Publication:Navy Annual 2005/Message from the Systems Commander
2005 has been a year full of many highs and lows within Navy Systems Command. These have ranged from the huge success of Systems Command in the Intercommand Sports Challenge to the tragedy that came with the loss of SHARK 02.
The SHARK 02 tragedy affected us all greatly within the Navy family; however it was this experience which truly reflected the strength of Navy's values.
Safety Management System - Navy has continued to evolve and on Friday, 13 May 2005, Navy performed well in receiving an award for the 2005 Defence Safety Award for Injury Prevention and Management Leadership. Well done to CAPT Mark Campbell's team who thoroughly deserved this recognition.
The Intercommand Sports Challenge held earlier this year was full of excitement for all involved. Fortunately, 2005 was our year with claim to the Lord Denman Cup for Rugby and the Perry Cup for overall champions. Both cups currently reside proudly at Headquarters Navy Systems Command.
The Sea Change Implementation Team (SCIT) has been very busy throughout 2005 with the creation of Directorate of Sailors Career Management Centres at Fleet Base West and HMAS Coonawarra. This has provided a face-to-face means of improving career management for all of our personnel by ensuring immediate advice can be circulated. The introduction of Ships Warrant Officers (SWO) and the reinvigoration of their role in the Navy has been a fundamental task for Warrant Officer's Career Management.
Following the successful trial in HMAS Cerberus, the SWO position has been embedded in the Command Team. This has been welcomed by the Ship's company who see it an appropriate conduit between Command and Ship's company. Ship's Warrant Officer (SWO) trial positions have also been established in HMA Ships Kuttabul and Stirling.
The first phase of the flexi-crewing trial in HMAS Arunta began 01 July 05. This will be followed in HMAS Warramunga later in 2005. Results from this trial will be vital in providing the Navy with a tool to enhance the current balance of shore and sea positions to meet operational requirements at sea and personnel stability.
Further to the developments made by the SCIT, Sea Change Implementation Management and Reporting System (SCIMARS) database is now up and running. It can be located at http://www.navy.gov.au/scimars and contains information and details of the progress being made on initiatives.
A program of 'fireside chats' was established so that I, with the Command Warrant Officer, could meet with our middle managers to hear their concerns. More importantly, we have been able to harvest many positive ideas for improvement within Navy.
Finally, from all of the team at Headquarters Navy Systems Command I would like to thank you all for your contribution towards achieving Navy's Mission, and in maintaining a safe work environment where all can feel supported.
COMMODORE GEOFF GERAGHTY, AM, RAN - NAVY SYSTEMS COMMANDER
