Navies Working Together to Combat Terrorist use of The Northern Arabian Sea

In February 2011, the five nations that comprise Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) (Commodore Greg Sammut, CSC,RAN) conducted a focused operation in the Northern Arabian Sea to deter, detect and disrupt terrorist funding related narcotics smuggling.

Ships and aircraft from Australia, France, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States worked together to conduct almost 200 interactions targeting narcotics smuggling in the area.

“The success of this operation demonstrated the established capacity of CMF's contributing navies to uphold security and stability in the maritime environment.

“All ships involved engaged positively with the local mariner community, promoting legitimate use of the sea and stability within the region,” Commodore Sammut said.

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ANZAC DAY CARE PACKAGES FOR ADF MEMBERS SERVING OVERSEAS

Following requests from a number of community-based organisations and private citizens, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has established special mailing addresses for members of the public to send Anzac Day care packages to service men and women serving on operations overseas.

The ADF Joint Operations Command Director of General Support, Brigadier Dianne Gallasch, said she is moved by the desire among ordinary Australians to remember those currently serving overseas on the day the nation honours all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in present and past conflicts.

“To be serving on operations on Anzac Day is an experience no sailor, soldier, airman or airwoman forgets,” Brigadier Gallasch said.

“The significance of the challenges and sacrifices made by those who have gone before them is all the more poignant when they stop to commemorate Anzac Day on foreign soil. To know that complete strangers back home are thinking of them on this significant day and have sent a small care package is extremely heartening.”

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EXERCISE TRITON STORM 2/11 KICKS OFF

On the 7^th of Marh Exercise TRITON STORM 2/11 (TS 2/11) kicked off with a very busy day for the Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Andrew Quinn, RAN). There were a number of real life exercises including Anti Air Warfare, Boarding Exercises, Flying Operations and even a man overboard drill.

The purpose of Triton Storm is to ensure Navy personnel are appropriately trained and equipped for the year ahead. It also enables new personnel to be integrated into the ship’s company and apply their skills in practical situations.

TS 2/11 is a Navy led, joint combined training activity between The Royal Australian Navy, The Royal Australian Air Force, The Royal New Zealand Navy and The Royal New Zealand Air Force.

This exercise is being conducted off the coast of Perth as part of the RAN’s ongoing training program aimed at enhancing it’s capability to protect Australia and it’s interests.

Source

WARFARE SEMINAR A SUCCESS

On 22 Feb the Australian Naval Institute held a most successful inaugural Canberra Naval Warfare Seminar at the Australian Defence College. It was very well attended by around 140 members of theANI, the United Services Institute, the Kokoda Foundation, the ACT Naval Officers Club and course members of the ADC. Rear Admiral Ray Griggs provided an update on current maritime operations including the contributions that RAN members are to ADF operations across the globe from Afghanistan to the Solomon Islands. addressed contemporary naval personnel matters including the size and shape of the Navy workforce and the challenges that this presents. Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt discussed some of the broader issues regarding the RAN's future submarine project including the strategic operating environment and the unique challenges of our geography and the need to see a project of this scale in a broader national context.

The audience were actively engaged during Q&A and enjoyed some light refreshments in the ADC mess following the event. The format and duration of this seminar drew favourable comment, following the success of this event, Council plans to conduct a second seminar in Canberra later this year.

Source

69TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF SUNDA STRAIT

On February 28, 2011, a commemorative memorial service was held to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Sunda Strait and the loss of HMAS Perth (I).

353 of 681 sailors aboard were killed with most of the survivors becoming prisoners of war. The service was held at the Australian War Memorial.

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NAVY PEOPLE: MANLY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RETURNS HOME AFTER TOUR OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Manly High School seems like a distant memory to Tara Longley as she and her 190 shipmates aboard HMAS Melbourne return to Sydney today.

They are just back from six months pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa. It’s been Tara’s first overseas deployment.

Tara, 25, now works as part of a highly trained team inside the frigate’s operations room, filled with radar screens and electronic warfare equipment.

Using information from this room, the ship’s command team prevented an act of piracy on a British flagged vessel in the beginning of January.

Tara joined the Navy in 2009, and has specialised as a Combat Systems Operator. She’s been promoted to Able Seaman, and has also trained in operating the Mini-Typhoon automated 0.50 calibre machine guns that provide cover during boarding operations.

“It has given me an opportunity to put all the skills I’ve learnt in to place in an operational environment,” said Tara.

“It’s been great to see places like Jordan, UAE and Bahrain that I never would have had a chance to visit.”

