"What, where, when?" In the August edition of The Log Peter Lewis asked if anyone knew anything about this torpedo.  One suggestion was that it was at RANTME while another suggested an incident on the Pittwater Range.  Can you recall the incident?  Finally the question has been answered.  Elwyn Brookes wrote "If that is the torpedo at Pittwater Test range we are talking about it happened like this. Vic Borg, Me (Elwyn Brookes) plus a couple of other trainees were doing a promotion course, two Mk 8 torpedoes were to be fired up the range. The first fired successfully, the second did a U turn and came back on the beach going under some anchored yachts, the owner of one being in it at the time.  I have photographs of the incident."

Kevin Christensen writes "I was saddened to hear of yet another sparker passing on to the 'eternal patrol' in Fred White. While I did not know Fred it is interesting to note that there have been quite a few submariners to have spent some time in the Antarctic. I know that my list is not exhaustive (have met some but memory has faded) but I have put together a list of those that I know of. I would be pleased if people who know of others could add to the list. My list comprises mostly of Radio Operators. Hoping for some feedback to fill out the list."

The following people wintered with ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions):

Al ??? Bridge watchkeeper on the Aurora Australis circa 2001/02.
Kim Pitt was Assistant Director Operations (title may not be up to date) for a number of years through the 90s and naughties.
Explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins in the Antarctic in the 20s experimented with submarines (Nautilus) under ice in the arctic in 1931."

Some people live the good life.  who do you get to deliver a boat from Southport, Gold Coast Queensland to Royal Perth Yacht  Club, Crawley, Western Australia. recently Ray Clarke's brother Ron  purchased a Formula Icon 54 in Southport, Queensland he had a decision to make on how to move the now named "Nirvana" to its home berth at Royal Perth Yacht Club, Perth.

The options were to ship "Nirvana" from Brisbane to Fremantle or sail south around the bottom of Australia, around the north not being a consideration due to the cyclone season.

Ray Clarke and John Lindquist did not have a lot of difficulty in convincing Ron that sailing south was the way to go and one that would enable all three of them to say they had motored around mainland Australia as they all had previously motored around the top during previous delivery runs from The Gold Coast.  Ron's story continues;

"Royal Perth Yacht Club members Ray Clarke, John Lindquist, Peter Neville and the writer together with brother-in-law Nick Prentice and brother Ray's submariner mate John Bishop (Joey) set out from Southport with appropriate life raft, sat phone, regulation safety gear and the compulsory few bottles of vino on 4th November 2011 for the voyage.  Nick Prentice jumped off in Pittwater NSW and another of Ray's submariner mates Coxswain John Rana (JR) joined the crew.

With three submariners, a coxswain and two chief stokers on board, the writer was developing a concern that if the seas became too rough they would have a preference to dive the boat and proceed underwater. (Note: Someone tell JR to take the top off the beer, it may not last as long, but tastes better!!!)

During the trip south down the Queensland and NSW coast many whales were sighted. Weather conditions were as forecast, a mix moderate north east to southeast winds and slight to moderate seas.

During the trip across Bass Strait from Lakes Entrance to Apollo Bay we motored through the bottom of a low pressure system and incurred a mix of north east to south east winds, rain and hail. This storm system caused considerable wind and hail damage throughout the south eastern corner of Victoria, thankfully we missed the worst of it by a day.

An overnight stay in Apollo Bay was extended to 2 nights when a further low pressure system came through Victoria, again causing property damage with strong winds and rain. Peter Neville jumped ship to return home for work commitments. His jovial attitude to everything was missed as well as the daily "are we there yet".

The run to Port Fairy, Cape Jervis, Coffin Bay to Ceduna was uneventful with 10 to 15 knot south east winds and slight to moderate seas.

The 640 nm leg between Ceduna, South Australia and Esperance, Western Australia through The Bight was commenced with the knowledge that few vessels travelled through the head of The Bight and with no navigation charts available for about half the run, nor any support or refuelling facilities, a conservative approach was required for this leg of the journey.

For this run we carried two fuel bladders adding 1,350 litres to the vessels 4,000 litre tank. To ensure an adequate fuel reserve 70% of this leg was travelled at 10 knots and the balance at 20 kn.  600 nautical miles of this run was non-stop for 50 hours until we anchored in Duke of Orleans Bay, 42 nm from our refuelling destination in Esperance.  We arrived in Esperance with 1,200 litres in the tank.

A further unplanned night run was undertaken when we refuelled in the Albany and left to anchor behind Saddle Island off Walpole. This proved to be a short stay when 3m swells continued to roll around the back of the Island making it most uncomfortable resulting in us motoring on to Port Geographe some 260 nm from Albany. During this leg we rounded Cape Leeuwin in slight seas and a 2m swell at 1am in the morning, a pleasure to experience at the Cape as the writer had previously navigated this corner of Western Australia numerous times during Fremantle to Albany yacht races and normally in rough seas.

During the voyage we experienced varying sea conditions ranging from slight to rough seas with 1/2 to 4 m waves and up to 5 m swells and winds between 6 to 30 knots. The stronger winds and rough seas experienced were along the bottom of the country and were predominately following seas from the south east, the Port quarter. Swells were generally from the south to south west and whilst up to 5m did not present any problem as they ranged from 13 to 15 seconds between the peaks allowing us to run at around 15 knots in these seas.

The 2,965 nautical mile voyage was achieved in 17 days, including the day layover in Apollo Bay. The majority of the voyage was covered during daylight hours with runs of between 120 to 240 nm.

The Formula Icon 54 performed superbly in all sea conditions and is a credit to the Formula team on design and sea going ability.

Ray and Joey ensured the MTU 825 HP diesels purred throughout the voyage and that all boat systems operated efficiently. Fuel consumption was 10% under estimate and averaged 8.51 litres per nautical mile for the journey.

Excluding the 10kn run through The Bight boat speed averaged 18 knots for the voyage.

Of interest to all potential passage navigators, we had enormous benefit from John Lindquist's laptop computer that enabled web contact for daily weather synoptic patterns and other information for all but a few sectors of the voyage.

Thanks go to all Sea Search and Rescue Stations from Southport to Fremantle that monitored our progress during the voyage, and provided weather information on request.

Special thanks to skippers brother Ray, John, JR, Joey and Peter for bringing "Nirvana" home safely. A great trip."

A group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, accompanied by two female teachers, went on a field trip to the local racetrack, to learn about thoroughbred horses.  When it was time to take the children to the bathroom, it was decided that the girls would go with one teacher and the boys would go with the other.

The teacher assigned to the boys was waiting outside the men's room when one of the boys came out and told her that none of them could reach the urinal. Having no choice, she went inside, helped the boys with their pants, and began hoisting the little boys up one by one, holding on to their 'wee-wees' to direct the flow away from their clothes.

