TRAP ONE

WA Branch Update
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 20th May at 1100 followed by lunch.  Members, visitors and guests are invited to attend, the meals at the SYC are great, what's better than a quiet drink by the river.  The venue will be the Swan Yacht Club in Fremantle. This meeting will vote on SAA (WA)'s position on Notices of Motions and National Executive nominations for the National AGM. It is important that we have numbers attending by 14th May for catering purposes.

All positions become vacant at the AGM and nominations are required. As I will be leaving the state later this year I will not be nominating for office, so please consider volunteering for the secretary or Treasurer's position. Remember, you must be a financial member of the SAA to be a member of the WA Branch. The WA Branch does not impose fees for membership. If you are not a Member, please consider. Agenda Items and nominations for Office Bearers are required by 11th May.

US SUBVETS Annual Memorial Service
The annual US SUBVETS memorial service will be held on 27th May 2007 at Albany. An invitation has been received from the Albany council and those that attended last year I hear that a good time was had by all. So why not make a weekend of it and join the group that is attending this year. Names to me as soon as possible please so that arrangements can be made.

As I mentioned in the ANZAC Day column, I was surprised to see Peter 'Arab' Clarke march with the Association, and his appearance made the lame excuses that I received from many even lamer.  Arab obviously made a day of it and I received the following report from him. "Normie, thanks for the kind words. I saw Roger Hardwicke at the antique fare on Saturday, managed to pick up a 1923 Jaguar for $15,00 (I could of got tom Johnson for half the price!  I'm happy to announce that I am alive, cancer free and looking forward to the final 5% of my Set to Works which are a few months off, pills in side drawer and I'll let my darling wife fill in the final forms. I won't give you the details of the STW but plumbing working in order, discharge system IAW STW procedures and auxiliary systems yet to be tested. When scars heal I will report as required but deep breathing may restrict typing skills. Thanks again for the ANZAC comments, and thanks to all those that stole the 85 year old ladies chair when I got to the parade area at the end of the march. Thanks also to Ted Curr and Roger for their help at the antique festival. By the way, if you ever spell my name with an E again I'm going to cut of those little "very" little orbs between your legs (ot that you've seen them in a while). Love you all lots and thank everyone for their support. From Arab, Julie, family and friends."  Arab still has a lot of challenges ahead of him and with this spirit and friends and family to support him, he will win the fight.

Believe it or not I had a complaint about using the term wanker in last week's Log.  Boot Hatfield was'nt offended though, he wrote  "Bung, read your Up Periscope updated version. Again, congratulations. I'm sure all submariners enjoy your diatribe. Only one criticism though, HOW CAN ANYONE BE BIGGER WANKERS THAN STOKERS? We all know that it is impossible to be bigger than anyone who is the biggest! Keep up the good work."

Cliff Hobson sent a Happy 29th Birthday message to HMAS Otama, doesn't time fly.  HMAS Otama was launched by the Princess Anne, Mrs Mark Phillips on the 3rd of December, 1975 at Scott's Shipyards in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Her Royal Highness was also the guest of honour at the commissioning ceremony, conducted on 27 April 1978. HMAS Otama was the last of the six RAN Oberons to de-commission. She was also the last of 35 Oberons and almost identical Porpoise class submarines built for the navies of Britian, Canada, Brazil, Chile and Australia.

The name Otama is the North Queensland aboriginal word for dolphin, the world wide submariner's emblem and it was fitting to name the last RAN Oberon HMAS Otama. HMAS Otama completed the voyage to her home base Sydney on the 15th December 1978, and de-commissioned on this date 22 years later.

The significant aspects of the submarines crest was a stylised dolphin and the submarine's motto "Unseen We Seek" which reflects the operational role undertaken by HMAS Otama. Her crew lovingly referred to her as "The Gucci Boat". During her 22 years of service she steamed 316, 693 nautical miles.

Phil Solomon has had visitors and writes "G'Day there Norm, just thought I would let you know that your future home, The Smart State, just got a little smarter lately.  I had a visit from Ken Jones and his lovely Admiral, Irene whilst travelling through Airlie Beach on their way to Port Douglas to escape the southern cold crap.

