About Heart Attacks
Why keep aspirin by your bedside?  There are other symptoms of an heart attack besides the pain on the left arm.  One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating, however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.

Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack. The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.

If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water. Afterwards:

• phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by

• tell them that you may be having a "heart attack!"

• say that you have taken 2 aspirins.

• take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and...

• do NOT lie down

Urgent attention is vital, the sooner you get help the more chance of a happy outcome.  Do not worry that it may be a false alarm, better safe than sorry.

DEFENCE NEWS

SA-built subs 'full of problems'
John Faulkner has admitted the SA-built Collins Class submarines are riddled with problems and are a challenge to keep in service. Senator Faulkner said there had been a "number of unanticipated problems" arising from the design and manufacture of the RAN's six Collins subs, and it was essential that lessons be learnt from the process.

"Australia's submarine capability is a significant part of meeting Australia's future strategic needs," Senator Faulkner told the Pacific 2010 International Maritime Congress in Sydney on Wednesday.

"But I stress it is also a very significant challenge for Defence, for Australia's defence industry, for myself and for my colleague, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet."

The latest problem with the subs was the failure of a generator on HMAS Farncomb due to a manufacturing defect, Senator Faulkner said.  "It is true to say that the complex and sophisticated nature of modern submarines adds to the challenge of design and manufacture. However, this does not reduce the need to get it right," he said.

HMAS Farncomb  in maintenance
HMAS Farncomb is in maintenance following the electrical failure of one of its three main generators last week. The problem stems from the way some of the generators were manufactured. At no time was the crew at risk but investigations are continuing in order to determine the impact this deficiency might have on the remainder of the submarine fleet.

"I am very disappointed by this development," Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russell Crane, said.

"Navy will continue to work with the Defence Materiel Organisation, industry and ASC Pty Ltd (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) to determine the extent of the issue and rectify this problem.

"We are working hard to ensure this fault is rectified as soon as possible. The Australian public, the Defence organisation and our Navy family expect nothing less."

HMAS Farncomb will remain alongside until this issue has been rectified.

"Australia's maritime defences remain strong and we continue to have a credible submarine capability available. The multi-layered approach to our defence enables us to minimise the impact of contingencies such as this,"
Vice Admiral Crane said.

India steams ahead with new hardware
In the 1971 war with Pakistan, the Indian navy turned the tide in India’s favor when it bombed the Karachi oil refineries and proved the strategic importance of maintaining a dominant water force. While the Air Force and Army complain about procurement procedures, the Indian navy has, in the face of the same obstacles, managed to keep building more warships, most of them in India. It is working towards becoming a modern, networked-​​force with capabilities to protect its interests in the entire Indian Ocean.

While some acquisitions of the Indian Navy have been delayed it is clear that there is a strategic blueprint for expansion of capability. The modernisation process includes induction of new aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, modern vessels, stealth frigates, guided missile destroyers and aircrafts among other military hardware. Here is a summary of key projects:

Carriers – Project 1143 & 71
As per the new delivery schedule, the navy is all set to induct the 40,000-ton Russian Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. The final hurdle pertaining to the final cost has also been negotiated, paving the way for delivery. Another 40,000-ton carrier is being constructed at the Cochin shipyard and is likely to be commissioned in 2014.

Guided Missile Destroyer (GMD) – Project 15B
The navy is building three GMDs costing $622 million each at Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL). The work on the first destroyer named INS Kolkata, is in final stages and is to be delivered in May 2010, followed by INS Kochi in May 2011 and the third un-​​named vessel will be delivered in May 2012. The navy has kept the option of 4 more vessels under this project, taking the total tally to 7. The vessels under this program will have stealth capabilities and the first to be armed with the BrahMos-​​2.

Stealth Frigates — Project 17A
The navy plans to begin construction of first of the seven proposed frigates costing US$1,13 billion a unit, under this project in 2011 at Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata. The delivery of the vessels shall commence in 2015–16 and end in 2021.

Russian Krivak IV Class Frigates – Project 11356
The work on the $1.6 billion Krivak IV Class Frigate is on at the Yantar shipyard in Russia. Even thought Russia has had a poor record of maintaining delivery times in each case including the delivery of three Krivak class frigates built earlier, the Indian establishment says that so far the work is progressing at the desired pace.

Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASW) — Project 28
India is currently building two ASWs of the four proposed, at GARDEN REACH Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata at the cost of $1.6 billion. A two year delay in the project has pushed the delivery dates to 2014.

Scorpene Submarine– Project 75
India is to build six submarines as a part of the US$3500 project at the Mazagaon Docks Limited (MDL). According to the original delivery scheduled, the first submarine had to be delivered in 2012. However, price dispute and a faulty contract signed by the Indian government that did not ascertain the cost of critical equipments at the time of signing the contract has led to a three year delay in delivery schedule.

Advance Technology Vessel (ATV) — INS ARIHANT
India is constructing five new nuclear submarines under this project. The first nuclear submarine under this project – INS Arihant was launched amidst much fan-​​fare in July 2009 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It is expected to join the navy after undergoing extensive sea-​​trials for two years.

Shchuka-​​B — K-​​152 Nerpa a.k.a INS Chakra — Project 971
The Russian navy has taken the delivery of the submarine recently and is in the process of transferring it to India in the first of 2010 after training of 300 Indian naval personnel is completed on the submarine. The navy has signed a 10-​​year contract for the submarine but has an option of outright purchase.

Mine Counter Measure Vessel (MCMV)
The new MCMVs are being purchased as a replacement to the Pondicherry class of MCMVs. India intents to buy two MCMVs and build six more on its own. The bids for the project submitted by Intermarine, Italy and Kangnam Shipyards, South Korea is under evaluation by the technical committee. The delivery of the first MCMV is expected in 2011.

Fleet Replenishment Tanker
The Indian navy has ordered two tankers under the project. The first one, being built at Liguria, Italy, should be delivered in 2010. The tankers would be 175 meters long and be capable of refuelling four ships simultaneously. The maximum service speed would be 20 knots. As of now, the construction programme is on course.

The navy and Indian citizens are looking forward to the modernisation of our strategic force for a number of reasons. The 26/​11 Mumbai attacks have yet again brought the focus back on having a strong navy. While the call of Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia to attack oil production and transport facilities is meant to hurt the US economy, its success will hurt our economy just as badly. For protecting our energy security and for strengthening our maritime counter-​​terrorism capability, it is important to give further momentum to the “Look West Dimension” initiated by Admiral Mehta and to bring within its regional networking Kuwait and Saudi Arabia too. Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should be given a high priority to help develop this new strategic alliance. Apart from Navy-​​Navy interactions, it is equally important to strengthen the interactions at the non-​​governmental level between maritime security experts of India and those of these three countries.

Niggs, leave the bird alone, it's resting!!!

SUBCON 2010 in Coffs Harbour is a must for all submariners, Coffs brings back many memories for many of us.   Although the response has been good, the number that has registered falls well below expectations and is becoming a concern for the organising committee.  Please register your intentions now, it will enable them to come up with final costs (they are keeping the prices as reasonable as possible and it is not expected to exceed $220 per head for all functions).  Visit the SUBCON page now.

You are reminded that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in Coffs Harbour, NSW, on Sunday the 13th of June 2010.  Chapter 6 of the Constitution requires that;

1. Notices of Motion for inclusion in the agenda of the Annual General Meeting shall be in the hands of the National Secretary not less than nine (9) weeks prior to the due date of that meeting.

2. Nominations for election to the National Executive shall be in the hands of the National Secretary by 1st April.

3. The Agenda, Notices of Motion and Nominations for National Executive will be promulgated eight (8) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

This early notification is remind you that it is important that YOU become a part of this process if you want a say in how the Association is run.  Your Branch should schedule your Branch Meetings for 2010 around these requirements so that you can be involved in the process of submitting and subsequently voting on agenda items and nomination for National Office.

National Secretary

AROUND THE TRAPs

Ray Kemp is joining the ranks of the filthy unemployed.  He reports "I will be retiring from full time work next Thursday the 28th January. After nearly 20 years onsite (5th Feb will be 20 years) at ASC in uniform and as a civvy it is time to move on. We have planned a busy year off to the states on the 30th so Robyn can see Beth Midler’s last show on the 31st, we will be OS for 5 weeks. Will have to pass on SUBCON as we are off to the South of France and in September we will do China. Next year, get the van and become Grey nomads. Therefore all you ex submariners around Australia fill the fridge we are on the way."

Looking for.............. John Austin Matthews. "My name is Tim Matthews and I am trying to locate my father who joined the RAN Submarine Service from the RN in 1980. I think he served on the 'Oxley' and left the navy around 1995 and at some time was living in Queensland (Mungalalah?). Please could you point me in the right direction to try and locate him."  Please contact me if you can help find John, he is not a SAA member.

Looking for........ Johnny Brown of Blackburn (UK) writes "I am searching for two Australian Submariners who Trained in the UK aboard the "A" class Submarine Artful in 1964 and Came to my wedding in April 65 ..... their names have gone but the memory lingers on. Can they remember Buster Brown and coming to Lancashire to a 20 year olds Wedding ?? Aso Trainee officer ...... surname Nagrani ??? Can you help find them, I would love to contact them."  I can only find two that served around that time, Mike Newman and Trevor Wright. Contact Johnny if you can help, cc me please.

Greg Raymond said "My son was going through a box of photos I have and he came across this photo of myself, Shaun and Gay on the Queen Mary in LA. This was in 1985 I think on HMAS Onslow. I managed to convince Shaun that he should take me on his Honeymoon. I even managed to crash on the floor of their hotel room, I don't think Shaun liked it but Gay said he had to let me."

Greg continued "Conversation With Son: Dad, did you go to Vietnam? No! What did you do then? Went under the water and took photos of ships! Why didn't you just use Google photos? See Norm computers are the answer to everything."

