February Log

February Log

Up Periscope

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SAA New Members - Welcome Aboard

The following new members signed on with the SAA in January - February 2010;

ex CPOCOXNSM Milton George 'Pat' Pascoe, Rivett ACT. Partner Tessa. Served on HMS Olympus, HMS Opossum, HMAS Oxley, HMAS Otway, HMAS Ovens, HMAS Onslow, HMAS Orion and HMAS Otama

LEUT Keith Pearse RAN, Beaumont Hills NSW. Partner Megan. Served on HMAS Ovens ('87 & '91-92), HMAS Otama ('89-90 & '98-99), HMAS Orion ('88) and HMAS Onslow ('93-96).

ex ABUCSM Robert (Bob) Gordon Baker, Bullsbrook WA. Partner Jeni. Served on HMAS Otama (Plankowner) and HMAS Orion '77-80

ex EMCS Kent Weekly - Murrigta California, USA. Partner Lorena. Served on USS Bonefish 74/76 and 84/87, USS Grayback 76/81 and DSV-3 Turtle 88/91. On Bonefish in '75 when host to Otway at RIMPAC.

Join the SAA. Remember, the more Members the more the policy makers in Canberra listen, there is strength in numbers. Details on SAA Membership are provided on the Application Form.

AT LAST NEW MEMBERS IN 2010!!! WHY NOT YOU??? ASK FOR DETAILS NOW, DEEP DOWN YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE!!

Birthdays
The following old tarts survived another year and have had, or are having, a Birthday.

Aquarius
Jan 21st - Feb 19th
You have an inventive mind and are inclined to progressive. Unlike all the other losers out there, you are without fault. You are the closest that our Creator ever got to perfection. All Aquarians are capable of walking on water! You should feel honoured if considered a friend of an Aquarian.
Pisces
Feb 20th -Mar 19th
You have a weird sense of imagination and often think you are being followed by aliens. You have a minor influence on your friends and people resent you for flaunting this imaginary power. You lack confidence and smell funny.
Why isn't my Birthday here? I hear this often, the answer is simple, I either don't like you or I rely on Plaxo to help me manage the almost 1300 people in Up Periscope's mailing list and you are not using it. So if you want to be listed, fill in your details on Plaxo next time I send an update request.

February
1st: Paul Woodhams, Paul Haywood, Richard Coathup, Pat Heffernan & Carl Smith
2nd: Sean Kenney, Tony Noakes, Michael Stanley & Brett Hughes
4th: Ken Horn, John McCormack & Gordon Smith
6th: Allen Francis, Tony Hollis & Lindsay Frost
7th: Tony Bernhagen & Mark Oliver
8th: Jim Mullins, Richard Coathup & Keith Broomfield
9th: Daryl Walsh
10th: Terry Gowling & Garry Hollas
11th: Pat Heffernan & Jamie Arnold
12th: Ross Mackinnon, Robert Brownlie, Cheryl Seib & Bob James
13th: Tony Phelan, Richard Lawton & Chris Rubly
14th: Michael Kelly & Glenn Feige
15th: Rod Charles, Les Rawson, Bill Whelan & Bob Ashmore
16th: Matt Young & Greg Wyatt
17th: Paul Summers
18th: Terry Rowell
19th: David Stanton, Gary McGinn, Jim Blunt, Pat Hawkins, Gary Davis, Col Fowler & Michael Holt
20th: Phil Watts & William Lawton
21st: Keith Bromfield, Ken Morton, Richard Lewin, Brett Hinton, Andrew Gray & Ray Gissing
22nd: Paul Newman, Reg Livermore, Tony Critchley, Sandy Freeleagus & Joseph Knowles
23rd: Robert Madden
24th: Ross Walters, Christopher Donald & Bill Clayton
26th: Gregory Pennicuik,
27th: Bob Mellowship, Tim Bowra & Neil Forbes
28th: Peter Chegwidden

Birthday Calculator. After you've finished reading the info, click again, and see what the moon looked like the night you were born.

Sick Bay
There are many of our mates that have been, or are, suffering from a range of medical problems and I know that the thoughts of the submarine community go out to them and their families during these trying times.

'Shorty' Needham - cancer		Trevor Lewis - dementia	Bob Bobilak - asbestosis.
Graeme Porzucek - asbestosis	Malcolm Campbell - dementia	Mike Barnes - prostate cancer	Eric Armstrong - cancer
Merv Kidd - asbestosis	Mike Shepherd - prostate	Bill Burgess - prostate	And to all those with PTSD
Ken Robinson - cancer	Tid Currie - cancer	Ken Robinson - cancer	Norm Williams - cancer

The Northern Queensland branch informs us that William 'Shorty' Needham is not faring too well at the moment. He has been diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. His condition has also rendered him profoundly deaf. He is presently undergoing radium treatment for the throat cancer. I am sure that a call to Robyn to relay best wishes on to Shorty, from his mates, could brighten up his day. Robyn can be reached on (07) 4773 4149. Friends can also send cards to 31 Corveth St, Thuringowa Central, QLD, 4814.

Have you been in contact with an old shipmate lately? If you know that one of your mates has had a few problems, be they health or family issues, a call from a mate can make them realise YOU CARE. Get on the phone now, you will (hopefully) never know how much it means.

Eternal Patrol - LSSTD SM Brian 'Smudge' Smith
It is with regret that I have been advised that Ex LSSTD SM Brian ‘Smudge’ Smith died suddenly on wednesday night of a suspected heart attack. He was born 19/08/1949.

Brian was Commissioning crew of Orion and he said recently that some of the highlights of his time in the RAN were the 50th anniversary march through Paris to commemorate the end of WW1 in1968 and nearly being sunk off Hawaii in Onslow 1971 during RIMPAC week 1 and ended up 3 months alongside in Pearl Harbour.

I first served with Smudge in Orion on commissioning in 1976 as a greenie. Other Orion Commissioning Crew members in our Branch who served with Brian are, Rob Woolyrch (Captain Orion), Dave (Goldie) Horne, Ross (Wombat) Walters, Neville (Nifty) Carlyon, Brian (Huey) Earle and Ian (Progadopolos) Prodger. We are all very saddened to lose a buddy in boats. Please accept our deepest condolences from the Submarine community of Queensland and our regrets that we may not able to be physically present at the Funeral on the day. We will be with you in spirit as you lay a very fine man to rest.

Don "Duck Run" Currell
President, Submarines Association Australia QLD Inc

I met Brian when I joined Orion in September 1977 when I had a “pier head jump” from OTAMA to do my Part Three during Orion’s Operational Work Up in Scotland.

I particularly remember his skills as a “cuff rate” Medic on our trip to Germany in November that year when at night, in rough weather on the roof, I walked into the after periscope on my way to the Engine Room. I thought that I had merely bruised my noggin but on arrival in the Donk Shop the EOOW (Coyote) took one look and me and immediately sat me down on the Donk Shop seat. Unbeknown to me I had split open my cheek about an inch just under my right eye and a fair amount of cheek was protruding from the split.

At the time the Coxn, Biff was ashore and one TJ Rowell, the TI, was the acting COXN. Next thing I know I am in the Wardroom and TJ and the XO (Pitt) were in deep discussion how many stiches I needed and which one of them were going to put them in. At this stage I was a little concerned as I had no faith in either of their surgical skills, it was as rough as guts and the split was a little too close to my eye for my liking. At that stage the Kellick Steward (Smudge) arrived on the scene took charge and patched up my face using a number of very small strips of adhesive strip to hold together the edges of the wound. His skills as a surgeon were clear better than TJs or KP as to this day you have to look closely to see the scar.

The next morning as we were transiting the Bremen Canal he brought a cup of coffee to 77 Bulkhead Door and handed it to me with a wink saying that he had made one too many cups for the bridge. It was bloody cold in the donk shop, as we were running opened up and to my surprise the 'Coffee" was at fifty percent Rum and it took a lot of pain away from my bruised melon. Being just a mere Part Three POMTP, I copped the flak from the EOOW (Ronny Bateman) and his Kellick (Des Conners) for taking a brew off a Steward and enjoyed the Rum (and Coffee).

I have always remembered his first aid skills and his kindness with the Rum. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Tony Vine

Sunday, 28^th February 2010

I have finally finished my daily trips to Nambour for Radiotherapy, am I glad that it has finished, it is only a 90 minute trip each way, but it reminded me of going to work again. The staff at the Clinic were great and they made it all go so much better, it is good to know that we have so many dedicated young Australians out there.

My arm looks like I put it in the boiler for a few hours, blisters and hanging skin everywhere. My bathroom and bedroom look like a hospital; medication, bandages, ointments and cotton wool everywhere. Not the way I am used to keeping house I can assure you.

I am finding it difficult to concentrate, this has taken almost two days to gather and put together, but still a lot that I have had to leave out. I think the pain killers I am on are turning me into a Greenie, all I want to do is sleep!

I am still being frustrated by lack of software that runs on Windows 7, especially my scanner and photo editing applications. I have been unable to edit photos received this month and I look like having to go and buy the newer version of Photoshop and a new scanner. I should have bought an Apple instead of a lemon.

Been wet here, but very hot and humid, installing AC last year was a good move.....

So I guess this it it for this week..............

SUBCON 2010
The final costs for SUBCON 2010 have been set. They are;

Meet and Greet - $30 per person
Dinner Dance - $100 per person
Sunday Lunch - $30 per person
Monday Lunch - $25 per person

CONGRATULATIONS - AWARD OF SUBMARINE QUALIFICATION
ABCKSM A. Oliver (HMAS Farncomb)
ABAWASM T. Traynor (HMAS Waller)
ABETSSM T. Tindall (HMAS Dechainuex)
POCISSM Thatcher (HMAS Waller) RN lateral transfer completed his Collins qualification.

AROUND THE TRAPS

Philip 'Max' Walker bemoaned "I was mortified that I didn't make the birthday list in January. I guess you can read into it that not too mortified as it's bloody near March now." I'll let you all into a secret, I rely on Plaxo to remind me of Birthdays and if you are not a Plaxo member or do not complete your profile online, you will be missed too.

Carol Wilson, shown here with an ageing Joe Bishop, reports that the time has come. "I will be moving back to Sydney on or about 17th March. I would like to thank all Queensland Members for the friendship shown over 18 years to both Bob and myself. I will miss all the get togethers where both of us had some very good times and good laughs. I would also like to thank you for posting my stories and pictures over the years. Once again many thanks to all Queensland Members and Members from the other States, without whom, “Bob (Tug) Wilson’s Walk for Kids With Cancer” would not have been the success it was in 2008. I will keep in touch." I hope the future goes well for you Carol.

Now that ASC has discovered what Rod 'Two Combs' Baker does in the company he has decided that it is time to move on into full time retirement. Retirement will come easy to Rod, he has been practicing for it for over 40 years. He is taking Lyn to look at properties in the Lake Munmorah area (with all the pennies he has squirreled away he can afford a palace) and he said it has a lot going for it. Rod urged me to keep up my spirits but his comment 'be brave (like a POLTO)' was confusing, although I suppose sleeping through emergencies may give them some edge. Rod noted that the distance from Lake Munmorah to Bauple was only 1059KMS, just far enough to get up a thirst on the trip up here. I suggested that it is a bit far and to just buy the piss and send my half up by courier? Saves building up a big thirst! Rod is a long time cancer survivor and has to have more Chemotherapy in a couple of months.

