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January Log
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Up Periscope Proudly sponsored by
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1st: Chris Read & Les Handicott Birthday Calculator. After you've finished reading the info, click again, and see what the moon looked like the night you were born.
Sick Bay
Eternal Patrol - LCDR (EX) (P) Colin Malcolm Hankin RN (Rtd)LCDR Colin Malcolm Hankin RN (Rtd) died on the 21st January in Ipswich, Queensland. He served in RN submarines from 1950 to 1966, his boats being HMS/ms Tireless, Auriga, Seraph, Telemachus, Trenchant and Tabard. He served in the RAN for a couple of years on the Emergency List from 1966.
Captain Bill Owen recalled "LCDR Colin Hankin was CO of
HMS Tabard in the (RN) 4th S/M Division in the
mid-60s and became the first XO of HMAS Platypus.
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Look, up in the sky! Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it is SuperGus. In a recent fly over with his work he managed to get a couple of photos that many an old salt will recognise. If you enlarge the photos you can almost make out the Chunder trail from the Mess to the ferry!
Paddy calls Qantas to book a flight. The operator asks 'How many people are flying with you?' Paddy replies 'I don't know! Its your plane!!'
HEALTH MATTERS
Greville 'Snake' Knight
asked if I could raise a medical issue for him. He said
"I have been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.
Don’t ask me what it is called, too bloody long, but the long and the
short of it is; my blood doesn’t clot anymore. So if I get a serious
bleed, it can take a long time to stop and they need to fill me up with
tranexgenic acid (TGA). The last thing the specialist said: ‘What the
*&%^ were you exposed to in the navy?’. So can you ask the troops if
anyone has a similar condition? He added
"All you fella’s on Warfarin; I will give you some of my blood, and I
will have some of yours, that should even us up a bit, eh?"
Greville's reference to Warfarin triggered something for me, I have
heard several cases lately where Warfarin has complicated the medical
condition of some. I looked it up:
Warfarin (also known under the brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan,
and Waran) is an anticoagulant. It was initially marketed as a pesticide
against rats and mice, and is still popular for this purpose, although
more potent poisons such as brodifacoum have since been developed. A few
years after its introduction, warfarin was found to be effective and
relatively safe for preventing thrombosis and embolism (abnormal
formation and migration of blood clots) in many disorders. It was
approved for use as a medication in the early 1950s, and has remained
popular ever since; warfarin is the most widely prescribed anticoagulant
drug in North America. Despite its effectiveness, treatment with
warfarin has several shortcomings. Many commonly used medications
interact with warfarin, as do some foods and its activity has to be
monitored by frequent blood testing for the international normalized
ratio (INR) to ensure an adequate yet safe dose is taken.
Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin, a chemical found
naturally in many plants, notably woodruff (Galium odoratum, Rubiaceae),
and at lower levels in licorice, lavender, and various other species.
Warfarin and related coumarins decrease blood coagulation by inhibiting
vitamin K epoxide reductase, an enzyme that recycles oxidated vitamin K
to its reduced form after it has participated in the carboxylation of
several blood coagulation proteins, mainly prothrombin and factor VII.
For this reason, drugs in this class are also referred to as vitamin K
antagonists.
A dose of rat poison anyone.........
Australian Defence Force (ADF) 2009 Defence Technical Scholarships
Defence workers sacked - were they hard done by
Two former technical staff were paid up to $60,000 in taxpayer-funded
compensation after they were sacked for viewing and storing pornography
on their work computers. And Defence fears a former lawyer, who spent
almost two years on fully-paid sick leave while she was being
investigated for contract irregularities, is preparing a massive damages
claim.
The two technical officers worked for Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO)
and it was determined that they had breached elements of the APS Code of
Conduct as contained in the Public Service Act 1999 but the pair was
compensated after they launched an unfair dismissal case in the
Australian Industrial Relations Commission, with Defence opting to
settle the matter by conciliation to avoid a costly hearing.
This follows revelations that a senior DMO staffer and general counsel
has been allowed to keep $430,000 in sick pay despite not working a
single day for almost two years. She was investigated by Defence chiefs
over alleged contract irregularities but the case has been shrouded in
secrecy. While on sick leaveshe became a Sydney-based migration agent,
using her Defence-issued mobile phone, and according to sources close to
the case she is set to sue her former employer. It is understood
that Defence chiefs allowed her to keep the sick pay to head off a
possible $1 million claim and massive legal costs.
The two cases are seen by many in Defence as examples of serious waste
when the Government is seeking savings from the $22 billion annual
defence budget. A source said secret settlements for civilians also sent
a poor signal to military personnel who fought for years for meagre
payouts after being injured on duty.
250 new Navy, Army and Air Force Midshipman and
Officer Cadets
This week more than 250 men and women were appointed to the Navy, Army
and Air Force as Midshipman and Officer Cadets, with further appointment
ceremonies to be conducted before the end of January.
The ceremony comprised 68 high school graduates from across NSW, who
will now attend theAustralian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra
and undertake a three-year military and leadership training program
while studying undergraduate degrees in arts, business, science,
engineering or technology through the University of New South Wales.
Chorley fund raising heritage
Chorley in Lancashire, England, has a long, proud heritage of fund
raising for worthy causes and in particular during times of national
emergency. During World War Two, money was donated by famous
people, wealthy people, groups and organisations, down to the collective
generosity of entire communities. As the latter, the people of
Chorley and District excelled. For what at the time was a much smaller
population than today, they purchased a Spitfire fighter aeroplane for
the Royal Air Force and sponsored a Submarine for the Royal Navy. Both
of which made a contribution to the eventual Allied victory in 1945.
These contributions were made possible by the tireless efforts of
individuals and groups who gave up time, money and possessions in order
to meet the call. During 1940, villages held fundraising Dance Nights,
there were fundraising military processions through the town centre,
school children offered their pocket money, etc.
As a result of the `Warship Week` campaign, the people of the borough
raised a commendable £387,354, double the original objective. The reward
was that the Borough adopted HMS/m `Ursula`, which by 1942, had already
created a name for itself and had many exploits to its credit. HMS
`Ursula` had the distinction of firing the first British Submarine
torpedoes of World War Two. A second distinction came in Spring 1940
when the crew of HMS `Ursula` took the first German prisoners to be
taken by a British Submarine.
HMS `Ursula` went on to lead a distinguished career during the war with
the Royal Navy and in 1943, some of the crew, lead by the late Lt.Albert
George Davies, visited Chorley as a sign of thanks for the money donated
by the people. During the visit, Lt.Davies acting on behalf of the
Admiralty presented Chorley with a plaque of the HMS `Ursula` crest. In
return, Chorley presented the crew with a plaque of the Chorley coat of
arms to hang inside its famous adopted submarine.
Some of the crew who visited Chorley had been decorated during the war
with bravery awards.
An HMS `Ursula` story:
HMS `Ursula` left for a patrol with HMS/m `Unshaken` on 20th November
1942. Tragedy struck not long after when in rough conditions in the Gulf
of Lyons the Captain and Lookouts were lost when they were washed over
board.
HMS `Ursula` carried on regardless and undertook a patrol of the Italian
Riviera and Genoa Gulf areas close in shore.
A specific mission HMS `Ursula` undertook in November 1942 was to
despatch two members of the SBS (Special Boat Service) for a sabotage
mission on the coast. The SBS successfully destroyed with explosives a
coastal railway tunnel and track as a train was passing along.
During the same patrol, HMS `Ursula` surfaced and the deck gun crew
launched a barrage along the coast against an Oil refinery and railway
train with great success. HMS `Ursula` left the scene and moved five
miles away to Maurizio where there was known to be potential targets.
Again the deck gun manned and ready for action, the submarine moved in
for the attack. The gun crew launched a barrage of shells successfully.
Initially, the Italians only responded by firing some star shells seven
miles out to sea. Once they managed to locate HMS `Ursula` in their
light, they managed to land a couple of shells so close that they
claimed the next day to of sunk the submarine. In truth, they never even
hit the target.
It is hoped that once compiled the information will be published locally
as a fitting tribute and memorial. The project has been compiled largely
with the help of former crew member Tel. J.F. `Jimmy` Green (`Ursula`
and `Viking`) who I am sure would also be interested to hear from any
other veterans.
If anyone has any information or photographs relating to the HMS/m
Ursula or her crew, please contact
Stuart Clewlow or write to
10, Marine Crescent, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 6QD.
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THE
SAA SALUTES YOU TROOPER MARK DONALDSON, VC
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today
saluted Trooper Mark Donaldson as he became the first Australian in
almost forty years to be awarded the Victoria Cross.
