships used for military and scientificpurposes. Formerly a frigate of the Australian River class completed in April. 1945An artist s impression of the new oceanographic ship H.M.A.S. Cook which Is eipected to go into service about 1975.