RECEIPT OF PART ONE OF THE REPORT OF THE HMAS SUCCESS COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, has received Part One of the report of the HMAS Success Commission of Inquiry concerning alleged incidents of unacceptable behaviour involving members of the crew of HMAS Success between March and May 2009.

“I have received from the President of the HMAS SuccessCommission of Inquiry, the Hon Roger Gyles AO QC, Part One of the final report. The title of Part One is ‘The Asian Deployment and Immediate Aftermath’,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Part One of the report deals with a complex set of circumstances and issues that arose from events onboard HMAS Success during the period of March to May 2009 when the ship was deployed to the Philippines, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

“On my very quick review, it is clear to me that the report raises very serious issues, including in relation to questions about individual accountability but also broader cultural and institutional issues and concerns. It is going to take time to analyse and understand the detail of the findings and conclusions,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“I expect to receive the balance of the report dealing with the remaining matters within the Commission of Inquiry’s Terms of Reference from Mr Gyles by mid-2011.

“At my request, the second part of the report will include consideration of how we conduct administrative inquiries within the Australian Defence Force and possible improvements to our inquiry and related processes.”

“Under the relevant regulations, only the Minister can authorise the public release of Defence inquiry reports. The Minister has now received the report. He will in due course make a decision on the public release of the report in whole or part,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

The Commission of Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are available at www.defence.gov.au/coi.

NAVY PEOPLE: FROM DOCTOR-LAND TO NAVY-LAND

Devonport’s Megan Baker wasn't able to celebrate New Year at home with her parents Pam and Barry this year. The Navy Lieutenant and her 190 shipmates aboard HMAS Stuart were already heading for a six-month maritime security and counter-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden.

Lieutenant Megan Baker

“I signed up for the Navy when I was still a medical student in Hobart,” said Megan. “My brother Luke and another doctor were already in the Navy, and their stories about speedboats, helicopters and international travel got me interested!

“Getting a scholarship also meant the Navy paid for the final four years of my medical studies — and since then the training hasn’t stopped.

“I’ve learned underwater medicine so I can work with Navy divers, aviation medicine — altitude sickness, ‘g’ forces and so on — so I can work with pilots, and submarine medicine so I can heal submariners. Not to mention helicopters so I can take part in aero-medical evacuations.

“I’ve also been on exercise in Hawaii and on a humanitarian deployment to Sumatra after last year’s earthquake.

“But for me the significant shift came in 2009 when I went to officer school at HMAS Creswell near Jervis Bay — I had definitely moved from doctor-land to Navy-land.

“I only got posted to Stuart in November — just in time for the big adventure. It’s a little daunting but I’m glad to be going and excited about the experience.

“On patrol my job will be primary health care for the crew, keeping them free from tropical diseases — and stomach upsets when they go ashore.

“For the last few weeks that has meant vaccinating everyone against everything!

“And if we run into trouble it will be my job to patch people up, keep them alive until we can get them to hospital.

“I’ve already got a presents shopping list from my brother and, yes, I’ve also got an idea what I’m bringing back for my parents — but I’m keeping that a secret. They will find out in six months!”

ADF LIFTS SUPPORT TO THE VICTORIAN FLOOD RESPONSE

S-70B-2 Seahawk

Two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Seahawk helicopters will be redeployed to Victoria today as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) support to the Victorian Flood Response, after significant work supporting Operation Queensland Flood Assist.

The two Seahawks will relocate from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley today in preparation for providing support to Victorian flood relief and recovery efforts from tomorrow.

It is expected the helicopters will assist in the movement of emergency services personnel and the delivery of emergency supplies to communities isolated by the flood waters.

The ADF has been providing support to the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) since the 14th of January 2011.

Since the 20th January three platoons from Victoria’s Reserve Response Force (4RRF), under the command of Headquarters 4 Brigade, have been conducting Rapid Impact Assessments (RIA) of townships identified by VICSES, to provide feedback on the impact of the floods on community and private infrastructure.

At this stage, RIAs have been completed for Charlton, Hamilton, Glenorchy, Halls Gap, Rochester, Bridgewater, Carisbrook, Dunolly, Clunes, Creswick, Appin South, Kerang West, Skipton, Newbridge and Horsham.

At the request of VICSES, ADF personnel have delivered items including almost 200,000 sandbags, stores, fuel, sand, water and bedding to a number of communities in the flood-affected region.

In addition, a RAAF aircraft transported 76,000 ADF sandbags from Townsville and Brisbane to Melbourne over the weekend.

The ADF’s current commitment to the assistance task is approximately 100 personnel and more than 40 land vehicles.

HMAS MELBOURNE'S FINAL ANTI-PIRACY ACT

On her final day assigned to operations in the Middle East, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Melbourne continued her important work of securing vital sea lanes of communication.

HMAS Melbourne

Hours before handing over the maritime security task in the Middle East Area of Operations to HMAS Stuart, HMAS Melbourne was called upon to assist a merchant vessel in distress.

On Tuesday 18 January 2011, MV Tide reported that she was being harassed by a pirate mothership and two skiffs. The merchant vessel requested immediate assistance.

