Postings are warranted

The 12 new ships Warrant Officers were presented with certificates after completing the two week SWO course held in January.

Photo: ABPH Helen Frank

By Graham Davis

Ship’s Warrant Officers (SWOs) are being posted to 16 of the RAN’s largest ships in 2005.

On January 17, the first 12 warrant officers commenced a twoweek training program to ready them for their new role.

The 12 were endorsed by the Maritime Commander, RADM Rowan Moffitt, and selected by the Deputy Maritime Commander, CDRE Nigel Perry and the Maritime Command Warrant Officer, Peter Whitehead, from 19 who applied for the positions.

The posting of SWOs follows the success initially of the position of the Warrant Officer of the Navy.

This position was established 12 years ago.

The introduction of the SWO is an important early component of the program of activities that is Sea Change. In a trial last year, SWOs were assigned to HMA Ships Success and Anzac.

The trial was a success with the Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, now authorising that SWOs should join all major fleet units.

To carry the SWOs will be the six FFGs, all Anzac class frigates, the landing ships HMA Ships Tobruk, Manoora and Kanimbla and HMAS Success.

Smaller vessels such as the patrol boats and minehunters and ships with smaller ships’ companies will not carry a SWO.

Maritime Command Warrant Officer, Peter Whitehead, who has the responsibility of implementing the scheme said the SWO scheme was loosely modelled on the Command Master Chief program.

The program operates in the US Navy and the Command Warrant Officer in the RNZN.

“The scheme provides a career enhancement program for Warrant Officers within the RAN,” WO Whitehead said.

“The SWO will be the pivotal link between the sailor and officer corps and a mentor to both Senior Sailors and Junior Officers (Lieutenants, Sub Lieutenants and Midshipmen).

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