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Sustainability
is a key word–CN
Almost
300 Navy personnel representing all ranks gathered for Chief of
Navy VADM Chris Ritchie’s first annual leadership conference
at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on October 1-2.
VADM Ritchie said the conference would present “a clear view
of my priorities as Chief of Navy for the next 12 months and beyond”.
However, the key word in his opening address was “sustainability”,
with the current operational tempo high on the agenda.
After three months in the Chief’s office, VADM Ritchie said
there are many issues to identify.
“Let’s get them out in the open, otherwise we will be
destined to perform below our potential,” he said.
Having recently gathered with the Chief of Navy’s Senior
Advisory Committee (CNSAC) prior to the conference, VADM Ritchie
said recruiting and retention issues still topped the list of
priorities as they had done so at the 2001 leadership conference.
“Recruiting has improved enormously and is expected to continue...while
retention has also continued to improve in the last 12 months.
“We hope that this increase in retention can be maintained
otherwise there is a risk that the current level of operations
to support activities may simply burn people out,” he said.
In a nutshell though, CN touched upon a great range of issues
that is today’s Navy, including:
- the
Board of Inquiry into the death of LS Cameron Gurr;
- the
recent passing of former CN, VADM Rod Taylor;
- Navy’s
role in The Gulf and our relationship with the United States of
America as our ally;
- the
possibility of there being eight ships at sea this Christmas;
- the
lift of a ban on crossing the line ceremonies;
- projects
for the patrol boats, FFGs, ANZACs and Collins Class submarines;
- further
recognition for Reserves and their integration into the permanent
force.
VADM
Ritchie concluded by wishing the RAN’s Hydrographic Service
a happy 82nd birthday on October 1, with CO of the FEG, CAPT
Bruce Kafer happily accepting the congratulations.
Navy News will carry full details next edition.
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