As she lifted one, she couldn't help but notice that he was unusually well endowed.. Trying not to show that she was staring the teacher said, 'You must be in the 5th grade.'

'No, ma'am', he replied. 'I'm riding Silver Arrow in the seventh race, but I appreciate your help.'

Websites of the Week
The following links are my pick of those sent to me to visit this week:

•    Ships Without a Name (Scene 3) performance at the City Recital Hall 10 July 2011. This performance was recorded during the Flagship Recital at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, on 10 July 2011 celebrating the Centenary of the Royal Australian Navy. The narrator is Commander Phillip Anderson and the conductor is Lieutenant Commander Paul Cottier.  This is a 'must see' and  recommend that you watch all scenes.  Thor Lund said "You simply must get this link on the web. I had the very great pleasure of attending this concert and the first part which relates to AE1 and 2 will bring a tear to the eye as well as make a few proud of our submarine heritage."

On behalf of all the members of the Royal Australian Navy Band I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, our friends and supporters, and your loved ones, A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Our Christmas gift for you is waiting on You Tube - video of the 'Naval Salute' RAN Centenary Concert held at the City Recital Hall, Sydney in July 2011.

The Band will be on leave from early next week until 16 January 2012 enjoying a well earned rest. But we look forward to welcoming you all to our performances again next year.

Stay safe, happy and healthy

Leading Seaman Musician Cathy Wainwright
National Public Relations Manager
Royal Australian Navy Band
Tel: (02) 9359 2618; Fax: (02) 9359 2609

Email: navy.band@defence.gov.au     Web: www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Band

 

 

Western Australia Branch
On behalf of the SAAWA Branch, I wish all SAA Members and your families a very merry, joyous and Holy Christmas free of stress but filled with love, fun and frivolity. Enjoy the Christmas Break, enjoy your families and don’t forget to tell your families that you love them. Let 2012 be a new beginning with good health, a safe and stress free environment and prosperity be given to all of us.

This year has been reasonably steady year for the WA Branch; we had 3 Branch meetings, 1 AGM meeting, and a fund raiser for Prostate Cancer. Members went to Albany for ANZAC Day, the AE2 Memorial Plaque unveiling and the US Submarine Memorial Service. Locally we had our Remembrance Day Service in Fremantle and a Christmas lunch at Ramon’s Restaurant.

Apart from ANZAC Day attendances were disappointingly down and the Executive is encouraging all members to try to attend our meetings and functions in 2012. The WA Branch has sent out a survey to all members in an attempt to update the requirements of our membership. Unfortunately to date only 26 responses out of a membership of some 125, this is a disappointing result. The Survey will remain open until Dec 31st for those members who work away from home. A preliminary review of the survey supports the holding of three General Meetings per year split between Fremantle Navy Club and Rockingham Navy Club. The 2012 Calendar of Events will reflect that and it is intended to have a BBQ or at least a sausage sizzle at the end of each meeting. More and more wives are attending the General Meetings where they are able to compare notes on how to manage their ageing submarine heroes and enjoy each other’s company.

Branch members this year also attended, the Remembrance Day Service conducted by the Fremantle City Council, the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Sydney, the Submariners Association Australia Branch Periscope Memorial Service and the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Australian Navy.

The WA Branch has a good rapport and contact with the Submarine Squadron especially the Captain SM Brett Sampson and the Squadron Warrant Officer Jeff Argoon. Both are moving on to their next postings and the branch thanks them for their support.

Sid Czabotar
President, WA Branch

VETERANS' AFFAIRS

DEFENCE NEWS

I was having a beer with a few mates at the Quambone pub when a local farmer announced that he was getting married. It came as no surprise as we all knew that he was courting three lasses from Coonamble, but was having trouble choosing one. We asked how he finally made a choice. He replied. "I gave each woman a present of $5,000 and waited to see what they did with the money." He went on to explain how they used the money.

The first does a total makeover. She goes to a fancy beauty salon, gets her hair done, new makeup; buys several new outfits and dresses up very nicely for the man. She tells him that she has done this to be more attractive for him because she loves him so much. The farmer was impressed.

The second went shopping to buy the man gifts. She gets him a new rifle, some new spotties for his ute, and some expensive JM Williams clothes. As she presents these gifts, she tells him that she has spent all the money on him because she loves him so much. Again, the farmer is impressed.

The third invested the money in the stock market She earns several times the $5,000. She gives him back his $5,000 and reinvests the remainder in a joint account. She tells him that she wants to save for their future because she loves him so much. Obviously, the farmer was impressed.

With three widely different outcomes we were interested in how he made his decision. The farmer said he thought for a long time about what each woman had done with the money he'd given her. Then he married the one with the biggest tits.

I don't want much for Christmas, I just want the person reading this to be happy. Friends and family are the fruit cake of life - some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet.  But mix them together and they're my friends. If I don't update the Log or talk to you before Christmas, have a great one.

Carol Wilson sent her memories of Fred (Knocker) White who passed away this week. "He was one of the June 1966 intake for sub’s and sailed with us on the “Oronsay” to England. He spent many times with us in Gosport while in the UK and was a lot of fun. He and Bob enjoyed a lot of “scrumpy” together in the backyard from the small “kegs” that were available at the time. We saw Fred and Margaret in Sydney at our home before his accident. Bob and I also visited with him in Adelaide when Subcon was in Hahndorf. Yet another of our dear friends has gone. May he “Rest in Peace”." Yes, another sad day for the submarine community.

Bruce 'Bruta' Mclenan is working in the Phillipines and sent the following to assure us that all is well with him. "Yesterdays kidnapping of Aussie guy will be news back home but this took place in a province to the south we are okay here plenty of army and security guards here in Cagayan de oro north Mindanau. Thanks for the concerned e-mails."

Stuart 'Stuey' Milburn is still travelling the world.  He returned home to Oz mid July and left again a few a weeks ago. "Twenty minutes by train from Trier is a town called Saarburg. Its one of those hidden gems in Europe. You don't hear much about it but I found the visit worthwhile. Especially the return trip to Trier by train. The train went straight through the station without stopping. It came to a halt 200 metres from the platform. The driver reversed it back to the platform with some very strange looks from passengers and drivers. He had blocked the road crossing when he had stopped the train."  Stuey sent some great photos of Saarburg, his aim is improving.  He has collected plenty of material for a travel book.

Anghad and Fatima Singh say that not much to report.  "We went to Kuala Lumpur for a few days to celibrate our messenger from God Birthday.  There are a lot of Sikhs in KL.  We had that good of a time that we are now looking to live in Malaysia after Fatima has finished this contract at Holy Name University which is in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines.  Hope you have a Christmas that is full of Fun and beer and 2012 sees you getting good news.  Take care, stay happy, your old stoker Buck."

