RADM Smith reviews the guard in HMAS MANOORA.

The RAN sought to have the first of a new fleet of patrol boats ready in 2002, the new Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith, said.

"The final figures are being teased out but we hope to have one-for-one," the Admiral said in response to a question on whether the new fleet would replace (exactly) the 15 Fremantle class patrol boats now operated by the RAN.

RADM Smith's remarks came following his acceptance of the "weight" on the foredeck of HMAS MANOORA at Fleet Base East on July 24.

Deputy Maritime Commander, CDRE Brian Robertson, handed the weight, a flare as a memento of the Olympic flame, to RADM Smith in a ceremony marked with an honour guard from the ship's company and music from the RAN Band.

RADM Smith arrived by Seahawk. He also took the salute from CAPT Cam Darby and his ship's company as HMAS BRISBANE passed on her way to exercises north of Australia then on to visit Japan.

Reading the formal orders from the Chief of Navy, VADM David Shackleton, CDRE Robertson told RADM Smith: " You are the manager of operations."

RADM Smith commended CMDR Chris Frost and his ship's company in MANOORA for the development of their ship.

"Congratulations on what you have achieved. I wish you well. The times ahead are challenging."

RADM Smith quashed media reports that the RAN was considering getting three "aircraft carriers."

"MANOORA, KANIMBLA and TOBRUK are adequate," he said.

Q: With the last of the three DDGs (HMAS BRISBANE) to go what will become of our air defence capability?

A: "The Government wants to build new ships here. At present there is no funding."

Q: Will the life of the present 15 Fremantle class patrol boats be extended or a new fleet purchased?

A: "We are looking at the patrol boat project. We are looking at a new fleet. We don't know if the announcement will be made before or after the White Paper. The Navy, indeed the Defence department, has made it clear the need for the new boats. We hope to have the first in 2002…then one per month," RADM Smith said.

Q: The new submarine HMAS WALLER has just participated in RIMPAC 2000. Did you get any feedback from the US?

A: "We were very pleased with the way WALLER performed. From talking at flag officer level I am told WALLER was able to hold her own against nuclear submarines."

RADM Smith said WALLER and a second Collins class submarine were now in Hawaii doing a commanding officers course.

"A third submarine is in Thailand," he said.

Q: With the HS 748 electronic warfare training aircraft being retired what will happen to such training?

A: "We hope to make an announcement soon on the successful contractor. We are moving through some financial details. We should be doing the training in the new year."

Q: The Government's announcement that people on the dole be invited to joined the Reserves. Did you take this to mean the Reserve's of all three armed services.

A: "No. In the Navy our Reserves are a little different. They are usually people who have been in the permanent Navy and return as Reserves."