Friday, 4^th SEPTEMBER 2008

There will be no update to the log this weekend as my Sister-in-Law has died from her cancer and I will be with family till further notice.

Sunday, 31^st AUGUST 2008

I have had one of the most successful weeks since moving here twelve months ago (my how times fly).  The concrete is all finished and the pool area almost complete, just waiting for a new shed for the pumps etc and it is finished.  I also finished the reticulation, arranged quotes for floor coverings and have two sewage companies coming next week to quote for new sewage system to replace the septic which gets a bit smelly.

Next challenge is the landscaping and gardens, but I have a 'handyman' coming in to do all the digging, my ground is like concrete.

My house is starting to look like a zoo, in addition to my dogs Boof and Sheela a stray has taken up residence (I have told her she can stay till we find her owner, named her Milly after Mill St).  Polly the he possum has her baby in the shed and gets fed a banana and pear each day, she comes up and they eat them from my hand. And this week we have discovered not one, but two carpet snakes living in the ceiling of the other shed, they are beautiful and I am happy for them to stay.  I also have green tree snakes in the tree near the pool.

Just received my rates from  our 'new' council and they have gone up almost 50% over last year.  This is a result of the Queensland government's forced amalgamation of councils.  It resulted in our council, which was debt free, just up the road and very responsive amalgamating with several others to become one. This new council is many millions of dollars in debt and the Council offices are over 90 kilometers away!   At least they have done one good thing, they erected public toilets at the local playing fields, officially opened last week by the Lady Mayoress.

I had a minor medical problem this week so my doctor referred me to a urologist.  I saw her yesterday. She is absolutely gorgeous.  The first thing she told me is that I have to stop masturbating.  When I asked her why she said, ''Because I'm trying to examine you.......''

For those who send a lot of photos by email or FTP or even a home network, and not forgetting those electronic USB photo frames you should 'shrink' them you to reduce the size and bandwidth requirements. Many of you send pictures that are over 2MB, and today I received an email with 5 pictures at over 2MB each, a total of 11MB, my computer nearly died.  If you want to send pictures by email I suggest that you download a free program called Shrink Pic. This program runs in the background all the time and knows when you might want to shrink your photos and  then cuts in with a very easy user interface. I highly recommend it. Go to Onthegosoft and you will see it under 'free downloads'

I was having a beer at the Gympie Muster the other day with a few local farmers and the conversation got around to pubs and one commented, 'I still prefer the pubs in Maryborough, there's a little pub called the Imperial, the owner there goes out of his way for the locals so much that when you buy four drinks he will buy the fifth drink for you.'

'Well,' said another, 'at my local in Tiaro, The Hideaway, the barman there will buy you your third drink after you buy the first two.'

'Ahhhhh, that's nothing,' said a Gympie cane farmer. 'In Gympie there's The railway hotel. Now the moment you set foot in the place they'll buy you a drink, then another, all the drinks you like. Then when you've had enough drinks they'll take you upstairs and see that you get laid. All on the house.'

We immediately scorn the man's claim, but he swears every word is true.  'Well,' asked one of the other blokes, 'did this actually happen to you?'

'Not me , personally, no,' said the cane farmer. 'But it did happen to me sister.'

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA News

Tasmanian Branch
The Branch celebrated its 10th Anniversary on the 16th August and everybody got a slice of birthday cake to mark the occasion at a dinner for Members. The following day the Branch held it's 10th Annual General Meeting. Some new faces attended the AGM, including Tony Vine and Ian Doig.

The outgoing committee thanks all Tasmanian members for their support over the past year. The SAA-Tasmania committee for the year 2008-09 was elected as follows:

President Kim Pitt
Secretary/Treasurer David Byrne
Member (North) Kerry Bolton
Member (South) Mike Crellin

The social committee (Mike Crellin and David Byrne) will endeavour to scare up a few ideas for forthcoming gatherings and will distribute a programme in the next few weeks.

Queensland Branch
Just a reminder on the Stanthorpe Wine Tour and the Branch General Meeting on the 11/12 October. Have you booked accommodation and have paid your money. So far we have about 30 couples so we are very pleased with the support.   To those who have not told us of their interest or not re-confirmed and are interested in joining us, the details can be found at SAA Events Diary

Victorian Branch
Branch President Mike Bennett reports "What a resounding success the VP Day celebrations were again this year, thanks to the combined effort of all concerned members. The total attendance even exceeded the record set last year, and numerous congratulations have been received from the guests.

Unfortunately several of our WWII veterans were unable to attend due to illness and absence interstate. However, the attending numbers were added to by the attendance of our guests from the British and United States Consulate, Ted Baillieu, leader of the State Opposition, CMDR John Goss, LCDR Jenny Goss and LCDR Patrick Beresford, all serving Officers of the RAN and stationed at HMAS Cerberus.  The President members from the Naval Memorial Association, The Royal Australian Naval Association, the President and members Royal Marines Association and Special Forces Association, The Normandy Veterans Association and the Chairman of The Maltese Residents of Australia.

Well done all concerned it was a really great day and made all the better by the involvement of the membership. All too often the “front of house crowd” get the bulk of the congratulations and the ‘rest’ are overlooked, so let’s remember that without the efforts of the organisational committee as a whole, yourselves for the food the majority of our members supplied, and (particularly) the active involvement of the Ladies Auxiliary. Without the fantastic contribution made by those ladies we would not have enjoyed such a fantastic buffet lunch spread, and for their continued involvement of cleaning up the galley and the venue afterwards.