Mike Shepherd wrote "So glad that you are staying on as "web master" for our log site. The argument that we can achieve similar results through social web sites e.g. Facebook is not really valid whereas your site relates specifically to our unique profession."  Thanks Mike, I agree with you, Facebook is not for me. However, I have started a page in an attempt to keep the SAA 'current' and available to younger submariners. May even pick up a new member."

An unmanned submarine has gone missing off Queensland's Moreton Island and scientists are hoping it may wash ashore or turn up in a fisherman's net. The $500,000 bright yellow unmanned vessel, technically a remote-controlled integrated marine observing system named AUV Sirius, is operated by the University of Sydney's centre for field robotics.  Associate professor Stefan Williams said the submarine was being used last weekend by university scientists and the CSIRO to map kelp and coral on the sea floor east of Moreton Island. I am checking with Victoria to see if Jim Moon is holidaying in Queensland, he has an acute interest in this type of thing.

Sandy and Robyn Freeleagus were in my territory this week, ran into them with family in tow, at Woolworths. Obviously mum was topping up the kid's fridge, I used to look forward to my mum's visits. 

Sandy said "I just got one of those electronic book thingies - a Kindle - with the book selection through Amazon.  I searched under the title "submarines" and it gave me a list of 348 books (fact and fiction) on boats. These books can be purchased for an average of $9.90 each." 

"I have just finished "Subsmash: The Disappearance of HM Submarine Affray" by Alan Gallop. All his researched material is listed and verified and poses more questions than those that remain unanswered and obviously covered up by the Admiralty. Of particular note is the snorting arrangement that we employed on Oberons was developed from the possible loss of Affray due to a snapped snort mast. (This "cause" was NOT verified nor researched by the Admiralty. This was the result of the inquiry decided on by two Admirals BEFORE the inquiry began).

It is a sad read and an even sadder cover up. It will have all submariners forming their own opinion of what actually happened from their own experience. And to boot, it has its own ghost story attached. As I said before, you can recognise the snorting equipment introduced from this disaster.

Keith 'Scarpa' Broomfield writes "Thanks for the latest info on the Log - I am not a Facebook user so am happy too hear that the Log will remain as it is for now.  As advised in my last email to you, I have since rode in the Sally's Ride and am happy to say that I came in 69 (how lucky was that?!) out of 125 but then again it was not a race but a fun ride - some fun as it rained!

Similarly the following week saw me riding in the Grand Fondo but this time it really rained and quite a few folk pulled out before the ride began. I did start the ride and completed about 65km before having to pull out as I got something in my eye and thus couldn't see too well and was in quite a bit of pain. Even so in that condition I did fly down a hill and my computer (afterwards) showed that I was doing 65kph in the pouring rain. Thank goodness that I didn't look down to the computer otherwise I would be typing this from a hospital bed!! Anyway I thought that it was a good effort in such horrendous weather. I have attached a photo of me taken just before the ride in the driest place that we could find - the Launceston City Park Conservatory.

That strained smile is, I believe, caused by the constriction of the lycra suit that he is wearing.  I tried bike shorts on once, I am still firing blanks......

In the interest of his safety I will not name the person that wrote "I love CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, they remind me of tiffies. They all hang together, half of them don't work, and the ones that do aren't that bright."   However, for a price ....................

Two older women were having lunch together, and discussing the merits of cosmetic surgery.  The first woman said, "I need to be honest with you, I'm getting a boob-job."   The second woman responded, "Oh, that's nothing.. I'm thinking of having my arsehole bleached!" "Whoa," replied the first woman. "I just can't picture your husband as a blonde!"

Terry Hall of the Derbyshire Submariners wrote "You will see by the Guardian Press release that women will be introduced to the pleasures of RN submarines. Any comments for our against would be  appreciated for our next newsletter.  We could consider a sweep stake as to who looses out onboard, or is that the reason the sea riders bunk space was built into the Astute Class?" Read the press release.

Vale - Jan Raynor
Jan Raynor passed away after he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday 5th December 11 at 730pm.

Although Jan was not a Submariner he worked for many years on the NCSM Project and was the Rockwell/Boeing Engineer responsible for the B&S Periscopes and also involved in the NCSM Sonar development.

Jan started work with Rockwell Ship Systems on the NCSM project in 1987 as the Rockwell Systems Engineer on the TSP Sonar and Periscopes (Barr& Stroud) for the Collins Class Submarines. He left Raytheon after some 14 Years working on the NCSM project.

David Holland writes "I had the pleasure of travelling to UK (Glasgow) & France (Nice) with Jan in those early days of the NCSM project. He was a great bloke and a true professional."

Websites of the Week
The following links are my pick of those sent to me to visit this week:

•    Classical composer Marvin Ayres recorded sounds, echoes and reverberations on board HMS Alliance, based at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, in Gosport, Hampshire.  I think it would have sounded better with donks running.....  Video

•   Clearly on deployment for far too long.  Watch this skit by some crew members of HMS Ocean. I draw your attention to the officer playing the guitar and what he is wearing. In all my years at sea it never ceased to amaze me the amount and variety of lingerie that would appear when you had a ship’s race day or other event whilst at sea.

•    Despite all the gold and gloss and extravagance you can’t take the 3rd world aspects out of the reality and make them a classy 21st century modern country. Dubai doesn't have a sewage system for all those big new buildings and the more than million people living there, so they haul it all away.  Look at the number of tank trucks that are waiting to dump their load.  This is amazing. They wait for days. That is a lot of shit.
   

Can you help............................

The DFWA is attempting to lay its hands on any Defence (Navy, Army or Air Force) recruiting or informational brochures between 1976 and 1991 which describe DFRDB or military conditions of service as they relate to superannuation.

Given the prompt and surprising stuff that came back from the 1991 MSBS change-over call, for which the DFWA is very grateful, we may well turn up something of interest with this request !

Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association

PO Box 4166 KINGSTON ACT 2604
P: 02 62659530  M: 0411 444248
E: national@dfwa.org.au   W: www.dfwa.org.au

 

There will be no Nativity Scene in Canberra this year! The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene at Parliament House this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason; they simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the nation's capital. The search for a virgin continues. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.

SUBMARINE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

North Queensland Branch
The North Queensland Branch held our Christmas function and last meeting for the year on Magnetic Island on the 26th November.

Although not as well attended as some past meetings, those who attended had a good night of dining and entertainment at the Stage Door Theatre. The theme was ABBAsolutely fabulous Christmas and was a bit of a riot. Spanner Watts came dressed for the occasion in his Christmassy garb and when called to stage, stole the show, (photo attached).

