Navy places higher priority on Air Force

By LEUT Andrew Herring

THE Royal Australian Air Force is set to play a key role in new priorities laid down for the Royal Australian Navy fleet last week by Maritime Commander Australia, Rear Admiral Raydon Gates.

The comments came as the fleet’s operational commander released Our Direction – Maritime Command Priorities 2003/04 at Maritime Headquarters last week.

“Since September 11, the fleet has successfully pursued Navy’s vision and mission, earning an international reputation for excellence as a sea power by fighting and winning in the maritime environment as part of a combined force,” RADM Gates said.

But, the success of the Navy in recent years has come at a cost to people, equipment and skills not used in recent operations.

“As our operational tempo allows we will focus on refreshing and developing our people with leave and professional development training, reinvigorating our core warfighting skills through exercises and making a concerted effort to maintain our ships, submarines, aircraft and equipment,” he said.

“Both the Army and Air Force have important roles to play in supporting the fleet’s training in core warfighting skills.

“The ability to defend the fleet from air attack and work with ocean patrol aircraft in anti-submarine warfare are vital skills for Australia’s maritime defences,” RADM Gates said.

Admiral Gates described Air Force fleet support aircraft hours as a key element to the fleet recovering and developing these skills so all three services can better act together as one defence force.

More information about the Air Force’s role in the fleet’s priorities over 2003/04 can be obtained from the Maritime Command Defweb page at http://mhq.defence.gov.au

 

 

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