Next Meeting will be on the 21st September, details in the SAA Events Diary. We are having a B-B-Q next meeting. To ensure we do not over cater and so that members attending are not surprised on the day members are advised that the cost will be $5 a head to cover overheads. Please confirm your attendance with Boot.

Western Australia
Paul Meakin advises that the WA Branch's September Meeting will be held on Friday 19 September 2008 commencing at 1430 at L3-Nautronix, 108 Marine, Terrace, Fremantle, where Peter Horobin will host a presentation covering some of the Projects that Nautronix has undertaken for the Submarine Service. The advances and use of some modern technology especially sonar and discrete underwater telephone comms links is amazing. This should finish about 1700 and we plan to cross the road to the Little Creatures Brewery and whilst oggling the younger crowd enjoy a pizza and a couple of beers. Early advice on who intends to go would be appreciated.

Around the Traps

Don 'Duck Run' Currell had a bit of bad luck at SUBCON earlier this year and has requested assistance. "This request is a bit of a long shot: I lost my Cannon Power shot digital camera at Subcon08. I have spoken to all that I thought may be able to help, including the Rydges Hotel and back tracked all other known places. The last I saw it was at the Saturday dinner dance when I was showing photos of Tug's walk for cancer and left it on our table. Towards the end of the night others sat at our table whilst I was dancing and we moved to another table. I would appreciate a mention just in case it turns up as I had many good photos from the walk and Subcon."  If you can help please Email Don as I am sure that he would be happy to see it again.

Darren 'Thommo' Thompson reports from Western Australia "Just a quick update from over in the West. Ralph Jeffree is now a WO (AWASM) and running amok up the Submarine School. Colin 'Wingnut' Prior (shown here at ANZAC Day in Perth) is paying off on the 14th of September and we are having a send off for him next Friday 5th (1200) at the Rockingham RSL, all are welcome. Any who cant make it and want messages passed on please drop me a email at . Trev Soward who was the PTI at Plats is the President of the Rocky RSL and I think there are going to be lots of stories told over the course of the day."

A regular Pommy visitor to the site, DH "Buster" Brown received the following from Keith 'Georgie Goose' Largue who, after reading the dit on the Victory Barracks, wrote "When I was at Sultan doing my Killicks course we had a GI (licorice legs) who observing one of the lads taking the mick asked 'Do you know why I wear a chain lad?' The answer back from stokes was, 'I haven't seen a shithouse without one Chief'.  End of story......... the seamen and the stokers can't be friends."

Paul 'Diesel' Dann has been shopping and said "Just thought I'd send a couple of pics of some candles I bought for the recent blackouts we have been experiencing lately. As I was browsing the vast assortment of candles available (as one does!) I noticed these ones "Submarine Candles" well I had to get them! I was not sure if they were just for use on Submarines ( although I don't remember ever seeing any candles on an 'O' Boat?) or if they were actually underwater ones which would be pretty flash! Turns out they are just plain old el cheapo candles, but at least they're Australian, made in China!!"  I believe that he also bought some erotic candles that were on display..........

Eric Scott from WA writes "I make model Ships ,and have been asked to make a model of the Oberon for display at the Ship & Dock Hotel in the Henderson Shipyards. Only problem being they want a side elevation cut through the centre, so that the entire innards can be included, this like many others is a "love job" can any of you guys help out ??? I really need some sort of plan showing innards & exterior shape. The old guys in the hotel reckon without some sort of reminder these Boats will be forgotten in years to come. Thanking you in anticipation"  I have a few drawings that may help (if I can find what box that they are in.  Can anyone else help?  While on the subject, a reminder that Oscar Akins is selling wooden models and these can be seen at our Classifieds page.

The seven dwarfs always left to go work in the mine early each morning. As always, Snow White stayed home doing her domestic chores. As lunchtime approached, she would prepare their lunch and carry it to the mine.  One day as she arrived at the mine with the lunch, she saw that there had been a terrible cave-in. Tearfully, and fearing the worst, Snow White began calling out, hoping against hope that the dwarfs had somehow survived.  'Hello!...Hello!' she shouted. 'Can anyone hear me? Hello!' For a long while, there was no answer. Losing hope, Snow White again shouted,  'Hello! Is anyone down there?' Just as she was about to give up all hope, she heard a faint voice from deep within the mine, singing, 'Vote for Kevin Rudd - Vote for Kevin Rudd!'. Snow White fell to her knees and prayed, 'Oh, thank you, God! At least Dopey is still alive.

Nick 'Scouse' Brough writes "Sorry I have not been in touch in such a long time but I have had some health issues which I am pleased to say now under control! I have attached a picture of my self and Lester on the bridge of the Oberon whilst we were on transit to Naples from Gibraltar in 1978, boy do we look young , I hope this e-mail finds you in good health, Give my regards to all your members"  Lester was killed in a motor vehicle accident just after discharging from the mob.

One 'blast from the past' that I got after visiting Navy Stokers was an email from Bob Sykes.  He wrote "Great to hear from you, how is it all going? I am in Canberra and I am the branch manager for Communications Design & Management, a privately owned SME. We specialise in network design etc, and project management of our own projects. What does an ex stoker know about networks - not a lot, but he still knows when some one is pulling the piss. It is interesting, because a project is a project & it ain't all that difficult."  It is always good to catch up with old mates.

