RIMPAC 2008

HMAS WALLER

Commander B.M. Sampson, RAN

Brett Matthew Sampson was born in 1967 at McLaren Vale, South Australia and completed education at Westminster School, Adelaide before entry to the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS CRESWELL in 1987.

Following the normal progression of a junior seaman officer and completion of seamanship and navigation training in HMA Ships STALWART, HOBART and TOWNSVILLE, Sub Lieutenant Sampson was awarded a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in 1989.

A goal since joining the Navy, he volunteered for Submarine service and commenced submarine officer training at HMAS PLATYPUS in September 1989. He joined HMAS OTAMA and was awarded the submarine Dolphins in May 1990, remaining onboard until Jan 1991 as the Sixth Officer and then Torpedo Officer. Between 1991 and 1996 a series of submarine postings followed which included Weapons Officer HMAS OXLEY, Navigating Officer and Warfare Officer HMAS ORION. In 1994 Lieutenant Sampson was awarded the Queens Gold Medal for exemplary conduct, performance of duty and level of achievement. Later that year he was presented with the Sword of Honour as Dux of the Submarine Warfare Officers Course.

In 1996 Lieutenant Sampson assumed the role of Tactical Training Officer at the Submarine Training School prior to undertaking the Submarine Executive Officer's Course later that year. He converted to the Collins Class in 1997 and assumed duties as Executive Officer, HMAS DECHAINEUX from June 1997 until February 2000, during which time he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1999.

In 2000 Lieutenant Commander Sampson successfully completed the Submarine Command Course in the Netherlands, colloquially known as Perisher, and returned to Australia to assume command of HMAS WALLER. After 18 months in Command, he spent the next two years undertaking duties as Commander Sea Training (Submarines) responsible to the Maritime Commander for the continuation of safety and operational standards throughout the submarine fleet.

After promotion to Commander in January 2004, he departed Australia to commence an attachment at the U.S Naval Underwater Warfare Centre, Newport, Rhode Island where he was responsible for the implementation of RAN operational requirements during the joint RAN/USN development of a new submarine combat and torpedo systems.

In July 2006, CMDR Sampson returned to Australia and again assumed command of HMAS WALLER, which will complete major overhaul early 2007. HMAS WALLER will introduce new capabilities into service including the joint RAN/USN BYG-1 combat system and ADCAP/CBASS torpedo.

Commander Sampson's interests include golf, snow-boarding and kitesurfing.


Welcome Aboard

The third of the Collins Class Submarines to enter service, HMAS Waller's operational characteristics and range have been tailored specifically for its defence and two ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy.

HMAS Waller has evolved from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy. One of the first submarines to be totally designed by computers, HMAS Waller boasts a vast range of features. These include a high performance hull form, highly automated controls, low indiscretion rates, high shock resistance, optimal noise suppression, efficient weapons handling and discharge, and an optional air-independent propulsion system.