Funnels now Navy grey

The Hydrographer CAPT Bruce Kafer with sextant and chart. Global positioning has changed much of the hydrographer’s trade. Photo by ABPH Bill Louys

The RAN’s “white funnel” line ships, those of the Hydrographic Survey Group have gone “grey”, the Hydrographer, CAPT Bruce Kafer, reports.

In recent months spray painters have been on the job covering the white livery of the ships with “warship grey.”

The first to be done, because of their involvement in border patrols north-west of Australia, were the larger “Hydro” ships Leeuwin and Melville.

These two ships were also given Squirrel helicopters from 723 Squadron.

Their ship’s companies, normally around 42, were boosted with the posting of troops and pilots and maintainers for the helicopters.

Now, said CAPT Kafer, the Navy four 310 tonne survey motor launches, Paluma, Mermaid, Shepparton and Benalla have been to the paint shop.

CAPT Kafer at a glance

• CAPT Bruce Kafer wears a dual hat, one as the RAN Hydro Force Element Group (FEG) Commander and one as the National Hydrographer,
• As the FEG Commander, he works for Maritime Commander and Deputy Chief of Navy,
• As the National Hydrographer, CAPT Kafer is responsible to the National Hydrographic Agency and Chief of Navy,
• He is CAT B qualified through the International Hydrographic Organisation,
• Joined the Navy in 1977, undertaking sea service in several ships before specialising in hydrography in 1982. Since then he has served in HMA Ships Flinders, Moresby and Leeuwin, as well as HM Ships Fawn and Herald,
• Completed the Long Hydrographic Course and has undertaken exchange service with the Royal Navy spending time on HMS Drake and Plymouth, and served in the Middle East and Persian Gulf,
• Commanded HMA Ships FLinders and Leeuwin and
• In December 2000 was appointed as the Hydrographer and Commander of the Hydro FEG.
  

 

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