For all of you in education, with sons, grandsons, or who just love the things little kids say ~ a reminder that adult words are often taken literally.... A teacher noticed that a little boy at the back of the class was squirming around, scratching his crotch, and not paying attention. She went back to find out what was going on. He was quite embarrassed and whispered that he had just recently been circumcised and he was quite itchy. The teacher told him to go down to the principal's office. He was to telephone his mother and ask her what he should do about it. He did and returned to his class. Suddenly, there was a commotion at the back of the room. She went back to investigate only to find him sitting at his desk with his 'private part' hanging out. 'I thought I told you to call your mom!' she said.  I did,' he said, 'And she told me that if I could stick it out till noon, she'd come and pick me up from school.

Jim 'Moonman' Moon is a deluded soul.  After  my article about the Stokers website he wrote "Thanks for the Stoker's (note the capital S) website reminder. Reference your jibe about tiffies marring the site, I have decided to join it just to burn you off. It probably needs a bit of couth to balance up the downhill slide injected by bozoids such as yourself. (once a Mobi... heh, heh, heh!) PS - Actually, I have more ex-stoker friends than tiffy-types..."  I say deluded because I am sure that he DOES NOT have more Stoker friends than tiffy-types, we are smarter than them so why would we befriend him if they wont?  I do like his tea cosy though.

Last week I mentioned that we had received queries regarding 'scaly' dolphins.  Dan Jordan wrote "The RN dolphins are bases on the ancient art of Heraldry . This can be easily verified on the web with many sites devoted to the subject. There is no connection between the scaly dolphins and scaly submariners." 

Not to be outdone Paul Meakin added "RN dolphins are based on heraldic dolphins which are usually displayed with scales. Others or of the opinion that the RN Badge was designed by the Duke of Edinburgh based on the site he would see when preparing for sexual congress with EIIR, crown on head, crack and bum cheeks on display with scabby legs akimbo, but it would be treasonous to repeat it in public. It was known in the RN as Duke's View!"

Sandy Freeleagus said "With reference to your Up Periscope article about the Brit and Aussie Dolphins: I am led to believe that the scaled dolphins, that I think the Yanks have, are know as "classical dolphins". These are generally depicted as being more fish-like and having thick lips. (Notice that I refrained from mentioning anything indigenous there).

The Brits put scales on their Dolphins because not to, made them too much like the Aussie set, and since we had ours well before they got theirs, they couldn't be seen to be a copycat - especially to a "colonial power" - so they compromised. (This was mentioned by FOSM Whoever-Two Shackles Up Himself in his presentation at DOLPHIN in January '69 on a clear lower deck of Senior Sailors in the Chiefs' Mess. Needless to say, this got quite a barracking from the Aussies down the end of the room).

I think the Aussie set is of a bottle nose dolphin which, if you think about it, is acceptable. Every Aussie submariner that I've come across has likely had a bottle upended beneath his nose. Hope this adds to the confusion."

Health Matters  

Depression is an illness that causes a person to feel sad and hopeless much of the time. It is different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy.  Anyone can have depression. It often runs in families. But it can also happen to someone who doesn't have a family history of depression. You can have depression one time or many times.

If you think you may be depressed, tell your doctor. There are good treatments that can help you enjoy life again. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will feel better.

NEWS ITEMS

US Navy Gets New Attack Sub Early
The US Navy took delivery of its newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778), from General Dynamics Electric Boat on August 27, eight months early to its contract delivery date. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine and the third delivered by GDEB.

New Hampshire's early delivery is an important milestone for both the submarine force and the Virginia-class program.  "Delivering ahead of schedule demonstrates the significant progress made by both the Navy and its shipbuilding partners GDEB and [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding] toward reducing our construction span and therefore end costs," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines. "Our shipbuilding partners have played an active role in reducing construction time and cost, both through the Capital Expenditures incentive program that improves facilities and 'lean' initiatives that make shipbuilding more efficient," said Rear Adm. (Sel.) Dave Johnson, Virginia-class program manager.

USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the two submarines delivered prior to New Hampshire, completed construction after 86 and 82 months respectively. New Hampshire completed construction in just 71 months.

"New Mexico, our next submarine, is projected to be completed after 66 months of construction," added Johnson. "We're closing in on our goal to reduce construction time down to 60 months by our FY12 ships, a significant cost reduction milestone. The Virginia-class program has achieved real savings through economic order quantity purchases."

New Hampshire's delivery is the fourth of seven Virginia-class milestones planned for 2008. Earlier accomplishments include PCU New Mexico's (SSN 779) keel laying ceremony April 12; North Carolina's May 3 commissioning; and New Hampshire's christening ceremony held at GDEB June 21. GDEB will host PCU Missouri's (SSN 780) keel-laying ceremony Sept. 27 while New Mexico will be christened at NGSB Dec. 13.

In between those two events, the Navy will commission New Hampshire at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year.

Virginia-class submarines are flexible, multimission platforms designed to operate in both open ocean and littoral waters. Their inherent stealth, endurance, and firepower enable them to support the United States seapower core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security.