The Victoria Cross for Australia is the nation's highest military honour
and was presented only to those who displayed the most conspicuous
gallantry in the face of the enemy.
"Today is a momentous day for the Australian Defence Force and for
Trooper Donaldson," Air Chief Marshal Houston said. "Trooper Donaldson
has been inducted into the ranks of those military personnel deemed to
be the most gallant; the most heroic; the most devoted. He joins a band
of brothers so admired for their valour that there are only ten
surviving members in the world today."
Air Chief Marshal Houston said tradition held that even the most senior
officer saluted a Victoria Cross recipient as a mark respect for their
act of valour. "It will be my great honour from this day forth to
salute Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Obituary: Colin White, Historian and Director of the Royal Naval Museum
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical
Society and of the Society of Antiquaries and was vice-president of the
Navy Records Society. He was awarded an honorary DLitt by the University
of Portsmouth and was its visiting professor in maritime history.
He was educated at Southampton University and obtained an MA in war
studies at King’s College London. He worked at the Royal Naval Museum
from 1975, becoming in 1995 deputy director and head of museum services.
Colin White was one of the country’s leading
experts on the life and achievements of Britain’s greatest admiral,
Horatio Nelson. Of White’s several publications, two major works stand
out, both based on original research. They are Nelson — The Admiral and
Nelson — The New Letters. His The Nelson Companion (1995) is a
bestseller in its third edition.
For the bicentenary of the 1805 battle of Trafalgar, White was appointed
chairman of the Official Nelson Celebrations Committee charged with co-ordinating
the Trafalgar Festival, and for this he was presented in 2006 the
Longmans History Today Trustees Award. In 2001 he was seconded to the
National Maritime Museum as director of its 2005 initiatives including
an exhibition, Nelson and Napoleon, publications and special events.
The Desmond Wettern Media Award “for being the most visible spokesman of
Britain’s maritime interests” followed his remarkable tally of some 300
public lectures that he gave during 2005. In 2006 White was awarded the
Distinguished Book Prize by the Society for Military History for Nelson
— the New Letters.
Vale CMDR Steve Peacock RN and Alan Saunders
CMDR Steve Peacock RN died suddenly this week in Portsmouth of what was believed to be toxic shock. He was only 46.
CMDR Peacock was on exchange in Canberra until December 08. It is believed that Steve was planning to return to Australia (to a job at ASC) after leaving the RN this year.
Alan Saunders. Many Navy personnel, particularly submariners
(Oberon and Collins Class) will recognise the name and the real loss of
an extraordinarily decent man with a big heart, great commitment and an
even bigger work ethic………..
Alan didn’t follow his father, who was a CSAP, the Navy but was a ‘Nasho’
who served in Vietnam.
Alan was at Cockatoo Island for many years and then came to work on the
Collins Class submarine project in Adelaide. He retired after the last
submarine of the class was formally handed over to the Navy in 2003 – he
refused to even think about retirement until the job was done.
Alan was “man’s man” who pulled no punches, got on with it, tried not to
make enemies but in the end didn’t care if he did - as long as the job
was done, it was done right, and done right the first time. He was
totally loyal to his staff and peers, and worked harder than the vast
majority. He was a man of his word – no documentation needed, and indeed
for his part it was to be avoided – what he said he would do is was what
he did – if not more. He also found time to dote on his family –
probably not as much as they would have liked, but that was the nature
of the beast. (Have a familiar ring to some?)
Alan was in his early sixties and is survived by his wife Dorothy and
daughter Alice.
Alan's funeral will be on Monday, 19th January 2009 at 1100. It will be a graveside service at Arakoon Cemetery at South West Rocks followed by a wake back at the Rocks sub-Branch, 41 McIntyre St.
Come on Boof and Niggs, let's go for a swim.............
This has been one busy week and it was a relief to take
the time off today to produce
The
Log. However, the day started bad. I was making a brew at
0430 and noticed that Snow, my white hen (the others are Ginger and
Blacky) was lying on the ground dead. There was no sign of an
attack by dogs or dingoes so I am suspecting a snake may have got her.
She is my best layer and I will have to replace her. Blacky does
not lay yet, but I think that is because she thinks she is a dog!
She eats with them, sleeps on the front verandah and wanders through the
house at every opportunity. She sits on my lap each night while I
have coffee out there.
The
pup, Niggs, is growing fast and the vet said she thinks that their is a
bit of Doberman mixed with the Staffy and to expect a large dog in the
future. He is house trained already, but I spend all day picking
up his toys and all the other stuff that he plays with. I said I
would never by a pup of mine toys, but I relented and we have fun with
them. Boof is NOT amused!!!
It is bedlam here at meal times, I have to feed the fish, chooks, birds and 4 dogs, my three and the neighbours dog that never misses a meal here. This takes a lot of time and planning, feeding the dogs so that they don't steal each others is a problem.
It was good to hear from Mal fisher that she has been inundated with emails for Fred. She has replied to them all and she noted that we may be surprised at how many of the lads are suffering and this may only be the tip of the iceberg. Mal and Fred thank you all for your personal emails. Mal printed them out for Fred and he was so touched. She added "He is still not quite in touch with "reality" and is not ready to come home yet. He is talking end of March....it is longer than a "patrol"."
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, seek help, there is no shame in getting treatment. It is better than some other options you may consider!!!!
Finally, the caption contest. There have been many responses and I have decided to let the competition run for another week Next week I will put my top 10 into a poll so that you can all vote on it.
SAA NEWS
National
I am still
cross referencing the Association database with email address books and the
phone book to try and
capture all email addresses for emailing out the January issue of In
Depth,
I am still waiting for some Branch Secretaries to validated
their Members lists before I can complete the job.
The Membership Card is now available for issue for those that want/need them. They do not replace the SAA Members badge, they have been developed after the requirement was identified by some ex RN Members. Some form of identification that identified that they were a member of an Association was required to benefit by reduced rates when attending functions in the UK. These are now available on request (to secretary), you must send a photo as it is required for the card..
The January edition of In Depth is now online and Branch secretaries will be posting copies to their Members that are not online. It is in a new format and feedback is requested so that the next edition benefits from your input.
Acting
National Secretary
Queensland Branch
The first meeting of the year was held today at the Coorparoo RSL and
was well attended with 35 Members and their wives and partners.
AROUND THE TRAPS
Tasmanian Member Brian Blackburn is a proud father, his son Commander Guy Blackburn has been appointed Captain of HMAS Stuart and assumes command in December this year. Pity it's a target Blackie.
Guess
which Commander recently enjoyed his 60th - his daughters took him to
Vanuatu for a week, he said "no complaints".
Bob Appleton OAM requested of his friends and foe -
"No email between Friday 16th - 24th. January. He
has been 'press-ganged' into service on board the good ship 'French
Connection' and will be circumnavigating Port Phillip Bay prior to the
Passage race from Williamstown to Geelong on Saturday, 24th. Therefore,
whilst I am suffering the privations of life afloat on the bounding
main, I respectfully ask you to Back-off with the emails!"
It must be tough having to take off on a 'pleasure cruise' Bob?
Steve Ballantyne lives in Scotland and is seeking information.
"My Grandad was Reginald James Ballantyne who
served on J7 in 1919 and was part of a club called the Saturday Club. I
have a decanter with this engraved on it. Do you know anything about
such a club formed by Royal Navy personnel around Sydney?"
Contact Steve (cc
me) if you can assist.
Two Asian heroin addicts have injected themselves with curry powder by mistake - both are in intensive care. One has a dodgy tikka and the other one is in a korma.
Bob Trotter,
Director of HMAS Sydney Search Pty Ltd, recommends that you visit visit
the HMAS Sydney
website. It will take you to the exhibits page of the Commission of
Inquiry. Go to Exhibits 106 & 107 which are the results of a combined
analysis by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the
Royal Institution of Naval Architects (Aust). The Report at 106 is long
but very interesting - the Executive Summary tells it all. The
animations at 107 are terrific. They are based on the eyewitness
accounts of the Germans and by examination of the wreck (e.g. counting
the 15cm holes and impacts). Bob adds "It
confirms what we in the Foundation have thought all along - Sydney and
her men were simply overwhelmed by the ferocity and volume of the battle
and the impossible damage control and recovery problem that they faced."
Coffs Harbour member Geoff Piesse writes "I have
just read the log and caught up on the significant news about the
chooks……….I envy you……………I love chooks and they are really good pets.
All your stories ring true. I even spent $120 on a vets bill trying to
keep one alive. I have no chooks at present but will when I can."
