HMAS Farncomb: another success story of the Coles Review
The Submarine Arm has been bolstered with the return of HMAS Farncomb to the Fleet after a successful full cycle docking.
Farncomb is the first of the Collins class to operate under the new operational cycle of 10 years in operation and two in dock.
Not only was the occasion a validation of the new maintenance cycle, but delivery of an upgraded Farncomb as the fifth submarine in Fleet Service also marked a key milestone in the increased availability and lethality of our Submarine Force as the nations principle strategic deterrent.
Commander Submarine Force, Captain Matt Buckley, announced Training Authority – Submarines had trained a record number of new submariners during the last year.
Recently qualified submariners have joined with the experienced members of Farncomb under the seasoned eye of Commander Ian Bray who recently achieved his own personal milestone when awarded the Federation Star clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal for 40 years’ service.
With the delivery of Farncomb to the fleet and standing up a fifth submarine crew, the Force has increased the number of active Submarines which was a key outcome from the Coles Review, a study into the sustainment of Australia's strategic Collins Class Submarine capability.
This ‘Five Boat Force’ is also a positive indicator towards the effectiveness of the Submarine Workforce Growth Strategy.
It assists in Navy’s capacity to train new personnel to serve in Submarine Force where they will operate state of the art equipment with an increasing operational tempo and presence in the Indo-Pacific Theatre.
Able Seaman Acoustic Warfare Analyst Submariner Mitchell Cowling said that the crew were excited to put the boat through her paces prior to full operational status in early 2017.
“We as a crew have made some very positive steps forward and well on our way to achieving Mariners Skills Evaluation in late July.
“It’s encouraging seeing the progress we’ve made since January, and we look forward to sailing from Adelaide as a worked up crew,” said Able Seaman Cowling.
Farncomb will soon be put to sea for the first time with her new crew and working towards an exciting program later in the year.
(RAN)
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