By
Ross Gillett
A
new Anzac ship support centre will be developed close to the Western
Fleet at HMAS Stirling, Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill announced
late last month.
The $5.3 million development will involve the relocation of the
current support centre from Williamstown in Victoria.
“Now that the frigates are entering full operational deployment
it makes sense to locate the testing and training facilities at
the ship’s home base,” Senator Hill said.
“Sailors based in WA will also no longer have to face the
prospect of being separated from their families while at sea but
also undergoing training in Victoria.
“This will provide greater stability for those personnel,”
he said.
The Anzac frigates rely on the support centre for ongoing training,
system integration and testing to ensure the fleet is sustained.
The new facility, which will be finished late this year, will
include classrooms for computer-based training and simulation
and testing areas for Anzac combat, platform and weapons specific
systems equipment.