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Don't mess with Clinton !!! The Yorke Peninsula Country Times reports "After four-and-a-half years practicing Taekwondo - and three years before that studying karate - Stansbury’s Clinton Roberts was last month graded to 1st degree black belt at Minlaton Taekwondo Centre.  The Centre’s first graded black belt, Clinton Roberts, with the centre’s instructors/examiners, Leslie and Kathy Lund.Yorke Peninsula taekwondo master instructor, Leslie Lund, said it was a great achievement for Roberts and the centre.

“Clinton is the first student to grade up through the ranks to black belt status and he has had to overcome some disabilities, having received massive injuries in a serious vehicle accident,” Mr Lund said. “However, he has persevered through the years to apply himself to the best of his ability to eventually reach black belt status.”

Roberts’ grading was conducted on December 10 to an agenda set by Taekwondo Australia and the World Taekwondo Federation (Kukkiwon Korea) and went for more than two hours, with others taking part in the special event. “In Taekwondo, achieving black belt is the start of the beginning as you have now reached maturity, and your understanding of martial arts has now reached a new level,” Mr. Lund explained. "

Australia Post created a stamp with a picture of the Prime Minister of Australia ….Kevin Rudd. The stamp was not sticking to envelopes. This enraged the Prime Minister, who demanded a Full investigation. After a month of testing and spending of  $1.73 million, a special commission presented the following finding: The stamp is in perfect order, there is nothing wrong with the adhesive, people are spitting on the wrong side of the stamp.

Victorian Member Fred Bottrell reports that he attended the funeral of Ken 'Biff' Mills  at Frankston last month. "As an Ex HMS Ganges trainee I felt obligated to attend the funeral service for well known Submariner and renowned Coxswain Biff Mills.  On the invitation of the Celebrant I was privileged to pay a Tribute to Biff for his long distinguished service to both the RN and RAN. Life Member Pat Heffernan recited the Submariners Prayer. Refreshments were served after the service while Biff's widow Helen was comforted by all present."

Anatol Dangel  made an interesting observation "Just a point of interest on the book Vung Tau ferry and Escort Ships they seem to have left one Ship out in the book, the ship I was on before I joined boats, HMAS Supply. Supply refueled most of the ships that were escorting Sydney but some how she never gets a mention.  I wonder if anyone can help me out and tell me why she never gets a mention?"

The Submariners Association of Canada West current on-line Scuttlebutt is now uploaded and available for your perusal ... browse to www.saocwest.com and click on 'Scuttlebutt'.  Yours Aye andand all the best for 2010, Bob Emery (for SAOC West).

Garry Bax, on hearing of Tony Vine's move back to the mainland said "To think I was one of only two submariners in the valley, Tony joining the area is going to make it a bit hard telling the old warries. Macksville is only 10 minutes south of here."

Shaun 'Buster' Keating writes "Just to let you know Shirley Sullivan, the widow of former RN SM Coxn Gerry O'Sullivan, died of bowel cancer at 4.20pm Friday 15th.  Gerry and I were both TI's before his promotion and we served at RN SETT, around the same time (I was there 1978-81); I served with Gerry's brother Jack (the dripper), who was also a Coxn, on Oberon'ski (sneaky boat 1975-78); I left the RN and came to Oz in late 1984 and Gerry was in the SM Escape Coxn's billet at Platypus, on an exchange posting (we watched the start of our first Sydney to Hobart race, from the balcony of Gerry and Shirley's apartment overlooking Chowder Bay).

Gerry and Shirley returned to RN-land after their posting and Gerry paid off from the RN; he did a course as a dental technician, but was struck with a brain tumor; during a period of remission after treatment, they went on holiday to Africa; tragically while there, Gerry took a turn for the worst and they left for the airport, in an attempt to return home; sadly Gerry went into a coma at the airport and died!!  Shirley was forced to return home on her own and his body was later repatriated by the Embassy.

We had kept in touch with Shirley over the years, she and new partner Dave, ran a hotel at Ilfracombe, in North Devon and Charlotte and I visited them there (our son and his family lived at Minehead, in Somerset, just up the road); Shirley and Dave later stayed with us at Rockingham, on a visit to Oz.  They later sold the hotel and ran a B & B, on the edge of Exmoor; we had a Christmas card from them both last year, both there was no mention that Shirley was even ill; RIP.

ERIC’S TALES OF THE SEA
This Award Winning Comedy was the surprise hit of the Edinburgh Festival in 2009 and now, for the first time, Eric offers Australian audiences a glimpse into the life of men who live beneath the waves.

“Truly Excellent” Fringereview.co.uk “Thrilling – A One in a Million Show” Three Weeks (UK) “Deftly Emotional – a Wonderful Show” London Times “Breathtaking – Thoroughly Recommended” The List (UK) www.ericdotcom.co.uk

A gifted raconteur, Eric has a story to tell, and he tells it superbly; in fact he doesn’t just tell us, he shows us too; with the aid of some astonishing visuals we get an insider's view of the mysterious world beneath the waves in a Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine. Audiences will be transported to an underwater existence where edgy camaraderie, black humour, death and destruction are the closest of bedfellows.

Unique, riveting, funny and poignant, to call it only a comedy show simply doesn’t do it justice, as Eric takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of laughter and emotion, that at times leaves us mesmerised and scared to breathe in case we miss something.  This is a classic buddy story, and nowhere are greater affinities formed between men, than in the harsh, unforgiving environment of a submarine on patrol in wartime conditions.                                                          

Venue: Ambassador Hotel, 107 King William St. Adelaide.     Dates: 18 Feb – 14 Mar (except 22, 26, 1 and 8) times vary
Venue: Neverwhere 185 Smith Street, Fitzroy, Victoria.          Dates: 24th March – 4th April (except 29th), Previews 24th March

For dates and times follow this link.

The Pope and Kevin Rudd are on the same stage in front of a huge crowd at the AFL Grand Final. The Pope leaned towards Mr. Rudd and said, "Do you know that with one little movement of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, like those believers in a football match, but go deep into their hearts and they'll forever speak of this day and rejoice!"

Rudd replied, "I seriously doubt that. With one little wave of your hand? Show me"

So the Pope backhanded the Dickhead

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I found a philatelic/thematic web site - SOS (Submarines On Stamps) that I think you may find interesting and educative.  The site is dedicated to commemorate the webmaster's father, Lt.Cdr. Yaacov Raanan, commanding officer of the Israeli Navy Submarine INS Dakar and his crew - lost in the eastern part of the Mediterranean January 25th, 1968. 

The webmaster's name is Gidi, which is short for Gideon-a Biblical hero, he was born in Israel in 1958 and is a retired officer, Commander, from the Israeli Navy, he served for 22 years as a mechanical (naval) engineer  and spent most of those years in different duties relating to the Department of Ship Design and Engineering, within that department he was mainly involved with submarines and other underwater technologies.

I noted that Australia has had plenty of first day covers that featured submarines but has not had any stamps with submarines on them.  Time to change that and I will be putting in an application to AustPost for it to be considered.

I was serving on HMS Onyx at the time she was in Faslane prior to her departure, we were tied up alongside her and entertained the crew before she sailed. 

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HEALTH MATTERs

DVA to Continue as separate agency
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today reassured the veteran and ex-service community that the Government has no plans to merge the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with other agencies.  “Consistent with our election platform, the Government remains committed to maintaining a separate and properly funded Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Mr Griffin said.

“The Government understands that the needs of veterans and the ex-service community are unique. We recognise that delivering an appropriate level of service for this group requires a Department with a discrete budget and awareness of the special circumstances that exist within this community.

“Veterans should not be concerned by a recent announcement relating to the merger of agencies within the Human Services portfolio – my Department is not affected.  “The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to work closely with both Centrelink and Medicare.”

DEFENCE NEWS

ASC’s shipyard ready for AWD Construction
Construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) is expected to ramp up as ASCs $120 million shipyard was officially opened today at Osborne, South Australia. More than 700 people attended the opening, including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP and the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Mike Rann MP.

The new shipyard will become ASC's construction and consolidation site for the $8 billion Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program. The shipyard represents a significant investment in Australia's naval future and incorporates the latest production design features currently utilised in international naval build programs, Chairman Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie AO RANR said.

The state-of-the-art facility includes dedicated AWD production facilities, new office accommodation for 400 employees, a wharf support building with office space and workshops, and a significant upgrade to existing facilities.  It is ASC's biggest infrastructure program since the 1987 establishment of the Collins Class submarine facility at Osborne, South Australia.

ASCs 14-hectare shipyard is located at Osborne, South Australia, adjacent to ASC's submarine maintenance facilities and the South Australian Governments Common User Facility (CUF), and is part of Techport Australia. Three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) will be built at the shipyard.

WARNING - please read carefully
Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties and local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman. Many females use a date rape drug on the market called 'Beer' to target unsuspecting men.

The drug is generally found in liquid form and is now available almost anywhere. It comes in bottles, cans, from taps, and in large kegs. Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and have sex with them. Typically, a woman needs only to persuade a guy to consume a few units of Beer and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex.

Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several beers, men will often succumb to desires to perform sexual acts on horrific looking women to whom they would never normally be attracted. After drinking Beer men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before, often with just a vague feeling that "something bad" occurred.

At other times these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life savings, in a familiar scam known as "A Relationship". It has been reported that in extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer-term form of servitude and punishment referred to as 'Marriage'.

Apparently, men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females.

Please forward this warning to every male you know. If you fall victim to this insidious Beer and the predatory women administering it, there are male support groups with venues in every town where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter in an open and frank manner with similarly affected, like-minded blokes. For a support group nearest you, just look in the yellow pages under ‘Hotels’ or ‘Clubs'.

You have now been warned.

Niggs, leave the bloody chook alone, she can walk on her own two feet!!!

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Sunday, 17^th January 2010

This week I started my daily treks to Nambour for treatment, one week down, six to go for this round.  As usual with medical centres, the treatment is short (only about 10 minutes each visit) but the wait can be up to an hour.  It makes it a long day.

One side effect of the treatment is that I have to avoid the sun, a good excuse to become a couch potato when I get home, and I am catching up on many sleepless nights with my 'nana' naps.  Another is the purchase of new shirts, I need to wear long sleeved ones and I discovered that I ditched all of them last year while cleaning out my wardrobe.

