Questions over Navy News security ‘irregularities’

Once again I note that Navy News, while continuing to follow the rather silly “security precaution” of only giving first names in stories and pictures dealing with the “War Against Terrorism” still can’t seem to get it right.

On page 2 of the 21 November 2002 edition we see a photo featuring: CMDR Phil, LCDR Nick, LCDR Michael, CHAP Barry, LCDR Michael (again), LEUT Ian, PONPC Charmaine, CPOSN Jock and CMDR Andy. All very well and good so far -wouldn’t do to let the baddies know who in the ADF is involved in the “War Against Terrorism” after all. But - quelle horreur! I then turn to page 3 of the SAME edition and find a photo of CPO Phillip (last name provided by Navy News but I’m not going to use it) being presented with the AASM by the Minister for Defence for “his part in the War Against Terrorism.” To add to CPO Phillip’s woes, he is again named in the body of the accompanying text. Not only that, but he is joined by PO Robert (last name deleted by yours truly) and LS Brian (ditto).

I notice on page 13 as well, that the gentleman in the baseball cap with the scrambled egg on the peak is fully identified. Should he not have been identified simply as “RADM Raydon?” If it is good enough for PONPC Charmaine, et al, then it should be good enough for RADM Raydon!

Finally, on page 4, in the article dealing with HMAS Arunta’s self maintenance period in Dubai, LCDR Greg (last name deleted) and LSMT Dean (LND) of FIMA Perth are fully identified. The article explicitly notes that both members (plus other members of FIMA-P) travelled to Dubai to assist Arunta with its self maintenance period. Since Arunta was at the time actively involved in the “War Against Terrorism”, why were LCDR Greg and LSMT Dean not accorded the same security protection that members of the ship’s company of HMAS Arunta would have been afforded if photographed?

Navy News, either one thing or the other please. If you insist on following what I feel is a rather silly, pretentious and pointless “security procedure” then please do so for EVERYONE. LCDR Greg, CPO Phillip, et al have as much right to be protected as any other member of the RAN (indeed, the rest of the ADF). On the other hand, perhaps my somewhat tongue in cheek letter has highlighted the intrinsic silliness of the current security procedure.

Graham (Last Name Deleted) Wilson
Staff Officer Medals

[We are using full names for those back in Australia or in transit. We use Christian names only for those stationed in the area, say in the Logistic Support Unit (Page 2 last edition) or if there was a permanent FIMA detachment. In the case of prominent commanders it is broadly accepted that they are known (ie CAPT Peter Sinclair, RADM Raydon Gates) and not to name them would be a nonsense. I hope this will at very least give you the basis on which we are working. Ed]

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