Volume 49, No. 12, July 13, 2006
By
Michael Brooke
The
long-term success of Sea Change is vital to the retention of skilled
Navy personnel who will operate the hi-tech systems and crew the
ships and aircraft being procured for the RAN under the $51 billion
Defence Capability Plan for 2006 to 2016.
CN
VADM Russ Shalders (AO, CSC, RAN) said the RAN was well positioned
in the DCP that was unveiled by the Defence Minister Brendan Nelson
on June 20.
VADM
Shalders said the RAN has a really exciting future in terms of
the equipment that is coming on line.
“I
think of the Air Warfare Destroyers that are progressing, the
LHD project that has a very exciting future that will change the
way the Navy is structured in years to come, and some of the ongoing
projects that are happening right now,” he said.
VADM
Shalders said the DCP also included the acquisition of MRH 90
helicopters, as well as new surface capability projects to enhance
the Anzac Class air search radar system, the development of undersea
warfare detection capabilities, and sea mine counter-measures.
However,
CN emphasised that the new equipment is but one aspect of a professional
Navy, and that RAN personnel are as equally, if not more important,
than the platforms being procured or upgraded.
“I’m
happy to say that we are starting to see some success with Sea
Change which is aimed at improving service conditions for officers
and sailors so that we can retain skilled members and recruit
new talent,” he said.