Again I have been shown a lot of understanding and support from visitors to The Log, my friends.  I have been urging you all to become aware of the symptoms and danger of Depression as I know from the many personal discussions that I have had that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in the submarine community.  I have had calls from friends that were contemplating suicide and I would like to believe that my intervention saved us from tragedy and assisted a friend to get help.

One letter I received this week showed that, even while having troubles of their own our mates are willing to give a helping hand. "I just read your latest "Log" and was glad to hear that you are feeling a little bit better. I call the "Black Dog" the "Black Fog" - cause that's what it feels like to me - wandering around in a swirling "mess" of thoughts and emotions - even though I'm under treatment - the slightest "thought, smell, word said by someone that brings back the bad memories" - anything can trigger it off, I try to work my way through it - but it helps if I have someone to talk to that will listen, and understand - I'm just trying to say that if you need such a person I'm not far away (anytime - day or night) doesn't matter!!!!! Just give us a call for a chat."

The rebuilding of my computer proceeds at a slow pace, in the process of building new 'mailing lists' for Outlook and it is taking a lot of time and concentration.  I have plenty of time but the ability to concentrate is in short supply.  I have also trialed some "free" software applications but have decided to invest in the real thing, expensive but worth it I think.

I am still a little disappointed with the number of ex submariners that have managed to make a donation to the SAA Welfare Fund, but those that have have been very generous.  Would like to see some of you that have been successful and are rolling in it (and I know many of you have been) loosen your purse strings a little. 

Niggs has discovered the bitch from up the road, she lured him away twice today so I have had to secure the property to keep him in.......time for a snip methinks!

Well, I had better get on with the Log, hope that you all have a good week.

A QUOTE THAT MAY BECOME FAMOUS

"I take exception to people saying that Rudd, Gillard, Swan and Tanner are spending like drunken sailors. When I was a drunken sailor, I quit spending when I ran out of money."

ASSOCIATION News

This week Tim Everard handed over as the Treasurer of the SAA Welfare Fund to Dave Bryant. He came up from the Scout Jamboree at Appin to meet with Tim for the handover. This occurred at the 18footers at Kirribilli. Tim said "I am sure all ex members of the SM Service and Plats will remember it! Tim Duchesne joined us and we celebrated over lunch on the balcony and exchanged memories and nostalgia. Dave is now the third Treasurer since the Welfare Fund was founded, following me and the late Gordon Selby."

Tim continued "While I am now no longer involved, officially, I think we as submariners need to think of ways to raise money for the SAA WF. We talked about it yesterday and I raised the possibility of a grand Prize Draw with a trip for 2 to say UK as the master prize. However as a retiree I have no corporate access (as I had when I raised the $65K for the 25th anniversary W/E P.U). Do you know any serving member or one working for one of the main contractors who might help?"

Tim also asked that Huw Gethin-Jones be acknowledge for his efforts as auditor since the Fund's inception.

Tim has been a tireless worker and supporter of the Association and has served in several portfolios and his balanced views and expertise will be missed.  BZ Tim.

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Donation to the Welfare Fund continue to mount - very slowly and the absence of business donations is noted.  Donations - large or small - will be acknowledged and can made by cheque or EFT;

1st April to to Christmas
SAA WA (ex SUBCON), J Hughes, B Cleary, A Braid, S.Reid, H Gethin-Jones and TR Duchesne, P Hurford, P Morgan, J Brown, JB Hutchinson, A Barttlett-Bragg, A. Neilson, Leo Roberts, F Bottrell, Forbes Peters, K Piechowski and Andy Millar plus anonymous donations.

January
K Marengo, N Williams, K Horn, K Lowrie, I Harvey, R Peters, P Donovan and I Taber.  Donations still being accepted by:

David Bryant 26 Sunnyview Crescent RIDGEHAVEN SA 5097

Commonwealth Bank, BSB: 062208. Account:   10001771 - SAA Trust Fund

If paying by EFT please include your name on the deposit and send an email with your details so a receipt can be sent out.

AROUND THE TRAPs

Tony Vine is finally calling it quits and sent the following. "Today I handed over command of NHQ-TAS and have proceed on final leave and discharge and on 01 Feb, after 39 years in harness, I will become a free man.

Commander Tony Vine, RAN entered the RAN in January 1971 as an Engine Room Artificer Apprentice. He served on HMA Ships Supply and Melbourne before undertaking submarine training in the United Kingdom in 1977. A commissioning crew member of the Oberon class submarine HMAS Otama in 1978, he subsequently served on submarines Otway and Orion before returning to the UK in 1984 as a CPO to serve on the staff of Flag Officer - Submarines. He was promoted to WO in 1986 and commissioned as a marine engineering specialist officer in September 1988. In 1991 CMDR Vine completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Maritime) (Honours) at the Australian Maritime College, Launceston Tasmania. After further sea postings on submarines HMAS Otway, Ovens and Orion he then served on exchange with the Canadian Forces at Halifax, Nova Scotia between 1995 and 1997. He was the Engineering officer of the Amphibious Transport HMAS Manoora between 1999 and 2001, and was promoted to CMDR in January 2001. Between 2001 and 2008 he served in a series of staff positions, most notably as the Fleet Marine Engineer Officer on the staff of the Fleet Commander - Australia from 2003 to 2006. He assumed command of Navy Headquarters Tasmania on 6th February, 2008.

I suppose in a way it is the closing of a chapter as I believe I am the only remaining member of the PNF to have commissioned a Oberon. I know that there a few reservists who just can't let go (TJ Rowell, Carew et al) but I'm pretty certain that until 01 Feb, I am the sole PNF survivor of the six Commissioning crews.

On Wednesday next Cathie and I will be on the ferry north to take up residence on three acres just south of Macksville in NSW. If we are not gallivanting around the world I suspect I might pop up at this years SUBCON at Coffs.

It is many a long year since you and Tom Johnson took Cathie out prawning at Foster and showed her how you could quieten down a Blue swimmer by popping it in the freezer for a couple of minutes before cooking it. Shame that the beer drinking clouded the issue and the next morning the poor old BS was found frozen to death in the Freezer at the pusser's Holiday home."  

Tony, we all wish Cathie and you all the best for the future, you may even have a Chief Stoker or two drop in to see if your drinking skills have improved!

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Watch out Adelaide and Melbourne, I hear that an ex RN submariner of 17 years will be putting on a one man show about submarines.  The dates are: Adelaide Fringe Festival 18 Feb – 14 Mar (inc) and Melbourne International Comedy Festival 24 Mar – 4 Apr (inc). When I get more details I will let you know.

Peter (Steamy) and Janice Watt will be overseas from early March until late May, the travel bug has got them again and are just one of the many couples planning to take a trip this year.

Les Thurgood has brought me up to date with his movements, he gets around.... "Thought I would let you know that I am currently in Beechworth for Opera in the Alps again - nothing unusual in that as I have been doing the gig since 1997. This year we are backing Marina Prior again, as well as David Hobson. Should be a good one and we have an excellent lot of youngsters in the choir - great back up for us oldies.. We are singing a few pieces out of My Fair Lady, as well as the occasional piece from regular opera. Must be about 4th or 5th time we have had Marina here.

David Hobson was one of the soloists in my regular choir's annual Messiah last month. And we had Roy Best at the 2nd of our Carols in the Cathedral concert just before Xmas. I have been singing with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic since Feb 1978 after I left the navy. The carols concerts are now regular gigs at St Paul's in Melbourne 3/4 days before Xmas. One of our younger ex members is now singing with the Aussie Ten Tenors. And he also also sang with Opera in the Alps for a few years.

Been busy since early November with various singing gigs. Helped out with the Heidelberg Choir on their 5 day trip to western Vic and SA. Great little trip to Ballarat, Colac, Warnambool, Mt Gambier and Naracoorte (where we sang in Blanche Cave). Earlier this month - 2 to 8 Jan - was up in Armidale NSW to do a workshop and concert of Dido and Aeneas by Purcell. Hard work but end result was worth it.

Did the trip to Holbrook with SAA Vic last year which was very enjoyable. And got to an HMAS Moresby reunion as well in Canberra.. Back in Feb did the HMAS Duchess reunion in Hobart. Think I told you about the European trip to Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark and Scotland."  Les's voice has taken him a long way, I was just told to take mine a long way away......

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Two QANTAS stewards were in the bathroom using the urinals.  One of them looks at the other one's penis and notices there's a Nicobate patch on it.  He looks at the other steward and says, 'I believe you're supposed to put that patch on your arm or shoulder, not your penis.'  The other one replies, 'It's working just fine. I'm down to two butts a day.'

A long nostalgic post from an old sailor about the US Navy, worth a read. And I thought I was an angry old man!

The Victorian Branch of the HMAS Sydney and Vietnam Logistical Support Veterans Association are celebrating their 25th Anniversary with a National Reunion in Melbourne of all former Vietnam Logistical Support Sailors over the Anzac Day Long Weekend, 23rd to 26th April 2010. For further details please contact: David (Speed) Dwyer by email or phone 0397208183

In deference to The Archbishop of Canterbury and The Royal Commission for Political Correctness, it was announced today that the local climate in the UK should no longer be referred to as ....''English Weather..' Rather than offend a sizable portion of the population, it will now be referred to as 'Muslim Weather.'  In other words - 'partly Sunni, but mostly Shi'ite

This is a link to a UK website, Solent Waters. They have put together an amazing video of different vessels coping with extreme weather conditions. This is very interesting viewing. Enjoy, and don't forget the sea-sickness medication.

Ian Hill is currently enjoying the Umbria/Tuscany countryside with his good lady and reported "Enjoying the LSL with the 'good Doctor' here in Italy. While the rest of Europe and the USA are under a big freeze we seem to have escaped the blast (so far). Only one day where we were snowed out - had to abandon the car and walk the remaining 3/4 km to the villa. The next day and after some overnight rain the road cleared and I was able to rescue the car. Bought some chains and firmly ensconced in the back of the car."