I also had my eldest daughter visiting me from Sydney so, with my two daughters, my girlfriend Adele, my neighbour Lorelle (yep, she's single guys!!) Ken and Irene, we all headed out to Dingo Beach pub for a BBQ, drinks, live music and a walk down the pristine beach (well, the girls walked, Ken and I made sure that no one stole our table and watched that the ice didn't melt to quickly in the rum).

Two ex-CSAW's in the same place .... you could just feel the IQ of the place doubling. A great day out but of course we didn't have enough fun so it was back to the Sailing Club in Airlie for a few more and then back to my place for some tucker and a couple more quiet ones. It was great to catch up with my old CSAW after all these years and, I hate to say, he doesn't look a day older ... maybe because he was always a bloody old fart Pom anyway!!

I'm off to Melbourne for a few days in early May for my youngest son's Passing Out Parade at the Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus. All the family will be there, even his big brother who is taking a day or two off from his Aircrew course to have a beer with Mike who turns 18 at midnight on the day of his Passing Out. Of course being a Naval Officer and model citizen I will ensure that he only drinks coke right up to midnight before allowing him a beer ... geez I'm an arsehole!!

Off to Anzac Day tomorrow starting with the Dawn Service and watching the sun rise over the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, and then brekky and rum back at the Sailing Club on completion before heading to the march. We've got Major Les Hiddens (The Bush Tucker Man) as special guest this year in Airlie Beach so it will be interesting to meet him. Hope you all had a good Anzac Day and remembered all our mates who have crossed the bar. Cheers from the Hammock, Phil Solomon."  It is sad that Phil has had so much trouble with his kids.  Most of us have our kids with drink and drugs to contend with, but at the end of the day most of us end up with a reasonable product, but poor Phil, two birdie sons. I am surprised that he has the courage to admit his failures.

Jack Frost (Ex CPOCOXSM) wrote "G'day Norm, After a few ales and a late night browse of the web I have just read the latest Log update. I had a laugh over Tony Vine's description of the PLO and after mess hostage taking and wondered if such a thing would be possible in today's SM Squadron (or FEG). The contact I have had with current submariners seems to indicate such a negative attitude that I wonder where the good times went, and reading your own comments seems to confirm that the Navy and Squadron we all were so proud of has vanished never to return.  Maybe we have all outlived our time but I would like to think that I will still read a newspaper headline such as "Naked Submariner Caught Up a Tree" or something similar that will show that the troops still have the ability to do their job and have fun at the same time."  Yes Jack, today's kids may be brighter and better paid, but gee we had fun...........

A WA member recently decided to help his fair lady clean up in preparation for a small dinner that they were hosting.  He, who will remain nameless, decided the newish dishwasher needed a clean and filled it with concentrated dish washing liquid (no, not dishwasher liquid, there is a big difference).  The machine was set to wash and in no time the soapy foam was soon spilling from the machine and a bewildered hubby was frantically trying to clean it up.  On seeing this the wife opened the machine and the kitchen was filled with foam.  Needless to say harsh words were spoken.  After cleaning up the mess the machine was started to flush it out, but no go, the electrical system was flooded.  A decision was made to buy another (neither was willing to wash up after the party) so off they went and spent many beer coupons on a replacement.  After installing the new machine it was discovered that there was a minor problem, the large dinner plates were not going to fit into it.  Another trip was made to purchase the wife a new 16 piece dinner set, not a cheap one either.  I understand that the dinner party was a success.  A few days later it was discovered that the old machine was working again, the electric bits had dried out.  If you are in the market for a near new dishwasher just give Steve Thomas a call.

ADF MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT BEING IGNORED
“The importance of the mental health of our Defence Force members is just as important as their physical wellbeing”, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said today.  “This fact is clearly reflected in the excellent multidisciplinary initiatives and programs developed to monitor and assist our sailors, soldiers, air men and air women, particularly those returning from operations overseas.”

Defence has invested significant resources in mental health programs including the implementation of a comprehensive suicide prevention program as part of the ADF Mental Health Strategy. In addition to Defence’s Deployment Health Surveillance Program (DHSP), Defence has also initiated a research project by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to examine the long-term health issues of deployed personnel.

CMVH is a consortium consisting of specialists from The University of Queensland, University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University which is dedicated to innovatively seeking solutions to military and veterans’ health issues through research, professional health education, e-health and public debate.

