Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2008/Reserves Column
By the Director of Naval Reserve Capability, CAPT Joseph Lukaitis
NR LCH trial underway The recent Reserve survey asked for expressions of interest in support of the Reserve contribution to the amphibious capability transition plan. More than 300 Reservists have responded which is a great level of early support.
This will now be progressed with a start up trial for the eventual partial manning of the LCHs by Reservists.
The trial aims to test processes (and people!) by achieving sea ride familiarisation for up to 20 Reservists by March 2009.
The trial and its evaluation will enable further planning for the majority of LCH crews to be replaced from a pool of trained Reservists in order to relieve PN personnel for LHD transition training.
OIC for the LCH trial is CMDR Jim Huggett who is based in Brisbane.
New head of PREL branch
LCDR Helen Blunden has recently been appointed as Deputy Director Corporate Communications which position heads up the RAN Public Relations Branch. LCDR Blunden is a learning and development consultant in her civvy job.
The PREL Branch is entirely manned by Naval Reserve officers as the PQ is not available to PN members.
PREL officers regularly deploy on operations and exercises and there is heavy demand for their services both within Navy and the wider ADF.
The branch is presently undertaking a recruiting drive for new members who are required to have civilian qualifications in journalism, media and/or communications.
The PREL Branch is administered nationally from Melbourne whilst the PQ sponsor, LCDR Fenn Kemp, is resident in Navy Headquarters in Canberra.
Increase in NR contribution
There has been a substantial increase in NR service during 07-08.
The number of Reservists serving on CFTS expanded from 341 in 06-07 to 480 in 07-08. Part -time service days by Reservists increased by 17.25 per cent in 07-08 to a total of 107,717 man-days.
These figures disclose the most substantial increase in the NR contribution to the Navy since the Naval Reserve was restructured in 1991.
Present indications are that these figures will further increase during 08-09.
