Royal Australian Navy: Submarines

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 November 2008:

With reference to

1. In the period 1 April to 30 September 2008:
   1. which submarines in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet were:
      1. fully operational with full crew complements, and
      2. non-operational; and
   2. for each submarines that was non-operational, what was the reason for its non-operational status.
2. In the period 1 April to 30 September 2008, how many fully qualified personnel were permanently employed in the RAN to operate submarines.

Senator Faulkner - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

1.  
   1.  
      1.    HMA Ships Collins and Waller.
      2. HMA Ships Farncomb, Dechaineux, Sheean, Rankin.
   2. HMAS Farncomb was fully crewed from July completing a planned Mid Cycle Docking maintenance period in September followed by sea trials.  HMA Ships Dechaineux and Sheean are non-operational undergoing Full Cycle Docking in Adelaide as part of the planned maintenance and upgrade cycle.  HMAS Rankin is in Adelaide awaiting the start of its Full Cycle Docking.
2. 425.  Not all of these officers and sailors are posted to submarine positions; some are working in other parts of the Navy or Defence.

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