But Tara isn’t resting on her laurels. “I am starting my Masters of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism at Macquarie University when I get home.”

She hopes to be promoted to officer in years to come, specialising in naval intelligence.

Already a member of the Warringah Women’s Rugby Team, Tara is also looking forward to the chance to play for the Australian Services Rugby Team and represent the ADF at the Women’s National Championships later on in the year.

“I hope the physical and mental endurance that I discovered on deployment will transpire onto the football field!”

HMAS PERTH I CANVAS POW MUSTER LIST

A piece of awning canvas which memorialises the names of known survivors who went through the infamous Batavia Bicycle Prisoner of War Camp afterHMAS Perth (I) was sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait was presented to the RAN Heritage Centre yesterday.

Ms Sarah Seymour gifted the canvas to the Perth Association, which in turn presented it to the Naval Heritage Collection where it will now be preserved. Survivors Gordon Steele, John Wood and Frank McGoven watched on as the parchment was presented to CDRE Andrew Smith, RAN who accepted it on behalf of the Navy, and saw for the first time their names recorded.

The canvas is muster of names which was produced between 1942 and 1943 as testimony that 309 of Perth’s ship’s company survived the sinking of the cruiser and were interred in the Batavia Bicycle POW camp in modern day Jakarta. The canvas records not only names of known survivors, but a legend of ticks and crosses which shows when people were moved to other camps.

HMAS Perth under the command of Captain Hector Waller, DSO & 2 Bars, RAN was sunk with USS Houston in the early hours of 1 March 1942 during a battle with the Japanese in the Sunda Strait. Perth inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese and fought until all her ammunition was spent before being torpedoed four times. Perth lost 353 of her 618 crew in the engagement.

MINISTER CONGRATULATES THE ADFA'S NEW OFFICERS

Representing the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon today, Gai Brodtmann, Member for Canberra, congratulated 350 midshipmen and officer cadets who were officially welcomed into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) during the annual Chief of the Defence Force Parade.

Ms Brodtmann said the parade is a significant milestone for the cadets as it signifies the completion of their Year One Familiarisation Training.

“Over the last five weeks they have been forced out of their comfort zones, and they have had to adapt to working and living in a military environment, but their steadfast determination has allowed them to complete the first phase of their military training.

“Today they stand before their families, friends and members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) community, as junior officers who are about to embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career,” Ms Brodtmann said.

Minister Warren Snowdon said: “Over the next three to four years the cadets will develop the leadership skills and attributes required of junior officers in the ADF. These skills, in addition to the academic knowledge they will acquire from their undergraduate degrees from the University of New South Wales at ADFA, will enable them to become effective officers in the Navy, Army and Air Force.”

During his speech the Reviewing Officer, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, also recognised the hard work and commitment of ADFA’s new officers.

“Be proud of this moment, and the things that you have accomplished. Also, acknowledge those who have supported you - your family, friends, colleagues and the ADFA staff,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Life in the ADF has its challenges but it is also a great privilege – for not only are you serving the nation, but you will have the opportunity to work alongside, and inevitability lead, some of the finest men and women in Australia.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston also welcomed 12 new midshipmen and officer cadets from Cambodia, Jordan, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“It is also important to acknowledge the significant contribution that the international midshipmen and officer cadets make to ADFA. I know that the experience you will bring, the knowledge that you will acquire, and the friendships you will make, will further strengthen the close relationships between our countries,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Ms Brodtmann said that the midshipmen and officer cadets should feel proud of their achievements and the services that they have joined.

“Today the new officers are formally welcomed into a proud military force which is steeped in history and traditions, and on behalf of the Government I would like to congratulate you on your accomplishments, and wish you success with your military training and academic studies,” Ms Brodtmann said.

NAVY PEOPLE: BACK FROM PIRATE PATROL

It has been a while since Ben McGregor, 34, padded up and took guard at the crease at Miranda Magpies cricket club.

On 18th February he and his 190 shipmates aboard HMAS Melbourne returned from six months pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa.

Ben is a supervisor in the frigate’s Operations Room with the rank of Petty Officer. His job is to ensure the tactical picture is always up to date, using sensor information from sonar, radar and satellite.

Melbourne’s Commanding Officer is then able to respond to any threats, utilising the variety of weapon systems such as guns, missiles or aircraft to defend the ship or take action against pirates.

This has been Ben’s third Middle East deployment.

“We are making a real difference on curbing narcotics smuggling that would ultimately go on to fund terrorist activity.”