Brazil bets on nuclear powered nuke to protect oil fields
Brazil will spend 160 million US dollars by the end of next year on the development of a nuclear-powered submersible to protect the oil reserves found recently off its coast, said Defence minister Nelson Jobim on Friday.  The vessel, which officials hope to be complete by 2020, would be the first nuclear-powered submarine in Latin America and is being developed with Brazilian technology and lately French assistance.

The submarine is the highlight of the Brazil's new defense plan, which is to be made public on September 7, Independence Day. Brazil does not have nuclear weapons. Brazil is believed to have earmarked 3.5 billion US dollars by the end of 2010 to upgrade its weapon systems, according to reports in the local media.

In February, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said France would transfer technology to Brazil for construction of the diesel-powered Scorpene attack submarine. It will serve as a model for a nuclear sub, Brazilian officials have said.

Brazil has discussed building a nuclear submarine for decades, and began a formal program in 1979. However with the return of democracy in 1985 plans were delayed and ultimately shelved and only last year President Lula da Silva announced 540 million US dollars in new funding for the program and for existing uranium enrichment efforts.

The nation has five conventionally powered submarines and is expected to incorporate several of the Scorpene class submarines in the near future. Chile is the other South American country which has two Scorpene submarines delivered two years ago.

Iran kicks off production for own built sub
Iranian state TV says the country has launched the production of an all-domestically built, mid-size submarine that will be able to fire missiles and torpedoes.

Defense Minister Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar inaugurated the production line of the sub, named Ghaem, at a ceremony Monday. According to the TV, he said Iran has made huge investments to attain self-sufficiency and equip its armed forces with modern weapons.  The TV also said two other submarines, named Ghdair, have been delivered to the Iranian Navy. Their production began in 2005.

Iran occasionally announces making advanced weapons but rarely makes statements about submarines. Years ago, Tehran said it bought some Russian subs and would produce its own, smaller-sized ones.

Compare live rates from our car rental partners’ reservation systems

FAST CAR RENTAL: book car rental in 3 steps! FREE CAR BOOKING: no booking fees! EASY CAR RENTAL: lowest prices already sorted! CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL car rental rate guaranteed!

Australia Car Hire Locations   Car hire Sydney   Car hire Melbourne     Car hire Brisbane   Car hire Cairns     Car hire Hobart   Car hire Canberra

Come on Boof, lets go and water the veggies......

Sunday, 24^th AUGUST 2008

Thanks to all those that have emailed and rang over the last few weeks, your concern has shown that submariners do care about the welfare of those in our little community.  It was not my health that caused the absence this time, I feel great. I have been away, my wonderful sister in law has cancer and the family is doing it tough so I needed to be there for them.  I signed up for wireless broadband (isn't that expensive!!!) and took my laptop so that I could continue with the weekly Log but it packed up, so I have been off air.

As a result of the efforts of Chris Skinner, an opportunity for the Association to mark the 41st anniversary of the commissioning of HMAS Platypus and the arrival of HMAS Oxley with a barbecue lunch for members and guests onsite in August, became possible. It was intended that CDRE Mark Sanders RAN would deliver the second Platypus Address about the outstanding achievements of the Australian submarine arm since its re-birth at Platypus in 1967. The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was prepared to assist the Association based on the successful 40th anniversary event conducted in 2007. After this event it was proposed that this become an annual event.  Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled as a result of apathy and lack of organisation within the Association. 

Come on guys, where is the enthusiasm, initiative and commitment that submariners used to have?  Is it Mum's apron strings or the couch potato syndrome that prevents participation?  I had some in Sydney complain about the distance that they have to travel and use this as an excuse for not attending meetings (NSW could not hold their AGM last month through lack of a Forum), but this is also an issue in other cities, such as Perth and Brisbane, that are not as well served with public transport as Sydney, and yet they still managed to attract Members to their Meetings.  Attendance at just one Meeting or social function a year would make the Committees think that their efforts are not wasted.

Finally, I was very pleased to visit a new website this week, one that is devoted to the gentlemen of the RAN, Stokers. It was good to see some names from the past and I hope to make contact with one or two of them soon. Unfortunately Kerry Kerr, the web master, has permitted Tiffies and Engineers to sully the site and there are some names in the Member's List that I believe may even be long to ring bolt kicking deck apes.  Come on Kerry, keep it clean and stick with the Elite!

Goto go, this is pretty basic, but I still have hundreds of email to sort out and a lawn to mow, will try harder next week to bring you all up to date.

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA News

Victorian Branch
Secretary 'Boot' Hatfield advises Members that the Christmas Dinner is going to be held on Sunday the 7th December from noon on and that "Members Christmas Raffle" price has been increased to $15 for 5 tickets. We always have worthy prizes and your 'donation' to the cause certainly helps us to keep things going. Please consider purchasing your tickets.

Queensland Branch
Secretary Rob Woolrych reports that the SAA Qld Inc AGM and General Meeting held on Sunday 3rd August 2008 was well attended, the turnout of members for the occasion was absolutely wonderful and showed the Committee that the SAA Qld Inc is alive and well. The Members elected the following Committee: Barry McKeown (President), Don ”Duck Run” Currell (Vice President), Paul Mansell (Treasurer),  Rob Woolrych (Secretary), Ian Sinclair (Welfare Advocate), Bill Clayton and Peter ”Huck” Finn (Committee & Social).