I love my chooks mate, but the thought of a $120 vet's bill might result
in a Sunday roast instead. Geoff is a fellow web manager, he
has developed a site for his entry of mobi’s and manages
july64mobi.com
which he said is really a picture gallery of the boys and it is good fun
and well worth the time it takes him.
In case you cannot recognise the 60 year old mentioned earlier, this photo is a clue.
During last week's high winds an African family were killed by a falling tree. A spokesman for Brisbane Council said 'We didn't even know they were living up there.'
Chris Mitchell reminded me that the 46th USSVI Convention is being held
in conjunction with the International Submariners Association in San
Diego on the 7th to 12th September 2009. From what I can see there will
be a great number of submariners from all over at the Convention. He
added
"There's a lot of interest in Dieselly weaselly boats in the states at
the moment. It looks like there might few a few empty tins."
I understand a few are attending and I am interested and may attend,
subject to Boof's health. Go to the Convention
site for
details.
Keith Bateman, former RO, has been promoted to Squadron Leader and reports "We have nearly unpacked what was a huge removal, it has taken us approximately four weeks of full time work to set up the house in Queanbeyan and get all of the gear and vehicles in the one place. My removal totaled five removal trucks full, mostly garage, workshop and outdoor garden stuff, all well spread out in my last address in Ipswich."
Guess which WA member said "With all these Great Whites around there are plenty of Crays for the pickings. Seems people just don't want to dive for them anymore!! Go figure! I am celebrating my 3rd marriage's 2nd anniversary on St. Patrick's Day. I've told this one if it doesn't work out I'm turning arse!"
Scott and Tracy Bunny have arrived back in Nepal after a tiring but great trip into Tibet. You can read about their adventures and see some of their photos on the recently updated blog. They are leaving Nepal for the final time tomorrow, when they fly East from Kathmandu to the border and cross into India to make their way to Darjeeling in a day or two. Oh to be young again..........
Commander
Forbes Peters, RAN
One of the Associations new Members, born and raised in Brisbane,
is CMDR Forbes Peters, RAN. He was schooled at Iona College, was a
scout with the Birkdale troop and was a naval cadet at HMAS Morton
before he joined the Navy in 1987.
He is an electrical engineering graduate from the Australian Defence
Force Academy, class of 1989. He is a submariner and has served in the
submarine squadron most of his career. He has been the electrical
engineer of HMAS Ovens 1994-1995 and HMAS Farncomb 1999-2000. He has
also served as the Submarine Squadron Senior Electrical Engineer and as
a member of the sea training group. He is a graduate of the Australian
Joint Command and Staff course. His most recent position has been on
site with ASC Pty Ltd in Adelaide, as the Principal Naval
Representative.
CMDR Peters is a chartered engineer with Engineers Australia. He holds
several post graduate qualifications in maritime studies, management and
engineering. He was awarded an Australia Day medallion in 2005 and an
Admiral's Commendation in 1997.
CMDR Peters took command of Naval Headquarters South Queensland| in
December 2006.
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JOHNNIES RUM SESSION
It was two o'clock that afternoon in the Sin Bin down below Mustering up three chairs I thought a table would be the go There was me Spike and Shiner, and the joint was filling fast, And the sailors all cheered loudly as a new keg gave a blast The arrival of two kiwi frigates and the pommy ship Renown, Everyone's at Royal Naval House it's the sailors favourite haunt We might get lucky with some sheilas with heaps of skin to flaunt The sailors from all the ships in town arrived in a constant stream Dressed in No. 2's and their best tid gear, spit polished shoes gleam A cab pulled in with the Kiribilli gorilla from a pub up around the Cross She filed through with some other sheilas, the crushers not caring a toss Doctors advised her against a bra after examining her special case that way the weight of her tits would pull the wrinkles from her ugly face The sailors knew her well and warned newcomers against getting close She's as welcome as a fart in a phone box and known to pass on a dose Around two thirty the joint was crowded, the place was in full swing Full as a seaside dunny on boxing day, the sailors all doing their thing If you turned your back your beer disappeared, the sheilas you couldn't trust Most were there for all the free booze, others were there for lust Lenny the Loop and Jeff the Jaw selectively buying the sailors a beer Trying to con some drunken OD, their objectives plain and clear The room was loud and full of smoke the sailors were having fun Most sang along as the juke box again played the House of the Rising Sun |
We need a volunteer for the dance of the flamers who thinks
that he is able? One drunken figure with bleary eyes began climbing on the table His bell bottoms already around his feet and being assisted by some joker A sailor with such a hairy behind like his has got to be a stoker Two of the sheilas braved the crowd and climbed up alongside to take part One clearly heavier than the other and in her struggle let go a fart The paper burnt right down to the end the extra methane fanned the flames The stoker's was doused by a jug of beer but none wasted on the dames The Kirribili gorilla was drunk and upset and looking for a place to sit Come on you bastards, come pour me a beer I'm as dry as a witch's tit One drunken pommy bought her a beer plus a fiver that he gave her It'll take him six weeks to get over the dose she returns him as a favour And Shiner looked up as he emptied a jug as we joked about whose turn to shout In time these days we'd never forget, I fell silent as I looked about Suddenly the picture loses all sound as I remember mates from past days Sunday at Johnnies the memories of faces fade to little more than a haze Aahhh! JOHNNIES!!! The good ol' days (& nights). (Author unknown)
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Cheaper fares for seniors around Australia
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Windscreen Stickers |
The Australian Government has offered almost $50 million over four years
to State and Territory Governments so that they can provide concessions
to Seniors Card holders who are using public transport services outside
their home state. Until now, Seniors Cards have only entitled the holder
to public transport concession in their home state.
The scheme will make it more affordable for seniors to visit friends and
families outside their home state.
The scheme has commenced on 1 January in New South Wales, Victoria,
South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the
Northern Territory. Discussions with the Western Australian and
Queensland governments are continuing. In the meantime, from 1
January 2009 Queensland will begin offering concessions on its urban
public transport to interstate concession holders.
Free Tolls for Veterans in NSW
Toll road operators in NSW have recently announced that tolls will not
be applicable for war veterans on NSW roads.
A representative of the industry in Queensland said the State Government
develops relevant policies to support tolling in Queensland. These tolls
are gazetted by the state government and Queensland Motorways is
required to apply them and they are not aware at this stage of any plans
to exempt war veterans or TPI's although any such decision would be made
by the State Government.
HEALTH MATTERS
Andrew Woods writes
"I read the piece on Fred Fisher’s circumstances
and support your advice to people to seek help if they have similar
concerns.
One of the things I did when I left the Navy (does one ever leave?) was
to study and qualify as a psychologist – too much time spent in Crud
Corner, the Trench and Q Recess presumably – and in my meanderings on
the Web came across this book which I think is very good. I’ve attached
the link and would recommend it to the readership as it covers many
aspect of PTSD in a very readable format.
It would come as no surprise to me to learn that many ex-submariners do
suffer from a myriad of issues including anxiety, depression, adjustment
problems and so on. My personal view is that these features correlate
with some common personality characteristics or traits you’d find in
many of our shipmates.
Many males still do not visit their doctors as regularly as they should
and my GP confirmed this to me again recently. There are many effective
treatments available and many of these now attract Medicare rebates. As
these are coordinated generally via GPs it makes sense to make an
appointment."
Andrew said that he is happy for anyone to contact him by
email or on 07
3266 1533 for advice if
this will help.
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than veterans without PTSD.
New research published in the open access journal BMC Medicine has shown
that after controlling for other factors such as depression or substance
abuse, there is a significant association between metabolic syndrome and
PTSD.
Metabolic syndrome is composed of a cluster of clinical signs including
obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. It has been
associated with diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Any traumatic event or series of events can cause PTSD. According to the
UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), up to 30% of
people who have experienced a traumatic event may go on to develop PTSD
and it may affect about 8% of people at some point in their lives.
Pia Heppner, of the Veterans Affairs of San Diego, VA Center of
Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) and the University of
California San Diego, with a team of researchers from the VA, analyzed
clinical data from 253 male and female veterans. They found that those
with a higher severity of PTSD were more likely to meet the diagnostic
criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Heppner said, "This line of research suggests that stress and
post-stress responses are related to long-term health outcomes. Studies
show that veterans, prisoners of war and individuals exposed to severe
trauma have higher rates of physical morbidity and mortality and
increased health care utilization. Our findings suggest that metabolic
syndrome provides a useful framework for assessing and describing the
physical burden of PTSD and can be used prospectively to evaluate health
risks that may be associated with combat exposure and PTSD."