There’s plenty of chances to go ashore too. “I’ve visited many countries I never would have thought possible. I have been to Bahrain, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Dubai to name a few, and met all types of interesting people along the way.”

“My longer term goal is to rise to the rank of Warrant Officer, and along the way, pass on all that I’ve learnt to the new generations joining the Navy.”

But for now, Ben is looking forward to some serious chill-out time.

“I can’t wait to be able to spend time with my wife Bec and daughter Rose, and of course watch my beloved Cronulla Sharks win the grand final!”

HMAS SYDNEY FUND-RAISER FOR INFANTS’ HOME

HMAS Sydney (Captain Peter Leavy) strengthened Navy’s links with the wider community recently when she raised $5,000 for her adopted charity, The Infants’ Home, which is dedicated to giving young children an opportunity for happy and fulfilling lives.

Sydney hosted the launch of The Infants’ Home’s ‘Priceless Gift of Opportunity’ campaign, which aims to raise $6.5 million to build a state-of-the-art integrated Early Learning and Care Centre.

More than 80 VVIPs including the NSWGovernor, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir attended Sydney’s cocktail party and ceremonial sunset at Fleet Base East on February 24.

CAPT Leavy said the RAN, and in particularSydney, has a very long-standing relationship with The Infants’ Home, which as a non-profit organisation relies heavily on goodwill and sponsorship to provide young children with the opportunities they need in life.

“Sydney is proud of our ongoing support to the aid of The Infants’ Home. Every dollar raised will ensure that this important and worthwhile charity continues to meet the needs of the 1300 children in its care and their families,” he said.

CAPT Leavy presented The Infants’ Home with a cheque for $5,000 and pledged more financial support throughout the year as the Ship’s Company continue with a variety of fund-raising activities.

The VVIPs praised Sydney for her commitment to helping The Infants’ Home, which is dedicated to providing each child with every opportunity to succeed in life.

The NSW Governor, who is an Honorary Commodore in the RAN, saluted Sydney and her fine crew for providing important support to such an important charity.

“It’s an enormous privilege for us to be here on Sydney, which bears the tradition and illustrious history of its forbears and courageous personnel whom we remember with thoughts of gratitude and respect,” she said.

The Ship’s Company of Sydney worked tirelessly to make the fund-raiser a smashing success for The Infants’ Home, which was founded in 1874 by a group of women who established a home for abandoned infants and unmarried mothers with ‘illegitimate children’.

Some of Sydney’s unsung heroes who made the evening a great success included LS Matt Reedy and AB Atelana Toga, who said they helped to serve more than 1000 drinks and 20 trays of high quality finger-food.

LS Reedy said the function represented about a week of really hardwork by most of the crew, but everyone was more than happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.

AB Toga said the efforts of the crew were appreciated by the guests who were full of praise for the RAN’s great hospitality – “in particular the sparkling wine and the lamb cutlets”.

The money raised by Sydney will allow The Infants’ Home to further extend support to all families – especially those experiencing hardship, in vulnerable circumstances and those with complex needs.

The proposed Early Learning and Care Centre will provide high quality integrated services including child care and education, medical and allied health programs, counselling and parenting education, child and mental health, early intervention and outreach and advocacy.

For further information visit: www.theinfantshome.org.au

Chief of Naval Operations visits Bath Iron Works

Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead and Maine Senator Susan Collins in a recent visit to Bath Iron Works.

CNO Adm. Gary Roughead poses for a photo with the keel of the Michael Murphy, which will be christened later this year, during a visit to Bath Iron Works.

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817 SQUADRON TO FAREWELL GOOLWA

In the year of their decommissioning, three Sea King helicopters and personnel from 817 Squadron will visit their adopted hometown of Goolwa, South Australia this weekend.

About 75 personnel will conduct their final Freedom of Entry (FOE) Parade through the River Port town on Saturday 26 February 2011, from 1025. This will be their third FOE since 1987 when the Squadron conducted their first one.

817 Squadron Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Moggach said the opportunity to visit Goolwa one last time before the Sea Kings were finally retired from service, was an honour for the personnel of the Squadron.

“The people of Goolwa have embraced our Squadron and over the years we have built a strong relationship with them. We have enjoyed the long association with the town and feel privileged to be able to say goodbye in the year of our decommissioning,” Commander Moggach said.

“Our visit to Goolwa also coincides with the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival for 2011. Some of our personnel will provide a Ceremonial Guard during the opening by the South Australian Governor and we will also conduct a fly past. The public will have the opportunity to meet personnel from the Squadron and view the Sea Kings.”

