Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2004/Patrol boat pay off plan on hold

The Chief of Navy has placed on hold the plan announced earlier with dates for paying of the Fremantle Class patrol boats. In an All Ship/All Shore signal, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie says further analysis of the Fremantle Class Fleet Activity Schedule since announcement of the original dates in April has led to that plan being put into abeyance.

The decision comes as a result of consideration of civil surveillance commitments, ongoing Fremantle Class maintenance requirements, future operational demands and the transition to the Armidale Class boats. "I have decided to place the original plan as detailed in abeyance while a more considered schedule is formulated," Admiral Ritchie says. "It is quite possible that no Fremantle Class boats will be paid off until after delivery of HMAS Armidale in May 2005.

"While this deferral may cause uncertainty for some personnel, let me assure that resolution of this issue is one of my foremost priorities. "I applaud the efforts of FCPB sailors who continue to maintain and operate their aging platforms to meet high profile operations." VADM Ritchie hastens to add that the Armidale Class build program is 'well on track with no schedule delays pending'.

"I have every confidence in delivery of HMAS Armidale in May 2005 and introduction of what will be a very capable and much improved platform for the RAN," he says.

Full text of his signal is in CN AUSTRALIA Z4P 060257ZSEP04 (FCPB PAYING OFF DATES).