GO WEST
AB Louise Butcher has literally enjoyed a “birds-eye view” of HMAS Westralia’s last voyage.


Strong call of duty
Such is the call of duty at sea that one young Lieutenant sailed with HMAS Ballarat to the Persian Gulf just an hour before he was scheduled to receive an award for outstanding seamanship from the Maritime Commander.


On target to meet demand
For the first time in the history of the Junior Warfare Officer’s Application Course (JWAC) the fleet is on target to equal the RAN’s organisational demand for qualified seaman officers through the predicted award of 80 Bridge Warfare Certificates (BWCs) this year.


Focus on fatigue
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is undertaking a major study into crew fatigue and performance for the RAN.

Proud of Parra’s role in the Gulf
Maritime Commander Rear Admiral (RADM) Davyd Thomas, recently visited HMAS Parramatta in the Gulf and was impressed with what he saw.

Pay packets set to get heavier
ADF members will see more money in their pay packets after salary and salary-related allowances increased by 1.5 per cent on March 9.

Green light on pay changes
The proposed Officer and WO pay structure recently reported by this paper will now become a reality.

Smiles over Sea Change
The benefits of Sea Change can be seen on the smiling faces of most of the 1500 sailors and officers based at HMAS Stirling (CMDR Paul Bartlett) who go about their business with a renewed sense of pride, purpose and professionalism.

Flying higher
Junior sailors and Warrant Officer aircrew will benefit from a decision by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) that increases the Qualification and Skill element of their flying allowance by 15 per cent.

Tropical spot for careers
Far North Queensland sailors now have a direct link to their career manager, due to the opening of Directorate of Sailor Career Management (DSCM) in Cairns recently.


Toowoomba puckers up
Mayoral kisses, 5,000 balloons in the ship’s colours and a gold key for each of her ship’s company of 162 were just part of an enthusiastic welcome the City of Toowoomba gave the RAN’s newest frigate, HMAS Toowoomba.

Briefs

Huon deactivated
The first of the RAN’s six locally-manufactured Huon-class coastal minehunters, HMAS Huon (LCDR Milton Treeby), was deactivated in a ceremony conducted at HMAS Waterhen (CMDR G.W. Ker) recently.

ESP required among new submariners
Navy News’ reporter, Michael Brooke, took part in the latest Enhanced Selection Process (ESP) for aspiring submariners and got a taste of life in the Silent Service.

Frigate doing what matters
Deterring smugglers and marauders preying on Iraqi fishermen is one of the reasons HMAS Parramatta has been making a big impression in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst.

Bulletin board