Peter 'Arab' Clark, in response to my item earlier this month said "I'm not a thief, possibly a purloiner. However, if anybody knows of the Ship and Dock watering hole in Henderson, the front lawn is now well decorated with a complete Torpedo Loading hatch and, for those of us that floundered through our part three's, one should recognise the viewing platform looking out over Cockburn Sound, one in number 'complete' Oberon escape tower, still fitted with SCV, HIS controller and all other internal fittings. Not sure what would happen if one operated the flood valve!"

A follow up email from Arab said "A humorous note on Otama's bell in 1989, whilst doing the Sunday afternoon rumage in K Store at Plats I found a bell clapper, such things should always be stored under the Chief Tiffs bunk. Thus, as we approached Kure in Japan's inland sea for a ceremonial visit to the Japanese Sub Base, casing party were rigging the casing to come alongside, as one of the casing party was installing the bell the scratcher, waiting on his junior mullet to rig the bell, scratcher was playing with the clapper, to wit it very quickly found it's way to DDD in the inland sea."

"As Chief Tiff I was piped to the bridge at the request of the young gentleman who had a cabin in the control room, desperately beseeching me to find something to represent a new clapper as Chief Coxswain was rapidly doing some mullet string work in the grot to replace the string dangly bit that hangs off the clapper. After a stock take of stores under my bunk I found the new clapper, to wit Coxswain attached his platted string and we came alongside looking as Ceremonious as we could. BZ's all round except for the scratcher!"

Some interesting facts.......

If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.
Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of cheques.
Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
A balanced diet is a biscuit in each hand.
Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognise a mistake when you make it again.
It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.

Submarine Museum Seeks a New Alliance
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport Hampshire is home to HMS Alliance Britain’s only walk- through WWII era submarine on display in the UK. The Alliance saw active service from 1947 until she was decommissioned in 1973. Alliance then served as a static training facility at HMS Dolphin, the submarine training depot, until she was transferred to the museum in 1978 and subsequently opened to the public as a visitor attraction in 1981.

The museum is now seeking former crew of the submarine Alliance to take part in a “personal testimony” project. The aim is to collect recollections to help convey to the visiting public what life onboard Alliance was really like.

Part of the forthcoming Heritage Lottery funded “Alliance” restoration project will involve new innovative methods of interpretation. To make sure this is as accurate as possible, curatorial staff will be collecting information that will provide future generations with a unique resource of recorded first hand testimony. This will be collected directly from the men who served on the submarine.

Former submariners, officers or ratings, who served on HMS Alliance and who wish to register their interest in taking part in the project are asked to contact George Malcolmson (ext 226) or Debbie Corner (ext 234) from “personal testimony project team” (without obligation) at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum by telephone on: 02392 510354 or e mail at:archives@rnsubmus.co.uk

Further details can be found on the RN Submarine Museum website at: www.rnsubmus.co.uk

NEWS FLASH:
Brisbane Police reported finding a man's body floating in the Brisbane River, near the Story Bridge. The man's name will not be released until his family has been notified. The victim apparently drowned due to excess beer consumption, combined with a drug overdose. He was wearing black fishnet stockings, a red garter belt, a pink G-string, a strap-on dildo, purple lipstick, and a “Rudd for PM in 2007” t-shirt. He also had a cucumber in his rectum. Police removed the Rudd t-shirt ,to spare his family, any unnecessary embarrassment. ( QLD police do care!!)

Sponsors wanted
Che Jackson wrote "I don't think there is one person alive today - that has not been touched in some way, by the tragic and awful condition that is cancer – in whatever form of its many manifestations that it takes . I personally have had to go through the pain of losing two family members, one being my father. To witness this process is as painful and traumatic as it gets - I would not wish it on my worst enemy. Prevention is best – however sometimes not possible – so treatment is the only option left.

I'm taking part in the Leukemia Foundation World's Greatest Shave this year. Take a look at my Profile Page by clicking this link:

I'd like you to support me by making a secure online donation using your credit card. Please help me raise as much as I can for the Leukemia Foundation. Their vital work provides patients with practical support during their long and tough treatment, as well as funding important research."

The Chief Instructor at the Submarine School decided to take a class of Officers on an exped camping in the desert. After they got their tents all set up, they all fell sound asleep. Some hours later, the Chief wakes the Sub Lieutenant that was sharing his tent and says, 'Sub, look towards sky, what you see? '

'The Subby replies, 'I see millions of stars.'

'What does that tell you?' asked the Chief.

The Subby ponders for a minute then says, 'Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning. Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, Chief?'

'You dumber than bird shit. It means someone stole the tent..'

HEALTH & VETERANS' AFFAIRS

SENATE INQUIRY INTO SUPERANNUATION REFORM - JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Please find below a Joint Media Release from the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mrs Louise Markus MP, and the Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, regarding a Senate Inquiry into proposed changes to military superannuation.

Key points

Written submissions to the Senate Inquiry are due by Friday, 5 March 2010 (this Friday)
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, 11 March 2010
The Committee will report its findings on Monday, 15 March 2010.

Mrs Louise Markus MP The Hon Bob Baldwin MP
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence

Saturday, 27 February 2010

SENATE INQUIRY INTO SUPERANNUATION REFORM

The Senate will hold an Inquiry into military and civilian superannuation reforms proposed by the Rudd Labor Government.

The Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Louise Markus MP, and the Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, Bob Baldwin MP, said the Coalition urged interested individuals to make a submission to the Senate on these Bills.

“The veteran community have made numerous representations to me with concerns about the Governance of Australian Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010 and related Bills”, Mrs Markus said

“The Bills propose the management of civilian and military superannuation schemes be merged into one new authority, with a 10-person board comprising three trade union representatives and two Defence representatives”, Mr Baldwin said. “The remaining five representatives will be chosen by the Finance Minister.”

“The Coalition does not support the inclusion of three trade unionists onto a board managing military superannuation. Furthermore, we do not believe the merger is in the best interests of veterans, ex-service members or the broader Australian community.

Mr Baldwin and Mrs Markus said military superannuation remained an issue which evoked deep passion in the ex-service community.

“The Senate Inquiry will provide an opportunity for those people with concerns about military superannuation arrangements to have their voices heard.”

ORDER NOW FOR
SUBCON 2010

Visit the Slops Van and order your gear for Coffs Harbour now.

Remember, it gets cool at that time of year, ideal conditions for a Rugby jumper or long sleeve denim shirt.

Written submissions to the Senate Inquiry need to be lodged by Friday 5 March 2010, with a public hearing set down for Thursday 11 March 2010. The Senate Inquiry will report to the Senate with its findings on Monday 15 March 2010.

Written submissions can be made by Friday 5 March 2010 to:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration
PO Box 6100, Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Email: fpa.sen@aph.gov.au

Mrs Markus and Mr Baldwin encourage anyone with a view on military superannuation management arrangements, especially the proposed merger, to contact the committee with their views.

RSL Submission DFRB/DFRDB indexation

The following is the Executive Summary of the RSL submission to the Government on this ongoing saga. The full Submission can be found at this link.

2. Executive Summary
2.1 This submission:

a. advocates the adoption of an indexation regime for military superannuation pensions matching cost of living increases;

b. demonstrates that the nexus between military superannuation schemes and other Commonwealth superannuation schemes for indexation of payments is a policy aberration, is inconsistent with the legislative base of the schemes, is unjust and we recommend it be abandoned;

c. contends that the findings of the 2008 review of the indexation of superannuation are questionable and its recommendations unsafe because the inquiry terms of reference did not recognize the fact that the Commonwealth Parliament has thrice legislated for military superannuation schemes separate from civilian superannuation schemes;

d. shows a divergence between the intent of the Parliament and the actions of Governments in dealing with the indexation of military superannuation and the need for separate boards of management for military superannuation schemes to include military representatives;

e. acknowledges that an extra cost to the taxpayer is involved and suggests an innovative means of obtaining a partial financial offset for this; and

f. forecasts further RSL submissions about other less than satisfactory aspects of military superannuation schemes.

2.2 This submission arises from the legitimate concern of RSL members that the decision of Government to continue using the measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index, when indexing military superannuation payments, is unfair and fails to recognise the difference between civilian and military service. It shows by way of a comparison of indexation figures for the Consumer Price Index and the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings Index for the half decade 2002-2007 the extent to which military superannuants are disadvantaged.

2.3 The submission identifies the inconsistency that the indexation of military superannuation is virtually the only issue related to service in Australia’s armed forces aligned to civilian standards. It shows that since Federation, Members of the House of Representatives and Senators have legislated for almost all aspects of service in the nation’s armed forces, including superannuation schemes, because of the separateness of the requirements of military service. Of equal importance, the submission reminds readers that former members of the armed forces remain members of the “Defence Family” after completion of full time service, with many continuing on as members of the Defence Reserve.

2.4 In addition, the submission shows that Parliamentary inquiries have supported indexation matching cost of living increases whereas Government inquiries have backed the continued use of indexation geared to inflation, and demonstrates the impropriety of using the civilian wage setting determinant “productivity” in making judgments about the activities of those serving in the armed forces.

NEW VETERANS’ REVIEW BOARD HEAD
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin today announced that Doug Humphreys has been appointed as the Principal Member of the Veterans’ Review Board for five years, beginning on 22 March.

The Veterans’ Review Board is the first avenue of appeal for decisions about veteran’s benefits and entitlements, after internal review options have been exhausted. Veterans’ Review Board decisions can be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Mr Humphreys is an experienced senior public servant with an extensive background in government tribunals. He is currently the Principal Registrar of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a position he has held for the past six years. He is also an alternate member of the NSW Legal Aid Commission Board, and has served as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve since 1976.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW REPATRIATION COMMISSIONER
Major General Mark Kelly AO, former Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, has been appointed as the new Repatriation Commissioner, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin announced today.

The Minister said the appointment of such a highly experienced and respected officer was a coup for the veteran community. “At a time when significant numbers of Defence Force members are returning from deployment, having a Commissioner who understands their situation, has shared their experiences and in many cases commanded them, will help their transition from military to civilian life,” Mr Griffin said.

“I am keen to improve the connection between the ADF and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and to better understand and support current and recently ex-serving members of the ADF, and I am confident Major General Kelly will help achieve this

The Repatriation Commissioner is the services representative on the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and is appointed from nominations received from the ex-service community.

Military Indexation - An Open Letter from the DFWA

The issue of the unfair indexation of military superannuation pensions has recently picked up momentum.

The ABC TV Program Q&A on 15 February was followed up by significant follow up activity by the Association. Questions have been asked in the Senate; we have formally written to Minister Tanner and the Prime Minister; and there have been a number of press releases, two of which are attached for your information.

There is a wealth of information on our website (www.dfwa.org.au) on the issues involved.

In addition to what Ex Service Organisations can do on a “formal” level, there is no doubt that pressure from the electorate as a whole – ie, individuals putting pressure on politicians by way of approaches to local members, is fundamental to the campaign. I therefore urge as many of you to raise this issue with your local member.

Finally, if you are happy with the work we are doing on your behalf, would you consider joining the Association ? A membership form is available on our website. We need members and financial resources to continue our (I trust you agree) good work !

Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association

E-mail: national@dfwa.org.au
Website: www.dfwa.org.au

Press Releases: 24th Feb and 25th Feb

Senior Health Care Solution

So you're a senior citizen and the government says no health care or pension for you, what do you do? Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 MP’s and 2 Senior Government Officials.

Of Course, this means you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head, and all the health care you need! New teeth, no problem. Need glasses, Great. New hip, knees, kidney, lungs, heart? All covered.

