Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2008/Navy changes at the top – ‘I have the Ship’

By VADM Russ Crane, AM, CSM, RAN

In early July, I assumed command of the Navy from Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. As I said during our ceremonial handover, I am deeply privileged and honoured to have been offered an opportunity to lead the RAN.

I would like to use this opportunity to introduce myself, and provide an idea of where I plan to focus in the next three years.

I was born and bred in Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast and still call myself a Queenslander at heart (especially when we are talking State of Origin!) My first exposure to the Navy way of life was as a young sea cadet (now the Australian Navy Cadets) as a 12-year-old. I went on to join the Navy in 1970 as a 16 year old junior recruit and trained as an electrical mechanic in aircraft communications.

I was selected for officer training two years later, training as a seaman officer, before specialising as a minewarfare and clearance diving officer. Since that time my postings have included sea command of HMAS Curlew, HMAS Derwent and HMAS Success, and more recently Director General Coastwatch and as Deputy Chief of Navy.

Since our marriage in 1978, my wife Michelle, and subsequently my three daughters, have provided me with patient understanding and unwavering support.

At the time of this edition of SeaTalk going to print, I will have been at the helm of the Navy for almost three months, and I have been using that time to look, listen and learn much about the Navy from the perspective of CN.

I have visited many of our establishments and intruded into many workspaces, as well as travelling to the Middle East and talking to our men and women on the front line in HMAS Stuart and in Combined Task Force 158. Our people in the MEAO are doing a great job in support of the rehabilitation and stabilisation of Iraq.

In early August I hosted a Navy senior leadership group retreat at HMAS Creswell, with all of the Navy’s commodores and admirals attending. This gathering resulted in a clear resolve to move forward with an agenda based around our people. This has been reinforced by a similar commitment from the senior warrant officers whom I met with in Sydney during early September.

What I have seen and heard, has allowed me to confirm that my highest priority in meeting our mission must be and will continue to be our people. Our men and women be they permanent, reserve or civilian are the Navy’s engine room and I will continue to work hard to ensure that all in Navy have an opportunity to serve in a positive, safe and progressive environment where we can excel and reach our full potential.

Providing geographic stability along with a higher degree of predictability is key to moving forward in the people domain. I want to be able to provide more flexibility in career and employment categories, and the introduction of the new ‘Management Executive’ primary qualification is the first step in this direction. The introduction of the new graded other ranks pay Structure (GORPS) in the near future will also assist us in providing flexibility in remuneration for our sailors.

This is only the start, and I have no intention to stop listening. With this in mind I ask that you continue to engage me with you ideas and concerns.

I have been enormously privileged to have had an opportunity to serve the RAN for the past 38 years and to now serve as your Chief of Navy and Command the RAN. My own experience to date indicates to me that we can all achieve outstanding results if we commit as a Navy team to our shared values and goals and I ask for your ongoing support and assistance as we advance the interests of our Navy in our mission of serving Australia.

Vice Admiral Crane