Rob added "Your support of the Association gives great heart to the new Committee and we will endeavour to keep up the work for the Association into the next year. In all there were some 36 members actually present with some 24 apologies from people who were either cruising the Danube (Pete & Barb Sellars) one doing and MBA in Canberra (Keith & Janice Bateman). We realize what a commitment it is for you all to make it to us with John Head and Norm Williams from “Bundy” way and Arie Be Rooy from Tenterfield and last but not least Mick Higgins coming all the way from an oil rig off the coast of Brazil. Very many thanks to all of you for you support of our Association."

The President asked if SAA Qld Inc would like to affiliate with the Naval Association Australia in Queenslandand this was strongly supported.

In conclusion the President thanked those who threw their weight behind the “Wilson Walk” and walked the entire distance Coolangatta to Canberra and he further thanked all those who took part from SAA Qld Inc and those who gave monetary support. Something like $71000 was raised.  To wrap up the day after the A.G.M. Carol Wilson conducted a final raffle of memorabilia donated by Derek Pearce, whilst we were having a few quiet beers together. The raffle realized some $305.00. Carol was most grateful for the support given.

"Mike White gave a brief run down as to the current “State of Play” on the search and preservation of AE1 and AE2. The search for AE1 the RAN’s greatest mystery loss’ even surpassing that of HMAS Sydney though not with such a large loss of life will continue early next year. The search will be headed once again by John Foster who spoke to us last year and he will be assisted once again, we think, by our own Gus Mellon."

AE1 was last seen in transit by HMAS PARRAMATTA 2 miles SSE of Duke of York Islands in the St. Georges Channel. Currents were bad in the area, charts were poor, navigation difficult and it is thought she may have struck a reef ,been damaged and sunk in deep water with all hands in the adjacent area.

AE2 is in a position 80 miles south of Istanbul or 15 kms NE of the Dardanelles exit into the Sea of Marmara. She is in about 70 metres of water and is in a declared “Turkish Non Diving Site” and protected by the Turkish Environmental Protection Agency” which according to Mike is a very good organization.

The problem at this time is they do not know if there is a primed torpedo up a tube so the next move is to put an “R.O.V” into the submarine via an open hatch to investigate the inside of the entire boat.

Many of you have indicated already that you are coming on the Stanthorpe Wine Tour and the Meeting on the following day (11/12 October) and and you have booked the Accommodation and have paid your money. So far we have about 30 couples so we are very pleased with the support.  We decided to have the meeting in Stanthorpe for 2 reasons:

• To be inclusive of northern N.S.W. and

• To be social

So come on NSW Northern Rivers and anyone else who wants to come and join us.  To those who have not told us of their interest or not re-confirmed and are interested in joining us, the details can be found at SAA Events Diary

11th October - Pick-up from Motels 9.30am

• Summit Estate Wines for tasting Mt Stirling Olives

• Lunch at Ballandean Tavern

• Symphony Hill Wines (tasting in barrel room)

• Rumbalara Wines (tasting & cheese)

• Bramble Patch (ice-creams,jams,sauces)

• Whiskey Gully Wines

Drop off at Motels circa 1700 (5.00pm)

Cost of the Wine Tour $70.00 per head ($140 a double) – Lunch included

The Committee did consider a formal dinner on completion of the Wine Tour but a decision was made that in our advancing years a “Nanny Nap” may be more appropriate before we throw ourselves into the evening .That part of the programme is entirely up to you.

12th October - Meeting at the Stanthorpe R.S.L.

Western Australia
Paul Meakin advises that the WA Branch's September Meeting will be held on Friday 19 September 2008 commencing at 1430 at L3-Nautronix, 108 Marine, Terrace, Fremantle, where Peter Horobin will host a presentation covering some of the Projects that Nautronix has undertaken for the Submarine Service. The advances and use of some modern technology especially sonar and discrete underwater telephone comms links is amazing. This should finish about 1700 and we plan to cross the road to the Little Creatures Brewery and whilst oggling the younger crowd enjoy a pizza and a couple of beers. Early advice on who intends to go would be appreciated.

Around the Traps

Fred Lawrence reports that a show on WA television showed a look at our current submarines and the people serving in them - portraying the Collins class submarine.  He added "It's a pity that on three occasions the clip had footage of an O boat fin in varying stages of indiscretion.  Surely we can do better than that."

Ian Taber is trying to get in touch with Bob 'Blue' Walker (ex WO Chief Tiffy). He has not seen him for about 8 years and he may have some information he can help Ian with.  Last I heard he was playing 'grey nomad'.  If you are in touch with Blue could you please let him know I am looking for him.

Dale Turner  writes "I am a Member of the SAA and noticed last April that I wasn't on the Birthday list as getting older?  I'm doing some reserve work alongside CMDR Ken McBryde." I often get questions on why names do not appear on the list.  Unfortunately I do not have access to the Members list and rely on information available to me in my Plaxo address book.  With over 1200 names in my list it is hard to keep track of the changes to email addresses and Plaxo save me hours of time doing this.  So next time I send out for a Plaxo update, please consider signing up.  Then you will get a birthday wish......

Ex RN Coxswain (and London Plod) Bob Head has warned me that he hopes to meet up with me in Queensland just after 7th December before he move on to bludge off Roger Hardwicke in Perth.  Must put that in my diary, I am sure I can be somewhere else around that time!!!

