On a mission to set record straight

In the May 24 edition of Navy News, SMN Stubbs from HMAS Cerberus commented on the pending introduction of the Armidale class in his letter “Armidales Alright” (Navy News, March 24).

Armidale will commission on June 24 in Darwin, bringing into service an innovative, technologically advanced capability that will be designed, built, crewed, maintained and operated to meet the mission. That mission is surveillance and response in enforcement of fisheries, quarantine and immigration legislation. Armidale is built to task.

It is unlikely that a foreign fishing vessel will outrun her, or outgun her. She has cutting edge surveillance and communications systems, two 7.2m jet RHIBs and two dedicated boarding teams, not to mention size, stability, range and endurance.

She has set the standard for habitability, with the crew enjoying a maximum of four bunks per cabin, 12 ensuites, a huge galley and satellite TV.

The charts are electronic and the machinery spaces are unmanned, as is the deadly accurate 25mm Rafael Typhoon cannon slaved to an integrated eletro-optic sensor system.

To top all of this there will be three crews for every two boats, resulting in an unprecedented level of predictability for the crews, with a program structured to ensure sufficient periods for leave, training and standby.

Armidale will be based in Darwin and will be crewed by 21 progressive, enthusiastic and very fortunate sailors and officers, all acutely aware of the fresh ground upon which we tread.

LCDR Andrew Maher CO DESIG NUSHIP Armidale.

 

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