The 'training command' and 'base command' roles at two of the RAN's largest shore establishments, HMAS CERBERUS and HMAS WATSON, will be amalgamated, Chief of Navy, VADM David Shackleton has announced.

"The command arrangements at the major training establishments, (HMAS CERBERUS, HMAS WATSON and HMAS CRESWELL) have been reviewed," VADM Shackleton said.

"The separation of the establishment command role from that of the training authority, which allowed the authority to concentrate on training, has delivered good outcomes but has proven to be manpower and resource intensive.

"Additionally, the current TA/CO arrangements do not readily support planned enhancements to Navy's shore command structure which include the creation of additional commands at the sub unit level," VADM Shackleton said.

"Therefore I have decided that the training authority function at CERBERUS and WATSON will be combined with command and that the current arrangements at CRESWELL will remain.

"Command of these establishments will be vested in the senior officer which will remove current command ambiguity, enhance efficiency and make command responsibility clear.

"In each case the combined commanding officer and training authority functions will be carried out by a captain.

"The executive officer will be a commander. These changes will be implemented during the next rotation of command at WATSON and CERBERUS.

"Posting action will be promulgated shortly," CN said.