Ian added "I only have intermittent internet access but managed to pick up The Log. Reading "pig pen's" send off brought back fond memories of HMAS Onslow and his camaraderie."

Antony Lee of Gosport, Hants writes "Upon trawling the web I came across an old Up Periscope dated sometime in 2008. In this edition was a photo taken on the Starboard quarter of the Telemachus entering harbour and approaching Penguin. It would be much appreciated if you could forward a copy from which I can produce a cope for my album. If you are interested I have 3 copies of the old Telly in dry dock on Cockatoo Island 1958 and one of Winifred Attwell in the control room. Your help in this matter would be much appreciated."  A copy has been sent to Tanzy and when I get his I will post online.  I bet not many of you know who Winifred Attwell was?

The Naval Association of Australia has completed a project to have Orion’s fin placed permanently at the Naval Memorial Park in Rockingham. The NAA is now planning for the formal dedication of the fin on Thursday 15th April 2010. Mal Hughes, the Project Leader, has said that it is intended that the dedication ceremony will recognise the service of the O Boats and the men who served in them. It will also be an opportunity to thank all the people and organisations (including the RAN) that gave so willingly of their time and resources.

It is understood that CAPT SM (Brett Sampson) has pledged his full support as has CDRE Steve Davies….and also CAPT Brett Dowsing as CO Stirling. I will advise details as they become known.

Replacement Submarines - Comments

I would imagine that you read the article in 'The Australian' a few weeks ago, talking of our new boats. It was a good read and pulled no punches. The theme as I remember was 'what we wanted as compared to what we needed'.

As we in the industry know, it's not the initial cost of the equipment, it's the ILS and ongoing maintenance that costs the big bucks. As we also know, there is effective ILS, and there is also other people's interpretations of ILS.
Your idea of a squadron of yank boats is certainly worth considering - especially of a class which has been time-proven and has also been modded to fix the bugs.

Australia over the years has built some good equipment, unfortunately from what I have been led to believe, its politicians who decide what we are to get - not those who have done the front line work, and know what we really need. The results have been equipment in some cases that wasn't quite right for the job. Remember the steam-powered K-boats? English I know, but a prime example.

The next problem - who will crew them? People have changed - and don't stand for what we took back in the 70s.
Perhaps because of new social standards, perhaps inconsistent discipline, females at sea. Perhaps a collage of all these. Add these to today's family pressures, and all has to be greatly accentuated.

I remember back in the O-boat days (as a CPOMTP3) some crew got quite fed up with the constant weekly running, coupled with weekend duty watch. Not much time to see the family. I actually suggested to my captain (the legendary Ian Mac) at a meeting in the S/Rs mess onboard, following a short-crew-sail after a WT mast replacement, that perhaps we run a 4 day-at-sea week, with Fridays for maintenance. I was the wrecker and horse on the Onslow (at different times of course) and also suffered reduced family time. I loved boats though, but at the end of my 12, decided to broaden my horizons. I have worked off and on for defence since my DEE.

In short, I believe the hardware will be decided by the wrong people, and modern ILS needs to be practiced in any case, BUT crewing the new boats will be the greatest hurdle.  I look forward to reading the newspapers in a decade or so (unless the 'big captain' needs me) to find out what is to protect our country.

James Moon
Technical Writer / ILS Practitioner
(Sub-contractor to defence PSPs, Melbourne, Victoria)

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HEALTH MATTERS

Health and Honey
The health benefits of Honey are well known, I swear by a product called 'Medihoney' and have used it for years on wounds, clears them up in no time and leaves no scars. 

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing". When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

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

For help go to beyondblue, a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance issues so that you may help others, or maybe even yourself.  Depression is the silent killer and it is taking far too many lives.

“There is nothing wrong with asking for help.”

DEFENCE NEWS

Medic becomes first woman in Royal Navy to be awarded the Military Cross
She stands precisely 5ft tall in her everyday shoes and her smile is disarmingly sweet.  Kate Nesbitt doesn't immediately fit the image of fearless military hero, not off the battlefield at least.  But there are probably few people a critically injured soldier would rather meet in the chaos of a desert gunfight than this 21-yearold blonde in full flight.

The sight of her sprinting through an Afghan war zone under heavy machine gun fire is almost certainly one that Lance Corporal John List will remember for the rest of a life he now owes to her astonishing display of courage.

Kate, a medical assistant serving as an Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, raced 70 yards to the stricken soldier's side as he nearly choked to death from a gunshot wound to the mouth. She cut open a temporary airway and treated him for 45 minutes as rockets whizzed overhead and bullets thudded into the ground nearby.

Yesterday her 'inspirational' bravery was rewarded at Buckingham Palace when she became the Navy's first woman to be invested with the Military Cross.

Then, with a few modest words, she underlined the remarkable spirit of loyalty that bonds Britain's servicemen and women on the front line. 'I promised my friends and comrades I'd be their medic,' she said. 'I promised I'd be there if they ever needed me. They needed me that day - so when the call came, that's just what I did.'

Kate, from Whitleigh, Plymouth, stepped into the history books as only the second woman to be awarded the MC, one of Britain's highest gallantry awards, as well as becoming the only female MC Wren. Presenting her award, the Prince of Wales bowed to what he called her 'extraordinary' heroism.

Her citation read: 'Under fire and under pressure her commitment and courage were inspirational and made the difference between life and death.'

Israel in talks to buy 6th submarine from Germany
Israel has broached the idea of buying a sixth submarine from Germany as part of a military buildup designed to signal strength in the face of Iranian nuclear ambitions, officials said on Thursday.  Israel has three of the Dolphin-class diesel submarines, with two more on order from Kiel shipyard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and due by 2012. The vessels are widely believed to have been deployed with nuclear cruise missiles.

A Very Rude Awakening The night the Japanese midget subs came to Sydney Harbour Peter Grose - Paperback A ground-breaking new look at one of the most extraordinary stories of Australia at war. On the night of 31 May 1942, Sydney was doing what it does best: partying. The theatres, restaurants, dance halls, illegal gambling dens, clubs and brothels offered plenty of choice to roistering sailors, soldiers and airmen on leave in Australia's most glamorous city. The war seemed far away. Newspapers devoted more pages to horse racing than to Hitler. That Sunday night the party came to a shattering halt when three Japanese midget submarines crept into the harbour, past eight electronic indicator loops, past six patrolling Royal Australian Navy ships, and past an anti-submarine net stretched across the inner harbour entrance. Their arrival triggered a night of mayhem, courage, chaos and high farce which left 27 sailors dead and a city bewildered. The war, it seemed, was no longer confined to distant desert and jungle. It was right here at Australia's front door. Written at the pace of a thriller and based on new first person accounts and previously unpublished official documents, A Very Rude Awakening is a ground-breaking and myth-busting look at one of the most extraordinary stories ever told of Australia at war. Available now from the Slops Van

Dolphins cost some $700 million but those in Israel's fleet came at a deep discount from Germany, which is devoted to the security of a Jewish state founded in the wake of the Holocaust. "We are in a dialogue about a sixth submarine, but no decision has been made yet. There are tough budgetary issues to deal with," a senior Barak aide told Reuters.

The German Economy Ministry would not say whether a Dolphin sale would be under discussion during Monday's discussions, and added that the question of state aid was not for it to decide. A second Israeli source with knowledge of the talks said that Netanyahu, who has described the prospect of an Iranian bomb as a mortal danger, wanted to expand the submarine fleet.

The Israelis have hinted at pre-emptive strikes against Iran if diplomacy fails to curb its nuclear project, but many analysts believe the limitations of force would compel the Netanyahu government to adopt a more deterrent posture. "Five submarines are sufficient, but of course we could use more. Our ideal number would be nine -- enough to ensure we have the necessary assets at sea to cover all relevant threats and targets," the Israeli source said.

Israel does not discuss its own nuclear capabilities. There is further speculation over whether Israeli cruise missiles would be able to reach Iranian facilities from the Mediterranean sea, where the Dolphins routinely patrol from their Haifa dock. "I remain unconvinced -- unless the Israelis have managed to replicate Tomahawk, which would be an extraordinary achievement," said Stephen Saunders, editor of Jane's Fighting Ships, referring to a U.S.-made, long-range and nuclear-capable cruise missile that Washington has refused to supply to Israel.

A bigger Dolphin fleet could allow Israel the option of basing some in its Red Sea port of Eilat, providing a short-cut to the Gulf. An Israeli submarine crossed the Suez Canal for an exercise off Eilat last July, the first such deployment.

Iran denies seeking the bomb but its leaders' Holocaust denials and vituperation against Israel have stirred war fears. While condemning the rhetoric from Tehran, Germany maintains some $5.7 billion in annual exports to Iran -- to many Israelis' chagrin.

German opposition parties, including the Social Democrats (SPD), have voiced misgivings about weapons exports to crisis areas, but the last two Dolphin sales were approved while the SPD was part of a previous coalition government.

There is also domestic support for keeping production going at HDW, a branch of parent company ThyssenKrupp, given the lack of foreign clients for new diesel-powered submarines.

Niggs, keep away from that black bitch, she is only after your bones!!!

 

Sunday, 10^th January 2010

This week I have felt the best I have for a long time and I am feeling relaxed and happy again, I am determined not to let the black dog get me! No, not Niggs, the other one!

I found my wheel spanner while cleaning up this week, almost threw it out, I didn't recognise it because of the rust.  All cleaned up and ready to be put to good use again..........

I have spent all week loading my applications onto my new computer and hasn't that been fun.  Many of the applications are not compatible with Vista and I am up for a fortune for new software. Those that are running are having some compatibility problems and it is driving me mad.

The biggest headache was importing Outlook, I gave up on importing the messages and managed to get the address book across after much difficulty.  Now I have to make new 'mailing groups', a big task when you have 1300 entries.

I moved the Log across last night and have spent all day 'fixing' it, I fix one problem and that creates another.  Time to replace FrontPage too I think.  Today's entry will be short as a result of the problems that I have encountered.

