PT
CAG meeting
The PT category advisory group (CAG) meeting will be held at the
Bath Conference Centre, HMAS Watson, on December 12 commencing
at 0800. POC for agenda items and attendance confirmation is CPOPT
Downey (SOPT) on telephone (02) 9337 0896 or email stephen.downey@defence.gov.au.
ABR
5230
Ship’s Maintenance Administration Manual, ABR 5230 remains
extant. A re-write is currently underway with a view to release
in mid 2004.
If clarification on issues is required, advice may be sort from
either CSO(E), DGMARSPT or DTR-N.
Further information is contained in signal DGNAVSYS 110104z Nov
03.
Alternative
submarine propulsion
The US Department of Defense is exploring an advanced concept
for propelliing submarines using pulsed water-jets, similar to
those in jet-ski recreational craft.
Similar propulsion methods are already being used to drive some
of their high-speed surface vessels.
South
African corvette
The South African Navy has officially received it’s first-of-class
MEKO A-200 stealth corvette SAS Amatola.
The Amatola reached South Africa from Germany earlier this month
and will now be fitted out with her weapons and elctronics systems.
She conducted sea-trials in September.
XMAS
medical needs
Navy personnel are reminded that as the Christmas period is fast
approaching, and many people will be taking leave and going on
postings, it is time to start considering your medication needs
over the period.
Anyone requiring medication should ensure they have enough to
last throughout the leave period. There may be a requirement for
personnel to undergo Medical Officer review in order for “repeat
prescriptions” to be issued.
It is recommended that personnel make arrangements to discuss
their medication needs with their Pharmacist or make an appointment
with a Medical Officer for further advice or prescriptions.
New
covert strike group
Late August 2003 saw the opening of a new chapter in the history
of underwater special forces delivery, with a milestone event
focused on the deployment of the US Navy’s (USN’s) first
Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).
Just one year after the ESG concept was originally envisioned,
the seven ships of the first ESG left Hawaii on a scheduled eight-month
deployment in support of the allied “war on terror”.
Among the platforms and capabilities deployed was the nuclear
attack submarine (SSN) USS Greeneville, equipped with the capability
to deploy the new Advanced SEAL [Sea, Air, Land] Delivery System
(ASDS).
Piracy
on increase
A new report released by the International Chamber of Commerce’s
International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported that the numbers
of piracy attacks on shipping throughout the world reached a record
344 in the first nine months of 2003, with Indonesian waters remaining
the most dangerous.