The Squadron will also visit local schools on Friday 25 February, conduct a memorial service and Ceremonial Sunset commencing at the Goolwa RSL Club on Saturday and a Search and Rescue demonstration on the Sunday.

The Freedom of Entry Parade will step off at 1025 at the Council Chambers at Cadell Street.

HMAS MELBOURNE WELCOMED HOME FROM MIDDLE EAST DEPLOYMENT

Today the Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, joined the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN and hundreds of family and friends in welcoming the 230 crew of HMAS Melbourne home to Sydney after a six month deployment in the Middle East.

“This has been a demanding deployment where the crew have carried out really important work,” Mr Clare said.

“In January the crew disrupted a pirate attack in progress onboard the British chemical tanker MV CPO China. This was just one of the 14 piracy distress calls the crew of HMAS Melbourne responded to during their deployment.

“This is difficult and dangerous work. Their efforts show Australian Defence Force personnel and equipment at their best.”

Mr Clare congratulated the Commanding Officer of HMASMelbourne, Commander Michael John Harris, RAN and his crew on a successful high-tempo operation.

Commander Harris said his Ship’s Company were incredibly proud of their achievements but were clearly excited and happy to be home.

“My crew have performed exceptionally well, during what was a highly complex and demanding six months.

“The men and women embarked on Melbourne have made a significant contribution to the safety of vessels in maritime corridors during her deployment, and I congratulate Melbourne’s crew for their dedication and professionalism and thank the family and friends of those who serve for their tireless support and love.”

“It is fantastic to be back in Sydney today with our family and friends; without their steadfast support the deployment would not have been so successful,” Commander Harris said.

HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide Class Frigate capable of air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, interdiction and reconnaissance. It is the first Adelaide Class Frigate deployed to the Gulf following the FFG upgrade project which saw new missile and torpedo systems installed as part of extensive capability enhancements.

HMAS Melbourne was replaced on station by HMAS Stuart, which took over in mid January.

PIRATE BUSTER HMAS MELBOURNE COMING HOME

The Royal Australian Navy Adelaide Class frigate, HMAS Melbourne, will return to Garden Island, Sydney, on Friday 18 February following a six-month deployment to the Middle East.

HMAS Melbourne departed Fleet Base East for the Middle East on 16 August 2010, carrying 230 men and women, for a six-month deployment, as part of Operation Slipper: the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, maritime security in the Middle East and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

During the deployment, HMAS Melbourne successfully responded to 14 distress calls in relation to suspected piracy attacks, contributing to security in the maritime environment, while promoting regional stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

HMAS Melbourne’s return to Sydney marks the end of the twenty-fourth rotation of RAN ships to the Middle East since September 2001; this was HMAS Melbourne’s third deployment to the Gulf.

ADF JOINT TASK FORCE COMPLETES ITS CYCLONE YASI CLEANUP MISSION

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has drawn down its forces providing support to the Queensland emergency services-led response and recovery operations in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

The members of Joint Task Force 664 are now returning to their home units as the cleanup and reconstruction situation in North Queensland moves into its next phase.

The rapid nationwide response following Cyclone Yasi saw approximately 1500 ADF personnel working to assist affected communities and the state emergency services. Personnel and equipment from the Navy, Army and Air Force provided manpower and specialist capabilities in response to the needs of the people of North Queensland.

The Commander of the Joint Task Force 664 leading the ADF’s Operation YASI ASSIST, Brigadier Stuart Smith, said that Australian Defence Force personnel had successfully completed the tasks requested of them by civilian authorities, including providing specialist support to emergency services personnel.

“Emergency services and public utilities have future restoration tasks well in hand for those areas hardest hit by the cyclone,” Brigadier Smith said.

Troops from Townsville are returning to their base to regroup for rapid response readiness, and some will be preparing for deployment to Afghanistan later this year.

Brigadier Smith said their families would welcome their return.

“Many personnel deployed to assist as the winds abated, and haven’t been home since the cyclone struck – they’ve really earned some time at home with their loved ones,” he said.

Brigadier Smith expressed his admiration for the tenacity of the North Queenslanders affected by the cyclone.

“The people of the region face a challenging time ahead, but as a community they will rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. The resilience of the local people is outstanding – I greatly admire their spirit.”

The decision to draw down the ADF assistance came after close consultation with Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ), state authorities and local officials in the affected areas. EMQ continues to provide assistance to the communities devastated by the cyclone, and ADF specialist support will remain at local bases to assist emergency services if required.

