Naval management is under an obligation to provide 'shore respite' to its officers and sailors, the Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith said.

The provision of 'shore respite' is one way of lessening the resignation of vital members from the RAN, he said.

RADM Smith made these remarks during an address to 150 sailors and officers at FIMA/Sydney (Fleet Intermediate Maintenance Authority), earlier this month.

He had earlier inspected the large harbourside complex.

"I am impressed with what I have seen this morning," he told the 'clear lower decks' parade.

Purpose of the parade was to make a 'first', the presentation of Certificates of Command to those who head the FIMA facilities in Sydney, Cairns, Darwin and Perth.

Earlier this year, the Chief of Navy, VADM David Shackleton, declared that the FIMAs should be 'stand alone' commands and shall have commanding officers.

The commanding officers flew to Sydney to join the OIC of FIMA/Sydney LCDR Richard Barnett for the ceremony.

LCDR Frank Ostrowski came from Darwin, LCDR Michael Rashleigh from Cairns and LCDR Greg Cooke, flew in from Perth.

Also present was LCDR Wayne Cooke, who was the head of FIMA Perth until April 1.

"Command is one of the most honorous tasks one can do," RADM Smith told the five.

The CFM, CMDR Peter Gorman and LCDR Barnett welcomed the Maritime Commander to FIMA/ Sydney.

FIMA/Sydney supported maintenance on HMA Ships SUCCESS, TOBRUK, MANOORA and NEWCASTLE during July as well as supplying 22 sailors to HMAS KANIMBLA to give them experience at sea.