L–R SNR Technical Director Dr Martin Khami, US Navy Oceanographer RADM Thomas J Wilson III; DCN, RADM Rowan Moffit and Director System Sciences Dr D Nanda Nandagopal.

Early this month, senior representatives of USN, RAN and DSTO met at DSTO Edinburgh, South Australia for the signing of revised Terms of Reference (TOR) for Senior National Representative (SNR) talks.

Deputy Chief of Navy, RADM Rowan Moffit, hosted the meeting. He was supported by Director, Systems Sciences Laboratory, Dr D ‘Nanda’ Nandagopal.

RADM Thomas J Wilson III and his SNR Technical Director, Dr Martin Kamhi, represented the US side. Apart from leading the USN delegation in the SNR, RADM Wilson is also the US Navy Oceanographer.

The SNRs allow the USN and RAN to get together to compare their capability development plans and supporting Science and Technology (S&T) programs. This leads to identification of areas where collaborative S&T work can be undertaken.

The SNR talks have been in existence since 1992 and much has changed in the world since — particularly in the military capability areas.

Hence the need for the revised TOR. While there were not many changes, the opportunity to re-invigorate this important relationship was seen as critical, especially in view of our closer relationship with this important ally.

• By Ian Chance

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