Defence: Submarines

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 February 2009:

1. In the period 1 October to 31 December 2008: (a) which submarines in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet were: (i) fully operational with full crew compliments, and (ii) non-operational; and (b) for each submarine that was non-operational, what was the reason for its non-operational status.
2. In the period 1 October to 31 December 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. HMAS Farncomb was fully crewed but not fully operational as it conducted post-docking sea trials and work-up training during this period.
      2. HMA Ships Dechaineux, Sheean, Rankin.
   2. HMA Ships Dechaineux and Sheean were non-operational undergoing Full Cycle Docking in Adelaide as part of the planned maintenance and upgrade cycle.  HMAS Rankin is unmanned in Adelaide awaiting the start of its Full Cycle Docking.
2. 422 submarine-qualified personnel in the RAN.  Not all of these officers and sailors are posted to submarine positions; some are working in other parts of the Navy or Defence.

close