And who will be paying for all of this? The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. Plus, because you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income taxes anymore.

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?!

DEFENCE NEWS

Academy Women to Become First Female Submariners
Female sailors will begin serving on USN submarines by the end of 2011, with Naval Academy graduates leading the way, Navy leaders told a Senate committee Feb. 25.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Navy is in a good position to move forward with integrating women onto submarines.

"We think we learned a lot about integrating women in the services years ago, and those lessons are relevant today," Mabus said. Those lessons, he said, include having a "critical mass" of female candidates, having senior women to serve as mentors and having submarines that don't require modifications: the SSBN ballistic missile and SSGN guided-missile subs.

Finally, Mabus said, "We have the lesson learned to make sure any questions are answered, ... and we're very open and transparent on how we'll do this. We think this is a great idea that will enhance our warfighting capabilities."

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates notified Congress Feb. 19 of the intended change to Navy policy. Mabus had pushed for the change since taking office in May 2009. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, endorsed the change, saying in a statement released in September 2009 that his experience commanding a mixed-gender surface-combatant ship makes him "very comfortable" integrating women into the submarine force. The Navy changed its policy to allow women to serve on combatant ships in 1993.

"We have a great plan, and we're ready to go for the first women to come aboard in late 2011," Roughead told the Senate committee Feb. 25. In a prepared statement to the committee, he said the change would enable the submarine force "to leverage the tremendous talent and potential of our female officers and enlisted personnel."

Besides the incoming officers from the academy, the first women submariners will include female supply corps officers at the department head level, Roughead said. The change will be phased in over time to include enlisted female sailors on the SSBN and SSGNs, he said. Women will be added to the Navy's SSN fast-attack submarines after necessary modifications can be determined, he said.

"This initiative has my personal attention, and I will continue to keep you informed as we integrate these highly motivated and capable officers into our submarine force," Roughead told the committee.

For more news, visit www.navy.mil.

Submariners revisit Coffs Harbour
Over the 2010 June long weekend the Australian Submarine Association will hold its annual conference/reunion in Coffs Harbour which will bring around two hundred ex-submariners and partners to Coffs for the first time in many years.

As many older residents would remember, submarines visited Coffs on a regular basis some 30-odd years ago starting with the British Submarine HMS Telemachus in 1959, then during the ‘70s and ‘80s the Australian submarines HMAS Ovens visited Coffs on 11 occasions.

In April 1981 HMAS Onslow also paid a visit and took part in the cities ANZAC Day Commemoration Service and March. HMAS Ovens became the first Australian Submarine to enter the port of Coffs Harbour and in November 1970 the Shire of Coffs Harbour adopted HMAS Ovens at a Civic Reception at the Town Hall.

In July 1979 the Shire granted Ovens ‘Freedom of Entry’ at a ceremony outside the Town Hall and with swords drawn and bayonets fixed the Ovens crew saluted the citizens of Coffs Harbour with a march through the streets of Coffs Harbour.

Despite the problems with the shallow harbour and surging tide which made berthing at the jetty interesting, the crews were always made welcome and enjoyed the hospitality shown them by the residents of Coffs Harbour.

To help those crew members to relive some old memories, the conference organisers are looking for photos or memorabilia of the submarine visits, that residents may have tucked away in the attic or old wardrobe. They are also seeking some local sponsorship to help make the weekend a success.

If you believe you can help in any way contact Kevin Hayton 6653 4146 or email him at: kghayton@optusnet.com.au

Local ex-submariners Terry Parsons, Steve Conlon, Mike Barnes, Perry Welsh, Sam Serbert, Gary Bax and Greg Bailey got together recently to discuss plans for the reunion.

By Vanessa Almond, Coffs Harbour Independent

City Bylaws
I just applied for a building permit for a new house. It was going to be 100 ft tall and 400 ft wide with 9 turrets at various heights and windows all over the place and a loud outside entertainment sound system. It would have parking for 200 cars and I was going to paint it snot green.

The Town council rejected my application.

So I sent in the application again, but this time I called it a Mosque.

Work starts on Monday...

Niggs, time for more pills!!!

Monday, 22^nd February 2010

Late again, I have just spent the last couple of days in hospital, the effects of radiotherapy. My arm blew up like a balloon and the weeping blisters were in danger of getting infected. Things OK now and only three more treatments to go. Next time I throw a shrimp on the barby I will understand what it is going through.

Only a very short entry today.

AROUND THE TRAPS

Dave 'Goldie' Horne returned to Brisbane 11th Feb to see the surgeon regarding re-connecting the spinal cord stimulator, only to be told he was on the surgery list for the next Monday. Dave retuned home for the weekend and then went back to Brisbane on the 0530 flight for surgery the same day. After discussion with the surgeon in pre-op it was decided to remove one of the units and put a newer one in its place. All went well and Dave returned home on Friday 19th Feb. He is unable to drive for 6 weeks.

Guess which trout is Graeme Draper?

With the help of Phil Solomon we have managed to track down Jonathon Pioch. Karin Fredin-Bladh writes "Lt Cdr Pioch is Jonathans father.......Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated. I have received an email from P Solomon with Jonathans phone number.......So I rang and left a message. I just left Townsville and am in Darwin at the moment.......a real shame, since Jonathan is down at Airlie Beach and I could have driven down to see him!"

Michael "George" and Christine Washington are still teaching on Duan Island (near Thursday Island) and I received the following. "We have not had a lot of success with internet up here so far this year, but hope that will change in the next couple of weeks. I follow your 'travels' with your cancer and pray that things will turn for the better. I have attached a couple of photographs, one with my Year 7 children at their graduation last year. This group was part of a class of 20 being a composite of Year 4 to Year 7. They are now all scattered up and down the mainland of Queensland from Toowoomba to Cairns. Coming from such a small community and then arriving in a school that could possibly have anything up to 8 times the total number of people on the island must be daunting for them."

George continued "Over the holidays Chris and I had a lovely time in Las Vegas where Chris' daughter (Sarah) is living. While we were over there Sarah got married and I was lucky enough to walk her down the aisle. It was a nice wedding in the backyard of her Grandfather-in-law. In my walking around Las Vegas I caught up with another gentleman... Anyway friend, I'll get this off to you now before we get another deluge and I can't get back to the house. I am hoping to make it Coffs this year and hope to catch up with you there... Until next letter, take care and all the very best wishes."

Any mates of Ted Aitchison can email or give him a call on 0458 546 534, he is always happy to hear from his "Buddies in Boats", it gets lonely in the bush.

North Queensland Party Ambassador in Mackay
The state's newest political party, committed exclusively to the interests of residents in the northern half of the state, was founded less than a year ago - and already has a rapidly growing list of members and supporters, most of whom live in Townsville and Cairns.

Now the new North Queensland Party is focusing on the Mackay area - and an N.Q.P. 'roving ambassador', Mr. Des Connors is in the city this weekend - and looks forward to meeting folks at the Mackay R.S.L. Memorial Bowls Club (Wren Street, Slade Point) this Saturday, 27 February between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm.

An R.S.L. Bowls Club is an appropriate 'meeting place' for Des, who recently completed a 25 year career in the Royal Australian Navy - and is currently in the Coal Fields at Middlemount.

Des says that countless people he has met in the Mackay and Coal Fields regions share his concerns at the "absolute devotion the current state government shows for the populous 'south east corner' of the state, in contrast to the abject neglect of the entire north and all other regions distant from Brisbane".

"It's bleeding obvious that the Mackay area generates annuallytens of millions of dollars more in productivity and taxation to Brisbane that it receives back from the state government in infrastructure spending and public services", explains Des.

Des is especially outraged at the failure of the Court system to deal appropriately with juvenile crime. "We desperately need 'truth in sentencing', the lenient treatment given young offenders actually encourages them to continue their criminal activity".

The North Queensland Party is neither Left nor Right. Des describes it as "straight down the middle - our only political philosophy is proper representation for North Queensland in Brisbane - and ultimately in Canberra".

Des can be contacted on 0438 065 854 - or via the CB Radio Network on Channel 40. Details of the new party's programs and policies are on-line at the N.Q.P. website <northqueenslandparty.org.au>

"Hello, Officer of the Day here."
FRANTIC - "It's Petty Officer Harris at the Main Gate, sir."
"Yes, what's the matter, Petty Officer?"
"You'd best come down right away sir, there's been an accident."
"What's happened?"
"It's Able Seaman Jones, sir. He's shot a man dead, sir."
"WHAT! I'll come at once!"
At the Main Gate there were two sailors standing in a pool of light from the arc lamps and a body stretched out on the ground on the far side of the barrier.
"What's going on here, Petty Officer Harris?"
"It's Able Seaman Jones, sir," said the Petty Officer, saluting. "He's done shot this here bloke what I can only describe as stone dead, sir."
"Jones! Explain yourself at once!"
"It's like this, sir," said Jones, saluting.
"About fifteen minutes ago I heard these footsteps coming up the main drag, sir, and I comes out of me sentry box to see what's up, like."
"Yes, go on, Able Seaman."
"I can just make out a bloke what was standing on the edge of the lights, sir, and I shouts out, in accordance with standing orders, sir, 'ALT OO GOES THERE?"
"What happened then, Able Seaman?"
"Sir, the bloke, who was just a shadowy figure really, says FRIEND. I was not deceived by this Sir, so I shouts back, again in accordance with regulations Sir, ADVANCE FRIEND AN' GIVE THE PASSWORD."
"Yes, yes, go on."
"The shadowy figure takes one step forward Sir, and he says, all confident like, GOLDEN DRAGON. So, like a flash Sir, I lifts me rifle and shoots him dead, Sir."
"Ah, I see. Well, Petty Officer, sounds to me like a straightforward case of an attempted intrusion by person unknown, what do you think?"
"Quite right, Sir," growled the Petty Officer.
"Yes, well done, Jones. By the way, Petty Officer, what is tonight's password?"
"It's GOLDEN DRAGON, Sir."
"JONES! You bloody fool! You've shot a man dead who gave the right password!"
"Oh no Sir, he definitely wasn't one of our blokes, Sir."
"How do you know that?"
"Well Sir, our blokes, when they are challenged, always shouts back F**K OFF DICKHEAD!"

Niggs, get the ball and we'll play!!!

Sunday, 14^th February 2010

A quiet week on the home front, finally resolved my printing problems (I could not print both sides or collate) and was able to print and post out the January issue of In Depth to those Members that registered for hard copy. I also managed to finish printing out and mailing 250 pamphlets (for those members that we have no email address), advertising SUBCON 2010 for the Committee. Folding and putting them in envelopes is not that easy when you can only use one and a bit arms.

Another thing that is keeping me inside and resting is the sun, have to keep out of it as exposure is not good for me at the moment, it affects the treatment. This, and the medication, gives me plenty of excuses to take plenty of naps in front of the cricket. I play ball with the dogs in the house, it is fun and if Mum could see it she would freak out......... broken one window in the display cabinet and the walls are covered in ball marks. Niggs and I enjoy it though.

The gardens are suffering a bit though and I get out early before the sun fully rises and try to keep the weeds at bay. I have resisted using 'roundup' so far, but I may give it a try if the continue to spread. I am resisting using chemicals, my chook 'Lucky' has full access to my gardens and I am afraid that she may get poised, or worse still, I may get poisoned eggs for breakfast.

Again I wish to thank you all for your letters, email and phone calls. Anyone would think that you were all in my will and keeping an I on my progress to make sure I haven't checked out.

Been hard to write today's Log, some days the words come easier than others. Behave...............