Go to
beyondblue, a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance issues so that you may help others, or maybe even yourself.
A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The
officer says, 'I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.'
The driver says, 'Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps
your radar gun needs calibrating.'
Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: 'Now don't be silly
dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control.'
As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks at his wife and
growls, 'Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?'
The wife smiles demurely and says 'You should be thankful your radar
detector went off when it did.'
As the officer makes out the 2nd ticket for the illegal radar detector
unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, 'Damn
it, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?'
The officer frowns and says, 'And I notice that you're not wearing your
seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine.'
The driver says, 'Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it
off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my
back pocket.'
The wife says, 'Now dear, you know very well that you didn't have your
seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt while you're driving.'
And as the police officer is writing out the 3rd ticket the driver turns
to his wife and barks, 'WHY DON'T YOU PLEASE SHUT UP???'
The officer looks over at the woman and asks, 'Does your husband always
talk to you this way, Ma'am?'
She replied, 'Only when he's been drinking.'
DEFENCE NEWS
Navy's
sub-standard sexism
Article from: The Daily Telegraph by Holly Byrnes
Forget manning the torpedoes - why don't we all just shoot this
messenger in the latest sex scandal to plunge the Navy into hot water?
Such has been the fierce reaction to The Daily Telegraph's coverage of
Ralph magazine's controversial interview with submariner Commander Tom
Phillips.
"I am ashamed to be Australian when stuff like this is touted as news.
Get a sense of humour you politically correct morons," posted Michael of
Melbourne.
For the most part, web feedback ranged from the dismissive ("chicks in
bikinis? . . . in a submarine? where do I sign") to sending out a search
party for Australia's missing sense of humour - and this paper's ethics.
"Did anyone really expect a serious discussion in Ralph magazine? Give
the Commander a break. Better still, give all of us a break," demanded
Robinoz of NT.
Of all the online comments, those claiming the commander's comments were
sexist were in the minority.
Flippant. Puerile. Blokey. Jokey. Yes.
By the admission of freelance journalist John Bastik who posed the
question in question - whether female sailors in bikinis would be good
for recruitment - came at the end of an hour-long interview with
Phillips during four days' aboard the Collins class submarine HMAS
Farncomb. "I was very privileged to go aboard that boat. On board I saw
nothing but professionalism," Bastik said yesterday.
"The Commander was one of the most generous and intelligent interviewees
I've had in 15 years of journalism. Never once was there any evidence
that sexism was tolerated on that boat. He had a good, laconic
Australian male sense of humour," Bastik, a former editor of FHM and
associate editor of Zoo said.
"My question was probably juvenile and he blurted his response out, but
for him to be pilloried that is completely unfortunate. He's a fine,
upstanding officer. Did I ask a flippant question? Yes, but I accept
total responsibility for that.
"If I construed that in my article I completely apologise."
Opposition calls for Phillips to apologise to his colleagues perhaps
should have been redirected further up the navy food chain to appease
those, like me, who see the problem here twofold - that a naval officer
of high rank would consider offering comment on the sexist suggestion at
all; and more significantly that the interview and placement in Ralph
magazine was allowed to happen in the first place.
Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas took responsibility for approving Bastik's
access to the submarine on the understanding he would be writing an
article for the men's magazine.
On Wednesday, the deputy chief of the Royal Australian Navy referenced
the "success" the defence forces have had in targeting these titles for
recruitment purposes.
The navy wants men, men read Ralph. Simple plan, right? It goes
awry, though, when you consider the navy also wants to get away from its
poor image of attracting women and retaining them in an environment that
respects their abilities and not their sexuality.
 |
|
As a submariner I am appalled at Tom's lack of discretion! Not all of us are that tacky!! |
Yesterday Thomas was not available for comment, with my calls answered
by a machine in the aptly-named "Navy Reputation Management Department."
The Minister for Defence Personnel, Warren Snowden, at least knows it's
a problem, which is why he gained bi-partisan support last year for
establishing a Reference Group on Women - a committee of female
community leaders and high achievers to advise the ADF on recruitment
and retention policy.
Snowden acknowledged the problem of the Ralph article, this week calling
for a review into "the criteria for media approvals and how Defence
ensures articles match the values of the ADF."
Placing Phillips in the position where his comments could be used to
titillate men and cheapen women is the real issue. If the Federal
Government and Defence leadership is serious about improving the
perception of the RAN as a ship of fools, it will rethink the current
"shock and phwoar'' approach to recruitment by siding with lads mags.
The Collins class submarine fleet has had enough public relations
problems without recruiting men inspired to sign up to work on what the
Ralph article phallically compared to "a porn star's cock".
Bastik may have genuinely offered himself as the connector between the
navy's need to improve submarine staff numbers and the male populace who
read Ralph. But the message has been sunk under a tidal wave of typical
lads mag crassness.
New Anglo-American Boomer Design
Britain has hired an American submarine builder (General Dynamics) to
design a Common Missile Compartment (CMC) for Britains next class of
ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which are to begin replacing the
current Vanguard class boats in 2022. The assignment specifically
mentions that the U.S. Navy will use the CMC for its next class of SSBNs.
This makes sense, because Britain buys the ballistic missiles for its
SSBNs from the United States. It would be too expensive for Britain to
design and build its own SSBN ballistic missiles. Thus the CMC will have
to be designed by an American firm, with access to data on the
characteristics (especially the dimensions) of future missiles for SSBNs.
Britain and the United States have long cooperated on designing nuclear
submarines, especially SSBNs. The U.S. and Britain are designing two
different SSBNs. But each sub will have many common features, like the
CMC, and that will save a lot of money for both nations. The 18 U.S.
Ohio class SSBNs were built between 1979 and 1997. The Ohios were built
to serve for twenty years, but that has been extended at least 15, and
possibly 30 years. In the next 5-10 years, work on a new class of U.S.
SSBNs will have to begin.
A life under the ocean waves
By Peter Marshall - BBC North West Tonight
HM Naval Base Clyde is simple to find they say. Just head out of Glasgow
and follow the barbed wire. Miles of it. But considering what the base
contains you would expect it to be pretty well guarded. The Royal Navy
fails to mention the anti-Trident peace camp that runs along the other
side of the main road up to the Faslane base - a colourful collection of
shanty-like sheds and caravans - just as striking as the barbed wire.
We're here to see something seldom seen - one of the four hulking
submarines that carry the UK's independent nuclear deterrent - Trident.
The boat currently in dock is HMS Vengeance, built in Barrow, Cumbria,
and bigger than you could imagine. So big that one of the journalists
who has travelled miles for a rare glimpse inside has an attack of
vertigo as she prepares to descend the ladder into the depths of the
sub. She never makes it on board.
 Arrangements have been made with Get Wines Direct for SAA members to purchase fine wines as and when they wish from the Internet that will provide a 5% return to the Association. This company is recommended by well know wine quaffer Paul Meakin for over two years with absolute satisfaction. You order what
wines you want when you want and within 4-8 days Australia Po There is a very wide selection of wines and you can either occasionally look up the website when you want to order or you can go on their e-mail out list for twice weekly specials like these:
Dolly's Shack Adelaide Hills
Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Produced By Neil Pike) Please review the website list and when you place your order be sure to include the CLUB ID number to go onto your order so the SAA can claim the 5%. Their web site is WinesDirect and the process of ordering is eazy peazy. SAA ID Number is
3558 |
You cannot look at the hulking black shape of HMS
Vengeance without hearing, in your mind, the score from Jaws. It
looks lethal, and it is. On board we are told it has the destructive
capability to return the modern world to the Middle Ages. Sixteen
Trident missiles each capable of delivering up to 12 warheads. It does
not bear thinking about.
The 135-strong crew, of course, have to think about it. They lie in
cramped bunks, knowing that a few feet beyond their pillows are umpteen
nuclear bombs. They seem happy with the safety arrangements, and totally
convinced that their boat plays a vital role in global security.
Let's put global security to one side and talk baked beans. Vengeance is
being loaded ready for another trip to sea. Food is the only thing that
limits her time under water, and while I'm taking a good look around the
corridors are crammed with tins and tins of baked beans, and pickled
onions... and pickled red cabbage.
Luckily, the craft can produce fresh water from seawater. One gets the
impression they will need it.
They say a submarine is like Dr Who's Tardis - only in reverse - huge on
the outside and tiny and cramped inside. The crew's sleeping quarters
are shared. As subs go they do not come much bigger than HMS Vengeance,
but even here the crew, many from north-west England, still has to carry
out the rather unsettling practice of "hot-bunking".
