Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2006/CN's Christmas message
Welcome to this pre-Christmas issue of SeaTalk. I am aware that many of our Reservists and ex-serving members also receive this publication, and use it as a way of keeping up with what's happening in their Navy.
I am very proud of how the Navy has performed during what has been a very busy year. We continue to maintain a high OPTEMPO, contributing to the protection of our national interests and to international peace and security. I take this opportunity to publicly thank all who have contributed to our success.
A number of our ships and people have been deployed around our region and further afield during 2006.
Warramunga is in the Gulf over Christmas as part of the Australian contribution to OP CATALYST. Through the efforts of our ships in protecting Iraq's offshore oil platforms, we have been ensuring Iraq's key economic resources are able to generate much-needed funds to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Closer to home, we are providing support through OP RESOLUTE as part of the ADF contribution to national sovereignty, in this case, protecting Australia's fishing resources and as a deterrent to illegal immigration.
Throughout the year we have participated in OCEAN PROTECTOR, AUSTHAI, RIMPAC, SINGAROO and BERSAMA PADU, to name a few of our major international exercises. We also currently have people operationally deployed in Iraq, Sudan, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
It is very evident that we're a busy Navy, and I see no prospect that this will change anytime soon. We punch well above our weight in everything that we do, and we have a well-deserved international reputation as being a highly proficient and professional small Navy - we should all be proud of that reputation, which has been hard won by all who now serve and all who have preceded us.
It has been a big year for the Fleet in terms of new and updated ships. We commissioned HMAS Perth, the last of the Anzacs in August, and three more Armidale class patrol boats throughout the year, taking the total ACPBs in service to six. Sadly, we also decommissioned six Fremantles this year. HMAS Sirius was commissioned on 16 September, replacing HMAS Westralia, which decommissioned the same day.
While the Fleet has been busy, the same can be said for our people ashore who are very busy and who take pride in their contribution to the Navy outcome. Not only are we coping with the high operational tempo but we do so at a time when we face significant personnel shortages.
The Sea Change range of initiatives continues to try to address retention difficulties and I am starting to see early signs that some of these measures are beginning to make a difference. I ask that each of you, wherever you serve, continues to provide constructive feedback on how we can improve our workplace such that your Navy remains a place where you want to stay, and contribute. The 'People Problem' remains my abiding priority and I need your help!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your superb efforts. I know that it can be hard work at times and I want you to know that your effort and loyalty to the Navy are truly appreciated.
As you proceed on well-deserved leave, I remind you to be safe. Take care over your holiday break, and come back refreshed and reinvigorated.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, wherever you are, and I offer my best wishes for 2007.
VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN R. E. Shalders Vice Admiral, RAN Chief of Navy