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA News

I was not flooded with one volunteers for the item I posted last week about AVADSC, from a country Member. Surely some old fart that lives in Sydney and would like to do something of value for a change could contact me. the requirement is not arduous, the Association's representative on the Council meets in Sydney once a month and, if necessary, more often with Special Meetings. AVADSC does not voice any other views on e.g. politics, immigration, defence, etc. and details are available on the AVADSC website. The position (s) would be ideal for retirees with an interest in veteran's affairs. Contact me for more information.

The SUBCON 2010 Committee are in full swing, organising these takes time and commitment and you are requested to do your bit by registering now and if you have registered, paying your deposit.

I am still updating the Associations records after twelve months of trying to track you all down. Many have changed contact details and forgot to advise us and I am missing information on others. If you have not done so within the last 12 months I request that you complete the form at http://submarinesaustralia.com/details.html. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

One of the more important things on the horizon for serving and ex defence force personnel is the 'Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010'. David Sandquest has talked with the President of the Defence Force Welfare Association who have been actively pursuing the matter and he has agreed that the SAA will support the DFWA and vigorously oppose this bill by;

1. Writing to the;

· Defence Minister,
· Minister for Defence Personnel, Material and Science
· Minister for Finance and Deregulation
· Opposition Shadow Ministers for the above; and

2. Placing both documents on the website.

3. Alert your members and ask them to approach their federal MP to voice their opposition.

Dear Colleagues,

I have just had a long discussion with the Opposition Shadow Veteran Affairs Minister about this bill. What the Government is proposing is to disband all the military and civilian Commonwealth Superannuation Boards/Authorities and replace them with a single board of 10 members plus an independent chair. The only military representation on this body will be two nominees by the CDF. In our combined response to the Review of Military Superannuation we endorsed the concept of a single governing board for all military schemes only and nothing has changes that would cause us to alter that view.

This Government bill has an importance for our future campaigning for better service conditions and support for ex-service and veteran communities that out weight this issue itself. If this is allowed to proceed, it will be a major “win” for the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that wish to wind back conditions that flow from the unique nature of ADF service and increasingly espouse the idea that “community norms” are appropriate for serving and former ADF members. Remember also that the Government response to the Military Superannuation is being worked up within departmental circles with the Department of Finance working hard to wind back existing provisions of MSBS to align any new scheme with general superannuation industry standards and with the Government (employer) contribution being reduced to the level applying to the public service (15.4%) against the existing scale of; for the first 7 years, 18%; for the next 13 years, 23%; and thereafter, 28%. The Department of Finance & Deregulation has been the author of so much poor advice and rubbery figures that they have no credibility left yet they still control their ministers! If this bill is allowed to pass it will not only result in our superannuation being tightly controlled by individuals with no understanding of service conditions and service life but will set us up for future winding back of conditions and support that are specific to service and ex-servicemen and women. This change if it goes ahead will be almost irreversible so the time to act is now!

Let there be no doubt the Federal administration is trying to wind back existing service or “employment” conditions and is resisting fixing the present inequities and discriminatory provisions that we have been trying to get rectified for some time. Unfortunately the previous and present governments have bought the departmental line ( usually “it’s too costly” or “it would be unfair to others in the community”) and no action has been taken. In the meantime of course they happy to see the ADF committed to war zones but pay lip service to the consequences faced by ADF individuals and their families.

We need a strong stance by the ex-service community to reverse the tide of reducing service conditions tied to the uniqueness of ADF service and replacing them with community norms. A briefing paper that was prepared to help MPs understand our objections to this proposal is attached for your assistance.

If we are to succeed in stopping this bill, we will need to work cooperatively and quickly. Failure means we will see yet another significant reduction in Commonwealth Government support to not just our members but the men and women of the ADF in the future.

David K Jamison. AM
National President
Defence Force Welfare Association

National Secretary

The following are upcoming Association events, full details of future SAA Events are available in the Events page at www.submarinesaustralia.com.

Date and Time State Event Remarks

21^st February - 1100 NSW General Meeting City of Sydney RSL Club, George St. Contact

21^st February VIC Social Event
Social gathering BBQ at Alan and Lorraine Cooper’s. Contact Keith Hatfield for details.

28^th February - 1100 WA General Meeting Opening Meeting and social for the year. Join us for Lunch by the river at the Swan Yacht Club. Contact Paul Meakin for details.

14th March 1200 WA Social - BBQ Join us for Lunch in the Park. Contact Paul Meakin for details.

21^st March - 1100 NSW General Meeting & BBQ Spectacle Island - TBC

21^st March - 1200 VIC Annual General Meeting
Venue: ESU. Committee meet 11am. Items for Business to Secretary 14 days prior. Contact Keith Hatfield for details.

CONGRATULATIONS - AWARD OF SUBMARINE QUALIFICATION
ABCISSM T. Burgess (HMAS WALLER)
ABMTSM C. Ball (HMAS FARNCOMB)
ABMTSM J. Webb (HMAS FARNCOMB)

AROUND THE TRAPs

Terry Baker reminds us that some people continue to influence life, even after their death. Terry writes "Max Shean, made many wonderful contributions, one was his work with at the annual Legacy Camp at Busselton in January each year, when he would peel off from his sailing holiday to make his yacht available to take the Legacy camp kids out for a sail. Over the years this has grown to include several yachts where every kid on the camp was able to participate. The annual sail has continued beyond Max, by the Fremantle Sailing Club, whom Max was a member.

This year saw several yacht support legacy and the event has now been formalised into the clubs sailing calendar. It was pleasing to note that there were two submariners on their yachts at this year sail, myself and Tim Cross (a RN, with nuke boat heritage)"

A forecast of inclement weather didn't eventuate and a downwind sail to Busselton jetty for the younger kids was followed by a uphill return to the camp with the teenagers. The kids really appreciated it and the work of Legacy is truly marvelous."

Bill Fisher has found the HMAS Onslow Ship's Bell Bell in the Sydney maritime heritage museum. He wrote " I also discovered my son's name inscribed on it as he was christened on board. I forward the photo taken by the curator and wonder if some of the other names would like to contact him and improve on the quality of his photography." Some other names that I could make out were: Shannon Robert Turner, Nathan Donzow, Sarah Kay Ellen, Amber Jade O'Meally

Someone must read The Log, I received this from CPOMTSM Neil Chaplin CSM after his recognition in the Honours List was published last month. "Thanks very much Norm. Whilst I don’t think anyone “expects” one for the work they do it is very nice to get the recognition. Thanks for also putting it up on the site (I assume that was you?) as people who have long paid off have contacted me congratulating me as well. Thanks again, hope you are (or at least getting) better."

Ian and Melinda Hill are still in Umbria enjoying the good life. "Just a quick note to say that I have given up on drafting a second narrative. The truth of the matter is that I have so many pictures that it would blow out the e-mail. And, more importantly we are having too much fun still touring in Umbria/Tuscany, and sampling good and relatively inexpensive food and vino (perhaps a tad too much of the latter) - a sad impact on the waistline.
.
The other mitigating factor is that I forgot to reset the camera date/time to local time so days are skewed. The situation is not helped by the fact that importing into iPhoto on the Mac and then extracting destroys the date time group of the file. (Yes, you guessed it, I did not take my spare camera memory and the only repository for the majority of the photos is on the Mac. No comment necessary!! Hence some time is required to re-catalogue all of the photographs

That said, I have attached the visage from the villa door when we awoke this morning. Since then the temperature has risen to a heady 5 degrees C at 12:52 PM (maximum expected of 7), the falling snow has turned to rain and the ground cover rapidly turning to slush. Will attempt the trip to Umbertide for provisions, down the 3 km dirt track and back again, before the temperature starts to drop. Overnight temperatures for the next few nights are predicted to be sub-zero thus slush become ice. (The days are supposed to be about 6 degrees C.) May yet have to fit the snow chains to get out and in!!!

Only 2.5 weeks to go before this magical holiday comes to an end and we head back down under; back to the daily grind and to pay for this trip."

Peter 'Arab' Clarke must have shagged the same bad luck fairy that I did! "Hope your health is back to your days of a sixteen year old, mine continues to improve however the Oberons have struck again. After 6,369 pints the other night I remembered to bring the washing in, as instructed by my lovely wife. During the evolution I tripped over a rather large section of Orion's pressure hull, took a beautiful dive, broke left arm and after four days in hospital came home for sympathy (I'm still looking). Even my kids say things like, you f%*#ing idiot. Anyhow, I am now officially retired and other than my wife and kids, and grandkids, my life is now devoted to cricket and the Fremantle Maritime Museum, (not as an artifact)." A piece of Orion's pressure hull, the man is a thief!

Bob Appleton noted "Today (February 13th) is 68 years to the day when Tempest was sunk with the loss of 39 lives. Sad day for me."

HMS Tempest had a short-lived career, serving in the Mediterranean. She sailed from Malta on the night of 10 February to patrol the Gulf of Taranto. On the evening of the 11th Tempest was signaled that the Italians were aware of a submarine in her vicinity and that it should be assumed that her patrol had been compromised. On the 13th, Tempest was sighted on the surface by the Italian destroyer Circe. Tempest attempted to dive, but Circe began depth charging the area, eventually resulting in oil being seen on the surface. Tempest had been crippled, and forced to surface, where she was hit by gunfire from the Circe. The crew abandoned the submarine, and were picked up by the destroyer. The Italians attempted to board the abandoned vessel but were unable to, due to rough seas. Unable to board Tempest, the Italian destroyer opened fire scoring more than a dozen direct hits, but failing to sink the Tempest. Finally the Italians attempted to take the submarine in tow. Two members of the destroyer’s crew boarded the submarine and prepared the tow. As Circe maneuvered to take up the tow, Tempest suddenly started to sink forcing those onboard to jump into the sea. HMS Tempest slipped beneath the waves stern first with the bows disappearing vertically

Fred Lawrence is a happy man. "I've just found out I can still have sex at 74! I am so happy because I live at 89, so it's not far to walk home . . ."

Commander Peter Horobin MBE RAN Rtd, President of the Submarine Institute Australia Inc. invites you to a Book Launch. Meet the Authors of 'Beneath The Dardanelles' Vecihi [John] & Hatice Basarin

Beneath The Dardanelles tells the Gallipoli story of Australia's WWI Submarine AE2 from the memoirs of Captain Ali Riza of Turkey's Naval ship Sultanhisar and Commander Dacre Stoker of AE2. A rare presentation of both sides of a battle from the men who led the action.

When: Thursday 4th March 2010 at 4:00pm
Where: WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Fremantle

RSVP Lloyd Blake on 08 94444912 / 0439943230 m

Note: This book is a must for any submariners library and can be purchased from The Slops Van for $25.

The Americans have asked if they can use the Queen on their $25 note. The poms said OK, as long as they can put their President back on their jam jars..!!!

Karin Fredin-Bladh wrote "I wrote to you a couple of years ago, trying to get in touch with Jonathan Pioch. I look at the SAA site now and again, but hadn’t been there for a while. So, imagine my surprise when I see a pic of Jonathan....... If you have his email address or contact details, could you please forward mine to Johnno and tell him I would love to hear from him.....and give him his fathers Korea memorabilia back....minus the navy bag....the mice chewed through it." I was a little confused as I could not find the pic she referred to. However, curiosity got the better of me and a quick Google found an article in a 1965 copy of Navy News on Jonathon's father, LCDR RA Pioch RAN, who was serving as a liaison officer with the UN. Does anyone know where Jonathon is, I am sure he would like to have his dads mementos.