There are not enough beds to go round, so at the end of your shift you
may have to leap into a bunk that has just been vacated by a colleague.
It takes a certain sort of chap to be a submariner.
It is a men-only environment, women are not allowed to join.
The perks? It is a men-only environment, women are not allowed to join.
The banter is good, they say. The pay is good too, higher than in other
parts of the Royal Navy. But it has to be. Separation from families is
the real drawback, I'm told.
While out at sea they can lose loved ones back home and not be told
about it for ages. Bad news can be kept back.
Not everyone could be a submariner. I was on the boat for a matter of
hours and already I know I could not do it for a living. But all those I
spoke with loved the job, were committed to it and were highly
professional.
Say what you like about the rights and wrongs of the nuclear deterrent,
but it exists, and it is a comfort to know that the men looking after it
on HMS Vengeance know their business.
Come on boys, dinner time...
Sunny Queensland? Been damp and overcast all week but it worked out well for me as I don't feel so bad sitting at the computer if it is a crap day.
I
don't know what it is, but The Fort (as it is known locally) is becoming
an animal sanctuary, not sure if I am supposed to be building an Ark or
what. Went out on the verandah at 0500 for my first coffee and let
the dogs out and was greeted by three cows that had decided to invite
themselves in for breakfast. They had come from the paddocks
across the road and a quick call to the farmer seen them returned to
their own dining room.
Who said chooks don't have a personality? Blacky follows me around like a dog and I am continually chasing her out of the house, she gets upset! On Thursday I walked through the lounge room and found her sitting on the coffee table watching television. She got really pissed when I put her outside, I am sure that if I could understand "chook" she would have got her mouthed washed for using filthy language. Unlike the other two (who do not socialise with her) she will not sleep in the pen (or whatever they are called) and insists on sleeping on the table on the front verandah.
Boof is not impressed with his new little mate Nigs who is now taller than him. All a 19 year old dog wants to do is relax, but that is not the agenda of a 7 week old pup. Nigs continually harasses him by sitting on him, biting his tail and just shit stirring generally. Sheela, the other dog takes no crap and puts him in his place, but is a good teacher and Nigs is already house trained.
Bill O'Reilly has given me a great idea to eke out my meager pension.
"Now you are keeping chickens this site will give you all the information you need. We started with one Peking bantam that my youngest raised from a egg at preschool, this has grown to 8 chickens and a pair of ducks. We are selling ducklings for $500 a bird." Not sure about the ducks, they may take over my pool. I think people may secretly pee in it, but duck crap, no way.This edition of the Log is a bit late, I went to Brisbane for the SAA Meeting and by time I got back and fed all the animals I was too tired. It was good to catch up with the guys again and it was worth the trip.
Anne Redwood reports Jim is now recovering after spending Xmas and New Year in ICU at Calvary Hospital in Wagga. Despite dire predictions he has made a good recovery and is now waiting to go into Rehabilation. After one subdural hematoma caused by Warfarin they put him on Aspirin and this caused another the Sunday before Xmas. This has caused some confusion and some problems walking and swallowing but these have now improved greatly and I hope to have him at home in some weeks.
It is sad to see a friend suffer and a good one of
ours, John 'Fred' Fisher, has been suffering silently for quite a
while. Fred has been in St John of God Hospital for the last 8
weeks for treatment of PTSD. He has not wanted this to go
public, but yesterday he rang me and asked for me to let you all
know. Fred said to report Dolphin 73!
If you feel like saying g'day to Fred you can send
him an email through his wife
Mal I am sure they
will be appreciated.
Fred is aware that there are others out there that are suffering
from PTSD, depression and anxiety but have not sought assistance.
This is possibility because of some perceived "weakness" or the fact
that you are not "aware" that you have a problem. Some people are
ashamed to admit a weakness especially the rough, tough
submariners!!! It is like any other illness, if properly treated
then you can have quality of life.
If in doubt, do a 'Google' and check out the symptoms and seek assistance!
SAA NEWS
National
Been a busy week and
with the assistance of Rob Woolrych we now have the SAA Queensland
Branch Membership list in sync. It has been a time consuming task
cross referencing with email address books and the Phone book to try and
capture all email addresses in time for the January issue of In Depth to
be sent to Members by email. Do I have your email address?
I am still waiting for the other Branch Secretaries for their validated lists and will start on theirs on receipt.
The Membership Card has taken a step closer to being resolved. The National Committee has accepted the proposal for a laminated card that can be produced from the SAA database. Just a couple of administrative issues to resolve.
My recruitment campaign is starting to work and I have had 9 requests for applications this week and received three back. No, I do not work on commission!!!
Just a reminder on Association membership, it is a requirement of the Constitution that you are a Member of the National Body as a prerequisite to becoming a Branch Member. Unless you do you are NOT a Member and not entitled to access the Welfare Fund in times of need.
It is time more Members supported their Branch Committees. Events and meetings are organised but in most cases are not attended by Members. Being a social bunch these meetings are normally short, but the after meeting gatherings are a good chance to catch up with old mates.
The January edition of In Depth will be published soon, waiting (still) for most Branches to provide input. This issue will be in a new format and contributions are still being accepted.
Acting
National Secretary
Queensland Branch
The first meeting of the year was held today at the Coorparoo RSL and
was well attended with 35 Members and their wives and partners.
SUBMISSIONS TO REVIEW OF CLARKE
COMMITTEE FINDINGS
SAA Qld Inc wishes to thank everyone who supported the push to write
submission the “The Review Secretariat” with copies to our local MP’s
regarding our “Active Service” recognition. We can only hope that your
considerable individual efforts will be rewarded. If we at SAA Qld Inc
hear of any information coming out of the nation’s capital on the
subject you will be immediately informed via email and for those
interstate using the services of the Website Manager.
The N.A.A. continues their support and the R.S.L. and the A.V.A.D.S.C.
have once again indicated that they are right behind us.
Western Australian Branch
Due to the hospitalisation of some of the Branch members over the past
few months they are running a little late with SUBCON advertising but
here is an outline of events.
SUBCON 2009 FREMANTLE WESTERN AUSTRALIA FRI 5th Jun-
MON 8th Jun
Friday:
The SUBCON 2009 Registration will be at the Esplanade Hotel. A Meet &
Greet with Ceremonial Sunset and Beat Retreat will be at the Maritime
Museum in Fremantle Harbour. The museum will also be open for a tour
during the reception. The Fremantle Navy Club will welcome all players
and stayers after the meet and greet.
Saturday:
SAA Executive will meet at the Fremantle Navy Club.
An EX HMAS Ovens crew reunion will be held at the Fremantle Navy Club
for brunch after a nostalgic view of Ovens (2009 is the 40th Anniversary
of Commissioning).
1930 The Dinner Dance will be held at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle.SAA
Members will be joined by members of the Submarine Force Element Group
Sunday:
SAA AGM Meeting will be held at the Fremantle Navy Club followed by
lunch and tour of the Fremantle Gaol.
Monday
A farewell barbecue will be held at the Swan Yacht Club.
The SUBCON 2009 Website with full details and for registration is a
little late than hoped for but should go live shortly.
AROUND THE TRAPS
Darryl Dick said "Hi, I saw this item on eBay and thought you might be interested." Victoria has another submarine for sale on eBay, current price: AU $455.00. I am taking up a collection to buy it for the Victorian Branch members to get some sea time up on a boat, not many down there have much under their belt.
It was good to hear from Sammy Brennan this week. He has been in the RNZN Reserves for two years now. He said "I didn’t realise how easy it was on skimmers as a Chief Tiff ." If it is any easier than being a Chief Tiff in submarines it must be the perfect job, the only time I saw one raise a sweat was when they thought that they may have to work back to "watch" a defect get fixed (from the Mess of course).
Peter 'Arab' Clark noticed with interest Ken Williams 's email address (kenw@ballet-dancer.net) which reminded him of an 'event' in the UK in, I think, 1982. "I was on holiday with wife Mk 1 and going to tour the UK in a mobile home. Leaving wife at the Union Jack Club I proceeded across London to pick up my vehicle. Whilst filling in the application form I listed my profession as 'Submariner' and when the young lady checked the form she apologised I said I was not permitted to hire from them due to Company rules. Quite taken aback I asked why and she explained it was Company policy not to hire vehicles to "Submariners, Sky-Divers and Ballet Dancers". The wife had to come get it in her name, that was OK. If anyone can link those 3 professions for me I'd be interested !!" I shudder when I think of Ken in a tutu!!!