Our next function will be Anzac Day, which in 2012 will be in Townsville again. We alternate between Townsville and Cairns.

Our first raffle to raise funds for 2013 was drawn and won by a lady who works at the Townsville RSL club.

There are still many submariners in the North Queensland area that don't support the branch, for one reason or another. It would be nice for more involvement as we head towards Subcon 2013 and to have their input, to make the event truly representative.

Garth Schmidt
Secretary, North Queensland Branch
0417 747 246

Submariners keep vet organization numbers high
While veterans associations are shuttering doors becuase of low membership rates and aging members, the U.S. Submarine Veterans of Bremerton’s numbers are stable and its members are actually getting younger.

As the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor passed Wednesday, it was marked by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association announcement that it was closing shop due to low membership.  In addition, the Submarine Veterans of World War II, from which the U.S. Submarine Veterans later sprang, announced that it will disband in Sept. 2012 for similar reasons.

Veterans’ association groups across the nation struggle with retention rates and inevitable aging of members, according to Fred Borgmann, national office Manager for U.S. Submarine Veterans.  “The Pearl Harbor disbanding was inevitable. You can’t keep having meetings without people,” said Borgmann.   Much like Pearl Harbor survivors, other World War II veterans are a “dying breed,” according to Don Bassler, webmaster and former commander of the Bremerton chapter.

The war-specific veterans organizations are made up of members in their upper 80s who don’t have the energy to continue the work, according to Borgmann. And then there is no one to take the torch, he said.   “I see their point of view, wanting to only have members to represent a specific part of history that they are trying to preserve,” said Borgmann.

However, Borgmann explained that too narrow a focus can kill an organization. For example, in the 1960s, the World War II submariners considered changing their bylaws to include more of the submarine community. After several rejections, non World War II submariners formed their own group in 1964.   “We gave up trying to get them to let us in,” said Borgmann.

Decades later, U.S. Submarine Veterans is absorbing what is left of the World War II organization, taking in its remaining members along with it’s much loved parade float.

The Submarine Veterans national roster is 13,610 members, with 288 active members in Kitsap County. Those numbers have remained stable for the last three years and attendance remains high at all local events, according to Borgmann.  “Our retention is above average,” said Bassler.

In the past, the veterans have lent their numbers to support World War II vets and Pearl Harbor survivors groups.  “We encourage our members to show up in attendance to support those guys in whatever they’re doing,” said Bassler.

And the submariners do show up, en masse.

Borgmann believes that one big reason for the group’s success is its business-like approach to running the chapter. Financial stability, city connections, marketing, keeping an online presence, and recruiting new blood are all key, he said.

“We don’t have a lot of expenses, no clubs, no hall. I think we’ve done better on maintaining financial stability,” said Borgmann.

Adding to the overall activity, Bassler updates the organization’s website every day with news, events, death announcements and resources. As of Wednesday, 1,468,989 visits have been logged there.

“Being a submariner is like being from the same small town. We make up something like 5 percent of the Navy. In the 70s and 80s the submarine force peaked out and now it’s even less, so we care about what’s going on with each other and stay connected,” said Bassler.

Borgmann is also a master planner. He recalled a cruise in 2007 for 1,800 members which the Bremerton group sponsored with the help of registration fees, the city convention bureau and private organizations.  “We took four years to prepare for that one,” said Borgmann.

“You have to be good at planning to survive,” added Bassler.

As far as recruiting younger submariners, this is the group’s greatest challenge.  “Not that many young guys here. Young submariners have too much else going on with their careers and their lives to come out much,” said Borgmann.

However, the group does go out once a month to Trident training facility on Bangor base to share lunch with young sailors. They “talk shop” and sometimes give advice.   For more information, visit http://gertrude-check.org/

VETERANS' AFFAIRS

If you draw an UK Service Pension take note
The recent Forces Pension Society newsletter tells of an RPI/CPI e-petition which has been established hoping to reverse the Government's decision to link pension increases to CPI instead of RPI. The Government will debate e-petitions that achieve 100,000 signatures, so please can you pass on the following link to ex-servicemen that you know in the hope that they'll sign it, as it affects all of us. Link

Public & Private Pension Increases - change from RPI to CPI
Many workers in the Public and Private Sector have contributed to their pensions on the understanding that on retirement these Pensions would be increased each April by the preceding September's Retail Price Index (RPI) rate. From April 2011 the Government has transferred these increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure which in the Treasury's own words "...is designed to take account of the fact that consumers tend to shop around, switching to cheaper alternatives when prices of similar goods change." This change, which has been introduced in most cases without any prior consultation, will mean a steady reduction in spending power for pensioners as they progress into their retirement. Given the promises that have previously been made, the RPI measure should be reintroduced without delay to ensure that the spending power of these Public and Private pensioners is maintained.

Ban Lifted on Women Serving in Royal Navy Submarines
Women are to be allowed to serve in submarines for the first time in the Royal Navy’s history the Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, announced on Thursday. The decision comes following an 18-month review conducted by the Royal Navy looking at the legal, operational, health, social, technical, and financial issues of allowing women to serve on submarines.

Women had previously been excluded from submariner roles due to concerns about higher levels of carbon dioxide in submarine atmosphere carrying risks to female health. But recent research by the Institute of Naval Medicine showed that these risks were unfounded and that there were no medical reasons for excluding women from service in submarines.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “I am pleased that women will now have the same opportunity to serve on board our submarines, carrying out vital tasks maintaining Britain’s defences around the clock, across the world.”

“The Royal Navy has always been at the forefront of innovation, and this decision represents another step in its distinguished tradition of recognising the contribution of its people and making the very best use of the talent from which it can recruit.” (Forefront?  Even the Yanks made the decision before them and we all know how anal they can be NW)

The first female submariners are expected to take up their posts towards the end of 2013. Initially this will be a small number of female officers - volunteers who will begin training next year for service in the Vanguard-class of Trident submarines. The first female ratings will be recruited and trained from 2014.

Women will also be able to serve in Astute-class submarines from 2016 when the necessary modifications to on-board accommodation have been made.

Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, said:“Our primary objective in the Royal Navy is maintaining our operational effectiveness both now and in the future. This carefully considered decision will allow the Submarine Service to draw on the widest range of talent and skills of our people - those in service and those yet to join. It will therefore enable us to further consolidate our operational success. And it will give our women the same opportunities as men to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Submarine Service.”

Currently, more than nine percent of Royal Navy personnel are female, approximately 3,420. Women have been serving on board Royal Navy ships since 1990.

Orthodox submarine: In nukes we trust
The Russian nuclear submarine Aleksandr Nevsky will be fitted with its own Orthodox chapel after the vessel finishes its sea trials. It has become the second nuke-carrying sub equipped with a sanctuary in addition to ballistic missiles.  The military chapel will allow sailors to attend religious services right on board during the sub’s long missions.