A teacher asks the class to name things that end with 'tor' that eat things.
The first little boy says, "Alligator, Miss"
"Very good, that's a big word"
The second boy says, "Predator, Miss"
"Yes, that's another big word. Well done."
The third boy says, "Vibrator, Miss."
After nearly falling off her chair, she says, "That is a big word, but it doesn't eat anything."
"Well my sister has one and she says it eats batteries like there's no tomorrow!"

Peter Knights has read about the problems I have had and offers the following advice to others that may want to transfer data between computers. "I thought you might be interested in a piece of software from a company in the States called Laplink. They sell a product called “PCmover” and it does just that. It will move all your programs, data, email and everything else you care to think of. It makes a file called the “Moving Van” on to anywhere you want to put it. I put it on an external HDD that plugs in to the USB port. I have just had to do exactly that with my PC (the old HDD gave up the ghost!!) and it worked brilliantly for me. I took everything from my old hard disk, which I eventually got running and transferred all of it, except for Windows to the new drive I purchased. I will also be using it shortly to transfer everything from the old PC to my new Win7 box. I bought the “HOME” version of the program and it cost about $US40.00, cheap at half the price."

While Chris Thomas offered some advice on another problem I am having, blistering from my radiotherapy. "I had blistering on the arms and a horrible rash around my torso. Local vet couldn’t fix it so he sent me off to a skin specialist, in the big smoke of Brisbane there are apparently only 2 of them, one was a snake charmer so I gave him a wide berth ………. The real specialist, who had the worst looking skin I have ever seen on a person, stuck me on a dose of Diprosone cream……..worked for me, but I wasn’t on any other medication…………us greenies are always fit yanno.   It may not help in your situation, but it gave me tremendous relief, may pay to talk to your Doc………I hate pain and am the biggest baby when it comes to it..... Good advice mate, it is amazing what is available to treat STDs nowadays, I'll keep it in mind.

Greenies Reunion - (not the tree hugging type, the sleepy type found in the Navy)
The Third Greenies Reunion will be held in Ballina, NSW, on the Weekend of 25/26/27 June 2010. All information can be found on the Greenies website If you are planning to attend, please book your accommodation as soon as possible, as prices are going up. Accommodation booking details are on the information sheet on the website.

The organising committee were recently sighted holding a meeting in the pool at Thommo's place to finalise arrangements.

HEALTH & VETERANS' MATTERS

Australian General Service Medal for Korea receives royal approval
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award of the Australian General Service Medal for Korea. "The establishment of this award is consistent with the Rudd Labor Government's election commitment to fully implement the recommendations of the Post-Armistice Korean Service Review," Dr Kelly said.

"The Australian General Service Medal for Korea is being struck to recognise former Defence Force personnel who completed 30 days participating in operations in South Korea. This includes any location within 161 kilometres seaward from the coast of South Korea during the post-armistice period from 28 July 1953 to 19 April 1956."

It is expected that the medal will be available for dispatch to some eligible recipients before ANZAC Day 2010.

Former Defence Force personnel who served in South Korea during the post-armistice period are encouraged to submit their application to the following address:

Directorate of Honours and Awards
Department of Defence
PO Box 7952
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610

People who have previously applied for the award do not need to reapply but should contact the Directorate of Honours and Awards if their address details have changed since applying.

Further Information: Please call the Directorate of Honours and Awards on 1800 111 321 (toll free within Australia) or +612 6266 1050 (from outside Australia), or visit http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/

DEFENCE NEWS

ASC shares increased focus on submarine availability
The Federal Governments announcement that a new Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide next month has been welcomed by Collins Class submarine builder and maintainer, ASC Pty Ltd.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Steve Ludlam said the new project office will pave the way towards closer working relationships between the Navy, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and ASC; the three key players in Australia's submarine force.

ASC is committed towards improving the overall availability and affordability of the Collins Class submarines; a commitment that has already seen a large restructure within our organisation, and a renewed focus towards engaging with our customer, Mr Ludlam said.

Our goal is to demonstrate exemplary performance in the maintenance and repair of Australia's submarines and, by working side-by-side with the Navy and DMO, we are well on the way to achieving this objective. ASC is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor.

The company constructed the Collins Class submarines and today delivers design, upgrade and maintenance services for the submarines through-life. ASC is also the shipbuilder of Australia’s next generation warships – the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers. ASC employs over 1,300 personnel in South Australia and Western Australia, including 280 engineering personnel.

Collins class submarine: maintenance stalls active duty (ABC News)
A lack of maintenance workers has been blamed for reduced availability of Australia's submarine fleet. The Defence Force has admitted it is struggling to get its six submarines ready for active duty. One is due to sail this week, two are expected back in service by May and another later this year.

Defence Department spokesman Kim Gillis says HMAS Sheehan will return to service late next year and HMAS Rankin in 2013. "One thing we have to realise is that we have a limited workforce," he said.

"We are trying to actually do a number of pieces of work, as Chief of Navy said - some 30 months to do a full-cycle docking. "If we in fact end up with Sheehan and Rankin at the same time. It will extend both of them out so these are compromises that we have to work with."

The Federal Opposition says the Government must move quickly to improve the reliability of its submarine fleet.

The Opposition's defence spokesman David Johnston says the timetable is ambitious given continued maintenance problems. "I'm very interested to see that, and I won't know until probably next estimates as to whether in fact that is the case," he said. "But given past history, one would have to be very dubious."

Defence says it is seeking $5 million in compensation from the company that maintains its Collins Class submarines.

A senate estimates committee has heard that faulty maintenance work on HMAS Collins conducted by the Australian Submarine Corporation led to the vessel being out of active service for longer than expected. Defence says the corporation is yet to accept the claim and is discussing the matter with its insurers and subcontractors.

ASC welcomes WA floating dock
Australian submarine and shipbuilder ASC has today welcomed the official opening of the $60 million floating dock at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, Western Australia. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASC, Mr Steve Ludlam said the floating dock forms a critical part of ASCs Western Australian submarine maintenance operations.

The floating dock will ensure that ASC can continue to provide to the frontline of Australia's naval defence force by supporting the maintenance of the Collins Class submarines at the AMC. Along with land transfer capability and ASCs maintenance hall, the opening of the dock means ASC is now able to carry out maintenance on as many as three submarines at any one time.

The floating dock complements ASCs $35 million submarine support facility at the AMC which provides a dedicated environment for maintenance and repair activities for the Collins Class submarines. ASC is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor.

New Malaysian Scorpene submarine develops faults news
In a development which should alert Indian naval authorities, Malaysia's first French-built Scorpene submarine, has developed serious problems a mere five months after induction. These defects do not allow the submarine to dive. The Royal Malaysian Navy, however, has described the problem as ''minor.''

The defects in the submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, named after country's first prime minister, have delayed the submarine's tropical water trials by three months. "The damage involves a part that channels water pressure movement which caused the submarine's failure to launch underwater," Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar told reporters.

Adm Jaafar said the submarine, which arrived in the country on 3 September last year, has not been allowed to submerge for fear it could be dangerous. "It is only a minor fault and repair works are being conducted by the appointed contractor as its spare parts have been obtained," he said.

Abdul Jaafar said the contractor had guaranteed that repairs would be completed by next week, adding that the submarine would start its tropical water trials on 18 Feb.

Nuclear submarines delayed because of lack of personnel
Construction of new Russian nuclear submarines is delayed because Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk lacks qualified workers, says shipyard Director Nikolay Kalistratov. "Our workforce faces serious tasks, therefore we have to use every effort in order to carry out projected plans and deliver orders in time, Kalistratov said according to a press release from Sevmash."

"We need to employ another 500 qualified workers as soon as possible", he said.

The information about the delays came up at a meeting at Sevmash where member of the Russian Government’s Commission for the Defense Industry Vladimir Pospelov and Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy Nikolay Borisov took part.

Leaving the Navy?
Thinking about leaving the Navy? Here is a handy 12 Step Program that may assist your transition:

1. I am in the Navy, I have problems. This acknowledgment is the first step to recovery...

2. Speech:
Civvy time does not begin with a zero or end in a hundred, ie It is not 'zero five three zero' or 'fourteen hundred' it is 'five thirty' or 'two o'clock'.
Words like 'deck', 'farter', and 'PT' will get you strange looks; use their proper names eg floor, bed, workout.
'F*ck' should not be used to replace whatever word you can't think of right now, try 'umm'.
Grunting is not communicating.
It's a phone, not a radio, conversations on a phone do not follow a set procedure and do not end in 'out'.

3. Style:
Do not put creases in your jeans or on the front of your dress shirts.
Do not iron your collar flat.
A hat indoors does not make you a bad person.
You do not have to wear a belt ALL the time.

4. Women:
Not all women like to take orders and most will probably punch you in the nuts if you treat them like one of your oppoes.
Being divorced twice by the time you are 25 is not normal, neither are 6 month marriages, even if it is your first.

5. Personal accomplishments:
In the real world, being able to do lots of push-ups will not make you good at your job.
You will disturb most people if you tell them about things you did in the ‘wang.
How much pain you can take is not seen as a personal accomplishment.

6. Drinking:
That time you drank a full slab of beer and peed in your locker is not a good conversation starter.
That time you went to the NBCD school and practiced giving vodka IVs will also not be a good conversation point.

6. Bodily functions:
Farting on your co-workers and then giggling while you run away may be viewed as 'childish'.
The size of the sh!t you took yesterday will not be funny no matter how big it was, how much it burned, or how much it stunk .
Don’t make fun of someone for being sick, no matter how funny it is.
Getting VD or passing it on will also not be funny.

7. The human body:
Most people will not want to hear about your nuts, their size, whether they itch, how they fit into your jocks….odd as that may seem, it's true.

8. Spending habits:
One day, you will have to pay bills.
Buying a $60,000 car on a $35,000 a year salary is a really bad idea.
One day you will need health insurance.

9. Interacting with civilians:
Making fun of your neighbour to his face for being fat will not be acceptable.

10. Real jobs in Civvy Street :
They really can fire yo, on the other hand you really can quit.
Screaming at the people that work for you will not be normal, remember they really can quit too.
Taking long stand-easys will not be acceptable.
Remember it’s 9-5 not 0530 to 1800.

11. The Law:
“Contact counselling “ is not condoned.
Your workplace, unlike your Chief, can't save you and probably won't, in fact most likely you will be fired about 5 minutes after they find out you've been arrested.
Fighting is not a normal thing and will get you really arrested, not yelled at before they ask you if you won.

12. General knowledge:
You can in fact really say what you think about the Prime Minister in public.
Pain is not weakness leaving the body, it's just pain.
People don't wear anything shiny that tells you they are more important then you are, be polite to all.

And lastly....read contracts before you sign them, remember what happened the first time……..
Niggs, get away from the bloody hose, your putting holes in it!!!

Sunday, 7^th February 2010

I hate computers. After finally sorting out Vista my upgrade to Windows 7 arrived and was keen to load it. A BIG mistake!!!! I find it more complicated than Vista, it does NOT solve the problem of running software that would run in Professional and not in Vista and to make it worse, no longer runs Mail, had to revert to using outlook. So I am still up for a new copy of Adobe so I can publish pdf documents, a new scanner because Cannon do not have a driver for Windows 7 and a replacement for Photoshop. Maybe it is cheaper to buy a new Mac.