ASSOCIATION News

The Association has been informed by WA Member Peter (President, Submarine Institute of Australia Inc.) that the President of the United States Naval Submarine League, Vice Admiral J.Guy Reynolds is very seriously ill with lung cancer. Peter reported "Admiral Mies advises that J. Guy has returned from hospital to his home in Mount Vernon and he is with his wife and family.

J. Guy has been a vigorous supporter of the Australian Submarine Force and the Submarine Institute. He has attended all of our conferences, and he has always been ready to provide support and advice. I am sure that all of our thoughts and prayers are with J. Guy and his family at this time."

Donation to the Welfare Fund continue to mount - slowly.  Donations - large or small - will be acknowledged and can made by cheque or EFT;

1st April to 19th October
SAA WA (ex SUBCON), J. Hughes, B. Cleary, A Braid, S.Reid, H Gethin Jones and TR Duchesne.

15 Dec to Xmas
P. Hurford, P Morgan, J Brown, JB Hutchinson, A Barttlett-Bragg, A. Neilson, Leo Roberts, F. Bottrell, Forbes Peters, K. Piechowski and Andy Millar plus anonymous donations.

January
K Marengo, N Williams, K Horn and K Lowrie.

The highest bidder for the Oxley stamped envelope was Ian Harvey - $25 which will be donated to the welfare Fund.  Donations still being accepted by:

LCDR Tim Everard RAN (Rtd) 2/2A Cambridge Street CAMMERAY NSW 2062

Commonwealth Bank, BSB: 062208. Account:   10001771 - SAA Trust Fund

If paying by EFT please include your name on the deposit and send an email with your details so a receipt can be sent out.

Nominations for National Executive
It is the time of year that Branches start having General Meetings again and although the requirement to submit nominations for the National Executive is still a couple of months away, it is time to start thinking about it and sounding out potential candidates. 

Unfortunately my health concerns mean that I will not be standing again for Secretary.  I made the decision reluctantly as I believe that, under different circumstance, I could have made a difference.  Time to give someone else a chance to make a difference.

I urge all Branches to consider nominating for all positions. The Association deserves good leadership and can only move ahead if it gets it.

I will continue to maintain the web sites if that is the wish of the Membership.

Norm Williams
National Secretary
Submarines Association Australia

Around the Traps

Shaun 'Buster' Keating reports "On the morning of Wednesday, 6th January, I attended a very moving spreading of ashes ceremony for the late POMTPSM Peter (Pigpen) Passmore, from a boat in Cockburn Sound, near the entrance to FBW. Also in attendance were Ruth (wife) and Fiona (daughter), with Peter's brother Andy and his wife Caron, along with Peter's sister Jan and her husband Bernie (both Andy and Bernie were ex-RAN). Also onboard were Peter (Arab) Clark and RAN Chaplain Greue RANR; more SAA-WA members would have attended but for a restriction of numbers onboard the boat."

"All the family members participated in a Eulogy of Peter's life, followed by the actual spreading of Ashes into the waters of Cockburn Sound around 1100; we were back alongside the jetty near the CYC at Rockingham at 1130, where we were joined by Sid Czabator and Perry Holland. The family and friends then went to a park on Rockinham seafront for an enjoyable picnic."

Mike Shepherd writes "I have been following with interest the decision to build 12 new Submarines to replace the Collins Class. They have said that the new ones will be considerable larger and be conventional. My opinion in a nut shell is that it will be a complete waste of taxpayers money. We have already gone through that saga with the Collins and having to install a USA Fire Control System because ours didn't work, having a depth restriction placed on them and only able to provide 2 crews. As we all know the primary work in peace time for our submarines is to provide surveillance of countries in the Middle East and SE Asia, a task which has proven to be very difficult with the Collins. To overcome all of our problems why don't we just approach our USA cousins and purchase say 3 improved Virginia Class SSNs. I'm sure that by 2020 Australia will be into producing clean energy as in Nuclear Power and we have an abundance of Uranium deposits. There are people in our Association with a lot more brains than me and it would be interesting to find out their thoughts on this important matter."  If you have any thoughts on the matter, please let me know. Our brother organisation, the Submarine Institute of Australia is playing an active role in the replacement process. 

Paul 'Taff' Davies (Training Authority - Submarines), shown here enjoying life, is out of contact at Cape Le Grand camp, but was in Esperance to top up with supplies and sent an email to say that he and Jan are well and living the dream. They are possibly off to Kalgoorlie next week.  Flash looking van Taff!

Now UK resident, Dave Luck, writes "Don't listen to any stories about global warming. 20 cms of snow one night and -18 degrees the next and -21 in Scotland. Nice and warm in the pub though. More snow forecast for tomorrow."  That will teach him to desert us!

Dave 'Goldie' Horne's back surgery went ahead in Brisbane last week and from all reports it went well. He is reported to have had a good night, took a few steps with some help and a walking frame. He is in good spirits and appreciated the visits, emails and phone calls.  Dave's back problems have seen him in hospital more times than he would like to remember and we all hope that this time there will be more positive outcomes for the future.

This link takes you to a site that shows an abandoned Soviet underground submarine base in Ukraine. Parts of it have been made into a museum. Interesting, James Bond was telling the truth after all!!!

Brett Hinton said "We picked some people up yesterday from Brisbane Airport. It looked like a third world country airport - rubbish and crap everywhere with a general feel of dinginess. We went upstairs to get a cuppa whilst we waited and I got picked up by the metal detector; was made to take my steel cap boots off (Redbacks mind you, not some council crap); re-go through the machine and then was tested for bomb traces. I think this was because I asked the bloke did he find any bombs in my boots - no sense of humour, at all."  That will teach you to mouth off!!!

Dylan Constantine, the producer for the national Radio Programme on ABC called the Nightlife was keen to have a bit of a chat about submarines, what life on board is like, what it takes to work in those conditions, and the past and future of Australia’s submarine service.  I needed someone that could talk crap but sound intelligent, I managed to pass him off to Ken Williams who went to air talking to presenter, Leon Compton on Friday night.  Hope to be able to put it online next week.

The Indian Navy is recruiting submarine officers off the street.  Maybe worth our recruiters having a look at? One of the criteria is that candidates must be single and if found to be married will be discharged. Interesting link!

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HEALTH Matters

I received this email and agree with the author's sentiments regarding the importance of mates and associations in recognising the symptoms of PTSD and helping their mates to address the problem.

The following statement I found quite startling. It is part of an article from the SAS Regimental Journal addressing PTSD.

“Some stark facts: in the Falklands conflict Britain lost 255 in combat, 264 Falklands veterans have since taken their own lives. In the Gulf War Britain lost 24 KIA and since then 169 have taken their own lives. At present a disproportionately high number of military veterans, some 9% of the prison population, are locked up. There are more ex-soldiers in prison, on parole or serving community sentences than Britain has serving in Afghanistan”.

It highlights the need for associations and mates to be conscious of how its members are and their state of mind in order to access timely help. Bearing in mind that many veterans suffering mental and psychological problems don’t recognise it in themselves, or live in denial and shun any assistance.

This disorder has as much to do with veterans of long service not settling into their new way of “life after service” as it does with the experiences of anyone who has been mentally or physically affected by combat.

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DEFENCE NEWs

Future submarine: no time to waste

A Blog by Allan Barratt, Australian Observer - Friday, January 8, 2010

The Government has some very important decisions to make regarding the submarines that are to replace the Collins Class submarines currently in service, and it is starting to bump up against some stringent timelines.

The current stated objective is to begin introducing the new submarines into service in 2025, a mere 15 years away. This means that we will need to see contractor sea trials commence in about 2022.

The experience with the Collins Class submarine was that the time from concept development to the delivery of the first of class was 13 years. The time from the cutting of the first steel to delivery of the first of class was six years.  These are respectable timelines. For its latest Virginia Class attack submarines the United States took 15 years from concept development to delivery of the first of class, and six years from the cutting of the first steel.

This means that if we wish to allow ourselves, for the development of a much larger and more capable boat, at least as long as we had for Collins, we will need to be at work on concept development by 2012, and start cutting steel by 2016. These are the latest acceptable dates – even if we meet them, we will be depending upon just about everything going according to plan if we want to avoid the situation we faced in 1998, when acceptance of the Collins Class into naval service was delayed and the Oberon Class submarines were reaching the end of their permissible dive life.

Much has to happen before 2012. We have to settle our acquisition strategy, and then select the team that is to design, build and maintain our next generation submarine.

This means that some threshold decisions need to be made, and fast. Much time has been wasted in the futile pursuit of an off-the-shelf option and strange ideas like running a design competition between European designers who do not build boats anything like the ones we need, and who would not be permitted to build boats incorporating United States technology that we know we will need.

My suggestions for some decisions that the Government should take now in order to cut to the chase:

(1) Recognise that there is no European military off-the-shelf (MOTS) option that goes anywhere near complying with the requirements specified in the Defence White Paper.

Apart from the fact that there is nothing close to what we need, the laws of physics as they relate to submarine design mean that “near enough” is not good enough. Once it is necessary to adapt a submarine design the requirements for the shape of the pressure hull and the distribution of payload dictate that the “modification” task is essentially a new design.

(2) Accordingly, recognise from the outset that this is going to be a developmental project.

(3) Abandon the notion of a design competition.

A design competition between two European designers makes no sense. Why would we want to select a design house on the basis of a choice between two conceptual submarines, neither of which will meet our needs? And why would any European design house commit serious resources to developing the best design when it must know that it is simply a stalking horse for what will ultimately be an Australian project?

We have in this country the resources to design a submarine, but these are scarce resources and we cannot afford to divide them between two competing groups. Nor do we have the resources in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to provide scientific and technical support to two competing groups.

Design represents less than 5% of total cost, so this is the wrong phase at which to compete the project. Spreading our scarce resources between two teams that are not permitted to communicate with each other runs the risk that we will end up with a choice between two inferior designs. There is plenty of room to compete aspects of the project between subcontractors and equipment suppliers.

(4) Agree that the future submarine can only be designed and built in an Australian environment.