Phishing Alert
Rob Woolrych sent an email to Queensland Members with a timely warning: "I have just had an email lob up on my “Tin Box” from “AIR TRANS” saying I have purchased an airline ticket for $669 and the ticket is attached and my Card has been debited for the amount.  I have rung N.A.B. VISA who have confirmed it is a hoax email and is an attempt to get your personal information.  Just delete it!!!!!!"

An example of a phishing e-mail, disguised as an official e-mail from a (fictional) bank. The sender is attempting to trick the recipient into revealing secure information by "confirming" it at the phisher's website.In computing, phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from PayPal, eBay, Youtube or online banks are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging and it often directs users to enter details at a website. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to fool users. Attempts to deal with the growing number of reported phishing incidents include legislation, user training, public awareness, and technical security measures.

A phishing technique was described in detail in 1987, and the first recorded use of the term "phishing" was made in 1996. The term is a variant of fishing and alludes to baits used to "catch" financial information and passwords.

Heather Cummins asked "Could you please tell me if the Dolphins used on the Australian Submariners insignia are the bottle nosed dolphin as they look to be smooth skinned unlike the scaled fish which I presume to be Dolphinfish that are seen on the British and US insignias.
We have a bit of a discussion at the moment one being of a British Submariner and the other an Australian , Knowing that the local dolphins are smooth skinned but the British badge is of a scaled fish.  Any help re this discussion in the near future would be greatly appreciated."  I have given Heather the information that I have but I would be interested in any other feedback that may be of interest.

Mel Mooney asks "Just wondering if someone from your site may be able to help me identify the age of a couple of items being exhibited at Sanctuary Cove. The items can be viewed at "the Gipsy Moth Collection". I am trying to establish the age of the Perrybuoy horseshoe life ring and the whistle that has been attached to the life jacket and also the safety beacons. I thought that some of your members may have an idea."  The Gipsy Moth Collection has been gathered over a period of years and epitomizes Sir Francis as one of the great adventurers of the 20th Century. These items are the last salvaged from the wreck of Gipsy Moth V. They represent the final artifacts of Gipsy Moth sailing vessels and represent some of the items needed to survive the ravages of the sea; a lifejacket, a life-ring, water canister, lights, the first things you grab when abandoning a sinking ship.

A Kiwi walks into his bedroom with a sheep under his arm and says:  'Darling, this is the pig I have sex with when you have a headache.'  His wife is lying in bed and replies:  'Bruce, I think you'll find that's a sheep, you idiot.' Bruce says: 'I think you'll find that I wasn't talking to you.

Paul and Vanessa Newman found an interesting item in a shop in Nowra this week and had to buy it, apparently it's a Hugh Boss imitation of the after shave 'Submarine' and comes complete with a spare O ring wrapped about the bottle. I wonder if it smelt of bilge water or dieso?

Adrian 'Aids' Jallands has reported in after many celebrations in Tonga. He wrote "Well the delights of the coronation are over, what a great time to be in Tonga. It was a great spectacle. Managed to get an invite to the Military Parade and Royal Luncheon, which was unbelievable, The food on the Tables was immense, almost a suckling pig between 4, Lobsters, Crabs, Fish, Yams, Fruit, you name it was there. Best part of the lunch was the punch up between two of the serving girls!!!!

Caught up with Dave Strangward , Jon Corker, Jeff Geodecke and Dave Perry who was back in town again, so a few cold ones were knocked back at the Billfish Bar. Jeff Geodecke and I were presented with the Coronation Medal by the Commander Tongan Defence Service at a military cocktail party on the Saturday night; a great time was had by all.

Really good to have 5 submariners in the Kingdom, so remember if you are passing through Tonga give us a yell."

Jetsetter Adrian Sellars writes "Came across an article in the Bayside Bulletin titled 'My Job' and it featured CMDR Forbes Peters, Commanding Officer, Navy HQ, South Queensland. We have just returned from a holiday in Europe including a cruise down the Rhine / Main / Danube rivers and I must say it is the only way to do sea time, I soon replaced the weight I lost on Tug's walk and came up with a way of getting around the new baggage limits. Lap tops are not included in the cabin luggage limit (got 12 kg in one little pregnant black bag) they obviously had not allowed for crafty old submariners who know a thing or two about secreting items from authoritive eyes.  I was sorry to read about Possum & Dales experiences since the Walk I hope possum does not have to resort to blackmail to raise funds, I now suspect why every time it was necessary to drain the python on the roadside during the walk it was under camera surveillance from the van, I just want to get in early and remind everyone it was extremely cold if you know what I mean." Adrian sent me a scan of the item but I have problems with the size of newspaper items, they are hard to read.

Garry Coombe has put pen to paper to produce another of his 'Golden Moments'. 

I was most fortunate, as an Australian sailor, to do my Part 3 on a British submarine, and we had some good jollies. After a NATO exercise in the North Sea we tied up at Dundee in Scotland, and were billeted in the Shaftsbury Hotel in Hyndford Street. It was conveniently located just off Perth Road, several miles west of the King George Docks, close to all amenities and the university.

Also alongside were several warships from NATO navies and the XO warned us that there might be some trouble from peace protestors, but if we kept our heads down and stayed out of the more vibrant nightspots we should be safe. Having experienced to activities of the so-called peace protestors in Australia (this was at the height of the Vietnam war) I understood where the XO was coming from but many of the guys felt that if they were peace protestors then there was nothing to worry about.