HMAS Melbourne responded and altered her course to steam to the aid of MV Tide, simultaneously sending her Sea Hawk helicopter ahead to investigate the situation.

Fortunately, MV Tide was able to conduct evasive manoeuvres and escape the pirates within about an hour of her initial distress call. The merchant vessel’s actions successfully negated the pirate attack, allowing HMAS Melbourne and her helicopter to return to patrolling duties without further incident for her last few hours serving in support of Operation SLIPPER.

HMAS Melbourne has successfully completed a six-month operational deployment to the Middle East marked by involvement in maritime security and counter-piracy operations, and international engagement with countries such as Yemen, Jordan and Pakistan.

HMAS Melbourne was the first of the recently upgraded Adelaide Class frigates to undertake an operational deployment and was relieved by HMAS Stuart in a hand-over ceremony on 19 January 2011.

HMAS Melbourne had 238 men and women embarked for the deployment.

Commanding Officer HMAS Melbourne Commander Michael John Harris said the ship’s company had performed exceptionally well during the deployment and were employed in a range of tasks that included maritime security and counter-piracy as part of combined maritime force operations.

HMAS Melbourne’s support in disrupting an earlier pirate attack on the MV CPO China received widespread recognition and praise.

Commander Australian forces in the Middle East Major General Angus Campbell said the crew and Commander of HMASMelbourne should take pride in directly contributing to security in the Middle East and the safe passage of maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.

“You have very positively enhanced Australia’s reputation in the region. As HMAS Melbourne heads home for a well-earned rest, know that you have directly contributed to the mission in the Middle East and have made a positive impression on its people. Thank you for your efforts,” Major General Campbell said.

HMAS Melbourne was the 24th rotation of RAN fleet units to the region since operations commenced in the Middle East in 2001.

HMAS Stuart will be conducting her fourth rotation to the Gulf since operations began. The ship has a complement of approximately 190 men and women.

SEA KINGS RETURN FROM QUEENSLAND FLOOD OPERATIONS

Two Sea Kings return to HMAS Albatross this afternoon from Queensland following their commitment to JTF 637, Operation Queensland Flood Assist.

Both helicopters have completed search, resupply, reconnaissance, aero medical evacuation and rotary lift tasks as part of the Joint Task Force. Members of the aircrew will be available for interview.

For more information and imagery on Operation Queensland Flood Assist go to http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opqldflood/index.htm

SURVEY SHIPS TO ASSIST IN QUEENSLAND RECOVERY

Cairns based Royal Australian Navy Survey Ships HMAS Shepparton and HMAS Paluma departed Cairns in the early hours of Saturday morning to proceed at best speed towards Moreton Bay and Brisbane. Expected to arrive on Tuesday, the ships will meet up with Sydney-based mine hunter, HMAS Huon to help with efforts to re-open the shipping channel to deep-draught commercial vessels.

HMAS Shepparton at sea

Shepparton and Paluma are equipped with some of the most advanced survey technology, and are ideally suited to this type of hydrographic survey work.

Proving the main shipping channel clear of obstructions from the floods ultimately allows the recovery effort to proceed faster, rebuilding to accelerate, and restores vital economic activity for all of Queensland.

As the flood waters travel at speed, they have the ability to transport great volumes and larger sizes of sediment, gravels, rocks and other debris.

As the waters enter the wider expanses of Moreton Bay, the speed of the water decreases, and the greatest majority of the sediments will precipitate out of the flood waters. This has the potential to create blockages of the shipping channel - although the extent of this is currently unknown.

HMAS Paluma

"I have a great sense of pride in being able to help our fellow Queenslanders, and hope that our efforts, as a small part of the help being provided by the ADF, other Queenslanders, and Australians in general, will help Brisbane and SE Queensland with the task of re-building", said Lieutenant Commander Adam Muckalt Commanding Officer, HMAS Shepparton.

Leading Seaman Hydrographic Systems Operator Kelly Denner added: "I am proud to assist and provide ongoing support to the people of SE Queensland throughout this natural disaster".

Seaman Marine Technician Nick Cook said "When I was told that we were deploying to help with the flood relief I couldn't wait to start helping out with the clean-up effort, and I will be extremely proud to be wearing uniform whilst doing so."

For more information on the ADF's assistance to the QLD Flood recovery efforts:http://defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opqldflood/index.htm

FAMILY ALL AT SEA

The crew of HMAS Glenelg have used the school holiday period to show their family their life at sea, after spending Christmas on patrol. Departing Darwin Naval Base the group remained onboard and was treated to Navy cooking, watch-keeping on the bridge, sunsets at sea and an exploration of some beautiful parts of the Northern Territory.

L-R ABBM Ben Manson, LSBM Brendon Chaffer, SMNBM Cameron Clark and ABBM Callum Carr with Brothers, Sisters and Family for Family Cruise

As a Darwin based Armidale Class Patrol Boat crew, the 25 men and women of Aware Two conduct border patrols for Operation Resolute. This work is dangerous, rewarding and takes them away from their loved ones for weeks at a time.

Able Seaman Deb Navin invited her father to attend the cruise.