This will give us optimum access to European and United States technology, which only we will be permitted by either to integrate.

The Collins Class is the appropriate starting point for the future submarine, and ASC Pty Ltd has been the design authority since 2001. ASC must be selected to design and build the future submarine.

An Australian design and build means that we must bear all of the schedule, cost and performance risk, and will become the parent navy. We must recognise this from the outset, and plan and budget accordingly.

(5) Benefit from US experience by emulating the Integrated Product Process Development (IPPD) model that was used to build the Virginia Class.

This means including designer, builder, major equipment and sub-systems suppliers, combat system integrator, through-life support agencies and key Defence stakeholders into the process from the outset.

The virtue of this system is that it avoids stop-start decision making, and enables resolution of issues where ease of building conflicts with ease of maintenance.

(6) Select from the outset the combat system pedigree and integrator.

Integration of the combat system was one of the most problematic aspects of the Collins project. The lowest risk approach for the future submarine will almost inevitably be to derive a system from a proven US Navy system.

The wheel-spinning that has taken place over the last twelve to eighteen months means that the project is already hard up against its timelines.

It is now time to develop an appropriate sense of urgency, make the necessary threshold decisions, ensure that adequate funding for commencement of the program is in the budget for 2010-11, and get on with it.

Posted by Paul Barratt at 4:29 PM
Labels: ASC, Defence acquisition, Submarines

Paul Barratt - Australia
Paul Barratt has had over forty years’ experience of policy advising and international negotiations in the areas of defence, foreign relations, international trade and climate change. After completing an honours degree in physics he joined the Department of Defence as a scientific intelligence analyst. He undertook an intensive course at the Australian School of Nuclear Science and Engineering and completed a second degree, in economics and Asian Civilisations. He has been Secretary to the Department of Defence, Secretary to the Federal Department responsible for mining, oil and gas, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Deputy Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Department and of the Trade Department, Special Trade Representative for North Asia, and Executive Director of Australia’s leading business roundtable. He is now an independent consultant, a director of Australia 21, and Chairman of a defence technology company.

Niggs, piss off with that bloody ball, I'm busy!!!

 

Sunday, 3^rd January 2010

2009 for many of us was an annus horribulus - let us pray that 2010 is a little better.

First, I have to confess that I have not been on the ball for many months, I have suffered with anxiety issues for nearly 12 months and as a result my ability to concentrate and to complete tasks has been increasing.  Yes, I am getting treatment but it is still affecting my ability to do many things that I would like to.  Please bear with me.

I have had a quiet Christmas and New Year and I am currently spending it with friends in the bush (yes there are more isolated places than Bauple) and have not had access to the internet - it is wonderful!  I have had to come into town to upload this week's Log and read some of the many email that have banked up, will probably not read most, just those from people that count.

My Christmas present to me was a new computer as mine has reached the end of it's road, just before going away the hard drive started to rattle and squeak like an old Holden.  I bought it away with me, but it is taking ages to load and update all of the applications on to it.  It is currently running Vista, but it came with an upgrade to Windows 7 which has not arrived yet, probably have to start all over again?  Next step will be to bring all the information across.  With luck it will be up and running some time in 2010.

Niggs is loving here in the real outback, I am sure we could both get used to it.  There is not one angry bone in his body and he has fallen in love with the sheep and spends hours with them (no romance to report) much to the disgust of the working dogs. He, like I, is wary of horses, bloody wimp!

It is good to see rain again, we have had some good drenching rain, although the heat and humidity are a bit too much, not like this in WA!  My neighbours rang me and report that my tanks are full, so obviously Bauple has had it's fair share too.  The tank I installed for topping up the pool was empty when I left and I had resorted to using bore water which plays havoc with the chemical and salt levels and turns black for a couple of day.

One thing that has made me happy is the opening of a Bunnings at Maryborough, no more long trips to the coast for my fixes. It is not a full size Bunnings (it took over an old Sam's Warehouse store and an adjoining building which is yet to be opened. It lacks a section for gardens and builders supplies, but I understand that the extensions will be complete in March.

Time has run out for the day, time for a nana nap.  I have managed to make a small dent in my In tray but if I have not answered your email yet, be patient.

Thanks for your support in 2009 and I look forward to keeping you informed in 2010. 

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SAA NEWS and EVENTS

National

On behalf of the President and the National Committee may I wish you a very happy and successful New Year, may all your wishes come true and may you turn up to a meeting/social or two in the year.

Last year I asked that all of you that can afford to, to make a SMALL (lots of little makes a big) donation to the Welfare Fund.  The Trustees were very pleased with the response (cannot give final details as I have not been in touch with Tim) but I was a little disappointed with the response, especially from those that I know can afford to spare a dollar or two. It appears that, as usual, those that can least afford it are amongst the main donors.  Donations will be acknowledged when Tim can supply the information.

Donations - large or small - will be acknowledged and can made by cheque or EFT;

1st April to 19th October
SAA WA (ex SUBCON), J. Hughes, B. Cleary, A Braid, S.Reid, H Gethin Jones and TR Duchesne.

15 Dec to Xmas
P. Hurford, P Morgan, J Brown, JB Hutchinson, A Barttlett-Bragg, A. Neilson, Leo Roberts, F. Bottrell, Forbes Peters, K. Piechowski and Andy Millar plus anonymous donations.

LCDR Tim Everard RAN (Rtd) 2/2A Cambridge Street CAMMERAY NSW 2062

Commonwealth Bank, BSB: 062208. Account:   10001771 - SAA Trust Fund

If paying by EFT please include your name on the deposit and send an email with your details so a receipt can be sent out.

Norm Williams
National Secretary
Submarines Association Australia

CONGRATULATIONS
The President, Members of the Association joins with all members of the submarine community to congratulate the following on their award of the Submarine Qualification - their Dolphins.  BZ All!

LEUT D THOMAS - HMAS COLLINS
ABAWASM D PONSFORD - HMAS COLLINS

Eternal Patrol - LEUT Dennis Turner MBE RN RAN (Ret)

LT. DENNIS TURNER MBE RN, RAN (Ret) 23 March 1921 - 28 December 2009 Late of Gympie, Qld formerly of Evatt, ACT. Passed away peacefully. Much loved husband of Susan (dec). Father and father-in-law of Roger and Margaret, Dennis, and Chrissy and Jeff Newman. Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Brother of Audrey (England). Friend of Iris. " An Officer and a Gentleman to the end. " Private cremation. Memorial Service at Norwood Park Crematorium on Friday, February 5, 2010 commencing at 12 Noon.

2/01/2010 The Canberra Times

Obituary
Marine Engineer Lieutenant Dennis Turner MBE RN/RAN S/m (Rtd), died in Queensland on 28 December 2009.

Dennis volunteered for submarines in 1955, he joined his first boat, HMS Seraph on 1 September 1955 and served in her until 1 February 1957 where he was shore based until 4 September 1957 when he joined HMS/m Sea Devil.

His time in Sea Devil lasted until 11 December 1959, when on the same day he joined his first 'T' class submarine HMS Tally Ho, this appointment lasted until 25 March 1960 when again he spent a short stint ashore before joining HMS/m Grampus on 13 June 1960, this appointment lasted until 10 September 1962.

On 7 January 1963, Dennis was appointed Engineer Officer in the 6th Submarine Squadron based on the depot ship HMS Ambrose in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, this appointment lasted until 14 May 1965. On his return to the United Kingdom he was appointed Engineer Officer in the 3rd Submarine Squadron based on the Depot Ship HMS Maidstone on 21 June 1965.

On 28 February 1968 Dennis left the Squadron and joined the design team at the Ministry of Defence, Bath on 18 March 1968, this appointed lasted until 3 July 1970.

The last appointment in Royal Navy submarines for Dennis was the Engineer Officer at HMS Dolphin from 13 July 1970 to 22 March 1971. Dennis left the Royal Navy and transferred to the RAN.

Having moved to Canberra in July 1973, Dennis was appointed Director Marine Engineering (Design) the position he fulfilled until March 1983 when he retired from Navy Service.

Dennis joined the Association in Canberra on 30 October 1990.

By Peter Smith - SAA Historian

Mike Davidson writes "I served with Dennis in Halifax, Nova Scotia when I was the EO of HM/SM Alcide, 64/66. He was a great Base Engineer and a good friend."

Around the Traps

Les Rawson recalls "My last posting in Gens in the RN was HMS Relentless, an old Rotheram Class Destroyer. Built to escort the fast mine laying Cruisers in WWII, with top speeds of more than 35 knots. She had a big open bridge with a very small enclosed bridge built long after the original build. We were up in Scotland conducting CASEXs in beautiful weather and I wandered up to the open bridge, manned only by the lookouts as the OOWs preferred not to get their hair mussed up. Only been there a couple of minutes when I saw something appear out of the water, clearly moving and then disappear. I told the lookout who turned, saw nothing and went back to goofing. Then I saw it again and the lookout responded with 'F*^% off, bloody Telegraphists can't see beyond the end of their hammocks' (yes, we had hammocks). Hmm! maybe the OOW would be interested so I went down the tube to the enclosed bridge. Usual chaos and I then noticed Midshipman Fagigi (phonetic) an Iranian exchange junior officer suddenly throw up....bang the side of his head and throw up again....bugger it I thought, I'm safer underwater and went to the wireless to fill out my request for submarines....!"

As I mentioned last month Brett Hinton said "This piece of submarine history needs a good home, I do not want anything for it but I thought a donation (from someone) to the Welfare Fund could be in order."  Make an offer and this could be yours......... (to see full size select image), the reverse says 13 0f 70.  No one has made an offer yet and if I don't receive one this week I'll put it on eBay.

Sandy Freeleagusw read the bit in December's Log about 'Aspro Alpha' in his Gannet hunting submarines. Sandy said "It reminded me of an incident on Otway, where the feathered variety were hopelessly ploughing above the oggin looking in vain to exercise with us. In desperation we were asked to "become visible" so they may find us. After many passes without success, our skipper decided to make things really easy for the poor birdies and stuck the fin out of the water.