It was donated to the vessel’s crew by the Omophor Fund (omophorion), which brings together both able-bodied and war-wounded veterans who spent their lives serving their motherland and who are continuing that service in the field of social and church charity.

It is the sixth military chapel to be donated by the fund. The other five were installed on the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the heavy cruiser Pyotr Veliky, Russian Navy sail training ship Kruzenshtern, guided missile cruiser Moskva, and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine K-433 Svyatoy Georgiy Pobedonosets.

The fund organizers said that their initiative was inspired by an episode in 1903, when St. Elizabeth Romanova of Russia donated several Orthodox military chapels to the Russian fleet.

The church was consecrated in the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in the name of blessed Alexander Nevsky on September 15.

Construction on the Alexander Nevsky began in March 2004 and it was launched in December 2010. Its sea trials began on October 24 in the White Sea. After the trials, the sub will return to port, where the chapel will finally be installed.

The development of clergy activities in the Russian army has support from the highest level. Some 240 clergy and nine priest positions have appeared in the Russian army in 2011, and by the end of the year the military is expected to fill all the vacancies with representatives from all official religions.

A full-scale military priesthood existed in Russia from the 18th century until the beginning of the Soviet era. In 2009, President Dmitry Medvedev supported a project to restore the military priesthood to Russia.

Submarine project gets boost
The Ojibwa submarine might arrive in Elgin County as early as this summer in preparation for the decommissioned vessel to become a harbour-side tourist attraction.   The National Defence Ministry has granted approval in principle to donate the sub to the Elgin County Military Museum, a long-awaited move that has made local organizers ecstatic.

"Project Ojibwa is now a reality rather than an idea," said Deborah Jarvis, president of the museum. "Our team of volunteers, staff, consultants and engineers have worked for two years to reach this point. This is a major milestone."

Peter MacKay, federal Minister of National Defence, has announced the museum has received approval in principle to donate the Oberon class Cold War-era submarine, which is currently docked in Halifax.   "She remains in Halifax, the last of her type, awaiting her final trip to her new home on Lake Erie at Port Burwell," Ian Raven, executive director the Elgin Military Museum, said.

Raven said the next step is to prove to the Department of National Defence the museum has the $5 to $6 million to finance the project.   "It's going to be a combination of fundraising and financing. Simply because of the time frame we're looking at, you can't do the fundraising."   The museum already has been granted $1.9 million by the federal government.

When the submarine is ready to be moved, Mammoet Marine Salvage will raise it up out the water to place it on a floating dry dock owned by Heddle Marine Service.

Raven said the submarine will be towed as far as Hamilton on a barge and then towed to Port Burwell on a smaller barge.  The plan is to dredge Port Burwell's harbour to allow the 90-metre-long Ojibwa to be off-loaded onshore, alongside Otter Creek.

It's been estimated the Ojibwa as a harbour-side tourist attraction would see 100,000 annual visitors and produce an annual regional economic impact of $14.4 million.   A sister Oberon-class submarine, the Onondaga, was mounted as a tourist attraction in the Quebec city of Rimouski, and attracts 90,000 visitors each year.

THE SLOPS VAN IS OPEN - ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS Ball Caps Brushed cotton with Australian Submarine or Submarines Australia logo. $15 plus postage. CoolDri Polo shirts CoolDry fabric that has a multi-silt fiber design that draws moisture to the outside of the fabric, making it dry quickly and offers the ultimate in comfort to the wearer.  We stock Navy/White and White/Navy and other colours by request - with Australian Submarine logo. Normally $37.50 reduced to $35 for Christmas Chambray shirts Short Sleeve summer weight shirt will keep you and looking smart. With Australian Submarine  logo. $37.50 plus postage. Don't know what to get him for Christmas?  Order from the Slops Van now if you want delivery before Christmas.  Extra large sizes (up to 5XL) available.

Come on Niggs, lets go and get a pizza.!!!

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Eternal Patrol - Frederick White
It is with much regret that I advise that Ex LROSM Fredrick ' Freddy' White passed in his sleep on Tuesday, 6th December. Fred was  paraplegic as a result of a car smash about 25 odd years ago.

Fred served on Oxley and when he left boats he went to the Antarctic for two stints down there. He then joined the South Australian Prisons.

Fred leaves his wife Margaret, and 3 stepchildren. Fred was one of 13 brothers and sisters and was Peter 'Ivan' Donzow and Keith 'Scarpa' Broomfield's 's brother-in-law.

Condolences and cards to: 6 Unicorn St, GOLDEN GROVE, SA. 5125. (Ph. 0882892930)

Fred’s Funeral Service will be on Friday December 16th at 10.00. at Mattiske Funerals, 395 Montague Rd., Para Vista.  Usual rig for funerals plus medals.

The submarine community mourns the passing of another member of The Trade.

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Eternal Patrol - Angus Bartlett-Bragg
Angus Bartlett-Bragg passed away in Victoria on the 30th November after bravely and without complaint, fighting an awful illness over the last four months. Our thoughts go out to his wife Christine and family.

A memorial service will be held on Monday 5th December 2011, at 2pm at:

St. Peters Anglican Church
77 Were Street, Brighton Victoria 3186

In accordance with Angus’s wishes the SAA Victoria President Mike Bennett will give a short address and recite ‘The Submariners Prayer’ at the Memorial Service.

Angus was born in England on 11 September 1928 and volunteered for HO short-service with the Royal Navy as soon as he became eligible at 17 years and six months in March 1946. At that time compulsory conscription did not kick-in until you were at least 18 years and three months.

He underwent initial training at Royal Arthur and Raleigh and was drafted to Drake, RNB Devonport. It was there as an Ordinary Seaman that he volunteered for boats and underwent submarine training at Blockhouse.

He first served on the HMS Tradewind, then an experimental boat under the command of Lt. Peter Langley-Smith, and later HMS Seneschal. He also served as spare-crew on a small number of other T and S boats and as steaming crew collecting and relocating surrendered German submarines from south coast ports to Lisahally on the Foyle.  His regular service in submarines was operating from HMS Dolphin and HMS Maidstone

Angus was demobbed in 1948.

Angus served as a member and Public Officer of the Submarine Association Victoria Branch until his passing away in November 2011, aged 83. The klaxon sounds and we weep for another member on his last dive. RIP Angus.

Sunday, 4^th December 2011

Bah Humbug!  Not this year, I have too much to be thankfull for.  I may have lost a fortune from my superannuation thanks to the bloody Greeks and Ities, I may have invested in a property only to find I have aborigine neighbours on either side that are racists, I may have wasted a fortune on a coffee machine that requires a boiler watchkeeping certificate to operate and is useless.  These all mean naught as I have come through a bad year alive and things are looking good for the future.   My specialist will be getting a bottle of Dimple in his stocking.