After we had settled into the hotel I accompanied two of the guys, The Weed and Gibbo, on a reconnaissance mission to the nearby entertainment area. We were all duty the following day and, after a couple of hours, decided to head back to the hotel for a pie and a pint and an early night. As we walked along Arbroath Street we encountered a group of, presumably, university students, who were strolling along singing songs and strumming guitars. One of the group, a rather scruffy looking young girl, approached us and raised two fingers in the V for victory sign and said “Peace.”

The Weed, ever the antagonist, returned the salute and responded “Peace”. He then turned his hand around so the peace sign became an insulting two fingered salute and said “Peace off ye tatty gronk!”

That girl swung the guitar with all the dexterity of a highland warrior wielding a double edged claymore and it impacted upon the side of The Weed’s head with a loud, if somewhat musical, THUNK! The Weed sprawled out into the road and the young girl, and her companions, bolted down the street and disappeared around a corner.

As we assisted a somewhat stunned Weed to his feet he bemoaned the fact that these peace activists did not practice what they preached

Interesting Websites

A web site for the RAN's gentemen - Navy Stokers - for serving and former Engineering personnel. Canada Hodikin and Butch O’Brien are helping Kerry Kerr to run the site.

Great photos. Tom Phillips has compiled a series of interesting photos that proves servicemen and women will amuse themselves no matter what!

Your fortnightly online copy of Navy News is now available. Items in this edition include HMAS Stirling celebrations for the 30th anniversary of its commissioning, Courage rewarded at Government House and Court admission for Navy legal officer.  Unfortunately submarines don't get a mention, again. 

Go to this site and type in your first and surname (skip your e-mail addresses) then click on 'Vizualizar' and watch what happens ... and don't ask me how they do that!

Sit in the cockpit of an Airbus A380. The 360 camera moves up, down, etc. Move your mouse !

It’s the early 60’s when one of Her Majesties sleek black messengers of death enters Portsmouth dockyard for dry-docking. ‘Deeps’, the Tanky, an able assistant to the Coxswain and oppo of the Leading Chef is instructed to run an errand to Victory Barracks by the No1.

Resplendent in his battery acid honed No.8ts. trousers, salt encrusted steaming boots, off grey submarine roll neck sweater and nicely yellowed cap with bow strategically placed over his left eye, our hero enters Barracks. He strolls across the parade ground contemplating lighting up a DF when the strangulated cry of a “That creature there” rents the peace.

A Chief Gunnery Instructor, testicles tightly bound with black masking tape to obtain that required pitch, stands quivering on his mirror like boots with inch thick soles and 200 polished hobnails. Deeps thinks, ‘not me I am only a visitor’ and ambles on.

The Chief of the Parade, who, as we all know never runs any where, walks at great speed, pace stick clenched firmly between the cheeks of his arse, no under his arm really. When he gets in front of our hero he places the tip of his pace stick on Deeps chest to prevent any escape and eyes him up and down. Deeps, having suffered the wrath of various Submarine Chief Stokers, is totally unfazed by this apparition and awaits the next move.

Chief of the Parade, “There is a bit of shit on the end of my stick”

Deeps, “Not at my end Chief”

Health Matters  

Government Review into Defence mental health care and the transition to non-military life
The Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Hon, Alan Griffin MP are calling for submissions to the review into Defence mental health care and the transition to non-military life.

Headed by Professor David Dunt, the review will provide an independent assessment of the effectiveness of existing mental health programs and support across the ADF and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Written submissions are being sought from Defence members, veterans and interested members of the public. All submissions will be confidential with access limited to Professor Dunt.

Mr Snowdon said the wellbeing of our service men and women, from enlistment through to discharge and beyond, is a high priority for Government. “The review will study the mental health care needs of ADF personnel and the ex-service community and assist us in ensuring the very best care is available.”

Mr Griffin said it will be particularly helpful in examining the transition from military to civilian life and will help Veterans’ Affairs to provide services that meet the needs of younger veterans. “The number of recent deployments make it essential that both DVA and Defence work together to support those who have returned from active duty, particularly those service personnel who are then seeking to transition to civilian life”.   It is expected that Professor Dunt’s report will be provided to the Ministers’ mid December 2008.

The closing date for written submissions is 20 September 2008.  Submissions can be forwarded to:

Email: MentalHealth.Review@defence.gov.au
Post: Melbourne University Post Shop
PO Box 4285
Melbourne University VIC 3052

Further information relating to the mental health review (including the terms of reference) can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/i-dmh.htm

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Transition Centres
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today inspected the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Transition Centre at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.  The Centre forms part of a new enhanced transition process to help ADF members and their families move smoothly from military to civilian life.

Mr Snowdon said it’s important that families can easily access all the available care and advice. The Townsville Transition Centre building also houses other aspects of regional support to ADF members in Townsville. “I am pleased to see that Defence is providing an environment where the ADF member and their family can discuss, in a confidential manner, all aspects of their transition” Mr Snowdon said.

The enhanced transition support service provides separating ADF members and their families with an individually tailored service and accurate, high quality information about issues like rehabilitation and compensation; housing; medical and dental; financial; and family support to ADF members to assist them successfully plan their post-military life. “Vitally, the new transition service is working actively with other government agencies such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Comsuper,” Mr Snowdon said.