Still the Tracker flew over us in blissful ignorance without a mention. So the Boss got on the phone and guided him in towards us with the customary "On top now, now NOW!"   Finally the Tracker banked and dropped its smoke candle. When their jubilation died down, we asked them why couldn't they see our big black fin sticking out of the water creaming the surface. We were indignantly informed that they weren't looking for a fin - they were looking for a periscope. ?????

We put that statement down to too many heavy deck landings on MELBOURNE. There was a lot to be said for the World War II catapult launched fighters from merchant ships - they didn't use them unless they really had to and when they were finished with them, they fell into the water."

Our man in Tonga, CPOMTSM Adrian Jallands (shown here with the King) and his tribe are returning to Australia this month.  He wrote "Lisa, Tim and Jess leave the shores of Tonga on Saturday 02 Jan back to Australia, I leave on 16 Jan. We will be back in our old house in Kiewa Vic. We have had a fantastic time here in Tonga. made more so by the Friends that we have made and we will all be sad to leave. We have new challenges ahead on our return to Australia, so we look forward to them, and also we look forward to catching up with everyone that we have not seen for the last 4 years. I will be on leave until 05 April and then I post into HMAS Kuttabul, Posting should be for about 2 years."

Peter 'Arab' Clark seems to be having a bad year too.  His latest bit of news tickled my funny bone, I am not the only one having a bad run.... "An aged old Chief Tiff (me) finally took to an annoying leak at the back of crapper No 1.  I stripped the unit down to find the source of incoming water and with extreme dexterity found the grommet between cistern and crapper had become an Urdef P1. After dispatching she who must be obeyed to a local Bunnings with defective part in hand I cleaned up the mess in preparation for defect rectification upon receipt of stores. Nearest receptacle for left over crap was the dunney, so in my wisdom (and bare feet) while awaiting incoming stores, I cleaned up and put all the crap in the crapper.  To finalise the task I pressed the flush button hoping to finish with a clean crapper. Next pipe was flooding, flooding, flooding in crapper due to several removed pipes. Tip for the day, don't give Chief Tiffs tools."  And to think he supervised young Tiffies!!!

Another Member on the move is Iain Burns "I will be leaving Tasmania to take up a position with Queensland Health as District Co-ordinator (Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Planning). I will be based in Ipswich and have responsibility for the Darling Downs/West Moreton District. It was a pleasure being here in Tassie and meeting other members since I have been here."

Now a UK resident, Dave Luck sent the following update. "I am going under the knife again, I have an aneurysm behind each knee which have suddenly ballooned out to 3.5cms. There is thrombosis building in the aneurysms and if left untreated this will slowly break off and block the flow of blood to my feet resulting in amputation. I have grown very attached to my feet over the past seventy years and don't want to be parted from them now. I'm not sure when it is going to happen, but I hope it doesn't stop me from flying as I was hoping to come over for Subcon. I hadn't thought about the effect on flying until Sandy Freeleagus mentioned it. I've got another appointment with the surgeon sometime in January so I'll find out more then.  Had a lot of snow here, and it looks like a white Christmas, lots of reasons to stay inside in front of the fire and drink hot toddies and mulled wine!! Not that I generally look for a reason. There's not a cloud in the sky today, but the snow won't thaw because it is still only going to be 1 degree. Anyway mate, stomach is telling me that it is breakfast time, so off to satisfy it. Once again, Merry Christmas to you and all the brotherhood."

Dave Holland reports some good better news "As you know I have had my Left Hip replaced and two Cataracts removed and now have perfect vision and well down the track to full recovery.. Unfortunately I still have CLL but with luck it will not be aggressive – only time will tell. Given the CLL is not aggressive and I’m on a ‘watchful waiting’ program by my specialist, I don’t think I need to be on the SAA sick list – Cheers.

Gavin Dwyer wrote "When I got back from England to Plats in late 68, I was told to go see Tid Currie on Otway and he would give me a bunk. I was saddened to hear of his health problems and wish him the best for the future and hope the marks are 'on' the lung and not 'in' the lung. After my 2nd heart attack earlier this years, the x-ray showed marks on the lung. A catscan confirmed they are 'on' the lung and are called 'Plural Plaque' which is an indication to asbestos exposure. Serving on Anzac, Sydney and Melbourne before boats, it is expected.

Gavin went on to say "Maybe Tid can help with the following story...  The event took place in HMAS Otway in early ’69. I was off watch in my bunk in the forward mess when the Captain (LCDR Dalrymple) walked through the mess into the fore ends. A moment later he came back.(He had the forendy to shut off the fore planes and put them in emergency at 30 degree dive.) It was shortly after that I felt the bow down and continuing to go bow down. There was the usual pipes; pump 100 aft; pump 200 aft; then flood 200 aft etc etc. I was nearly standing on my head when we went to emergency stations. Trying to go from the forward mess to the motor room was quite a hike uphill. The officer of the watch went fore planes in emergency and 30 degree rise; group up full astern, blow 1 and 2. Apparently we had a 35 degree bow down.

The boat slowed and then went into reverse.  Unfortunately going astern with all the extra water down aft and 1 and 2 full of air made us stern heavy and it wasn’t long before we went over the ‘crest’ and we went stern down at half astern group up. When we got to about 45 degree stern down the skipper took over and corrected the boat. It took several minutes.

I guess the early days saw everyone learning the new ropes.   Anyway, another bit of fun. Wouldn’t be dead for quids, just 50 cents a day."

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Garry Coombe recalled the past and two men that he admired and I am sure that his thoughts are embraced by all.   He wrote "This year saw the passing of two men who impacted greatly upon my life in the navy. I proceeded to the UK for my initial submarine in January 1972 and one of the first people I met at HMS Dolphin was the tank coxswain, Jim Redwood. While he gave the Australian sailors no preferential treatment we all knew that "Gentleman Jim" was keeping a weather eye on us "dinks". I fondly remember the evening he and his wife, Anne, took a couple of us to dinner at the Chairmaker's Arms at World's End.

My initial sea training was onboard HMS Ocelot where another Australian, Dave "Blue" Cook, took me under his wing. It was nothing for Dave to spend several hours helping me with my task book, even though he was kept busy in the engine room himself. I was most fortunate to post to HMS Opportune for my Part II and while there were no other Australians onboard, the Coxswain, Jimmy Jenks, had spent time with the Fourth Submarine Squadron in Australia and set about making sure I was at home amongst all the Brits and the several Canucks on board. The Captain was Ian "Biscuits" McVittie, a man well known to many Australian submarine officers and the RE was Tommy Driver, who eventually saw the light and changed over to the RAN.

Upon my return to Australia I posted to HMAS Oxley where the coxswain, Biff Mills, continued my fortunate association with people who helped in my career. This was a career, mind you, which had an inauspicious beginning when, as the victim of a practical joke, I rushed onto the bridge of a destroyer and informed the navigator that he was going the wrong way. My penance was to spend many an hour in a dimly lit ops room with a young ABRP named Peter Chegwidden. Also on Oxley were the most learned characters, Ian Taber, Don Meredith, Bob Bobilak and Phil Hemmingway.

Biff Mills, in his gruff voice and with a wonderful command of profanity, informed me that (expletive deleted) tug boats and ferries have (expletive deleted) skippers while (expletive deleted) submarines had captains, and his (expletive deleted) name was SIR! When our first child was born in 1973 we were at sea but came alongside Platypus late one night with a defect (hard to believe) but no leave was granted as we were scheduled to sail at 0500 the following day. Biff tooke me aside and told me the XO believed I should hot-foot it off to the hospital and see my wife and son, but to be back on board prior to sailing. As I slunk back on to the boat in the pre-dawn darkness, I could imagine he breathed a sigh of relief.

The passing of Jim Redwood and Biff Mills has deeply saddened me. They were men of integrity, who would be the first to kick you in the can if you stepped off the straight and narrow but would back you to the hilt if they knew you were in the right. If a role model was needed, you did not have to look farther than these men. The world is a lesser place for their passing."

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Australian mobile phone numbers go public
Mobile phone numbers go public this month and all mobile phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

YOU MAY BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS. Don't just delete those calls otherwise you will find that you have been signed up for all sorts of extra services that you didn't want or know about. Like special chimes, music etc..

Go to this link https://www.donotcall.gov.au/  where you can enter your phone numbers online to put an end to telemarketing calls. 

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PLEASE HELP!!!!! Graham Draper wants to know if anyone knows how to cancel a bid on E-Bay? He said "I put in a bid for a "Mickey Mouse Outfit", and now it seems I am only an hour and a half away from owning the Collingwood Football Club!"

Lloyd Blake sent the following photo of control room watchkeepers taken on Onslow in '72 and featured in an RAN publication.  Can you name the three guys? my guess is Dave Bryant and Steve McQueen.  Lloyd thinks the third one is ex RN UC1 Tony Wooton,  died some years ago.

HMAS Onlsow CR '72	Colin Prior, Mark Sweeney and Darren Thompson XMAS '09
Jon Dakers and Jim Taaffe	Frontier Duchess

James Taaffe, the Chief Electrician of Frontier Duchess writes "Hope this finds you well and bursting with excitement, despite your recent medical traumas. Find attached a picture of Jon Dakers and myself. We are celebrating Christmas on the Drill ship Frontier Duchess off Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I see you are celebrating with Niggs, while we are celebrating with the Niger (ians). It won’t be a white Christmas for us here – as you can imagine it is very tropical here. Not much to do but sweat profusely while you work!, ahhh another fun filled day in the Oilfield. Also attached is a pic of our vessel. You may notice the similarities to the first of class – the original Ark! Ha ha! Yep, she is an old girl, with the hull just passing 62 years. Anyway have an enjoyable day and think of us poor souls while you are having that cold beer (or wine) – unfortunately we are dry, so we can only dream about it. Take care and thanks very much for the continued running of the website." 