ACM Houston said, “These comprehensive mental health programs have been specifically designed to identify any problems and assist our people to return to a normal life on completion of deployments. “While physiological and psychological health assessments and support are mandated as part of our operational deployment regime, it is important that all returning ADF members realise the necessity to actively participate and support these programs as they may not recognise in themselves the telling indicators associated with Post Traumatic Stress.   “I also implore any member who discharges from the military to utilise the support programs established by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs”, ACM Houston said.

For more information about the ADF Mental Health Strategy log on to this link 

A woman was in a coma, she had been in it for months. Nurses were in her room giving her a blanket bath. One of them was washing her private area and noticed that there was a slight response on the monitor when she touched her. They tried it again and sure enough there was a small, recognizable movement. They went to her husband and explained what happened, telling him, "As crazy as this sounds, maybe a little oral sex will do the trick and bring her out of the coma." The husband was skeptical, but they assured that they'd close the curtains for privacy. The husband finally agreed and went into his wife's room. After a few minutes the woman's monitor flat lined, no pulse, no heartrate. The nurses run back into the room. "What happened!?" they cried.  The husband said, "I'm not sure, maybe she choked".

Sandy Freeleagus asks "What is it with these civvy ratbags. Firstly they ask you if you can play mahjong. When told "Sort of" they then pester and pester you to have a game with them. So out of the goodness of your heart you do so. Then they get all stroppy and look at you as if you're stupid when you yell things like "Jimmy Rick", "Dockyard Crane" , "Bum nut", "Blood" and so on. They then tell you to play properly or else. So you tell them to do rude things and you go and watch TV like you should have in the first place. Bloody civvies.

Twenty-six years out of the Mob and civvies are still wankers. (I hasten to add I am not a civvy - I am still a submariner - I just haven't got a boat at present).

I am presently contracted to produce a series of strip cartoons for the Australian Defence College education section, so you'll be pleased to know that somehow, no matter how slightly, I shall help mould the minds of the future officers of all three services. (Please note that the "mould" I speak of is the formative kind - not the greeny penicillin stuff). Now I can finally sleep at night knowing Australia is well protected by our military.  Keep well, keep your head down and admit to nothing."  Sandy, be careful, that "w" word may get you in trouble.  I am looking forward to being a real civvy, but as you confirm "you can take the man out of submarines, but you cannot take the submarine out of the man".

A news release proclaimed "Bringing to life colourful navy tradition" and was a storey about a city's first "Freedom of Entry" ceremony, an old naval tradition, when the town authority confers the right on the navy to enter the town "with swords drawn, drums beating, band playing, colours flying, and bayonets fixed" and a scroll allowing the navy to march through the city is then handed over.  The event officially marked the arrival of the Royal Malaysian Navy at the Sepanggar Naval Base at Kota Kinabalu.  There is an Australian link to this story, Eric Pearson, a WA member,  suggested the ceremony and has been arranging it for many months.  Eric has been assisting the Malaysians to set up their submarine squadron.  At the ceremony the RMN Chief said the six names had been selected from the 801 suggestions that the navy had received from the public in a contest launched to name the navies new submarines.

Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching? is a national war memorial song and a tribute to the ANZAC spirit of mateship, courage, and sacrifice. The song is timeless and honours the memory of those who have died in the service and defence of Australia in war. The marching theme of the song is especially powerful and supports the spirit of ANZAC Day. The song does not glorify war or endorse conflict of any kind. The song simply highlights the sacrifice of many Australians who died in the service and defence of our country in war. You hear ad see the song at the website, worth a visit.

Angus Bartlett-Bragg received the following from Cmdr. Brian Needham R.N. (Rtd.) of Newport, Rhode Island.  Brian had a long and distinguished service in  Submarines. He wrote "Angus, many thanks for sending this information, Gordon Selby was my Training Chief when I completed the Submarine Officers' Training Class in 1956. A very contained and charming man, he had the gift of treating officers with respect, but at the same time insisting that the highest standards of learning and training were maintained. He was admired by all who went through his hands, which was a very large number of submarine officers. He will be remembered for many years to come. Yours Aye, Brian."