A supporting factsheet can be found at:

www.defence.gov.au/op/yasiassist/

DEDICATION FOR RAN RIVER CLASS FRIGATES

A plaque, which, for the first time officially recognises the service to the nation of all 12 of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) River-class frigates, and the crews who served in them in war and peace, will be unveiled tomorrow, 12 February in Sydney.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said the plaque dedication ensured the RAN River-class frigates and their crews were recognised and honoured in our naval history.

“The River-class frigates are all named after Australian rivers, were built in Australia and were in service with the RAN from 1942-1979,” Mr Snowdon said.

“All but one of the River-class frigates were sold and scrapped after they were decommissioned, with HMAS Diamantina preserved as a museum ship at the Queensland Maritime Museum.”

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government was pleased to be able to provide funding for the plaque through the Saluting Their Service commemorations grants program.

The Saluting Their Service commemorations grants program supports projects and activities which directly commemorate Australia’s servicemen and women who served in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

Lieutenant Vince Fazio (retired), President of the HMAS Condamine Association, served onboard HMAS Condamine, which saw action during the Korean War. He commissioned the plaque after receiving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs grant.

“I’m expecting about 70 guests at the ceremony. Veterans from the majority of the 12 River-class frigates including a couple of veterans from HMAS Hawkesbury, which saw action during World War II,” Lieutenant Fazio (retired) said.

“The President of Gascoyne together with the President of Culgoa will be invited to unveil the plaque, representing the first and last of class ships.

“It will be great to catch up with some old mates,” he said.

Commander Shane Moore CSM, Director of the RAN’s Naval Heritage Collection, said that an important part of Australia’s naval history had been preserved with the plaque dedication.

“Outside the Navy community, little is known about these frigates and the men who served on them. You could argue that historians have overlooked their fine service to the nation but, it is fitting that it has now been recognised through this plaque.”

The plaque unveiling and dedication service will be held at 11am, 12 February at the RAN Heritage Centre, Garden Island and will be followed by afternoon tea.

WARM WELCOME FOR NAVY SHIPS DURING TASMANIA NAVY WEEK

The Navy opened their ships and Tasmania opened their arms to welcome three major fleet units as part of Navy Week 2011 in Tasmania at the weekend.

The week commenced with the transmission of a local FM breakfast show from the hangar of HMAS Parramatta as they steamed in company with HMAS Ballarat along the Derwent and into Hobart.

Navy Week also coincided with the Tasmanian Wooden Boat Festival, the Royal Hobart Regatta, the Hobart Cup and Festival in Devonport with some magnificent weather over one of the busiest long weekends of the year in Tasmania.

With nearly every bit of spare accommodation in Hobart fully booked, there were plenty of Tasmanians on hand to visit HMA Ships Ballarat and Parramatta for their open days on 12 February when more than 3500 people took the opportunity for a guided tour of both ships.

Navy week concluded with HMAS Ballarat performing as the flagship for the Royal Hobart Regatta, an open day in Devonport aboard HMAS Diamantina, a range of activities with STS Young Endeavour, and a wet winch demonstrations by HMAS Parramatta’s Seahawk helicopter.

Ballarat, Parramatta and Diamantina departed Tasmania for the final days of Navy exercising as part of Triton Storm 1-11, a newly developed exercise conducted annually on the Eastern seaboard of Australia.

First Pass Approval for Three Major Australian Defence Capability Projects

The Australian Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith MP, and the Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare MP, announced today that the Government has given First Pass Approval for three major Defence capability projects: upgrades to the Anzac class frigates’ electronic support systems; enhancements to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) telecommunications networks; and enhancements to the ADF’s Special Operations vehicles and communications.

These three projects combined are estimated to involve expenditure of between $500 million and around $1 billion by the time they are complete.

ANZAC SHIP ELECTRONIC SUPPORT SYSTEM UPGRADE

The Government has agreed to upgrade the Anzac class frigates’ electronic support systems, through Project Sea 1448 Phase 4A, as a complementary capability within the ongoing Anzac anti-ship missile defence program.

Project Sea 1448 Phase 4A is cost capped between $100 million and $300 million. The Government is expected to make a final decision on approval for the project in the period 2012 to 2013.

The electronic support system upgrade will provide the Anzac class frigates with the ability to detect, classify and locate the latest generation of maritime and aircraft radars, as well as the latest anti-ship missiles. 

This upgrade will give the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates a greater level of operational flexibility within the rapidly increasing complexity of modern radar systems. It will also improve the ability of the frigates to support the Navy’s future Air Warfare Destroyer capability.

ENHANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS FOR THE ADF

Enhancement of the ADF’s fixed telecommunications networks, to be undertaken through Joint Project 2047 Phase 3, will enhance Defence’s information and communications technology (ICT) services. 

Joint Project 2047 Phase 3 is cost capped between $300 million and $500 million. The Government is expected to make a final decision on approval for the project in 2011-2012.

The Defence telecommunications network includes 330 sites in Australia supporting some 100,000 users in Australia and overseas. The project will significantly improve network performance and meet capability requirements into the 2020’s.

ENHANCEMENTS TO SPECIAL OPERATIONS VEHICLES AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Government has also given first pass approval for Joint Project 2097 Phase 1B to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s Special Operations vehicle capability. 

The project will deliver a modern fleet of tactical Special Operations Vehicles and will provide significant improvements to the Special Forces’ networked communications.

Joint Project 2097 Phase 1B is cost capped between $100 million and $300 million. The Government is expected to make a final decision on approval for the project in 2013-14.

The enhancements to be delivered under JP 2097 Phase 1B will support the tactical manoeuvre of Special Forces and improve the efficiency of tactical network communications across the full spectrum of Special Operations. The vehicles will be highly mobile and able to be transported in a range of ADF aircraft and ships allowing the ADF’s Special Forces to maintain its capability edge. 

Team of experts to plan way forward on Australian Amphibious Ships Fleet

The Australian Government will appoint an independent team of experts to develop a plan to address problems in the repair and management of the amphibious and support ship fleet.

Mr Paul Rizzo, a Director of a number of major Australian corporations including the National Australia Bank and Malleson Stephen Jacques and the Independent Chair of the Defence Audit and Risk Committee, will lead the team. 

He will be supported by Air Vice Marshal Neil Smith (rtd) and Rear Admiral Brian Adams (rtd) who have relevant experience in defence administration, engineering, maintenance, logistics, systems engineering, safety certification and the operation and support of amphibious ships. 

The Terms of Reference for their work is released today and attached.

On 1 February, the Government announced that HMAS Manoora was to be decommissioned on the advice of the Chief of Navy. The Manoora was placed on operational pause by the Chief of Navy after the Seaworthiness Board in September last year, and an examination of the 40 year old ship has revealed it requires remediation of significant hull corrosion and the replacement of both gear boxes. As this work would cost over $20 million and take until April 2012 to complete, it is not considered value for money when Manoora was scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of next year.

On receiving that advice the Minister for Defence asked Defence for further advice outlining the reasons for the early decommissioning of HMAS Manoora and the extended unavailability of HMAS Kanimbla.

This advice, released today and attached, identifies systemic and cultural problems in the maintenance of the amphibious ship fleet. 

Today we also outline ongoing maintenance activity with respect to HMAS Tobruk.

On 28 January, we were advised that with the decommissioning of HMAS Manoora, and the extended unavailability of HMAS Kanimbla, Navy was maintaining HMAS Tobruk at 48 hours notice for sea to ensure an amphibious lift capability was available.

On 2 February, we were advised that HMAS Tobruk was to commence maintenance work in order to be fully prepared to provide any assistance in the days following Cyclone Yasi, in the event not required.

On 4 February, we were advised that HMAS Tobruk had left its dock and was being prepared to return to 48 hours notice for sea.

This has however not yet occurred as further maintenance issues and problems have been identified.

This work includes efforts to survey, verify, certify and replace a number of safety critical flexible hoses necessary to ensure the safe operation of HMAS Tobruk.

The advice about the amphibious fleet provided by the Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force makes it clear that problems with the amphibious fleet have built up over the past decade or more.

It states that many of the seeds of the problems we now face were sown long ago, and insufficient resources have been allocated to address materiel and personnel shortfalls since the ships were brought into service many years ago.

It also states that the establishment of the Seaworthiness Board in 2009 was a long overdue means of providing Chief of Navy with an independent review of maritime systems and its review of the amphibious ships provided a focus on the situation that was not previously available.

It is essential that the problems outlined in the advice are addressed as a matter of priority ahead of the transition to the new Landing Helicopter Dock Ships.

That is why we have asked Mr Rizzo to develop a plan to address the problems identified by the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force, to reform these practices, and oversee early stage implementation of those reforms. 

Their work will be additional to the new comprehensive transition plan we have asked Defence to prepare to ensure a smooth transition to the introduction of the LHD ships in the middle of the decade.