By SBLT Tim Slater

SMN Communicator Tom Flintoff has taken the plunge and started his Navy career as a submariner. He is part of an intiative to attract younger people.

HMAS Tobruk (CMDR Nick Bramwell) achieved another significant milestone on April 23 when she celebrated her 23rd year in Commission.

Tobruk is a ship with a proud history and one which prides itself on professionalism and operational efficiency.

The ship is the ADF’s only Amphibious Heavy Lift Ship (LSH) and, as such, is a multi purpose troop and roll-on/roll-off, heavy vehicle transport built by Carrington Slipways Pty Ltd at Tomago, near Newcastle, NSW.

The ship’s design, which is based on the British Sir Bedevere Landing Ship
Logistic (LSL), includes facilities for bow and stern loading, beaching, a drivethrough capacity and inter-deck transfers via ramps.

Although the LPAs (HMA Ships Kanimbla and Manoora) have some similar facilities, Tobruk retains unique amphibious warfare capabilities of immense importance to the ADF.

She can transport most of the wheeled and tracked vehicle inventory in the Australian Army. In addition, she is capable of loading, transporting and tactically discharging the Army’s soon to be introduced M1A1 Abrahms Main Battle Tanks.

The ship’s vehicle deck is also capable of supporting two Landing Craft Mechanised Mk 8 (LCM 8) on specially designed cradles. In addition, davits on either side of the superstructure secure two Landing Craft Vehicular and Personnel (LCVP) craft.

Two 8.5 tonne capacity FAVCO cranes and a velle derrick capable of lifting up to 70 tonnes supplement the ship’s unique rollon/ roll-off function.

Forward and aft helicopter decks, which can be operated simultaneously, further enhance the ship’s amphibious and sea transport versatility. Accommodation is available for up to 350 troops for extended periods.

In an overload state, the ship can also provide accommodation for up to 520 personnel for short periods of time.

This particular capability was well demonstrated during her critical support to the evacuation of civilians from the strife torn Solomon Islands in 2000.

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WA lures new sub Captain

By SBLT Tim Slater

CAPT Mark Sander, who has taken up a two-year posting as Captain Submarines.

One of Australia’s highest-ranking submariners has finally made it to the Australian Submarine Squadron’s home at HMAS Stirling.

CAPT Mark Sander took up the two-year posting as Captain Submarines (CAPTSM) in WA in January after the billet was relocated from Maritime Headquarters in Sydney.

“I’m probably the last operational submariner who has come to the west,” he said. CAPT Sander had spent his 27-year Naval career in the east, based mainly in Sydney or Canberra. Before taking up the CAPTSM posting, he spent two years at Navy Systems Command in Canberra as the Director General Navy Certification Safety and Acceptance.

CAPT Sander’s main responsibilities in his new job are to manage the day-to-day activities of the Submarine FEG and to maintain its operational standards on behalf of COMFLOT.

While most of his work is administrative, he will also spend some time at sea.

“I expect I would ride in every submarine at least twice a year conducting their safety assessments and perhaps at least once a year conducting their operational evaluations,” he said.

CAPT Sander emphasised the importance of his billet being at HMAS Stirling with the Sea Training Group and the Submarine Arm.

This ensures high safety and training standards are maintained. He said he enjoyed the different focus of the CAPTSM job.

“The benefits of a Naval career allow you to have that variety, so it keeps you interested and focused and WA is a nice place to live and work.”

CAPT Sander’s career started in Sydney and highlights have included three submarine commands: HMAS Ovens, 1992-94, HMAS Onslow, 1994-96 and HMAS Otama, 1998-99.

He also spent 12 months in Hawaii on exchange with the USN in 1997 as a tactical development officer on the staff of the Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet, the same job that former Submarine FEG Chief of Staff, CMDR Ian Salter, is currently filling.

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