Today started off bad, woke up to find that the effects of radiation treatment are starting to show, my arm is covered in blisters and weeping like a baby. I was told to expect it, nut I am a wimp and the stinging and itch is driving me crazy! Cannot scratch as it removes skin, painkillers are helping a bit, but I think that I will be in the pool a lot today. Another three weeks of treatment and it will be well and truly cooked.........

At least it is raining, too heavy to go out and mow the lawns, so I am free to spend the day doing The Log. The humidity has finally dropped and I have even turned the fans off, it has been very hot and humid for over a month.

The rain has got the wildlife on the move, frogs and insects everywhere. Unfortunately, so are the Joe Blakes, seen a few lurking around this week.

I am glad to see that some people are taking heed. This was received from Keith Broomfield this week. "I recently had a real cancer scare that had me worrying through December (including Christmas) that I had cancer. Very many thanks to your (and others) input into reacting quickly and responsibly on detecting nasties in the body - I did just that on discovering a lump on the muscle at right rear shoulder - it was off to the doctors at 2100 one night and had an urgent ultrasound the next morning. My good doctor (and family friend) pulled strings and had me booked in for a MRI the next week followed by a visit to a specialist surgeon also in the same week - but on the Friday."

"The consensus was that I had a Sarcoma (a form of cancer). Luckily for me his fiancé was a cancer specialist at Westmead Hospital and he arranged for me to attend on the following Monday (without an appointment), Also arranged was a biopsy prior to the visit. I was astounded by the speed of action and felt completely humbled by the devout attention of these wonderful people. This then was Christmas week and I can tell you that falling ill at Christmas time is not a good time of the year to do it. The biopsy results would take 3 days so the specialists could only concur with the diagnosis and had me returning on the 29th. They booked me in for a CT scan the next day. So here was Christmas and I had the worry of cancer and the spread of the same throughout the body albeit I had the CT scan results at hand but refused to spoil our Christmas by looking at the results."

"Anyway, the following specialist visit showed that I did not have cancer and that it was a sever muscle trauma probably attributed to my extreme 'healthy' exercise. I had a subsequent MRI last week that confirmed the trauma had shrunk and was nearly gone with the exception of the pain which should diminish over time."

"SO thanks to the information that you have promulgated, I endorse your warnings to act fast - don't leave it to a later date convincing yourself that it will go away. As you can see above some miracles occur and I for one have shown my thanks to those higher up in the greater beyond. One thing that I must stress and I am amazed at how I managed the worry is that I did remain as calm as I could under the circumstances - this is really important. I now manage meditation each day and 30 minutes of calm is no effort at all. I am now a changed man as a result of this hiccup in life." Scarpa was lucky, but I understand how the wait must have been for him and his family. My sarcoma, a Pleomorphic Liposarcoma is rare and a search on Google did not help. Fortunately the Specialist has confidence in the long term outcomes.

My damaged finger that was attacked by a young parrot saved by Niggs is much better thank you. The bird has rested and recuperated, thanks to the care and attention paid to it by Niggs and has been let free.
Had dinner with my 90 year old neighbour this week and he was reminiscing about the Good Old Days..... "When I was a young bloke, my Mum would send me down to the corner store with ten bob, and I'd come back with five pounds of potatoes, two loaves of bread, three pint of milk, a pound of cheese, a packet of tea, and half a dozen eggs." He though for a while and then said: "You can't do that now mate, too many bloody security cameras."
Gotta go, a lot to do and it's getting late!

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA News

I was not flooded with volunteers for the item I posted last week about AVADSC. Surely there is someone out there?

The Association is a Member of the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council “AVADSC" but our involvement has not been as active as it should be in the past, so we are looking for a volunteer from NSW to become the Association's representative on the Council. The National Council meets in Sydney once a month and, if necessary, more often with Special Meetings. Each Member Association has the entitlement of two councilors' and may bring along observers to any meeting. The overall object boils down to discussion and action at any meetings on matters of veterans' affairs (including Allied Forces and Mariners), Repatriation and Defence Forces' benefits, among other matters. AVADSC does not voice any other views on e.g. politics, immigration, defence, etc. and details are available on the AVADSC website. The position (s) would be ideal for retirees with an interest in veteran's affairs. Contact me for more information.

National Secretary

JANUARY EDITION OF "IN DEPTH" IS NOW ONLINE AND HARD COPIES ON THEIR WAY TO NO COMPUTER LITERATE MEMBERS BY SNAIL MAIL.

AROUND THE TRAPs

Terry ’Coyote’ Wyatt reports “After all these years a doctor has finally straightened my nose out. He packed my nose with COCAIN for 30 mins before zapping it, what a difference its has made to my life style, I am not coughing and enjoy eating again. If my old COXN off Onslow, Darkie Henwood, was around he could park those two extra Gold Nuggets in my nose (we would get in the mess in TERROR and his plan to get rich was to smuggle Gold nuggets in my nose). I have no idea where Darkie is today, but a chap I met the other day reminded me that you and I also served with Darkie’s brother, an LEM on GASCOYNE - equally as crazy.

Terry continued “I was recently invited, along with my RSL Sub Branch, to attend a meeting at Cairns RSL. The subject was Day Clubs , presented by contractors to DVA, on how to set up and run a Day club using a model on a Gold Coast model. These two ladies raved on how good they were and how a nice man, Ken Chilvers, was doing a great job (Congrats Ken). The RSL News in Queenland also had a story about it”

Terry continued “I see Jim Moon’s name popping up of late, one of the funniest MOBIES I have ever go to sea with, non stop laughter. Except for one night in Singapore, the Outside Wrecker (Big Doug Elliott) had a long hot hard day, off the bus a few coldies up for a wash early to bed early start. All was well till 2130 when the MOBIE Olympics started in the next cabin, the game was to get a cane chair onto the ceiling fan and see how many rotations. Ringleader was James Moon. This went on for a while till Doug got up, a few quiet words were said and all went quiet. Jim, who liked Doug, kept out of his way next day, but by bar time all was forgiven, its the only time Jim was quiet.”

Baz Jenkins this link to a documentary about the Kursk. It is quite long but very good.

Tony Thomas of Chichester, UK writes "I served in the R.N. from 1960-82 (not as a "proper" Submariner, but I did do several trips "up north" as a submarine rider), and in 1966 first met up with one Wayne Franklin Joe ("Bomber") WELLS and served with him in Hong Kong. In the early '70's he transferred to the R.A.N. About 5 years ago I heard that he had passed away, but had no idea where or when this had happened. As it seems very likely that he is the "WOEW WFJ WELLS" listed on your Eternal Patrol page, is there any way of getting any further details? Incidentally, I believe that there is a Lt. Cdr. "Bob" HOPE currently serving in the RAN. Submarine Service. Well, in 1981-82 he was a Killick in the R.N., and I was training him to be a CT. It's good to know he's done so well!!" I have forwarded Tony's email to Karina. A lot of RNrs that change over to the RAN do well, probably our training.

Another UK visitor, Graham Quarterman, asks "My father has his 80 birthday coming up. He served in the submarines during the years 1946-1955 the boats he served in were HMS Alliance, HMS Ambush, HMS Totem, HMS Thorough and HMS Sanquine. We (family) hope that your association may know some submariners that served in these boats that may like to get in touch hope you can help (his name was Francis Henry Thomas Quarterman - nickname Frank)." I have lots of Members that served on these boats in my records, if you can help please contact Graham.

While a third, Lindsay Heron, asks "I am looking for Colin Hankin, possibly now living Indonesia or Thailand, whom I last met in 1964 at the Inauguration of the Sydney Submarine Base Naval Ball. I was a £10 Pom at that time. It would be good to get back in touch if you have his contact details. He used to live in our house before my parents bought it from his folks way back....... I know he wrote an email o the Maritime Museum when it opened wishing he had been able to get to Australia to celebrate that time....sadly was unable to. Have lost all contact with him and it would be great if your able to pass this on."

Gary "Annie" Oakley is after help with a document he has to write for the AWM for it's 'Wartime' magazine. He asks "I have to write something about going on a patrol on an O Boat. It’s not to be written in the first person but an overview of what happens on patrol, daily routines, what happens in the various compartments when closed up, what you wear, eat how you spend your time, how you feel etc. Plus I need some photos of submariners on watch dived etc (preferably taken while on patrol). I need info across the board from all branches and ranks, unfortunately I have a very limited time frame to complete this as I was only asked to do it yesterday and have to have the document up for editing in March." Can you help, if so contact Gary.

Phil Solomon has had a few drop ins, Olga and Gary Payseno, not sure who would be the more destructive. "Another blowy, wet week here in the Whitsundays with four boats ending up on the rocks, much better than two years ago when we had about 50 aground and wrecked. My little vessel once again survived even though she had a wild old ride at her mooring. It looked like she was on the Big Dipper as she nosed dived in and out of the swells. Strange what the big winds blow into town though. There I was minding my own business when out of the Blue (as in Sky .... not Hartridge ...... oops, and definitely not Larkin either) I receive a phone call from a mullet. Scary I know, but I'd already answered the phone so it was too late.

Eoin Asker sent an interesting article on K13, but as I do not have a pdf editor I cannot post it this week, hopefully it will be online next week. Eoin said "Still doing the weekly Sydney - Adelaide commute for AWD work, interspersed with OS trips every six weeks or so - will take a break in Aug to sail in Sardinia and Corsica (sailed Turkey and Greece in 2008 and Croatian coast in 2005)."

Who let Gary Paseno into town?? I'm sure there are rules against that somewhere?? Yep, there he was in Airlie Beach and looking for someone that would talk to him, a big ask I know!! Being the decent nice guy greenie that I am, I did my community service and had a beer or three with him. The good side was he had the smarter and better looking side of the family with him, Chantelle, so all was not lost.

Alright, enough taking the piss out of mullets (but it is sooo much fun ain't it?). It was great to catch up after all these years. I met up with Gary and Chantelle at the Sailing Club for a few brewski's after they had done the big trip out to the reef for the day and spun some warries and then ganged up on my ex-Army mate who didn't know what hit him. A day later Heather and I had them around for lunch which turned into more warries, food, drinks and. of course, Jimmy Buffett music in the Tiki Bar out in the backyard well into the evening. (see attached photo - L to R Phil, Heather, Chantelle, Gary)

The next day was their last before returning home so they went on the Rafting Adventure trip to Whitehaven Beach. Didn't get to talk to them after it as they were heading home but I'm sure Gary enjoyed getting a bit of seatime up for a change. He also learnt that the tropics aren't the best place to be in the summer months. If any of you are thinking of heading this way, make it between April and October, which is our high season. Yep, it is a bit more expensive but at least you are pretty well guaranteed good weather without the rain, heat and humidity, especially if you intend going boating and sailing. It was nice to see an old face from the Squadron and any that are in the area, get in touch. 07 49482834.

Speaking of old faces, also ran into Chris Lewis in town the other day. He has moved from Proserpine and now lives in Yeppoon. He was in town for the car racing with his big 5 litre Ford rally car on the trailer. Still same old Chris, oil covered overalls, car bits and pieces everywhere, and a big smile on the dial.

Well that's it from the Wet-Sundays for now, take care you all.

Phil Solomon - Back to the (wet) hammock."

After reading my comments about Olga last month, Graeme Draper's better half Morag commented that she knew "Olga" wasn't a threat, she had seen better blown ins at Plats.

While on the subject (sort of) about Olga, Graham 'GJ' Smith writes "When I read the line about a blow in called OLGA I thought it was going to be about the barmaid at the Kirribilli, obviously it wasn’t. Bought back a few memories though, rugby with a frozen chicken being thrown around the bar, the swear jar where some chose to put $5 on arrival to save time, the PM (Malcolm Fraser) coming in and shouting the bar and Lance Bennett not having a clue who he was. Visited the Kirris a few years ago oh how times/things have changed!"