However, there are some out there that are not so lucky and I ask all of you to take time to contact some of your mates from old just to say g'day and let them know you care.  They may be wary at first (probably will think you are after a loan) but I can assure you, the call will be a tonic.  I know, the number of calls I have received over the past two years has been a great boost to my morale.

Been a busy week, again.  I have written the Constitution for the Bauple Innovation Group which is being formed and arranged its first meeting for later this month.  I have opened a can of worms and have stirred a few natives.  I am having fun!

We are getting desperate for rain, my lawn crunches when I walk on it, the trees are shedding leaves faster than I can rake them up and my in ground water tank is down to about a quarter.  Fortunately I have been able to keep the pool topped up from a tank I put in behind the shed.  And to think, 12 months ago we were so waterlogged my driveway was covered in moss.

I made a big mistake this week, I decided to clean and sort out the book case which takes up a whole wall in my hall.  This is the last time, I was a wreck by the time I finished twelve hours later.  Mind you, it bought back many memories, I used to read a lot, but don't get the chance much any more.

I think I have made another mistake, I agreed to look after two horses for the next week.  I must have been drugged, horses and I don't seem to get on, but if the hayburners want to be fed the will have to be nice to me.

Niggs is in hiding, his girlfriend (Bandit, the name says it all) from down the street has just had six of his pups, although he denies any responsibility. She is several years older than he and he has threatened to have her charged if she persists with her slanderous claims.  She has already started making demands, she was here twice yesterday and once this morning to empty his feed bowl. I have had a look at the pups and although they look a lot like him (a coincidence he says) I will have to believe him. 

I am sick of people that come and visit then act like tarts because of MY pet.  I am getting a sign made for my front door:

(1) Niggs lives here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want his hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like Niggs a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, Niggs is an animal. To me, he is a short, hairy mate that walk on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

I have just opened a bottle of red and recalled what mum used to say about wine: The correct way to treat a good wine... Open the bottle to allow it to breathe.  If it doesn't look like it's breathing, give it mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  My mum was a wise woman. 

I mentioned last month that Facebook appeared to be making The Log redundant and its days were numbered.  This hit the nerve with many of you that agree with me, Facebook is for those that are too tired to read or write more than 'cool' or 'like'.  So, for you intellectuals out there, The Log will fight on for a while longer.  I have created a Facebook page Submarines Association Australia, if you can't beat them, join them.  Now I either need to work out how to use it - unless there is someone out there that would like to manage it for us?

Not many email with anything of interest this week, lots of jokes etc, but few buzzes, gossip or news to pass on.  Stuff posting on Facebook, send me your dits!!!!

So, till next week....................

 

 

Around the Traps

Lloyd Blake tried to convince me he had salt in his veins.... His sailing boat's name is 'DAS BOOT' and it proudly flies the Jolly Roger. Lloyd said "Took up competitive sailing when I left the RAN 36 years ago. Sailing Summer & Winter. Recently promoted to Great Grand Master Class when competing." Sounds like a rank in the KKK? I don't understand why someone with training wheels can reach such a grand position.  At least Phil Solomon's boat sails in water.

Lloyd picked up an error in the November Log "I see Birthday note for Peter Eastwood is opaque (like he died ?) I saw him a couple of weeks ago - Looked in good form then."  Just seeing if anyone reads the Log.  Sorry Peter.

Vale - Andrew Brown.  We have been advised that Andrew Brown, ex CERA SM who served in the RN passed away on 26th November 2011. He had been a member of the ex RN Submarine Association and had worked for ASC at HMAS Stirling.

Come on guys, I know your busy, but we want to know whats going on in the submarine community.  It looks like you have all gone deep?

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Click go the shrimps, boys … as Collins proves a point

Dylan Welch - The Age, November 29, 2011.   Gallery  Video

CMDR Jason Cupples RAN CMDR Cupples joined the RAN as a Midshipman in 1985. Having successfully completed training at the Royal Australian Naval College he proceeded to sea. His early training included service in HMA Ships Wollongong (II), Cessnock (II) and Gladstone. He  joined HMAS Hobart in 1988 and, having gained his full Bridge watchkeeping qualification, joined HMAS Derwent as an Officer of the Watch in 1989. CMDR Cupples commenced his submarine training in 1989, and qualified in HMAS Otway in 1990. Following continued service in Otway and a brief posting in Submarine Operations he joined HMAS Ovens as Weapons Officer in 1991. Having successfully completed the intermediate navigation Course in 1992 he was selected as Navigator of the first of the Collins Class  in 1993. He navigated HMAS Collins throughout her post build program (1993-95) and on completion of the Submarine Warfare Officers Course returned as Operations Officer (1996-97). CMDR Cupples served as Executive Officer HMAS Collins (1997-2000), during which time she was restored to full operational status after an extended period out of service. CMDR Cupples successfully completed the Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Command Course (Perisher) in 2001 prior to joining the Submarine Training and Systems Centre HMAS Stirling as Deputy Head of Submarine Warfare Training. CMDR Cupples was posted in Command of HMAS Waller from May 2002 to Dec 2003. CMDR Cupples served as the CMDR Submarine Sea Training Group from Jan 2004 to May 2006. This posting was followed by a 2 year posting to the USA at the Naval Undersea Warfare centre in Newport Rhode Island. CMDR Cupples assumed Command of HMAS Dechaineux in Dec 2009. CMDR Cupples lives in Baldivis Western Australia with his wife, Tanya and their two sons Aaron and Thomas. His interests include most sports, fishing, camping and travelling.

Hundreds of metres beneath the surface of the ocean, sometimes all that Able Seaman Daniel Ponsford can hear is the ''clicking'' of the shrimps.  Other times, all he gets through his headphones are the raucous squeals of pods of excitable dolphins that are attracted to his boat, one of the much-maligned Collins-class submarines, HMAS Dechaineux.  ''They make these really high-pitched squeaks and screams, actually they get pretty annoying after about six hours,'' he says.  Able Seaman Ponsford, a 21-year-old from Rockingham in Western Australia, is just one of a team of acoustic warfare analysts, or sonar operators, aboard the Dechaineux.

He told The Age his stories during a day on the Dechaineux, one of Australia's six Collins-class subs.  ''You hear whales and dolphins and shrimp - their click-clicking through the water - you get to know all the sounds and they become second nature to you,'' he says.

A sonar operator quickly learns to differentiate the ''biologics'' - sealife - from ''contacts'' or other vessels.  They can also recognise the sound of rain on the water's surface and even the ''sound'' of the shore.  ''Land mass actually sounds unique … dolphins, whale and shrimp, they become the largest sounds in the ocean, and you generally hear them in a mixed frenzy, and biologics actually enjoy hanging around vessels,'' AB Ponsford says.