“My Dad now really knows what I do at sea, he has seen where I live and work and probably will worry less about his daughter’s world,” she said.

Leading Seaman Michael Cameron agreed.

“It’s just great being able to actually show my family what I have been talking about all these years,” he said.

The crew were able to invite their children also. The Buffer’s daughter, nine year old Emily said her favourite time was the jet boat ride to explore the ruins of Victoria Settlement in Port Essington, but also she liked the big breakfasts and she had decided the worst bit was “the bumpy weather”. Whilst sitting in the Captain’s Chair, Emily commented that she now knew what her Dad does and it seems like ‘great fun’.

As part of the cruise the Commanding Officer, LCDR Shane Doolin extended an invitation to the ship’s sponsored charity ‘The Grey Man’, a charity and rescue organisation that works to reduce child exploitation and provides funding to improve living standards and education of children in South East Asia.

For a small group of Navy men and women their influence is far-reaching and LCDR Doolin and his crew feel passionately about their connection to these children.

“Aware Two, now the Grey Man’s Northern Territory Chapter, has raised awareness, nearly seven thousand dollars and shown support to their chosen charity for over 18 months now. The crew enjoy the opportunity to support a unique Australian charity were nearly each cent in the dollar goes to doing good, rescuing children and the end result is children given the opportunity to be placed in a better place free from exploitation,” said LCDR Doolin.

The Grey Man appreciates the connection said John Curtis, Founder and CEO of The Grey Man.

“Navy support of the Grey Man charity through the activities and fund raising of Aware Two has resulted in the rescue of 14 children and allowed us to give children an education,” he said.

John Curtis and his wife who spent the three days with Aware Two said they enjoyed the hospitality of the crew.

“We had an absolutely fantastic time onboard thanks to the generosity and hospitality of Aware Two. It was a mixture of adventure, humour and a real learning experience for us and we really appreciate the Captain and Crews efforts on our behalf,” said Mr Curtis.

As the crew returned the 18 loved ones to their homeport, after an at times blustery and rough trip, there were smiles all round: now there is a little less mystery about life at sea which would mean an easier goodbye next time Aware Two sailed for operations.

HMAS Geelong at sea	LSCIS Debbie Navin and father
POB Michael Cunnington and daughter - Captain's Chair, Bridge	LSBM Chaffer and young brother with LSCIS Debbie Navin's father - demonstrating Toplite Electro Optical System onboard HMAS GLENELG.

SUPPORT TO ADF MEMBERS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Defence is supporting its people affected by the Queensland floods.

ADF members should make their own safety and that of their families their first priority - Defence will provide support as the situation demands.

ADF members or their families are asked to follow this guidance.

For those who have been evacuated due to the floods:

On Evacuation:

• If you have been ordered to or decided to evacuate, proceed to your local evacuation centre.
• Once there you should comply with the directions of the local authorities.
• If possible, ADF members should ring their military unit/chain of command and inform them of your circumstances.
• If you are the partner of an ADF member who is absent from home, ring Defence’s National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC) on             1800 801 026       and a message will be given to the unit responsible. If further support is required, NWCC will contact the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) to conduct an assessment and arrange support if available. Noting that in flood affected areas DCO will not be able to reach you except by phone.
• Your concern should not be your home or your removal but the safety of your family.

Once you are able to return home:

• ADF members or their partners should notify their units or NWCC or DCO as appropriate.
• Please note that any action by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) will be determined by the ongoing situation. Accommodation and repairs may take some time and patience should be exercised as this is a State emergency affecting thousands of people.
• If your Service or own residence is uninhabitable then call DHA on 139 342 and temporary accommodation will be provided. DHA will develop a long term plan to resolve housing requirements.
• If your Service residence is habitable but damaged ring DHA on 139 342 and you will be placed on a repair list. Noting it may take some time to effect repairs.
• If your rental accommodation or own residence is damaged you need to ring your agent or organise repairs yourself.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources. Contact can be made through NWCC on   1800 801 026      .

For Personnel who have had their removal or travel delayed:

• If you are delayed and unable to move to your new location then inform your unit/chain of command of your circumstances and call Toll Transitions on    1800 819 167       to organise temporary accommodation.
• If you are in location but unable to receive your removal then inform your unit/chain of command of your circumstances and call Toll Transitions on    1800 819 167       to organise an extension to your current accommodation.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources. Contact can be made through NWCC on  1800 801 026      .

For ADF members or extended family members seeking information on ADF family in flood affected areas:

• At present the situation is ongoing and some areas are without power. Efforts are being made to secure the safety of individuals and while best efforts will be made to find the details on family members this is not our priority at this time. You may wish to view the current set of warnings but be aware that contact details are for local residents.
• If you have been unable to contact your family please provide NWCC the details of their last known location and contact details. Efforts will be made to contact them on your behalf and ascertain their situation. Note there will be a delay in providing feedback to you.
• If you have been in contact and are concerned about the future support, please be aware that Defence has this in hand and advice is available for your family to gain temporary accommodation, new housing or repairs. Please note that this may take some time due to the extent of the damage and the fact that the situation is still ongoing.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources for extended family members. Contact can be made through NWCC on    1800 801 026