John Hatfield sent a warning to all that he may be off line for a while in the near future. A bug has been slowly eating away at his USB connections - told by the 'professionals' that Windows is corrupt! So, he will be wiping out, re-formatting and re-programming in the near future. He added "Oh, an after thought - - - we went to a kids' 7th birthday party the other day and the grandfather of the little girl - Ella - commenced a conversation with "I know a submariner who lives in Canberra, his name is Tom Johnston". You could have knocked my rocks off. So, have sent Tom a message of good will, hopefully he will get it soon."   Tom, shown here looking like someone from the Village People, is King of the Kids and is known by kiddies everywhere... maybe it was the story of his "Ho, Ho, F#@*&^g Ho" greeting when acting as Santa's helper one Christmas?

A 2007 study found that the average Australian walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that the average Australian drinks 22 gallons of beer a year. That means the average Australian gets about 41 miles per gallon. Bloody good value that!

At the recent Australian Scout Jamboree in Sydney Warren Goodall managed to get 3 of the 5 former submariners together for a pre Coffs Harbour reunion. They spent 2 weeks camping along with 14,000 other Scouts at the largest ever Jamboree held in Australia. Fortunately there was a ‘Leaders Only’ area that allowed for a couple of quiet ales.

L to R: Geoff Anderson is a Scout Leader in Sydney, Alex Paton is a District Commissioner in the Shoalhaven, and Warren Goodall is the NSW State Commissioner for Activities.

Dear Mr Rudd

Please find below my suggestion for fixing Australia's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to banks that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan.

There are about 10 million people over 50 in the workforce. - Pay them $3 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Ten million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new Australian car. Ten million cars ordered - Car Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
4) They must send their kids to school/college/university - Crime Rate fixed.
5) They must buy $50 of alcohol / tobacco a week. There's your money back in duty/tax etc.

It can't get any easier than that!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all Members of Parliament pay back their falsely claimed expenses and second home allowances.

Jim Joyce, in a drunken rage, took me to task over some comments I made in the log recently. "I have phoned you when I heard you were crook, I have sent you an email wishing you all the best. I have attempted to show you that I am a mate, when you needed a mate. For this you have held me up to ridicule by insinuating that I would waste any Sherry on Cooking." When he sobers up I will give him a call.

Carol Wilson, the proud Nana, also took me to task over a comment that I made when I said that her granddaughter maybe a candidate for the Pakistan cricket team. She said "Just caught up with this weeks Log. At first I took umbrage of your suggestion about the Pakistan Team but after thinking about it, she may be able to help them after the 5 game whitewash by Australia, although I would rather she play for Australia. Here are a couple of pics of the girls, left to right, Samantha, Mikayla and Holley. Samantha opened the batting with Mikayla and Holley was the wicketkeeper. All 3 also played in the Under 13 Girls Molly Dive Shield grand final, representing Penrith District the following week after Toowoomba. Two weeks of solid cricket. Unfortunately they didn't win that one but you can't beat a National Title." I have put the photo online to calm her down, angry old grannies can do a lot of harm. Ask Kevin Marengo!

Paul Woodhams reports "I have been away in Sydney for PAC-10 at Darling Harbour. I love going to such events as you catch up with people you haven't seen for years. Submariners current and of old come out of the woodwork for such events and it's almost as good as the Friday night of a SUBCON. It was good to see Jim Taaffe and Jon Dakers standing in their new donk shop in the Log. Same shit different day, only their overalls are a different colour. I know what you're going to say, they are greenies and never worked in the donk shop but they had to pass through it to get to the motor room remember! I ran into Jim at my local Woolworths about 6 months ago and had a good chat. They can keep the Nigerian work for themselves. Too many pirates and pieces of burnt toast with bangsticks over there for my liking!"

I understand that John Taubman is now a country based retiree "Good to hear from you, yes it seems that half the Navy (or ex Navy) lives in Wamboin, it is rural/residential and we grow rocks and kangaroos." Never seen JT as a country dweller. He forgot to mention the snakes, lack of services etc.

Good wines, great value! 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.

CPOCISSM Darren (Thommo) Thompson, VP of the SAA (WA) Branch is in Sydney for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Australia opening night Thursday (with Col (Wignut) Prior and friends), staying at the Crown Hotel. He said he hopes to catch up with a few people. I wonder if he will wear the kilt that he wore while attached to the RN a few years ago? Who's the pretty boy?

Paul Dann bought a couple of copies of Alexander Terenov's book Under Three Flags, about the Russian "Charlie " class submarine that was loaned to the Indian Navy in 1988. Alexander generously sent one extra copy for the Association and I am offering it to the highest bidder with proceeds going to the Welfare Fund. Make me an offer.

Another book that I have received is called "Hell at Sea". Written by Naomi D. Desiderion it is a story about a woman taken prisoner by a Nazi U-Boat during WW11. It tells the story of Mary Carlino's time as a captive onboard U115 under the command of Kapitaenleutnant Herbert Ketter in 1942. I am offering it to the highest bidder with proceeds going to the Welfare Fund. Make me an offer.

Stuart Milburn is still on the move........ "Today I visited some Buddhist Temples in Penang. It was a wonderful winter day in Malaysia as usual. A cool 32 degrees. The names of the temples escape me but the Chinese one is very famous. The Thai has a reclining Buddha and the Burmese temple I knew nothing of because its across the road from the Thai temple. I am sure if I look at some names I can put them down but i couldn't find the auto name find with the auto fix and auto resize in the program I use for my photos. Plus I took over 650 photos today too many to check."

While sewing a cut on the hand of a 75 year-old Aussie farmer, whose hand was caught in the gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Kevin Rudd and his role as our Prime Minister.

The old farmer said, 'Well, you know, in my opinion, Rudd is a '"Post Turtle''.

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him, what a "post turtle'" was.

The old farmer said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'. The old farmer saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain. 'You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, and then you just wonder what kind of dumb bugger put him up there to begin with.

SIA members were recently invited to a presentation at Pacific 2010 on submarine diesel-electric technology by MarineForce International. Committee member Chris Skinner attended and his 'Quicklook' is forwarded below. He notes that he will prepare more detailed notes in due course.

The session was introduced by Michael Humann, Managing Director of MarineForce International [MFI], the marketing and support organisation for foreign customers of the HDW-Kockums group of companies. The session addressed the question: ‘What can German and Swedish submarine technology offer for Australia?’

The briefing was in four parts:

1. Some specific submarine technology developments – Peter Hauschildt, Director R&D Conceptual Design Project German Navy (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, HDW)
2. Modelling and simulation tools for submarine design and production – Dr Roger Berg, R&D Manager (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Kockums)
3. Air Independent Propulsion [AIP] system options – Peter Hauschildt (see #1 above)
4. Submarine industry capabilities – Robert Budell, Senior Sales Executive (MFI) (previously worked for US automobile industry)

Submarine technologies described (all covered with extensive technical detail on the slides):

1. Lithium battery development
2. Flexible payloads for a wider range of missions
3. A proprietary AAW system: Interactive Defence & Attack System [IDAS]
4. Advanced rudder design (to remove swirl effect of single propeller)
5. Composite materials for propeller blades – allowing repairs and replacement of individual blades in any port without docking
6. Stealth and signature management – transmission-loss coatings (for radiated noise) and anechoic coatings for target signal strength reduction

Modelling and simulation tools for use in all stages of design and development through to verification. Some tools are locally tailored off-the-shelf tools and some are developed in-house

AIP systems described and performance or R&D results presented:

1. Closed-cycle diesel (remove CO2 from exhaust and add oxygen and inert gas to reuse)
2. Stirling cycle engine
3. Fuel cells – LOX plus H2 stored as metal hydrides
4. Fuel cells – with methanol reformer to produce H2 – under development. Methanol fuel is assumed to be widely available

Submarine industry capabilities – wide ranging discussion of the range of options from MOTS with local build to print using industry packages (equivalent to self-assembly) all the way to ab-initio design. Collins is at the penultimate stage of unique design with significant use of MOTS/COTS systems and components

The industry presentation discussed the in-country support services provided to various customers. This is being re-discussed with ASC for the Collins class.

Overall the briefing was focussed and provided extensive detail and mathematical and statistical evidence of R&D and in-service monitoring test and evaluation. A request for a copy of the slides was refused, but the same briefing could be given again at other venues and to other audiences.

A more detailed report will be provided in the next two weeks

Christopher J Skinner BSc(Eng) MEngSc MIET MIEAust MACS CPEng
email: cjskinner@acslink.net.au www.display.com.au

The SIA has developed a brochure which will be available to delegates at Pacific 2010 in Sydney. The brochure provides background information on the SIA, its committee and provides answers to 11 common questions about the Future Submarine. You can download the brochure by visiting the SIA News page. This is version 1 and we plan on keeping the brochure updated.

Frank Owen
Treasurer, Submarine Institute of Australia

HEALTH & VETERANS' MATTERS

Senate debates - Veterans Affairs -Wednesday, 3 February 2010

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence)

Today I would like to address an important issue for the coalition, the opposition. It is particularly important for me and my opposition colleagues engaged in defence portfolios. I pause to commend the member for Greenway for the outstanding work in the engagement of veterans that she has undertaken whilst shadow minister for veterans affairs. Louise Markus, Bob Baldwin, Stuart Robert and I are determined and committed to the cause of equity for veterans and the ex-service community generally.

Australian veterans have been the subject of a very cruel deception by the Rudd government and by the current Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Former members of the Australian Defence Force are of course icons within our communities and have given great service to our country - loyal service and, I might say, service which was acknowledged and very well expressed by our current Prime Minister in the Australian Labor Party’s election 2007 policy document, when he said, at page 3:

“There is perhaps no greater duty that we as a nation and as a parliament have than to honour, remember and express our gratitude to those Australians who have served in the defence of our nation …”

Those are very fine words. I now understand, as do many veterans, that when it comes to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs it is foolish to judge them and rely upon them based upon what they have said. They must, however, be judged by what they do. Further within the policy document of 2007 it states:

A Rudd Labor Government will provide a fresh approach to veteran’s affairs, and a fresh leadership team, which is dedicated to working in partnership with the ex-service community on the issues that concern them. Labor will work hard to achieve six goals for veterans …

And the six goals were enumerated. The first was:

To restore the value of compensation and prevent further erosion due to unfair indexation.

That was on page 3. This statement is a categorical rolled-gold promise to veterans that Labor would make positive changes to the value of their compensation and protect it from inflation and diminution from inadequate indexation.

The promises continue throughout the document. On page 5 it states:

A key concern within the veteran community is the impact of rising costs of living, and the erosion of their entitlements over time due to unfair indexation arrangements under the Howard Government.

On page 5, it further states:

To help combat this, Labor committed to index all disability pensions and the domestic component of the War Widow’s Pension to movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is the greater.

Further to this, in two press releases on 6 and 7 May 2007 the then Rudd opposition left no doubt as to their intention and promises. I have the document containing the joint statement of Kevin Rudd MP, federal Labor leader, and Alan Griffin MP, shadow minister for veterans’ affairs. In that document they say:

A Rudd Labor government will restore the value of the Special Rate Disability Pension (TPI and TTI), Intermediate Rate and the Extreme Disablement Adjustment Pensions by indexing the whole of these pensions to movements in Male Total Average Weekly Earning (MTAWE) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is greater.