The Long Line Jacket has been revamped. Now a micro fibre outer, micro fleece lining, creating a perfect warm wind block! Hood hidden in collar, drawstring waist. A much smarter fashionable jacket. With or without the Australian Submarines logo.  Order now for winter $60 pp Proper rugby weight fabric with denim collars. Very practical and fashionable rugby pullovers embroidered with the Submarines Australia logo $40 pp. Visit the Slops Van now

Australian Submarine Rescue Vehicle ‘Remora’ rescued
Defence this week successfully recovered the Australian Submarine Rescue Vehicle ‘Remora’ which was resting on the sea bed in 140 metres of water off the coast of Western Australia. The Remora recovery was conducted by United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, the US Navy organisation that recovered the ADF Blackhawk off Fiji in February 2007.  Remora was lost on 5 December 2006 when its launch and recovery system failed during preparations for Exercise Black Carillon 06, a RAN submarine rescue exercise conducted in the Western Australian Exercise Area. The Remora is at HMAS Stirling and will be shipped to the Original Equipment Manufacturer in Canada for an extensive six to eight month overhaul.

Navy plays down submarine rescue fears
The Australian Navy has given assurances its submariners will not be at risk while its only submarine rescue vessel remains out of service. The Remora was salvaged after lying for more than four months on the ocean floor off Perth. The vessel must now undergo an overhaul lasting up to eight months. The Federal Opposition is concerned the vessel's unavailability will place submariners at risk.

But Commodore Boyd Robinson says contingency measures are in place in the event of an emergency. "We make sure submarines carry emergency stores to sustain life while we get the rescue vehicle in place, so there is extra time to deploy a vehicle from overseas," he said. "We do have the means of ensuring that our submariners can survive while we get that arrangement put together."

South African Navy’s Second  Submarine Completes Maiden Voyage to Simons Town
In a dockside ceremony on April 26th, 2007, the second new class 209/1400 mod diesel electric submarine built for the South African Navy by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems was welcomed to her home port of Simons Town following a very successful maiden voyage from Germany.  At the same time, the third of the three new submarines ordered by South Africa put to sea for exhaustive trials prior to being delivered to the South African Navy.

Named the SAS Charlotte Maxeke at Nordseewerke Emden on March 14th, 2007, South Africa’s second boat set course for home two days later staffed by an entirely South African crew.  The three submarines ordered for the South African Navy are the most up-to-date version of the Class 209 boats, 63 of which have been being exported so far. This class represents the most successful diesel-electric submarine in the world.

The South African boats include a number of technologies and equipment sets sourced from local manufacturers, including the opto-electronic periscopes, many of the electronic surveillance sensors, and the main electrical switchboards. Like her sisters, the SAS Manthatisi and the SAS Queen Modjadji, the SAS Charlotte Maxeke has a displacement of 1450 tonnes, is 62 metres long, is operated by a core crew of 30, and has a diesel-electric propulsion system. She is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology, and an integrated weapons deployment and command system which ideally fits it for its future reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.

Royal Navy and a Plymouth harbour pilot implicated in the deaths of two American sailors
The Royal Navy and a Plymouth harbour pilot have been implicated in the deaths of two American sailors swept overboard from a nuclear-powered submarine in Plymouth Sound. A report into the incident involving the USS Minneapolis-St Paul revealed a previous similar incident involving British submarine HMS Sovereign just months earlier. Senior US military officials have criticised the Royal Navy for hushing up the first accident, in which two men were trapped on the deck of the British submarine for 30 minutes in bad weather and had to be treated in hospital.

In the Minneapolis-St Paul incident, the US Navy blamed an experienced Plymouth pilot for giving the American crew "poor advice" and not sharing information about "potentially dangerous sea states" past Plymouth breakwater. The US crew were also unaware that surface vessel movements in Plymouth Sound had been restricted because of the heavy swell and gale force winds, it is claimed.

Five crew were knocked off the deck of the submarine. Yesterday, a Royal Navy spokesman stressed that the report was "being taken very seriously" but would not comment on the actions of the pilot - a civil servant employed by the Ministry of Defence.  He said the Navy could not comment on the HMS Sovereign incident as it was the subject of legal action.

