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Waller wows PM
By LCDR Antony Underwood

Edition 5006, April 19, 2007
 
WORLD CLASS CAPABILITY: Prime Minister John Howard at the combat systems console of HMAS Waller with CO CMDR Brett Sampson standing nearby. The PM reaffirmed a $100 million review of Seagoing and Submarine Service Allowances. Photo: CPL Andrew Eddie
 
UP PERISCOPE: Mr Howard checks out Waller’s Attack Periscope. He praised “the tireless and courageous contribution of our submariners – ‘the silent service’”.
Photo: CPL Andrew Eddie
 
Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson were treated to a simulated attack on a ‘hostile warship’ during a visit to the revamped Collins class submarine, HMAS Waller, on April 3.

The boat was alongside but combat systems operators in ship’s company were keen to strut their stuff for the PM and the Defence Minister.

Mr Howard and Dr Nelson visited Waller fresh out of a three year full cycle docking at the ASC facility in Adelaide to review the state of the boat after major upgrade work.

Senior executives from the Navy and Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) who accompanied them included Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, Commander Australian Navy Submarine Group CDRE Rick Shalders, DMO CEO Dr Stephen Gumley, Chief Capability Executive LTGEN David Hurley, Head of Maritime Systems VADM Trevor Ruting and Director-General Submarines CDRE Boyd Robinson.

In the control room on board, CO Waller CMDR Brett Sampson, led a capability briefing on the replacement combat system and Australia’s newest naval weapon, the MK 48 ADCAP CBASS heavy weight torpedo, for which Waller has been fitted.

Ship’s company followed with a simulated CBASS attack drill on a ‘hostile warship’ for the benefit of the PM, complete with a watershot firing.

After the demonstration, Mr Howard and Dr Nelson mingled with the combat system operators and tried their hands on the boat’s attack periscope.

“I’ve always been a little fascinated by periscopes,” Mr Howard confessed, “and to see one, albeit beside the shore, in operation was quite an experience.”

Mr Howard said a review of the Collins Class submarines by Mr John Prescott and the late Dr Malcolm McIntosh in 1999 had found that the boats could not perform at the level required for naval operations and put the underlying cause as “a myriad of design deficiencies and consequential operational limitations relating to the platform and combat system”.

The installation of the replacement combat system and the new heavy weight torpedo cost a total $921 million.

Enhancements to bring the submarines to full capability since they were built at the corporation include modification of the hull to improve noise signature and new design propellers; replacement of the combat system with one based on the US Navy submarine system; improvements to safety aspects including fire fighting, hull valves and flexible hoses; an installation of new communications masts and high data rate communications equipment.

“We have a world class capability and we have a conventional submarine without peer anywhere around the world.” Mr Howard said.

“Very close cooperation since 2001 between the RAN and the United States Navy has been the key to delivering these highly capable submarines.

“Through this arrangement Australia has gained unprecedented access to US technology and capability. The United States has gained the advantage of Australian experience in conventional shallow water submarine operations.

“This is another example of the benefits which flow both ways from our alliance.”

The Prime Minister said ASC had also played a key role.

“The 2003 Through Life Support Agreement with Defence fulfilled the Government’s commitment for full cycle submarine dockings to be undertaken in South Australia,” he said. “This agreement is worth up to $3.5 billion over 25 years.”

Waller is scheduled to undergo sea trials in the South Australia before returning to homeport HMAS Stirling later this month.