Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates

[gf0012-aust]

Seems to me that the main problem at Coonawarra is the base access both by road and by sea. Decent control at the gates and close monitoring of the basin by CCTV from the tower would probably solve the problem. Its a base problem not a boat problem (provided current procedures are adhered to - you hint that they were not)

It's improved though. I used to date a WRAN in 1977 in Darwin. I'd literally drive into the base loaded up with my Ruger 44, Ruger 10/22 and a Boito .410 shotgun lolling about in the back of my Landcruiser troopy ready to head out to the 50mile to blow up termite hills.

Never got checked in or out. Apparently if you're dating a WRAN then you were trustworthy

 

[ngatimozart]

In modern times we have a computer which monitors the ship, allowing control from the one point. we have less requirement, allowing for around 1 in 10 duties on a good boat. The requirements to be duty are more course work and knowledge then on a major ship, to allow for better understanding of the boat.
This was all pre-break in so its bound to change from now on.

Jeez things musta been hard in my day then. We did 1 in 3 at sea and alongside. That was on a Moa Class IPV of the RNZN. Roll on wet grass they would.

 

[Goknub]

Considering a McDonalds pancake ripped into a square was close enough to an ID pass to gain entry the ADF can really only go up in terms of base security.

 

[Trackmaster]

Might be an optical illusion, but it does look low.
I'd say they will be a few eager bods looking forward to call this home

I see the Minister is continuing to talk up the possibility of a fourth AWD.

Quoted today in the Financial Review as saying it is still under consideration. It would be a "bells and whistles" announcement to prove that the Labor/Greens government is being serious about defence.

What chance of an extreme case of "built for, but not with".

 

[icelord]

Never got checked in or out. Apparently if you're dating a WRAN then you were trustworthy

If your dating a WRAN the only check you need is a doctors...not that im implying anything, some of my closest friends are women in the RAN...

Jeez things musta been hard in my day then. We did 1 in 3 at sea and alongside. That was on a Moa Class IPV of the RNZN. Roll on wet grass they would.

Having been with the RNZN for few weeks i did learn how hard it can be for them with no Rental assistance and living onboard still, not to mention lack of benefits we enjoy, we kinda stopped talking about them after a day or two as the kiwi boys couldnt believe how good we can get it.

The only highlight is we run 8 weeks on crew, 4 week off where we take leave or do courses, so 2 months of fisting i can deal with, and it brings me back to my main argument with work, a day alongside is a day wasted!

 

[StingrayOZ]

I see the Minister is continuing to talk up the possibility of a fourth AWD.

Quoted today in the Financial Review as saying it is still under consideration. It would be a "bells and whistles" announcement to prove that the Labor/Greens government is being serious about defence.

What chance of an extreme case of "built for, but not with".

Won't really be an issue. They need to build 3 first. So they will only be paying for long lead items. And it solves an issue with the gap between the AWD and other work.
To save money cut back on the missile loadout. At least its something that can easily be reinstated.

A 4th AWD makes a lot of sense. While we are still a long way from it being in the water, at least it still seems to be an agenda item.

 

[hauritz]

They could trade off a few of the earlier model future frigates for additional AWDs. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if they ended up doing just that.

An future frigate does sound very much like the AWD without Aegis and a slightly different weapons load out.

 

[StingrayOZ]

Well there has been some interesting discussion on the type 26 and what may come of it and the RAN.

But I just can't help but feel Australia is heading in a different direction. We want something very different to the uk. The new white paper should clarify where we are heading. We were heading in that direction, but no sure if that is still the case and if the hull form will be simular and as capable.

4 AWD will be a good thing and step in the right direction. I hope some one commits to it. While not fixing all the problems, at least we will have 4 capable ships that can network and operate tightly with allied forces. We will also be able to be the central player in an operation of a multinational regional force. I don't really see how that would be possible with only 3.

 

[justsomeaussie]

I think the chances of a white paper this election cycle are very low and if Labor gets in another term we'll just see more cut and unfulfilled promises. If anyone doubts this, just look at the last 4 years.

 

[ASSAIL]

If your dating a WRAN the only check you need is a doctors...not that im implying anything, some of my closest friends are women in the RAN...

Careful, you'll be on the the defmin's hit list for inappropriate ADF behaviour

it brings me back to my main argument with work, a day alongside is a day wasted!

