Publication:Navy Annual 2005/Message from the Chief of Navy
It is a great pleasure to be asked to introduce the 2005 Navy Annual. It is a source of great pride to me that, each year, this impressive publication is read with increasing interest around the nation, and indeed around the world.
In 2005, the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have remained on watch in a number of relentless operations and activities across the spectrum of military operations. All have required the great vigilance and professionalism for which we are world renowned. The danger inherent in all that we do was illustrated so tragically with the deaths of nine in the helicopter crash on Nias Island on 02 April. This loss will always remain in the back of our minds as we celebrate HMAS Kanimbla's tireless work helping our nearest neighbour through tsunami and earthquake devastation. Today, as has always been the case, the Navy's core strength is its people. As Chief of Navy, I am therefore doing everything within my power to enhance their conditions at work and at home, for I know that this is what underpins our continuing exceptional performance around the globe.
With the recent government decisions regarding our future fleet, I am confident that our people will have the most appropriate equipment with which to do whatever is required. Individually and collectively, our new platforms represent a quantum leap forward for the Royal Australian Navy and will make a dramatic difference to the way we are postured in the future. equally, with the Sea Change program now firmly in place and aiming to reform Navy's personnel management systems, great steps are in train to improve stability, certainty and job satisfaction for all our people. I ambitiously predict that the benefits will be many and I should note that Sea Change has my strongest support.
This 2005 edition of the Navy Annual represents the full breadth of the diverse activities of the Royal Australian Navy, and the depth of commitment of all our members during a busy year. even though I have the benefit of closely overseeing Navy's activities on a daily basis, to see our cumulative successes recorded in one volume is an impressive thing! I know that reading the Navy Annual will give you confidence and pride in your Navy.
VICE ADMIRAL RUSS SHALDERS, AO, CSC, RAN - CHIEF OF NAVY