Recent visitors were Pete and Sandra Swift, members of the Blackpool Submariners Association. Peter wrote   "We're from Blackpool really, but why have snow when you can have 24 degrees! We are in NZ for 7 weeks for a brilliant holiday.  Thanks to you guys for our visit to Faslane earlier this year. Thanks JJ for your hospitality in Blyth. Best wishes Norm to you and all the 'Dinks' that taught me how to drink frothy beer. Have a Happy New Year."  And thanks to all you pommies that taught me how to drink luke warm imitation beer in my early days.

Did the freeloaders empty your wine cellars? Top up now and take advantage of some great bargains?  For this week's specials go to GetWineDirect and save enough to buy heaps more, you can never have enough wine.  Please visit the website and when you place your order be sure to include the CLUB ID number to go onto your order so the SAA can claim the 5% of sales. SAA ID Number is 3558.  I have just taken delivery of my latest consignment and continue to be very impressed with the quality and price of these wines.

Ahoy All, the Submariners Association of Canada West on-line Scuttlebutt for December is now available thanks to Bob Emery (for SAOC West).

Roger Cooper (shown in photo with family at Christmas) writes "Thought this extract from Hansart may be of interest to you, we got a mention in Parliament by a great supporter of our Museum, the Member for Albury, Greg Aplin. He was raised in South Africa and when HMAS Otway was on it's journey home in 1968 and came alongside in Cape Town he was given a run over her, my good mate John Dunthorne may recall that port of call."

HOLBROOK SUBMARINE MUSEUM

Page: 18924 of Hansart

Mr GREG APLIN (Albury) [5.32 p.m.]: I have spoken previously about the town of Holbrook, the origins of its name and why there is a full-size submarine hull visible from the town's main street. The story of Holbrook continues to evolve. On Sunday 18 October 2009 I attended the opening of the Hologram Exhibition at the Holbrook Submarine Museum. It was the launch of a new and enthralling chapter in the story of the town and of the people involved in establishing Holbrook as the '"Home of Submariners". The hologram, created by Brian Shirley, depicts the image of a younger Gundula Holbrook, widow of Commander Norman Holbrook, VC, telling the story of his wartime exploits and explaining how the town came to be named in his honour in 1915.

The 15-centimetre image of Mrs Holbrook, played by actor Roslyn Oates, walks among artefacts and B11 submarine memorabilia, while sailors scramble from the miniature submarine, and gunfire and torpedoes explode around her. The 18-minute presentation drew spontaneous and enthusiastic applause from the audience. It was a delight to watch. It is appropriate that Gundula Holbrook should steal the show, for she has been an integral part of the development of the museum over the last 15 years. Mrs Holbrook is the only surviving link between the town and Commander Holbrook himself, who had visited many times before his death in 1976. In 1982 his widow presented his medals to the museum as her first generous donation. At this hologram launch school students Jessica Todd and Laura Fenton from Holbrook Public School and Anna Rossiter from St Patrick's School assisted Roger Cooper in the symbolic handover of the medals of Commander Norman Holbrook, VC, RN, to the director of the Australian War Memorial.

In 1995, following the Navy's gift to Holbrook of the decommissioned HMAS Otway's fin, a working party was formed to obtain and install a full-size submarine. Finance was the biggest hurdle. Despite enthusiastic local supporters raising several thousand dollars, the target remained hopelessly out of reach. Then Gundula Holbrook unexpectedly stepped in with another generous gift—a cheque for $100,000 to enable the project to be completed. She attended the official opening of the spectacular traffic-stopping memorial on 7 June 1997, as the honoured guest. Her involvement did not stop there. About 10 months ago Mr Roger Cooper, Chairman of the Holbrook Submarine Museum and Visitor Information Committee, approached council with the hologram project. Former submariner Roger and the committee hoped to enhance the museum and stimulate even more tourism interest, particularly as the Hume Highway will bypass the town in 2012.

Greater Hume Shire Council was enthusiastic about the project but able to provide only a portion of the funding required. Therefore the committee approached Mrs Holbrook. She was delighted with the idea of the hologram telling the story of Commander Holbrook and the town. She came to the rescue again and gave another large sum to enable the project to be completed. The seating was designed and made in Holbrook and the stage set inside is an exact scale model of the B11 submarine. Assistant curator Gordon Coulter and committee members Phil Downs and Ian Gilbert were responsible for the excellent presentation. Mrs Holbrook, now 95 years old and living in Austria, could not attend the opening of the Hologram Exhibition because of ill health, but she was represented by Jane Waters and Jenny Farrell, whose association with her spans 29 years.
In 1980 Jenny and Jane went to Europe for an adventure. They had an introduction to Mrs Holbrook and hoped to be employed by the family, Jenny as a nurse and Jane as a cook. They were employed immediately and thoroughly enjoyed their time, becoming firm friends. Mrs Holbrook came to Australia in 1982 for Jenny's wedding, in 1984 for Jane's wedding, and has been back again eight more times. Each time she has visited Holbrook and bought souvenirs from the museum and multiple copies of Lawrence Ryan's book Holbrook: the submarine town to send to friends and relatives all over the world. Gundula Holbrook has survived her husband more than 30 years. Without her enthusiasm and generosity the connection to Commander Holbrook would have been academic—an historical link. But with her involvement the story has come to life and still evolves. In her reply to the invitation to attend the hologram opening, she wrote:

The honour you have bestowed on me asking me to officially open the Hologram, I had to decline with a very sad heart and great unhappiness because of illness and age. But believe me my spirit and my love for you all will be with you on this important day. You are Australia's Submarine town, a title to be proud of and Australia's submariners have also every right to be proud of your town. But, please, always remember the gallant young British Submarine Officer, whose name you chose to give your town.
Mrs Holbrook is the greatest ambassador Holbrook could ever wish for. Her love of the town and the far-sightedness of the committee who thought to acquire the Otway have seen the development of Holbrook from a small country town to a thriving tourist destination still forging ahead today. I congratulate those involved in creating the fascinating submarine museum and recommend a visit by all travellers along the Hume Highway.

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Perry Holland told me about his latest hobby "I finally got around to going fishing yesterday but after a while I ran out of worms. Then I saw a King Brown with a frog in his mouth, and frogs are good bait.  Knowing the snake couldn't bite with the frog in his mouth, I grabbed him right behind the head, took the frog and put it in the bait bucket. Now the dilemma was how to release the snake without getting bitten. I grabbed my bottle of Bundaberg rum and poured a little rum in its mouth. His eyes rolled back, he went limp, I released him into the lake without incident, and carried on fishing with the frog.  A little later I felt a nudge on my foot. There was that same snake with two frogs in his mouth. And that’s the bloody truth...

Here is a chance to pick up stationary cheap (or even free) from VistaPrint. When you click through to their site and place your first VistaPrint order, you will receive a special promotion and the Log will earn VistaCash that helps pay for the site's stationary.  So order your own personal "business" cards and stationary now.

HEALTH MATTERS

A little known fact....
The first testicular guard "Cup" was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.  That means it took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

DEFENCE NEWS

Sixth Virginia-class submarine delivered in record time
Northrop Grumman delivered the sixth Virginia-class submarine to the US Navy on 29 December, four months ahead of the contracted schedule - despite problems with the torpedo-handling gear. New Mexico (SSN 779) was completed at the shipbuilder's Newport News facility in 70 months, the shortest overall construction time of any Virginia-class boat, the company announced on 30 December.

By comparison, industrial partner General Dynamics Electric Boat - the class lead design yard and prime contractor - took 71 months to complete the fifth submarine, USS New Hampshire (SSN778), which was commissioned in October 2008. The previous Northrop Grumman boat, fourth-of-class USS North Carolina (SSN 777), was completed in 82 months.

"We delivered [New Mexico] in record time, using one million fewer man-hours than her predecessor USS North Carolina ", said Becky Stewart, vice-president for Northrop Grumman's submarine programme.

New Mexico 's contracted delivery date was April 2010, but the submarine would have been delivered in August 2009 had it not proved necessary to resolve technical issues with the torpedo-handling system.

Thai Navy could sink B1bn on submarines
The Thai navy is looking into the feasibility of buying submarines for military and economic security reasons, navy chief Kamthorn Pumhirun says. A feasibility committee has been set up to study submarine technology.

The navy will push for the purchase of the submarines, priced at 20 billion baht each, when there is enough money available. In the meantime, Adm Kamthorn said, the navy might buy a second-hand submarine for training purposes.

The idea is to buy a used submarine costing less than a billion baht and recondition it. "The reason for acquiring submarines is to fulfill our military strategy. It's not something we want to pursue on a whim," Adm Kamthorn said.

The navy chief said neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam all had ordered submarines from Russia. The submarines, he insisted, could serve many purposes and were a necessity.  The committee's task is to keep pace with developments in submarine technology.  "We want to make sure that once we are able to afford submarines, we'll be ready for them," Adm Kamthorn said.

He stressed that buying submarines would not lead to an arms race. Countries with the submarines would command strong bargaining power in international negotiations. He said the country needed at least three or four submarines but initially there might only be enough money for one.

Adm Kamthorn said buying a submarine took a lot of planning as the navy would have to wait for three years for delivery after placing an order. Thailand had four Japanese-made submarines in the past, but they were never replaced after decommissioning because newer models were too expensive. Adm Kamthorn said the submarines would help strengthen the economy. They would help safeguard the country's natural resources, fisheries, oil exploration, export cargoes and tourism.

South Korea To Localize Swedish Naval Electronic Support System
LIG Nex1, a leading precision electronics maker in South Korea, will build Saab's naval electronic support measures (ESM) system, according to both companies. The Swedish ESM will be installed on the South Korean Navy's second batch of six KSS-II Type 214 submarines, they said. The contract value is about 11 million euros ($15 million).

Under the contract, LIG Nex1 is to build and deliver ESM systems to Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), which is supplying the South Korean Navy with spare parts for the 1,800-ton 214 submarine, Saab's Seoul office said in a news release Dec. 31.

The Navy has launched three KSS-II Sohn Won-il class submarines and will set afloat six more units under the second batch order. The first batch of 214 submarines has also been fitted with the same signal intelligence systems.

Niggs, leave the bloody chook alone.............

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