''So you hear a bunch of biologics, and then you'll get a contact suddenly emerge out of them, because all that bio is louder than the ship. Then some days you'll just hear nothing, just an eerie silence.''

Unfortunately, the Collins class subs are better known for reasons other than an association with sea life. They are infamous for their problems - including early engineering and design faults as well as continuing maintenance issues. And reports say they continue to suffer from a series of ''designed-in'' problems.  While most of the problems that originally caused all the negative publicity - a failing combat system, excessive noise, engine breakdowns - have been remedied, problems still exist.

But on this trip the captain, CMDR Jason ''J. J.'' Cupples, quickly demonstrates that the 3000-plus-tonne boat is capable and surprisingly agile.  Only minutes after it submerges, he takes it through a series of manoeuvres he calls ''angles and dangles''.

First the ship noses down and moves swiftly towards the sea floor, then he steers it sharply to starboard, rolling on its axis. Then he pulls it towards the surface and powers up, leaving him and his crew tilted forward at a strange-looking angle.

Next is a torpedo-firing exercise, using a group of hapless fishing trawlers floating above as prey. Air is sucked from the interior of the submarine, providing a palpable feeling of constriction, and water is fired from one of the torpedo shafts in a simulated attack.

Afterwards the sub breaches the waves and begins a cautious return voyage to HMAS Creswell.  After the demonstration of its capabilities, it begins a week-long journey around Australia's south coast to return to the Garden Island naval base in Western Australia.

The boat will remain under the waves - ''deep'', as they call it - for the entire week.  The return to the surface can often be confronting, according to Leading Seaman Andrew Edwards.

''You come back up to the surface and you turn your phone back on and you get your message bank, it's always interesting.

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A Irishman wants a job, but the boss won't hire him until he passes a little math test. Here is your first question, the foreman said. "Without using numbers, represent the number 9."

"Without numbers" The Irishman says? "Dat is easy." And proceeds to draw three trees" What's this?" the boss asks."Have you ain't got no brain? Tree and tree plus tree makes 9" says the Irishman.

"Fair enough," says the boss. "Here's your second question. Use the same rules, but this time the number is 99."

The Irishman stares into space for a while, then picks up the picture that he has just drawn and makes a smudge on each tree. "Ere you go.

"The boss scratches his head and says, "How on earth do you get that to represent 99?"

"Each of da trees is dirty now. So, it's dirty tree, and dirty tree, plus dirty tree. Dat makes 99."

The boss is getting worried that he's going to actually have to hire this Irishman, so he says, "All right, last question. Same rules again, but represent the number 100."

The Irishman stares into space some more, then he picks up the picture again and makes a little mark at the base of each tree and says, "Ere you go. One hundred."

The boss looks at the attempt. "You must be nuts if you think that represents a hundred!"

The Irishman leans forward and points to the marks at the base of each tree and whispers, "A little dog come along and pooped by each tree. So now you got dirty tree and a turd, dirty tree and a turd, and dirty tree and a turd, which makes ONE HUNDRED!"

The Irishman is now head of Qantas.

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Duke of Edinburgh finally gets a promotion
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, has formally received Letters Patent as the holder of the title and office of Lord High Admiral. Her Majesty The Queen conferred the title and office as a gift to the Duke of Edinburgh on his 90th birthday, which keeps alive the tradition of the monarch investing the office as an honour.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the Admiralty Board and were met by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.  They were taken to the Admiralty Board Room where Admiral Stanhope presented the military members of the Navy Board: Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews, Rear Admiral Phil Jones, Rear Admiral Amjad Hussain and Major General Buster Howes.

The Duke of Edinburgh has a strong involvement with the Navy, having enrolled at Dartmouth Naval College when he was 18 years old.

During the Second World War, His Royal Highness served with the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets and reached the rank of Commander before retiring from active service.

Although His Royal Highness gave up his active naval career some time ago, he has remained closely connected to, and actively interested in, every branch of Service life.

In 1952 he was appointed Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force and Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps. The following year he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and appointed Captain General of the Royal Marines.

Her Majesty The Queen has held the office of titular head of the Royal Navy - Lord High Admiral - since the Navy's organisational structure was reviewed in 1964 and the title was revested in the sovereign.

Neither the Army nor the Royal Air Force have similar offices at their head and the Navy is the only Service in which Her Majesty holds the official headship in addition to being 'Head of the Armed Forces'.

The office of the Lord High Admiral dates from the 14th century when the English Navy consolidated into one force. Originally responsible for aspects of Navy policy, the position of Lord High Admiral was held on commission by various peers of the realm.

By 1628, following the death of the Duke of Buckingham, the position became entirely honorary, with the duties of running the Navy delegated to a board of commissioners. Control of the Navy was passed to and from the board and the Lord High Admiral until 1709, when the powers of the Lord High Admiral were finally vested in the board.

For a short time in the 17th century, the office of Lord High Admiral was held by reigning monarchs King Charles II, King James II and, at the beginning of the 18th century, by Queen Anne (although on this occasion it was only for a month).

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Websites of the Week
The following links are my pick of those sent to me to visit this week:

•    Some recent photos on board Dechaineux - taken as part of a media sea ride 25 Nov 2011.  A day in the life of HMAS Dechaineux. Gallery

•    Defence reporter Ian McPhedran takes us aboard a Collins class submarine as it dives to a depth of 200 metres off the NSW coast. Video

•    The JSF in VTOL configuration - now I know why we got our new aircraft carriers amphibian ships. Video

•     Do you have one of the new cards that you don't have to swipe? Be aware of Electronic Pickpocketing. Video

•    The commute of one worker, 1768 feet straight up. Don't watch this if you are afraid of heights! I'm still giddy!!! Video

Can you help............................

John Walton asked  "I was given a O Boat Port decanter many years ago by Bill Wasley, but unfortunately it was broken by my eldest daughter. I have been looking all over the place to try and find where they were made, would you have any idea?  Any pointers would be very much appreciated."  Does anyone know where we can get one, if so let me know where and how much.  jon.walton@mac.com

 

The freeloaders are on their way.  Either hide and pretend that you are not home or break out the champagne, after all, it IS Christmas! Is your wine cellar getting low, if so 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 3558.   

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Submarines Association Australia

SAA Website - submarinesaustralia.com
There has been quite a few email and phone calls regarding the status of the SAA website which has not been updated for a considerable time. A decision made at the AGM this year saw the National Committee resolve to reduce my work load as I was going through a bad patch with my health. A couple of surgery procedures later and with ongoing treatment the long term prognosis is good.  I have offered to take on the role of web manager again and discussions with our President indicate that the offer will be accepted by the National Committee.

