RIMPAC 2008

HMAS ANZAC

Captain Stuart Campbell MAYER, CSC, RAN

Born and raised in Sydney, Captain Stuart Campbell Mayer joined the RAN in 1984 as a Seamen specialist. On completion of initial academic and professional training Mayer proceeded to sea and gained Bridge Watch-keeping Certificates in the Patrol Boat HMAS GLADSTONE and FFG 7 frigate HMAS DARWIN. Thereafter Mayer completed training as an Air Intercept Controller (AIC) at RAAF base Williamtown and returned to sea in HMA ships CANBERRA and SYDNEY. A highlight of this time being service in SYDNEY as OOW, AIC and Boarding Officer during that ships operational deployment to the Arabian Gulf for operations during the 1990-91 Gulf war.

In 1993 Mayer commenced training as a Principal Warfare Officer (Direction) and graduated with distinction in 1994. As Direction Officer, Mayer served in HMA ships CANBERRA and ADELAIDE undertaking a wide range of overseas deployments and operations, a particular highlight including service as the Task Unit Operations Officer during OPERATION STABILISE - ADF operations in support of East Timorese independence.

In January 2000 Mayer left HMAS ADELAIDE, was promoted to Commander and posted to the United States as the first ADF Liaison officer to US Joint Forces Command based in Norfolk, Virginia. This posting provided diverse challenges that included conceptualising the impacts of emerging technologies, supporting capability development, developing improved regimes for coalition collaborative operations and working on the establishment of a naval four-eyes tactical development agreement.

Commander Mayer returned from the United States in mid 2002 and assumed command of the guided missile frigate HMAS CANBERRA in November. Mayer left CANBERRA in July 2004 and was promoted to the rank of Captain and assumed the position of Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) Australia in January 2005. While posted to MHQ, Captain Mayer was loaned to the Australian Maritime Deployable HQ staff for duties as Commander Task Group (CTG) 58.1 - Northern Arabian Gulf Maritime Security Operations Commander - a duty he held between April and September 2005. Mayer returned to MHQ in October 2005 and resumed his duties as Chief Staff Officer (Operations). In January 2007 Captain Mayer attended the Australian Defence College and read for a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. He assumed command of HMAS ANZAC in December 2007.

Mayer is a graduate of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, RAN Staff College, holds a BA from the University of New South Wales, an MBA from the University of Southern Queensland, an MA from Deakin University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). A retired rugby player with an avid interest in supporting the game, Mayer's pass times include sailing, bushwalking, wine tasting and a fruitless commitment to master golf.


Welcome Aboard

HMAS ANZAC is the first of her class and a modern warship, capable of operating in a multi-threat environment. ANZAC's design is based on the German Meko 200 Class that uses modular construction methods. A feature of this method was the ability to share the construction of the 8 Australian and 2 New Zealand vessels throughout Australia and New Zealand.

ANZAC is fitted with an advanced package of air surveillance radars; hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with state-of-the-art weapons systems. ANZAC's armament comprises a five-inch (127-mm) gun, Harpoon missiles, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles and Ship Launched Torpedoes. Multi-role Sikorsky Seahawk or Kaman Seasprite helicopters are embarked to enhance anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.

ANZAC is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of an Australian legend. Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War, the ANZAC's landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of a larger Allied Force on the 25th of April 1915, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. The campaign dragged on for a further eight months of hellish trench warfare, giving berth to a legend of endurance, selflessness, dedication to duty and mateship in the most demanding of environments. It is a shared memory of common sacrifice for the nations involved, regardless of nationality or religion, providing an enduring example for the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and Australian's as a whole. ANZAC Day is annually commemorated in Australia on the 25th of April. As such, ANZAC proudly bears her name underpinned by the motto - "United We Stand".

In maintaining a close link with the rich traditions of the ANZAC spirit, during the Northern Trident 05 deployment, HMAS ANZAC visited ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli for the 90th Anniversary of the landings. In company with warships of Britain, France and Turkey, ANZAC provided a stunning backdrop to the official dawn service ceremony whilst some members of her crew participated in the services ashore. ANZAC has been granted freedom of entry to the City of Albany, Western Australia, the departure port for the ANZAC's of old and also has a close association with the City of Rockingham. The Warnbro High School, near her homeport, has established the HMAS ANZAC Learning Centre that promotes the education of our Navy and the history of Australia 's most costly war.

Other notable events ANZAC participated in have included deployments to the Arabian Gulf, culminating in Naval Gunfire Support of British Royal Marines landings on Al Faw Peninsula, Iraq in 2003. During Northern Trident, ANZAC celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in the UK as part of the International Fleet Review. ANZAC has also successfully contributed to Fisheries Protection, Border Protection and Maritime Rescue Operations through her over ten years in service.