Defence: Frigates

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

In the period 1 October to 31 December 2008: (a) which frigates were fully operational with full crewing commitments; (b) of those frigates that were not operational, what were the reasons for their non-operational status; (c) what were the operational strengths of the engineering officers and sailors on the frigates; and (d) what were the operational strengths of non-engineering officers and sailors on the frigates.

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

1.   HMA Ships Anzac, Parramatta and Toowoomba.
2. HMAS Stuart was fully operational until November when the ship entered scheduled maintenance.
   
   HMA Ships Sydney, Arunta, Ballarat, Perth and Warramunga were at a lower level of operational readiness due to scheduled maintenance, post maintenance trials, assessments and training exercises. These ships also undertook at-sea training activities.
   
   HMAS Melbourne was at a lower level of operational readiness, and was at sea for most of the period conducting navigational training and regional engagement activities.
   
   HMAS Darwin was at a lower level of operational readiness, completing trials following the Adelaide Class upgrade program and submarine consort activities.
   
   HMAS Newcastle was at a lower level of operational readiness, completing the production work phase of the Adelaide Class upgrade, followed by contractor sea trials in November 2008.
3. Anzac Class Frigates were on average 91 per cent crewed with engineering officers and 97 per cent engineering sailors.  Adelaide Class Frigates were 100 per cent crewed with engineering officers and 89 per cent engineering sailors.
4. Anzac Class Frigates were on average 88 per cent crewed with non-engineering officers and 95 per cent non-engineering sailors.  Adelaide Class Frigates were on average 88 per cent crewed with non-engineering officers and 86 per cent non-engineering sailors.

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