I urge all SAA Members to check the site regularly so that you are aware of Branch activities and more importantly, support your committees by attending meetings and functions.  The numbers attending these has decreased to an alarming level in most states, if you have not attended recently please consider attending at least one in 2012.  

THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA The SAA WA Branch will continue to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia until mid-December 2011. We are still seeking donations and I now have the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia account details for direct payment. Donations can be paid direct into the foundation’s account as follows: Account Name: Prostate Cancer Foundation Of Australia Bank: Commonwealth Bank Subiaco BSB: 062-000 Account Number: 12668231 Message/Reference: CritchSAAWA Please note: 1. The Message/Reference Information is important as it shows the funds are from our fundraising efforts) 2. Please send an email to me pres.wa@bigpond.com so that I can ensure you are sent a receipt or send them to Sid Czabotar 19 Bermuda Rd Safety Bay WA 6169 and will return with receipts all donations above $2 are tax deductible. Please consider donating to this worthy cause.

Western Australia Branch

In order to improve our service to SAA (WA) Members a short survey has been developed to assist the Committee to determine the frequency of and type of activity that members would appreciate.  Please assist in completing the survey.

Paul Meakin
Secretary, WA Branch

Australian Capital Territory Branch

You are reminded that the ACT Branch December Meeting and Christmas Party will be held at the Weston Club commencing at 1100 Sunday 11th of December, all welcome.

Geoff Burns
Secretary, ACT Branch

HEALTH MATTERS

Discounts for Defence Members
Defence is recognised as one of the largest employers in Australia. In recognition of Defence’s contribution to the Nation numerous suppliers of products and services provide tailored products
to Defence personnel as a goodwill gesture.

This brochure contains products and services that are available to Defence members including, ADF members, Defence civilians, and Defence contractors. Some products are available to Retired ADF members and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold and White Card recipients. Spouses of eligible persons may also take advantage of some products and services.

The information provided in the brochure is a guide only. Not all products and services are available to all members; certain eligibility criteria may apply (check the eligibility guide - below). There may also be special conditions applicable to the product or service that you are interested in, check with the provider.  The brochure.

DEFENCE NEWS

Gallipoli 1915 explored at RN Submarine Museum
The remarkable tale of the disastrous WW1 campaign at Gallipoli and its legacy will be explored by local historian Kit Power at a special fundraising evening talk, illustrated with numerous photographs, on Wednesday 7 December at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire.

Kit Power, historian said, “The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 was a costly military failure which involved terrible human suffering and remarkable individual courage with no less than 39 Victoria Crosses awarded in the nine months of the campaign. In particular, the exploits of the Submarine service in diving beneath the minefields were just astonishing”

One of the heroes of Gallipoli was submariner Lieutenant CMDR Martin Nasmith who gained the Victoria Cross whilst commanding HMS E11. He, penetrated Turkish defences protecting Constantinople Harbour, and torpedoed the steamer Istanbul. HMS E11 was the first hostile warship to enter the Golden Horn in 500 years.

Profits raised from this fundraising talk will go towards the Saving HMS Alliance. Work has now started on the conservation of the historic WW2 era submarine that is the memorial to all submariners who have lost their lives since the service began in 1901.

Tickets for this talk are £12 and can be bought by calling 023 92510 354 ext 241 or on the night at the Submarine Museum.

RSS Archer submarine now operational, will join 171 Squadron
The first of Singapore's most advanced pair of submarines was commissioned on Friday, sharpening the capabilities of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in underwater warfare.

The RSS Archer was declared operational, following more than two years of tests and torpedo-firing exercises in Sweden and in the warmer and more corrosive waters here.

The 60.5m diesel-electric Archer-class vessel will be added to the RSN's 171 Squadron, which now comprises four ageing Challenger-class submarines.

In a rain-soaked ceremony at Changi Naval Base, the RSS Archer's 28 crew members, togged out in their ceremonial whites, stood on its deck and the parade grounds as religious leaders from across the faiths blessed the vessel and all who will sail on her.

Russian Navy to receive 1st Graney class attack sub by end of 2012
The delivery of the first Graney class nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine to the Russian Navy has been postponed until the end of 2012 due to additional tests of its weapons systems, the Sevmash shipyard said.

Construction of the Severodvinsk submarine began in 1993 at the Sevmash shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk but has since been dogged by financial setbacks. It was floated out in June last year and has undergone two sets of sea trials.  “The delivery of the [Severodvinsk submarine] to the Defense Ministry has been postponed until next year,” Sevmash General Director Andrei Dyachkov said on Friday in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.

Dyachkov said the testing of the submarine’s weaponry required at least six months of additional sea trials in 2012.  “The submarine itself showed a good performance [during previous trials],” the official said. “It will be commissioned by the end of 2012.”

Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km), with conventional or nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.  The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles and eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles.

Meanwhile, the construction of the second Graney class submarine, the Kazan, at the Sevmash is going according to schedule.  The Kazan will feature more advanced equipment and weaponry than the Severodvinsk, and can be considered as a prototype of modernized Graney-M class submarines.

Dyachkov said on Friday that Sevmash would start building a series of five advanced Graney-M class attack submarines in 2012 under a recent contract between the Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Defense Ministry.

Chinese submarines a concern: Indian Navy Chief
New Delhi: Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma on Friday said that Chinese submarines with long-range missiles are a matter of concern for India. He said that the Indian Navy is looking at upgrading its fleet soon.

"Navy is looking at 150 ships fleet and 1000 aircraft and helicopters by 2025. Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh is being considered for raising an Amphibious training facility," Admiral Verma said.

The Admiral admitted that the ingenious aircraft carrier programmes was facing delays due to shortage of critical equipments.  "The delay in Indian aircraft carrier is because of problems with the gear box that has not come on time. Sea trials of indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant will be held in a few months. Project 75 to develop India indigenous submarine will have air independent propulsion," he said.

Admiral Verma also said that the Navy was facing shortage of officers which is currently at 18 per cent of its sanctioned strength.

Submarine escape: A WWII survival tale from Kefalonia
Seventy years ago, off the Greek island of Kefalonia, the British submarine HMS Perseus hit an Italian mine, sparking one of the greatest and most controversial survival stories of World War II.

The clear waters of the Mediterranean were a death trap for British submarines in World War II.  Some were bombed from the air, others hunted with sonar and depth charges, and many, perhaps most, collided with mines.

Two fifths of the subs that ventured into the Mediterranean were sunk and when a submarine sank it became a communal coffin - everyone on board died. That was the rule.  In fact, during the whole of the war there were only four escapes from stricken British submarines. And the most remarkable of these took place on 6 December 1941, when HMS Perseus plummeted to the seabed.  Read this fascinating story at this link.