A detailed report into the incident said the pilot, who has not been named, had "several concerns over ship's practices and sea conditions" but they were not "communicated to ship's personnel". It added: "Local authorities did not inform USS Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP) of restrictions on some surface ship movements due to gale winds on 29 December 2006, thus depriving the commanding officer of an additional indicator of potentially challenging sea states. "While it appears MSP personnel did at times interpret the silence of local authorities as acquiescence with their plan, they also took affirmative steps to seek out the opinions of local authorities and experts. MSP was unanimously advised that it was safe for their vessel to get under way."

It concluded: "Although there were noted deficiencies of the pilot's performance, this does not alleviate (Commander Edwin Ruff) from his responsibility to independently assess the impact of the weather and oceanic effects on the effective and safe operation of his ship."

Cdr Ruff was relieved of his command three weeks after the incident and received a punitive letter of reprimand. Charges against two junior officers and a chief petty officer were dismissed.  The inquiry concluded the men died because they had remained tethered to the submarine - on lanyards which were too long and not permitted.
 

hurry up!!!

Sunday, 22^nd APRIL 2007

As you can see by the letter from Dave Sandquest the Queensland Branch of the Association has been re-instated after many months of discussion between the National Executive and the Queensland President, Barry McKeown.  I understand that Barry has given an assurance that the Branch will adhere to the SAA Constitution.  It is unfortunate that Queensland position was not provided in writing as I am unsure on what agreement was actually made between the Presidents. However, this is very good news and I hope that this puts the saga behind us and the SAA can now move forward.  This has been a distraction that the Association did not need, so now we can get on with the important things in life, enjoyment and fellowship.

New Membership has slowed down and we have started a campaign to actively recruit new Members. I have had several requests for applications this week and now that the Queensland Branch issue has been resolved we may see more Queensland members join the ranks of the SAA. As I have pointed out in my email, I have close to 1200 submariners on my email list and yet we have less than 800 Members, so please consider.  As we all know, numbers count when dealing with Government on Veteran's issues.

It has been a busy week for me and I have spent the weekend getting the house ready to put on the market, when it sells I am on my way.  Working with Navy can be frustrating and I have reached the point where stupidity no longer surprises me as I see decisions being made without those making them understanding why, or worse, the long term impact of their decisions. They wonder why their experienced people are leaving in hoards, the navy is now a 8-5 job, not a career and the fun is all gone. It is really frustrating for those that want to make a difference.

It was good to see the four American submariners pass out from the Submarine School this week, they have now posted to Collins class submarines to complete their Australian Submarine Sea Qualification (Part 3 to you old guys).  On completion they will be awarded our dolphins and will be entitled to wear them on their uniform.  I will write an article on this next week.

TRAP ONE
Correct Wearing of Medals
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, today warned people against posing as war veterans on Anzac Day, indicating that such behaviour was disrespectful to veterans and Service personnel and punishable by law.

In 2003 Mr Billson was instrumental in seeing tougher penalties introduced for the improper use of Service medals and decorations to falsely represent a returned Service person. His advocacy to strengthen penalties and to improve public education about the proper wearing of Service medals dates back to 1988 when he was a Backbencher. “Across the country, Australians will gather on Anzac Day to commemorate the lives of Australians lost in war and other military operations and to reflect on the service of our Defence personnel,” he said.  “Veterans and serving personnel will wear their Service medals at commemorative events, with a growing number of people also wearing medals as a tribute to loved ones, including deceased family members.

“There is a protocol governing the wearing of medals and people are encouraged to follow these guidelines to avoid misrepresentation or disrespect to our veterans. “Only the original medal recipient is entitled to wear medals on the left, above the heart. Relatives’ medals may be worn on the right,” Mr Billson said.

“Occasionally a person will wrongly claim to be a returned veteran and wear medals to which they are not entitled. This practice is deceitful and disrespectful to our veterans. “Further, there are a number of unofficial medals which are sold commercially and are not recognised through the Australian honours system. These awards should not be worn at public events on Anzac Day,” he said.

Under the Defence Act 1903 the penalties for the improper use of Service decorations and for impersonating Service personnel include a fine of up to $3300, six months imprisonment, or both.  Recently two people have been found guilty of offences under Sections 80 A and 80 B of the Defence Act for falsely claiming entitlements to medals. Further cases, resulting from the wearing of medals for which no entitlement exists, are currently subject to legal proceedings.