It wouldn't be wasted if the maintenance responsibility was given back to the RAN.
These periods at base alongside used to be called SMP's (Self Maintenance Periods) where the ships were cleaned, painted, oiled, fixed, scrubbed etc etc.
from what I see and hear, ships looked better and ran better under this regime and navy techo's practiced their trade and gained knowledge.

 

[Volkodav]

Careful, you'll be on the the defmin's hit list for inappropriate ADF behaviour

That comment left me imagining the current governments perfect ADF, an order of Militant, Socialist Monks, ready to obey any order and accept any resulting blame, while remaining chaste and pure of mind and body.

 

[icelord]

Careful, you'll be on the the defmin's hit list for inappropriate ADF behaviour

Im sure im on a few of his list, hes on my hitlist if i ever meet him,~pow right in the kisser~:nutkick

It wouldn't be wasted if the maintenance responsibility was given back to the RAN.
These periods at base alongside used to be called SMP's (Self Maintenance Periods) where the ships were cleaned, painted, oiled, fixed, scrubbed etc etc.
from what I see and hear, ships looked better and ran better under this regime and navy techo's practiced their trade and gained knowledge.

Navy is trying to put the focus back on maintenence atm, but we are yet to see it let alone believe it. The work rate and requirements for ACPBs has not dropped off of late.

 

[gf0012-aust]

would some of you blokes mind tidying up your posts so that the layout probs are resolved....

might pay to double check in preview before posting.....

 

[gf0012-aust]

If your dating a WRAN the only check you need is a doctors...not that im implying anything, some of my closest friends are women in the RAN...

oh, nice.... /smirk on

 

[t68]

Bit of a news release from DMO about the new LHD and the new block for the structure is being built, but what I found curious is the local business that have supplied items for BAE is Pronto cement, I had assumed that the cement would be for the new wharf or footing can’t think of anything that would need cement in building the LHD or is it being used as permanent ballast somewhere on the ship?

Defence Materiel Organisation

Also found this news item suggesting an 4th AWD is in the bag.

HMAS Canberra coming together at BAE Williamstown | News.com.au

 

[icelord]

Also found this news item suggesting an 4th AWD is in the bag.

HMAS Canberra coming together at BAE Williamstown | News.com.au

I take Ian Mcpheridans stories with a barrel of salt, as hes a bit hit and miss at times.
We've covered the reasons for the 4th AWD way back when, and we mostly agree(if possible) that it makes sense. The problem is getting people in government to see that, without cutting other components of the AWD to ensure its on time. The chance to ensure it was able to be followed came and went a while ago, and to get the Aegis built will require more then a couple of weeks notice, so im not holding my breath on it. They could always look at bringing forward the Anzac II, but that may mean more mothballed ships...ahem, sorry, extended readiness

 

[aussienscale]

Bit of a news release from DMO about the new LHD and the new block for the structure is being built, but what I found curious is the local business that have supplied items for BAE is Pronto cement, I had assumed that the cement would be for the new wharf or footing can’t think of anything that would need cement in building the LHD or is it being used as permanent ballast somewhere on the ship?

Defence Materiel Organisation

Also found this news item suggesting an 4th AWD is in the bag.

HMAS Canberra coming together at BAE Williamstown | News.com.au

If the cement was to be used for ballast ? the only reason I could think of is that because we have changed the superstructure for the Canberra's internally, so could have different effect on the designed centre of gravity, meaning it could only be trimmed once it has been installed by BAE ?

Cheers

 

[t68]

If the cement was to be used for ballast ? the only reason I could think of is that because we have changed the superstructure for the Canberra's internally, so could have different effect on the designed centre of gravity, meaning it could only be trimmed once it has been installed by BAE ?

Cheers

I didn’t think it would be used for ballast but was not sure. Just thought it was strange that the cement mob got a mention.

The impression I get is the overall superstructure is the same just internally different JCI.

 

[the road runner]

Just a correction, they would use "concrete" not cement for ballast's.
Cement is the glue that bonds sand and aggregate together to make concrete.

 

[ASSAIL]

Concrete is very inefficient ballast with an SG of only 2.2 I would have thought lead 11.3 or Iron 7.8 would be favoured.
Ingots of the above are certainly what we use in small ships.