Back into the fold
10 September 2007 By Gary Booth
The Collins Class submarine, HMAS Waller, was officially welcomed back into the Royal Australian Navy at a rededication ceremony at HMAS Stirling's quarterdeck on Friday, August 24.
The ceremony followed a three-year Full Cycle Docking program at ASC Pty Ltd in Osborne, South Australia.
HMAS Waller's ship's company paraded, while Fleet Commander RADM N.S Coates, welcomed the submarine back into the fold.
The ceremony was witnessed by Commander Australian Submarine Group CDRE R.A Shalders, CO Stirling CAPT Steve Davies and the COs of ships alongside, along with families of the ship's company and many other personnel from the Submarine Force Element Group.
"It's very exciting to have the submarine back home in Western Australia," CMDR Brett Sampson (CO Waller) said.
"We've just completed a very intensive workup period putting the crew and the boat through their paces and I couldn't be happier with the performance. We look forward to rejoining the Fleet."
CMDR Sampson paid tribute to his ship's company for their efforts in bringing Waller back to service.
"To have her home in just over four months since sailing following such an extensive maintenance and upgrade period, is a credit to all those involved in the process," he said.
Acknowledging the important role that families play, CMDR Sampson said: 'I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your sacrifices and commitments that you have made, and would like you to look upon Waller as much as your own, as your loved ones do who serve in her."
HMAS Waller received numerous upgrades during the docking, the most significant of which is the instalment of a state-of-the-art Replacement Combat System (RCS).
The RCS utilises the submarine's existing sonar, electronic and visual sensors and represents a significant increase in the boat's ability to detect, track, identify, localise and engage targets.
In addition, the new system allows for the use of the Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Heavyweight Torpedo which significantly increases the submarine's war-fighting capability.
The conventionally powered Collins Class submarine is one of the most technologically advanced submarines in the world.
Armed with the upgraded RCS and Heavyweight Torpedo capability, Waller now represents the leading edge in the RAN's Submarine Squadron.
