Steve is VLS dux

By Wayne Richards

CPOET Steve Prothero is all smiles as he receives his Dux award from OSTC Manager Mr Wayne Richards. He achieved a perfect 100% score.

CPOET Steve Prothero achieved a first for the Ordnance Support and Training Centre (OSTC) recently when he achieved a 100% pass in all examinations of his Mk 41 Mod Five Baseline Five Vertical Launch Missile System course (VLS).

Described as a “hard act to follow”, Steve’s work was recognised when he was awarded the United Defense (sic) DUX award for the course, from OSTC manager Mr Wayne Richards.

SMN Jess Clarke received the LOPAC encouragement award for hard work and attitude.

Steve has now been posted to MOTU and will later join HMAS Sydney as the weapons CPO.

Sydney will undergo upgrade and will be fitted with the Mk 41 Mod 16 VLS.

The OSTC, located adjacent to TENIX shipbuilding in Williams­town, trains RAN and RNZN personnel to operate and maintain the Mk 41 Mod 5 VLS and the Mk 45 5” 54 Calibre Gun mount fitted to the Anzac class.

There are currently two versions of the Mk 41 VLS in service with the RAN, the eight-missile Baseline Four, fitted to Anzac and Arunta and the 32-missile Baseline Five fitted to Warramunga, Stuart, Parramatta and Nuship Ballarat, which takes the Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missile.

New construction ships Toowoomba and Perth will be fitted with Baseline Six launchers. Eventually Anzac and Arunta will have this upgrade allowing them to launch the ESSM.

During the FFG upgrade the ships will be fitted with the VLS in a Mod 16 format, similar to the Anzac Baseline Six configuration.

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