Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2006/'Stone frigate' - HMAS Harman
By LCDR Michael Hardwick, photos by ABPH Neil Richards
Morning colours: XO LCDR Stephen Carroll (centre) with POBM Matt May (also saluting, at left), SMNET Troy Boswell (with AWE) and ABBM Richard Hill.
HMAS Harman's motto 'Yield Not' has been rigorously tested in recent years.
This unique shore establishment has experienced an exponential increase in the support role it performs directly and indirectly to ADF operations, to the wider Navy ashore and afloat, and to the diverse range of lodger units located within its boundaries.
Before
Harman has a long and distinguished history. In the early 1920s, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board recommended the establishment of strategic wireless stations in Canberra and Darwin.
Canberra was chosen because its '75 mile location from the coast was considered secure from the likelihood of enemy attack.' The RAN Wireless/Transmitting Station, Canberra, began operations on April 20, 1939.
Harman drew its name from a combination of sections of the surnames of the Director and Assistant Director of Signals, CMDR N. Harvey, RN and LCDR J. B. Newman, RAN.
The declaration of World War 2 in September 1939 was followed by the War in the Pacific from December 1941. During WW2, the Canberra station provided communications services for ships and allied navies working in the Pacific theatre.
During this time, the first servicewomen began working as telegraphers in the Canberra station, forming the basis of the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) which was established in 1941. Fittingly, in the first unit where women served as part of the RAN, a handsome memorial stands in a prominent position to recognise the significant role played by all women who have served with the RAN.
On July 1, 1943, Harman was commissioned with CMDR A.D. McLachlan as the first Commanding Officer. The current and 36th CO, CMDR Nick Youseman says that 'Harman holds a place of great significance in the history of the RAN with regard to people and operations support. Harman's contemporary contribution has expanded significantly to include personnel of all three Services and support to ADF operations'.
Today
Harman is located in the ACT, on Canberra Avenue, close to the NSW city of Queanbeyan. The Harman site is about 250 hectares of undulating land, which includes the habitat of various threatened species of flora such as the Button Wrinklewort grassland species and fauna such as the Striped Legless Lizard. In line with Defence Environmental Policy, Harman has an active environmental management plan.
Today, Harman's principal function is the provision of administrative and personnel support to the Navy population in the Canberra area.
CO Harman is responsible for about 1300 Navy people posted to the Canberra area and maintains a defacto responsibility for some 300 'home-ported' families. Twenty-five of those families live in married quarters located in Harman itself. Personnel office and ship's office functions are performed by a small team of Navy and civilian personnel.
The Naval Police Coxswain's office performs a significant policing and administrative role for all 'white uniformed' personnel based in the Canberra region. Apart from processing disciplinary matters, Harman's NPCs conduct Canberra-wide random and targeted drug and alcohol testing. They also process all leave, travel and 'blue' passport applications.
The current ADF operational tempo impacts noticeably upon the weapons training cell. The team of two Bosuns Mates regularly train and assess ADF personnel, prior to their deployment to the Middle East and other operational theatres, on the Steyr rifle and the 9 mm pistol. The weapons training cell also contributes to the many high profile ceremonial events held in the Canberra region.
Sporting facilities in Harman are first class. Apart from two well-tended grass ovals, there are tennis courts and a well-equipped gymnasium that is accessible 24/7 to cater for the many watchkeepers who work and live in the establishment. The physical trainers organise and support a wide range of local and interstate sporting events. They also assess individual readiness for all Canberra-based Navy personnel.
Due to a recent reorganisation of Defence health services in Canberra, Harman Sick Bay is now supporting patients who are located externally to Harman. The current staff comprises two Navy members, a civilian clerk and part time medical officers.
Australian Naval Reserve personnel who live in the Canberra region are administered through Harman by the Reserve Regional Pool Manager's office. This small team, amongst other tasks, contact their 1,011 Active Reserve and Standby Reserve members via a weekly e-mail that provides updated information on Navy and, specifically, Reserve issues.
The Australian Navy Cadet unit, TS Canberra, holds regular Saturday morning parades for boys and girls who have an interest in maritime activities. TS Canberra plays a significant role in supporting Harman during events such as Canberra's Navy Day and other high profile ceremonial events.
The city of Queanbeyan is literally within a stone's throw of Harman and a well-established neighbourly relationship exists between the two. Harman has the Freedom of the City and the Harman ship's company and lodger units regularly support Queanbeyan through events such as Clean- Up Australia Day and Anzac Day.
A similar relationship exists with Canberra city. Canberra's annual Navy Day, for example, is a prime and much anticipated event in the annual 'Celebrate Canberra' festivities that observe Canberra's birthday.
Located 'behind the wire' within Harman is the Defence Network Operations Centre (DNOC) under the command of CAPT Roger Boyce. The DNOC is the third largest communications network in Australia after Telstra and Optus and provides network support to military operations.
An operational element of the DNOC is the Naval Communications Station Canberra (NAVCOMMSTA) under OIC LEUT Chris Carroll, which provides UHF satellite communications services in support of Navy and other ADF users as required.
Another operational element of the DNOC is the Naval Communications Area Master Station (NAVCAMSAUS) that is also responsible for supporting and tasking Navy fleet communications.
A third DNOC operational element is the Defence Information Systems Communications Element (DISCE) under OIC LCDR Brian Froome, which provides a secure and survivable communications network to support strategic and tactical operations of the ADF and selected Government Departments.
Army and RAAF Permanent, Reserve and Cadet units parade in Harman adding a 'purple' tri-service flavour to the establishment. They are accommodated within the so-called Multi-User Depot (MUD) and operate at all hours day and night.
A unique section of RAAF 28 Squadron, is the RAAF Hot Air Balloon.
Army's 23 Field Regiment adds an impressive defensive capability for Harman with its stable of 105 mm Howitzers.
If all the personnel who physically worked or paraded in Harman were to assemble in the establishment at the same time, there would be a 'clear lower deck' of more than 970 people.
"Accommodating the interests of all parties is a challenge," said CMDR Youseman, "and I have declared the dual priority of 'communication' and 'partnership' to ensure Harman continues making strong headway."
To continue the naval analogy, Harman's XO, LCDR Stephen Carroll, added: "Harman is like a patrol boat - it has a tightly-knit command team comprising a CO, XO, 'Swain, Buffer and 18 other personnel, however its task is to tend to a vast 'fleet' of other Navy entities and ADF lodger units."
For those who might be curious, or indeed concerned, the Australian White Ensign still flies proudly in this unyielding ship, or in traditional Navy parlance, 'stone frigate', HMAS Harman.
Acknowledgement: Some historical information in this article was sourced from 'HMAS Harman 1943-2003 - A history of HMAS Harman and its people' by LCDR Annette Nelson.
LS Daniel Ford with sailors in boxing mode
LSPT Ford and PO Brad Hetharia demonstrate situps
Female members of HARMAN's ship's company (l. to r.) PO Linda Hilton, LS Tricia Reynolds, MIDN Kathrin Murtagh, LS Sarah Beecroft, PO Cheryl Rutland and LS Lisa Corbett