Ray
Sylvester "Hi Norm, just a short note to wish you
and all your friends a happy new year. Have enclosed a photo of me and
Bob 'Suitcase' Bundy having a few drinks and solving the problems of the
world in Singapore. I heard that Bob had not been too well recently.
Maybe this photo will bring a smile into his day. I am now celebrating 3
years on oxygen so hope to keep going while I can." I think
it was on Ovens and I was there Ray, not a pretty sight, but at least
Bob was upright in this photo.......
President of the Naval Association Australia can't be all that bad (for
a skimmer). In a jibe I had at him about being multi skilled (he is also
the NAA Webmaster) and that he must have been a stoker he replied
"I wasn’t a Chief Stoker, but my eldest son was a
Stoker. H has been out of Pussers for quite a while now and is an
engineer doing fleet maintenance in the West. One of his greatest joys
is maintaining our subs and particularly their water-tight integrity –
valves etc. Anyway you would know more about that than me. He loves his
work. His wife has just retired she was a Chief Stores walla. She
supplied the parts and he fitted ‘em … only joking!"
I want Ross Britton's job, he gets to play with "Big Boy's Toys".
He sent this photo of his company car which he drives for 7 months a
year.
I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me, and we all could probably use more calm in our lives especially during the stress that comes with the holidays!
Mower One, Brett Nil. Brett Hinton reported "I decided to do some mowing yesterday on the ride on. I did not put the brakes on fast enough and the front got tangled in an old chicken wire fence. Before I knew it the mower was vertical with the rear of the seat flat on the ground with me also flat on my back on the ground with my feet still on the pedals. Luckily the front wheels got stuck in the mesh or else the mower would have ended up on top of me and luckily it then conked out. If I was wearing undies at the time I would have had to change them."
This reminded Brett to recall an earlier episode with a mower. "Many years ago, I went to HMAS Platypus for a visit. We proceeded to get drunk in the mess and then we went to a night club in Sydney because we had not yet had enough. Bill Whelan had just had his lawn mower (push) refurbished at Plats workshop and did not want to leave it in his Mini Moke in North Sydney. We took it inside and and left it in the foyer as the woman on the desk was very understanding. When we went to leave, another "woman" had taken over the desk and she had a go at bill over the mower.
He explained its virtues and said that it was suffering from depression
and could not be left alone. The woman did not get the hint and asked
how a mower could be suffering from depression. Bill said it was sick of
being pushed around all the time.
He then gave her a demo of how good it was by starting it up. Bits of
carpet went flying everywhere. We (there were 3 of us plus Bill) grabbed
the mower and Bill and legged it. Next thing we hear are Police sirens
as we dodge around the back streets of North Sydney.
I was in civies and the others were in Navy whites. Not to be out done I
vomited out the back of the moke. WRONG MOVE as the suction dragged it
all back in over us.
 |
| Terry Parsons sent this awesome photo adding "Bring back memories...........!!!" Of what may I ask, some movie that you saw on TV? Surely you never ventured onto the casing in roughers mate? However, the photo deserves a caption and I will give a cap to the best suggestion for a title. Send them in to me. |
We got to LEUT Paul Meakins' house and his wife wanted to kill us,
especially me, as we all stunk like cheap wine and vomit. We finally got
to the ex mother in laws house about 2 am and upon asking Bill to leave
quietly he tooted the horn etc.
Ah, it was a great night."
Scott and Tracy Bunny latest report is from Namaste in Kathmandu, Nepal.
"Tracy and I have spent enough time phaffing in
Kathmandu, so it's time to get back on the road, literally. Tomorrow, we
start on an overland expedition to drive (or at least be driven) to
Lhasa, Tibet. The trip will take approximately eight days and pass
through some amazing country including the Tibetan side of Everest Base
Camp and the Everest Plateau. We will then have just a couple of days in
Lhasa to see the sights. It's rapidly approaching Chinese New Year and
all the flights out of Lhasa are fully booked, so we are having to
travel back to Kathmandu by LandCruiser (this time we do the trip in two
days by not stopping at the sights and by taking a slightly alternate
route - currently investigating whether there is any need to return to
Kathmandu at all, we could just head directly from Lhasa to Darjeeling,
India???)." See their
blog.
Boot Hatfield can be so unkind! "Bung, good
to read your latest Log. You had me worried when you mentioned about the
‘bitch’ who turned up to steal your breakfast . . . wasn’t there a few
like that around you at Greenock? Then I realized you were talking about
a dog . . . phew! Also good to see ‘Tug’ had risen his ugly head.
Haven’t heard or seen him since ’73. Seems you are collecting a lot of
misfits up there in the rain-drenched North – some things never change
do they? Remembering the after messes of Ovens, Onslow and Otway there
seemed a lot of misfits there, too."
John Hogg passed on this timely information. "Some doctor on the TV this morning said that the way to achieve "Inner Peace" is to finish all the things you have started. So I looked around my house to see things I'd started and hadn't finished and, before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of shhhardonay, a bodle of Baileys, abutle of vocka, a pockage of Pringlies, tha mainder of a botl Prozic and Valumscriptins, the res of the Chesescke an a box a c hocolets. Yu haf no idr who gud I fel."
DEFENCE NEWS
Virginia-class attack submarine named in
Senator's honor.
Virginia Republican John W. Warner, who retired from the Senate less
than a week ago, will get the next Virginia-class attack submarine named
in his honor. It will be built in his home state, the Navy announced
this week.
Warner, a former chairman the Armed Services Committee who was once Navy
secretary, has been a leading voice on defense issues and a strong
defender of his state’s military installations.
The USS John Warner will be a nuclear-powered submarine, costing an
estimated $2.5 billion. Construction is slated to start next year, and
will be designed to go after onshore targets with Tomahawk cruise
missiles and perform covert, long-term surveillance.
Hawaii's Pearl Harbor to become hub for new
nuclear subs
Two-thirds of the Navy's new Virginia-class submarines initially will be
based at Pearl Harbor, making Hawai'i the main hub for the advanced
attack submarines.
The Navy plans to build 30 of the nuclear submarines, which cost up to
$2.5 billion apiece, carry torpedoes and missiles, and can drop off
commandos close to shore.
The Navy revealed the Virginia-class submarine distribution information
yesterday at an annual military update for the Hawai'i business
community.
The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, a 20-year planning roadmap for the
military, called for 60 percent of attack submarines to be based in the
Pacific and 40 percent in the Atlantic.
Malaysia’s first submarine to arrive in July
Malaysia’s first submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is expected to arrive
at the Sepanggar navals base in July this year. Royal Malaysian Navys
Region II Commander Laksamana Pertama Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman
said the delivery of the second submarine KD Tun Abdul Razak was
scheduled to arrive by year end.
"We are now undertaking specific preparation to accommodate the
submarine at our base here, he said when marking the navy’s quality day
celebrations.
He said among other preparations was for the building of quarters for
the submarines crew and their families.
Here
is a chance to pick up stationary cheap (or even free) from
VistaPrint. When you click through to their site and place
your first VistaPrint order, you will receive a special promotion and
the website will earn VistaCash that helps pay for the site's
stationary. So order your own personal "business" cards now.
Come on Boof let's leave Nigs outside with the chooks,
and have a coffee..
My new PC is up and running, but I have lost a lot of data and email, so if you are expecting a response or action on email sent to me please resend. I can now try and catch up with a mountain of work which has been waiting for attention.
Unfortunately I was unable to pass on all of the email greetings due to my problems, but trust me, everyone wished you all a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.
I have had a quiet Christmas and New Year break, perfect! My phone rang hot over the period and it was great to hear from so many old friends. It is a pity that so many of them are suffering from some health issues. We are not as young and invincible as we used to be.
The results of the survey I conducted last week was supportive (overwhelmingly) to continue weekly updates. I will do so for now, but unless you submit interesting items, the frequency will have to be reduced. Lack of input results in a boring edition and more work for me trying to find 'stuff'.
My family continues to grow, in addition to the three chooks Snow, Blacky and Ginge that I inherited I have also been given a new pup. The chooks are producing two eggs a day while creating havoc with my gardens. I go around all day raking the mulch back onto the garden beds. Blacky is like a dog and follows me everywhere and come running as soon as she hears me. If a door is left open she strolls through the house as if she owns it. 1800 each night she come onto the verandah and sits on my lap before going to bed.