In a separate press release on 7 May Alan Griffin said:

A Federal Labor government will restore the value of the Special Rate Disability Pension (TPI and TTI), Intermediate Rate and the Extreme Disability Adjustment Pensions by indexing the whole of these pensions to movements in Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is the greater.

So there is the encouragement.

When in opposition, the now minister criticised the Howard government for failing to release the military superannuation review. In a press release on 6 September he attacked Minister Billson. He said:

It is understood that Minister Billson has had the report since July 2007. He has since ignored calls from the ex-service community and Labor to release the report for public consideration.

This review will provide vital information for former and current defence personnel regarding the operation of the military superannuation system and how it can be improved. They are entitled to know what the review says and what the government will do about it. Instead, the government is sitting on the report.

He went on to say:

There are a number of outstanding issues relating to military superannuation, including, the indexation method for defence superannuation pensions …

And so it went on.

The point about this is that these various complaints - he made another one on 8 October - similarly complain of the delay. The delay was in fact some 10 months, which included an election and caretaker period. Minister Griffin commissioned the Matthews review of pension indexation arrangements in Australia. The minister, the same one who had attacked the Howard government for delay, sat on this report for some eight months without releasing it. The point about this is that, when in opposition, it is all very well to say these things to people - people on fixed incomes and people with disabilities, as veterans - and tell them you are going to do something about it when you are elected. You sucker them for their vote. It is absolutely no surprise that the Rudd government has reneged on these promises and postures. This has been one of the most cruel and callous betrayals of veterans in the history of public affairs in this country.

Mr Tanner, in fact, delivered the news. In his press release he said: The Rudd Government is satisfied, after considering Mr Matthews’ report, the purpose of indexation of civilian and military superannuation pensions should continue to maintain the purchasing power of the pension.

He continued: … we are satisfied that the CPI is the most suitable index to protect Australian Government superannuation pensions against inflationary price increases available at this time.

There is the slap in the face. Having promised them the sun and the moon, Mr Tanner says, ‘Sorry boys, we are not giving you a cracker.’

My allegation is of a serious breach of faith and trust by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, and this is supported by four members of the government. Indeed, they wrote to Mr Tanner disclosing their disappointment. I propose to table this document and the response from Mr Tanner. The members of the government were Mike Kelly, the member for Eden-Monaro, Bob McMullan, the member for Fraser, Kate Lundy, a senator for the ACT, and Annette Ellis, the member for Canberra. In this document these four members, having seen the Matthews report and the response to it, say to Mr Tanner that they were shocked - as shocked as veterans are, I would say, because that is what jumps out from the pages of this document. The document states:

Understandably, there is a huge disappointment in both the findings and the government response announced on the same day. It had been widely expected that the recommendations would have supported a change to the method of indexation of these pensions to that of which is high, MTAWE or CPI, consistent with the pension, following the earlier Senate and other inquiries.

It further states:

Significantly, many people genuinely believe that prior to the 2007 election the ALP had committed to determining a fairer method of indexation, and a review would provide the direction. So the immediate acceptance of the recommendation of no change in government response is being seen as a reversal of the pre-election position espoused by the ALP in the campaign material.

These are not my words. These are the words of two parliamentary secretaries, a senator and the member for Canberra getting stuck into their minister for suckering the veterans community into believing that they were honest and straight up with them when they made these promises. The document continues on from there.

I seek leave to table the letter from Kelly, McMullan, Lundy and Ellis and the reply by the Hon. Lindsay Tanner.

Leave granted.

Their deceiving veterans does not end there. On 12 September 2008 Treasurer Swan said on ABC radio in Brisbane that the DVA disability pension would be included in the Harmer review. Again, I say that it is no surprise that the disability pensions were not ultimately included in that review. Bluntly, where do these people get off making reckless statements to people on fixed incomes and disability pensions only to contemptuously fail to deliver?

What has the minister and the Rudd government actually done for veterans and their families? They have provided a massive amount of paper shuffling for lawyers, mates and academics. The government has commissioned, firstly, a review of advocacy services; secondly, a review of military compensation; thirdly, a review of Gulf War syndrome; fourthly, a review of the Clarke review - that is a nice one: a review of a review! Fifthly, the government has commissioned a review of mental health care in the ADF and beyond - the Dunk report; sixthly, an inquiry into the F111 deseal/reseal issue; seventhly, the Timor-Leste family study; and, lastly, the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on ex-service matters with inquiries held in each capital city. So there has been this magnificent, sensational series of laser and light shows designed to make the Rudd government look interested in veterans affairs. The truth is completely and utterly the opposite. Veterans and their families have been fobbed off, deceived, misled and suckered for their vote.

This is the government which has taken Australia from a position of having $20 billion in the bank to a deficit of $48 billion this year. Almost $70,000 million has been expended in a little over two years on a $900 payment to all and sundry. School halls have been provided to schools that do not need them. Pink batts are available to every uninsulated house - and we know how well that is running. There are laptop computers and trips to Bali and Copenhagen for all and sundry, and bureaucrats and advisers-and not a cracker for veterans. We still have the $43 billion Australian Broadband Network to come, with no business plan.

Mr Tanner and Mr Rudd and Mr Griffin say that living up to the promises they gave will be too expensive. They are happy to spend everybody else’s money on everything else, including themselves. This is nothing more or less than a glib con and a betrayal of the legitimate expectations, as fuelled by the Prime Minister, of all veterans. This callous treatment of veterans fits squarely with a number of misrepresentations made before the 2007 election: ‘I’m a fiscal conservative,’ ‘I’m an economic conservative,’ and ‘We will take the Japanese whalers to the International Court of Justice.’ These were of the same ilk - representations with not a shred of intent to live up to them.

The message that I have for veterans today is that, whilst you may not have been entirely happy with the Howard government, you were not openly and cruelly deceived. You were not treated as some electoral doormat, as some gullible mob of innocent believers and victims, to be abused and suckered. We did not do that, and we will not do that.

Given the deficit and the level of borrowings of this government, it must be said that meeting the equitable resolutions that veterans seek in the reform of their entitlements indexes is now further than ever from becoming a reality. It has disappeared over the hill in the deficit style of reckless spending of this completely profligate Rudd government. The Rudd government has in fact spent all of the money - and not a cracker for veterans. My commitment and that of my colleagues is to relentlessly argue the case for these amendments if elected to government, when we would have some control over the national accounts, which I must say are now totally out of control.

A man applying for a job at a Mildura lemon grove seemed to be far too qualified for the job. The foreman frowned and said, "I have to ask you this; have you had any actual experience in picking lemons?"

He replied: "I've been divorced three times, Bought a Pajero and I voted for Kevin Rudd."

The Chinese Threat Below
February 5, 2010: Recently, the Taiwanese Navy detected an unidentified submarine outside one of its major naval bases. Ships and helicopters pursued the contact, but the suspected submarine left the area. A Chinese boat was suspected, mainly because for the last decade, Chinese subs have increasingly been showing up close to Japan and South Korea as well.

Two years ago, Japan increased anti-submarine patrols in international waters, just outside Japanese territorial waters. Chinese submarines were apparently exercising there more frequently, looking for Japanese, South Korean and American warships to play tag with. The U.S. has also redirected more of its space based naval search capabilities to assist the Japanese. Chinese Song class diesel electric and Han class nuclear powered boats have been detected and tracked with increasing frequency over the last few years. In that time, one of each of these was spotted stalking the American carrier USS George Washington, as it headed to South Korea for a visit.

China is rapidly acquiring advanced submarine building capabilities, and providing money (for fuel and spare parts) to send its subs to sea more often. Moreover, new classes of boats are constantly appearing. The new Type 39A, or Yuan class, looks just like the Russian Kilo class. In the late 1990s, the Chinese began ordering Russian Kilo class subs, then one of the latest diesel-electric design available. Russia was selling new Kilos for about $200 million each, which is about half the price other Western nations sell similar boats for. The Kilos weigh 2,300 tons (surface displacement), have six torpedo tubes and a crew of 57. They are quiet, and can travel about 700 kilometers under water at a quiet speed of about five kilometers an hour. Kilos carry 18 torpedoes or SS-N-27 anti-ship missiles (with a range of 300 kilometers and launched underwater from the torpedo tubes.) The combination of quietness and cruise missiles makes Kilo very dangerous to American carriers. North Korea and Iran have also bought Kilos.

The Chinese have already built two Yuans, the second one an improvement on the first. These two boats have been at sea to try out the technology that was pilfered from the Russians. A third Yuan is under construction, and it also appears to be a bit different from the first two. The first Yuan appeared to be a copy of the early model Kilo (the model 877), while the second Yuan (referred to as a Type 39B) appeared to copy the late Kilos (model 636). The third Yuan may end up being a further evolution, or Type 39C.

Preceding the Yuans was the Type 39, or Song class. This was the first Chinese sub to have the teardrop shaped hull, and was based on the predecessor of the Kilo, the Romeo class. The Type 39A was thought to be just an improved Song, but on closer examination, especially by the Russians, it looked like a clone of the Kilos. The Yaun class also have AIP (Air Independent Propulsion), which allows non-nuclear boats to stay underwater for days at a time. China currently has 13 Song class, 12 Kilo class, two Yuan class and 25 Romeo class boats. There are only three Han class SSNs, as the Chinese are still having a lot of problems with nuclear power in subs. Despite that, the Hans are going to sea, even though they are noisy and easily detected by Western sensors.   The Strategy Page

DEFENCE NEWS

Chiming in on the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Debate

That’s it. I’m chiming in on the "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" debate, because I served on a nuclear submarine with a guy who got kicked out of the Navy for being gay. His name was Chief Petty Officer Timothy McVeigh (he later became a Senior Chief) and he was a member of the crew of the USS Asheville, the Los Angeles class fast-attack submarine I first reported to in 1993. He was one of the more experienced members of our crew. He was especially respected for his knowledge of shipboard operations and ability to function in stressful situations, of which there were many.

Years after I transferred off the Asheville, I picked up a copy of USA Today and saw McVeigh on the cover. He had been outed at a base in Hawaii for being gay and was being kicked out. Read about it here and read about how he won the case here. I’m glad it worked out for him, but the whole thing still pisses me off.

McVeigh was an asset when it came to operating a submarine. He was smart, hard working, dedicated and reasonable in crazy-ass situations. Life on a submarine can be trying. There is very little sleep, and you live in a metal tube that dives thousands of feet beneath the ocean. Nuclear energy, flooding and the threat of fire are omnipresent. You sleep inches from your crew members and there is no natural light. It’s surreal and dangerous, and McVeigh had been doing it for a dozen or more years when I first met him.

But my point is this: Submarines only allow men onboard, and they spend months on end together underwater. Nobody had any problem with McVeigh while we did all this, and not only did we work together; we were proud to work with him. We looked to him for guidance, and the Navy lost that guidance when they kicked him out because he happened to love men instead of women.

I hear all of this shit about how gay people in the ranks will mess everything up. It’s bullshit. War and the military are not games. It’s about every person doing their job well and about staying alive. This “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” debate is about machismo and homophobia — basically, soldiers and sailors and airmen don’t want to sleep next to or work with men or women with a different sexual preference than theirs. Replace the word “gay” with “black” or “Native American,” and the debate becomes offensive.

Not only that, but the powers that be say it’s about time, so maybe we’ll finally get over this ridiculous bullshit, like so many other countries have.

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

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.

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Last modified: 06-Dec-2011