By SBLT Tim Slater
The
action has been fast and furious for Australia’s submariners
this year, implementing emergency action procedures, racking up
more tonnage stats after sinking Australian and US warships and
taking part in a shocking exercise.
The crew of HMAS Dechaineux (LCDR Simon Rusiti) had to implement
emergency procedures in February after a Trelleborg flexible hose
burst, leading to about 15 tonnes of water pouring into the submarine
in just eight seconds.
But the crew’s expert, practised and vital split-second response
contained the flooding and the boat safely returned to Fleet Base
West for repairs.
Later in the year, Dechaineux’s warfighting skills were put
to the test when she engaged the USS Carl Vinson battle group
off the WA coast. She penetrated the carrier’s defences,
including helicopter, fixed wing and frigate ASW assets.
Australia’s newest submarine, HMAS Rankin (LCDR Doug Theobold)
officially joined the fleet when she was commissioned on March
29 and was soon taking part in a unique exercise off the South
Australian coast.
The “Black Knight”, as she is called, was the first
Collins class submarine to be used in a shock trial that involved
the detonation of nearby explosions.
The trial results were successful, proving the submarines could
withstand substantial close-range shock impacts.
Rankin also took part in special forces training and recently
participated in Crocodile 03 off the Queensland coast.
HMAS Waller (LCDR Jason Cupples) notched up more tonnage after
taking part in Kakadu 03 off Darwin and in the EAXA, claiming
the scalps of HMA Ships Yarra and Newcastle.
Waller also took part in special forces training, starred in a
FEG training video, and did a lot of good public relations work
around Victoria and Tasmania.
HMAS Sheean (CMDR Stephen Dalton) also contributed to the tonnage
stats after “kicking the tails” of HMAS Sydney and HMNZS
Canterbury in the EAXA.
An early highlight for HMAS Sheean was the award of the Fighting
Efficiency Shield and one of her crew, POETSSM John Wheeler receiving
a Maritime Commander’s Commendation for his work on the installation
of the new combat system.
PO Wheeler was also selected as the Submariner of the Year.
But it’s been a case of “getting to know” you in
HMAS Sheean with a 100% crew changeout in the past 12 months.
The main focus has been on building esprit de corps and getting
the Sea Training Group to put the new crew through its paces.