The pup is a different matter. Christmas eve a local bitch that sometimes comes and steals food left out for my dogs turned up at 0600 while I was having coffee on the verandah, with a pup in tow. She turned around and walked away leaving the pup which is about six weeks old. Being the toughy that I am I went searching for it's owner, no more dogs for me!!!. I discovered that the dog, a Staffy, had three pups and that this one had been missing for weeks. They said I could keep it. It looked into my eyes and I weakened, we now have a new Nigs to keep Boof and Sheela company. He is settling in well, but Boofy gets hell from him and retires to my bed for some peace and quiet.
I have just been advised that the Submarines Australia website has died, better go and sort it out. Maybe it is time to merge them both again?
SAA
NEWS
National
I am finally getting my
head around the actions outstanding from the 2008 AGM and I hope to make
some progress all on fronts so that there will be a result before the
2009 AGM. Some things are not as simple as most expected,
especially the issue of Incorporation, but I am sure that it will be
resolved one way or the other before the AGM.
One item that I hope is close to being resolved is a Membership Card. I have proposed an option to the National Committee that enables laminated cards to be produced from the SAA database. The best part is that it is a cost effective option and is done "in house".
A Membership List has been sent to all Branch Secretaries for validation and all Members are asked to ensure that you send them any changes in your contact details that you have NOT passed to them previously, including email addresses. We understand that this is easily overlooked during a move, there are more important things to worry about.
One of my priorities over the next six months is recruitment, not just 'new' members but more importantly 'lapsed' members. The number that have not renewed for the last two years has outweighed the number of new members, a sad state of affairs. It cannot be the cost, $10 a year or $40 for 5 years, so why? I would be interested to hear from lapsed members or those that will not join for some reason. The SAA is mainly a social group, but it plays an important role in submariner's welfare and the more members the more noise that can be made with DVA.
Stephen Hibbert asked "As an ex serving submariner and current SAA member, I was wondering if ‘The Trade’ is available online or hard copy posted to former submariners? Just to keep in touch with current affairs and personnel etc." Each Branch of the SAA receives a couple of copies and are available at most/some Branch meetings to view (pays to go to meetings).
The Trade is an expensive item to produce and I do not think that the FEG's budget would stretch far enough for all ex submariners to get a copy. The Trade used to be online in the RAN website, but the last edition there is 2005. I personally believe that the SM FEG does not do enough to publicise it's activities, despite having a PR person on staff. When was the last time you seen an article in the Navy News?
I will be contacting the SM FEG soon to see if there is some way that communications can be improved, maybe even a regular contribution to The Log. Watch this space.
Acting
National Secretary
AROUND THE TRAPS
Congratulations on your
promotions
CPOMTSM Johnathon Chapman
POMTSM Simon Howie
ABCIS Anita Lawton
These promotions were published in the Navy News along with a large list of Commendations and Awards. Submariners seem to have missed out. Aren't submariners good enough or is this an oversight by management, again? Not much about submarines in this edition either.
Last
week Peter Smith (SAA Honorary National Historian) asked that I post
this photo and asked if any member or reader of the Log could identify
the boat. This resulted in an email being received from Gordon Benavente
who wrote "S34 is a T class boat and it is
probably HMS Taciturn. Having served on three T boats they are easy to
recognise with the awful little bridge on the front of the fin, spent
many a wet watch standing in it watching the waves come roaring over the
top."
Peter responded to Ben with "Many thanks for your response, and for pointing me in the right direction. I must admit I thought it was a 'A' class but having followed up on my research I have found she (Taciturn) was in the Fitzroy Dock between January 1963 and March 1964 involved in the replacement of a pressure hull plate 27 feet by 5 feet and extensive repairs to systems which were showing their age. All this adds to the date stamped on the back of the photo. A pity they did note the name of the boat on the back as well."
Peter went on to say "On another point I mentioned that HMS Telemachus was surfacing in the Dry Dock GI in the early 1960s, not true this was a typo from a group of photos I have and was not meant for Telemachus in fact the three photos of her you printed were taken in various periods in the 1950s. To earn my keep at this time, I am sorting and cataloging all the photos in the Naval Historical Collection and sometimes I am caught out by not recognising the ships or boats."
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Adrian Jallands, the RAN's Electrical Technical Advisor in Tonga (some people get all the perks), writes "Hi All, Happy New Year to you all, A great night was had by us and friends, kids all enjoyed it, and the fireworks at midnight were good, Didn’t burn myself this year!!!" In a follow up email he added "Well I cannot think of a better way to Start 2009, Lisa, me and the Kids went out this arvo for about 4 hours, hooked up this 17.3Kg Yellow Fin Tuna, Lisa gaffed and got the fish into the boat for me, but in the process the fish sliced her leg open a bit, so 4 stitches later she is as good as new, and looking forward to Saturday and the final day of Fishing Competition. Return airfare to Auckland up for grabs for the heaviest fish (currently me). So hopefully we catch some bigger ones on Saturday." And to prove it he sent these photos.
Bill Burgess reports that Pat Cullum was going home to Narrabri for Christmas but is not sure how things went and will let us know next time he is in touch. Pat is pretty crook, heart and suspected bone marrow problems. I am sure that he would like to hear from any of his old RN mates.
Another report from Fred Butcher on Eric Armstrong who has been transferred to the Repatriation Hospital Rehab. A - Room No. 31. Fred said "He still has a few problems to deal with and is not totally out of the woods as far as the leg is concerned. He did however indicated that the problem with the clot and its affect on the leg was on the mend but wasn’t sure exactly when me might be clear to go home. He still has some way to go with the bowl operation and at some stage has to again face the surgeon’s knife for reverse engineering! I reminded him of the joke about the arsehole being the Boss!!"
Peter Chegwiggen thought he was being evil by sending this photo of Titch Parsons, adding "Wee!!! all have some bad photos of our SM days floating in someone's album if not our own!!!!" Well Cheggers, seeing Titch is a mate, I was going to retaliated on his behalf with one of you, but my legal advice was not to, so instead here is one of you demonstrating your dress sense and another with a group of forward mess deck apes on "Lady Onslow".
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Matt Young was one of many that sent tributes for Peter Passmore, unfortunately most have been lost during computer failures. However, I think that this from Matt Young says it all. "It has been some years since I last spoke to Pigpen. He took me on a caving trip in the Blue Mountains, almost got me stuck in some little whole miles underground and if that wasn't bad enough, when we were having dinner that evening there were "two" not one but "TWO" funnel web spiders on the underside of my dinner plate. The weekend also included a target shoot with his brand new 9mm pistol. Never a dull moment with Peter. Despite the years of separation it is still very painful having to say goodbye."
Brett Hinton recalls "We were dived in the Pacific Ocean and I was on the OMC again and we surfaced. I took over as POOW surfaced from the OOW dived. I asked him where we were and what was going on. He stated that he had the plotting table running and we were set up for blind pilotage as there was nothing to get a position to fix from. About half an hour later the skipper asked where we were. Quick as a flash I answered: "Blind Plot running Sir, blah , blah, blah, blah. The Skipper (LCDR Briggs) said Up Periscope, took a look and then asked me "What's that Petty Officer, or is it Leading Seamen?" I had a look through the periscope and there for all to see was Bondi Beach. LEUT Moore had got his revenge."
Birthday
Boy Maurice "Vic" Borg said
William 'Bill' Maginn is looking for a photo of
HMS Tactician. The photo was taken in 1949, with the Tactician entering
Malta, coming alongside the Forth. The Casing crew are visible. Bill
would be grateful if anyone has this photo and is happy to pay any
charges involve if he could obtain a copy.
Sean
Kenney sent this photo of himself and an ex POCKSM Dusty miller from the
RN, they are working together in Kandahar and had to be Santas for their
staff party.
An Australian was posted as catering manager out in the desert in Afghanistan. When he was being shown around the base by his deputy they visited the stables where there was a camel. He was told that as there was no ladies on the base and that if he had the urge for sex the camel was there for managers' use only. He was disgusted, but had to bite his tongue. However, after three weeks he was desperate and just had to call on the camel, who did not like it at all. The terrible noise woke the deputy manager who went to investigate. On finding what was going on he dragged the man off the poor camel asking what the hell he thought he was doing. The manager said "You told me if I needed sexual gratification the camel was there for managers to use." The deputy manager replied that's right, but we normally ride it to the nearest brothel.
Adventurers Tracey and Scott Bunny sent a belated Merry Xmas to everyone
and said "
We successfully completed the Annapurna
Circuit trek and are now back in Kathmandu
trying to catch up on the last three weeks and plan for the next few
weeks too. We have updated the travel blog and posted some
photos of our adventures on the trek, so please check out
our Blogsite
and see what we got up to.