“There is still work to be done to better support our ADF members as they leave the services, but we hope to have the enhanced transition care implemented nationally by November 2008.”

Study into the incidence of suicide in the ex-service community
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today released details of an independent study into the incidence of suicide in the ex-service community. Delivering on a key election commitment, the Minister said the study would examine a number of specific cases of suicide by ex-service members in recent years to help identify those members who may be at risk of self harm. “We know that war service can have both a physical and mental impact on the lives of service personnel. Physical impairment can be obvious, psychological injury is less so,” Mr Griffin said.

“This Government is determined to support veterans and ex serving personnel who may suffer psychologically as a result of their service, however to do so we need a better understanding of the incidence and characteristics of suicide amongst this community.”

“The suicide study will be conducted independently of my Department and the ADF. The terms of reference have been developed in consultation with the National Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum.

Professor Dunt is welcoming submissions from members of the veteran and ex service community, with submissions closing on 5 October 2008. Submissions will not be published, allowing veterans full privacy and confidentiality. Submissions can be sent to suicidestudy2008@bigpond.com or PO Box 4145 Melbourne University VIC 3052. Further details are available at www.dva.gov.au.

A Vietnamese doctor says 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'

A German doctor says 'That is nothing, we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.'

A Russian doctor says 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'

The Australian doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind. We recently took a man with no brains out of Queensland, put him in to Canberra for four years, and now half the country is looking for work.

NEWS ITEMS

Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) scores another export success
The Australian Minesweeping System, developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), has scored another export success with India being the latest to acquire the innovative system that protects ships from underwater mines.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, said the sale to India was the largest single overseas order for this technology since it was first exported in 1992. “Defence has now received over $3 million in royalties for the worldwide sale of the Australian Minesweeping System while a significant number of jobs have been created for Australian workers,” Mr Snowdon said.

Thales Australia has a worldwide licence to market the system which is now in service with the navies of Australia, USA, Denmark, Poland, Japan, UAE, Indonesia and Thailand.  The DSTO-designed system is the world’s first operational sweep to emulate the magnetic signals of ships, causing sea mines to detonate prematurely and safely out of range of target vessels. The technology has been further improved in collaboration with Thales Australia.

The Australian Minesweeping System was famously used during the 2003 Gulf War when it was used by the Royal Navy to clear smart mines from the port of Umm Qasr in order to deliver humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.

Thales Australia CEO, Chris Jenkins, presented Mr Snowdon with a cheque of $514,358 in royalties for the sale to India.

Navy Should Keep Little Sub That Could
Without intervention, the US Navy's one-of-a-kind NR-1 submarine will be reduced to scrap iron.  Many people in southeastern Connecticut say the Navy should preserve for posterity its only nuclear-powered, deep-diving engineering and research submarine. A place of honor beside the historic USS Nautilus at the Submarine Force Library and Museum is the appropriate destination.

Navy plans, however, now call for the NR-1, launched in Groton on Jan. 25, 1969, to be taken out of service at the end of the year, inactivated and eventually sent to the scrap heap.

So top secret are the details of many NR-1 missions, they may forever remain undisclosed. Its participation in the recovery of the disintegrated space shuttle Challenger in 1986 and retrieval of the engines from Egyptair Flight 990 following its crash in 1999 are just two of the important jobs the submarine conducted during a nearly 40-year career.

The ability of this one-of-a-kind, 146-foot submarine to dive almost a half-mile also allowed it to play an important role in oceanographic research.  Without intervention, the submarine will be sent to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire to remove its fuel, and then to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington state to cut out its nuclear reactor, reduce the ship to scrap and bury its pieces.

A better choice is to remove the nuclear reactor at the back of the ship, but preserve the forward spaces, where its crew lived and worked, and send it back to Groton as an exhibit. A combination of federal funding and private donations could pay the costs.

Lack of staff could confine Britain's nuclear submarines to dock
The Scottish submarine base on the Clyde is suffering from a shortage of nuclear engineers. The Ministry of Defence faces such a critical shortage of civilian staff, engineers and technical expertise that it is struggling to maintain its aircraft, and the supply of equipment to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq is under threat, leaked memos reveal.

Senior commanders are also warning that the nuclear submarine deterrent could be confined to docks within 18 months unless a shortage of submariners and nuclear technicians can be resolved. The revelations came to light in the week that the civil service union Prospect began a High Court action claiming plans to cut 5,000 MoD jobs are illegal.

A memo sent last month from the head of the MoD's supply department reveals that the organisation is struggling to process urgent orders for land and surveillance equipment to be sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memo calls for staff to be co-opted from other departments for 12 months to plug the gap, a move it admits is a "sticking plaster" solution.

There is also widespread concern at the shortage of nuclear engineers, with warnings that the Clyde nuclear base in Scotland will be unable to apply for a licence to operate unless the shortage can be addressed.

Earlier this month Commodore Chris Hockley, commander of the base, launched an 18-month review to address staffing concerns which will look at the possibility of privatisation.

Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, a former Army commander in Bosnia, said that naval officers had told him that Britain's nuclear submarine fleet would not be able to go to sea unless the shortfall in mariners was addressed. Steve Jary, National Secretary of the civil service union Prospect, said the MoD is "stretched to breaking point".