Our plans for the immediate future: Royal
Chitwan National Park 02 - 04 Jan 2009 then back to Kathmandu Fly to
Lhasa (Chinese Tibet) 06 Jan Lhasa for two days then driving back
through Tibet to Kathmandu, via Everest Base Camp (Tibet), arriving
Kathmandu 14 Jan Saying goodbye to Nepal, flying from Kathmandu to
Kolkata (India) 17 Jan 2009. The plan then is to work our way from
Kolkata, down the East coast to Tamel Nadu then head up to Delhi to be
there on 01 Feb 2009."
Tug Wilson (Ex Kellick Stoker) sent the following
"Merry Xmas and a Happy New year to you and Boof and all your other
creatures around your home. I do hope you are as well as my family and I
are. I don't often get online, but I felt it time to let you know how
much I enjoy reading your weekly newsletter. It is really terrific to
read stories from submariners that I served with (Jim Joyce, Peter Smith
and many others) as well as those that I don't know."
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A young woman had been taking golf lessons.
She had just started playing her first round when she suffered a bee
sting.
The pain was so intense that she decided to return to the clubhouse for
help.
The golf pro saw her come into the clubhouse and asked, "Why are you
back in early?"
"I was stung by a bee," she said.
"Where," he asked
"Between the first and second hole," she replied.
He nodded knowingly and said, "Then your stance must be too wide."
Free Telstra Directory
Assistance!
Tell all your family/ friends/ business acquaintances - in fact tell
everybody about this! For anyone contemplating using the Sensis
directory service number, 1234, DON'T!
Sensis, as you may or may not know, is a subsidiary of Telstra. The 1234
number is replacing the Telstra 12456 directory assistance number, but
this time with outrageous costs attached: 40c to call the number, then
4c A SECOND!
By law, Telstra have to provide a FREE directory assistance number,
because they are still majority owned by the government. They choose
however not to pass this number on to the public.
What's the free number? 1223
Thumbs down to Telstra for finding a way to ‘charge’, for a service that
is supposed to be provided for free. Of course, feel free to forward
this on…
Health & Welfare
Changes to Eligibility for Partner Service Pension
Legislation regarding the changes to eligibility for the partner
service pension (PSP) has now been passed by Parliament. What Does This
Mean:
The changes will not be implemented
until 1 July 2009, NOT 1 January 2009 as
previously advised.
From 1 July 2009, eligibility for PSP for a separated spouse will be paid for a maximum of 12 months from the date of separation unless you have been assessed as a member of an illness separated couple or special domestic circumstances apply. In those cases, PSP will continue to be paid.
Separated partners will have a full 12 month period from the date of their separation from the veteran to make alternative financial arrangements, unless they divorce or enter into a de facto relationship.
Those who are Age Pension age at the end of the 12 month period will remain eligible for the partner service pension.
As is the current situation, couples who are considered to be illness separated will continue to receive partner service pension.
Partners in special domestic circumstances also retain the partner service pension. Special domestic circumstances are where the couple have separated and the veteran has a psychological or mental health condition recognised by the Department and there was an unsafe domestic environment for the partner and/or children prior to separation.
In order to establish whether special domestic circumstances apply, the partner (only) will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Where there is supporting information, this should be included and may include documents such as police reports or advice from medical practitioners.
Please note that if the partner and veteran divorce or the partner enters into a de facto relationship with another person, the partner will lose eligibility and their payment will be cancelled. If the partner is the de facto partner of the veteran and they separate, they will lose eligibility for the partner service pension immediately. This is the current situation and has not been affected by this legislative change.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs
wrote to all affected partners on 4 December
2008, advising of the new changes to partner service pension.
DEFENCE NEWS
Boomer CO fired over personnel problems
Alleged problems with command climate and “retention issues” with senior
personnel aboard the ballistic-missile submarine West Virginia led to
the firing of its commanding officer, according to a Navy spokeswoman.
Cmdr. Charles “Tony” Hill, 45, commander of the boat’s Gold Crew, was
relieved Monday “due to a loss of confidence” in his ability to command,
said Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, a spokeswoman for Submarine Group 10.
The Ohio-class submarine is based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.
Hill and the Gold Crew returned to Kings Bay in November from
deployment.
“Although there was no specific incident, a number of indications
related to command climate emerged over time. These indications included
observations by squadron staff personnel, observations by personnel from
external organizations, and significant retention issues including
senior personnel,” Rebarich said.
“These all came to the squadron commander’s attention following Cmdr.
Hill’s first patrol. These indications revealed a command climate issue
and led to the loss of confidence.”
Hill is not facing any charges under the Uniform Code of Military
Justice and his alleged misconduct did not involve the submarine’s
nuclear reactor, Rebarich said. “At no point was the crew or the public
in danger,” she said.
Capt. Daniel Mack, commanding officer of Submarine Squadron 16/20, made
the decision to remove Hill and temporarily assign him to Submarine
Squadron 20 at Kings Bay. Mack assigned Capt. Stephen Gillespie as
temporary commander of the West Virginia’s Gold Crew, which is
conducting training at its home port.
Gillespie has served as commander of the ballistic-missile submarine
Rhode Island and most recently was the deputy for training at Squadron
16/20.
Hill, originally from Lineville, Ala., was commissioned in 1990 through
the Navy ROTC program at Auburn University. He served aboard the
fast-attack submarine Cheyenne from 1998 to 2001, and later on the Rhode
Island from 2003 to 2005, Navy records show. Hill was promoted to
commander in June 2006 and assigned to the West Virginia in June 2008.
Removal of a ballistic-missile submarine commander is rare. Navy
officials were unable to say when the last time a boomer skipper was
relieved.
A search of previous Navy Times stories shows that in 1997, Cmdr.
Michael J. Alfonso was relieved from his command of the
ballistic-missile submarine Florida for allegations of browbeating his
crew, ignoring his executive officer and chief of the boat, and acting
as a tyrant.
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer for NavyTimes
Thanks to Thales Underwater Systems for their sponsorship.
Disclaimer: The Web Manager accepts all responsibility for articles and comments published on this site and they may not reflect the thoughts, opinion or policies of the SAA, the RAN or any submarine or commercial organisation portrayed within.Send email to
Norm Williams with
articles, questions or comments, or contact him on 0419 863 558 or by snail mail
to PO Box 63, Bauple Qld 4650.
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Capricorn
Aquarius
Sunday, 25th
January 2009 - Australia Day long week end!!!
We hope to be able to give final costing in the near future, with the
final cost being dependant upon the support generously given
by our sponsors.
Derek
Lilliman, shown here pretending to drive HMS Repulse, wrote
"Long time since we had a chat together but I
always have a ‘shufti’ at your log although I don’t know many of the
names mentioned therein! I was reading the ‘In Depth’ just published
last week and noted the letter from George Hunt, of Ultor fame and it
brought back memories to me of the old style ‘Lifebelt’ we where issued
with when I joined the navy and wore when we were casing party etc. Most
of us young lads used to wear it round our waist which is you think
about it wouldn’t be much use if you fell into the water and had to blow
it up as the top half of your body is heavier than the lower, you were
just as likely to turn turtle and float upside down! I can’t remember
which boat I was on at the time except that we were running from
Blockhouse when on going to sea we received a signal from Commander S/M
which simply stated “Lifebelts are to be worn as Brassieres and not as
Girdles”. Very appropriate I thought!. Hope you are keeping well
and I always thought you were a bit round the bend (even for a
submariner) but living out in the bush, proves it?"
Bloody RNr, he thinks I'm around the bend, he has done a 'U' turn!
Mick & Paddy are reading head stones at a nearby
cemetery. Mick say 'Crikey! There’s a bloke here who was 152!' Paddy
says 'What's his name?' Mick replies 'Miles from London !'
Terry
'Coyote' Wyatt found an old photo, taken about August 1968, at the Volta
Dam in Ghana, where he said some of the crew did the sight seeing
provided by the Ghana Government. I recognised Coyote and Allan Cooper but not sure who the cool dude in glasses on the left, or the one
in 10's are? 
Commander
Tom Phillips, RAN
has enjoyed one posting to the United
Kingdom with the Royal Navy. In preparation for Command, Tom undertook
the Netherlands Submarine Command Course 'Perisher' in 2006.
as
Caimpo Concentramento Sessanta Cinque (65)."What he remembers there is
long sandstone dormitories, wooden based beds, straw-filled palliases.
"We were not ill-treated. We were not treated at all. Breakfast was
ersatz coffee, lunch was a bread roll with a little cube of cheese and
dinner was watery macaroni, very watery."