Information about the correct wearing of medals can be found on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, www.dva.gov.au or the Defence Honours & Awards website, www.defence.gov.au/medals.

Michael Stanley reports that Dave Horne got to Turkey OK. He spoke to him quickly as he arrived at the hotel in Bodrum after the four flights - Cairns/Brisbane/Singapore/Instanbul/Bodrum. He is now at Kusadasi overlooking the Agean Sea to visit the ancient city of Ephasus. They then travel to Troy and on Tuesday visit ANZAC Cove and the other significant sights on the Gallipoli Peninsula before attending the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.

Queensland Member Chris Thomas became full of self pity after making a starling discovery. "Shyte am I old or what? …..I was 27th JR intake 1969 Leeuwin “(April 2008 marks 35 years since the 43rd intake of JRs)” to my dim memory only submariners out of that intake were Allen Carter ( EMWR) and me??? 27th intake had a reunion in Darwin to celebrate 35th Anniversary in 2004."  He went on to say "Hey just to let you know I happened to pass through lovely quiet Bauple last week……….the mind boggles about the future IQ level and the future peace and quiet levels once you move in………..hoping that “ Stop Snorting” won’t permeate the night air too often.  Take care mate and arrive in the Sunshine State safely……..looking forward to your arrival".  Two things worry me, he now knows where I live and he is looking forward to my arrival.  This means I will have to find a place to hide the drink cupboard, I hear that he has a huge thirst for free booze.  Not sure about the IQ statement either, is he implying that it is currently high and will plummet when I arrive?

Peter 'Arab' Clarke reports "OK Norm, update on the Arabian health scene, I'm up and running, more a semi controlled swagger, as the cancer treatment wore off I was diagnosed with massive clinical depression, something I thought was reserved for greenies, mullets and wimps, not rough tuff tiffies, but seriously guys watch out, as we gently age, our maladies increase and our friends and loved ones start to go on Eternal Patrol it apparently sneaks up on you and hits you like a P3 whilst snorting, watch for the symptoms and LISTEN to your family, they are the first sign to tell you there's a problem, add to that the flu and a massive bout of gastro, I've spent more time in trap 1 over the last few days than I did sea time. (No comments). Once again guys, I thank all of you for the support I've received, the last 3 months has passed in a week, a week I'd like to forget, but, if it gives me another 30 years with my family, it's all worth it !"

Mike Russell, currently working fly in fly out in Russia, writes "Hey Norm, I need another Tee-Shirt, same as before, navy & white, I gave mine to the Russian Submarine Captain, Yuri. In return, he has giving me some things that are absolutely mind-blowing, can't be bought. Russian Submarine 100 Year pin, 3000 nautical mile submerged pin, and an absolutely incredible photo of 2 ballistics moored to a wharf. I'll drop in Wednesday Arvo, leaving Yuzhno tomorrow :-)"

Garry Coombe called in this week to give an update on his son who was injured in a work accident last week.  Garry said that Nathan has had his right ankle pinned and his left cleaned and set, although the fractured heel is going to take a lot of time to heal. The other crush and soft issue injuries have responded extremely well to hyperbaric treatment and he is in very good spirits, which is always a positive sign. Furthermore the plastic surgeon feels there may be no need for skin grafts, which is most reassuring. He added "Needless to say it has been a distressing time for Maureen and I, as well as Jane and the little girls, but the prognosis is positive. It is at times such as this that one appreciates the support and love of family and friends – and we all appreciate it"

More comments on the proposal for a SAA hat.  Terry Wyatt wrote "Hi Norm, In reply to that enquire re hat for ANZAC Day. The ACT Branch sold me a Straw Hat which we all wore a few years ago.  I wore it when in Perth and in Brisbane ANZAC Days and still have it doubles up for Mufti Bowls Days, Yes Bobs cap is very Seafaring."  While Lloyd Blake responded "Read with interest the Mike Shepherd suggestion on head wear. Great idea. I certainly support the notion however baseball caps are too informal - my suggestion is a Black beret with the gold metal SAA badge attached." Suggest all you like guys, this little Chief is not wearing one, didn't wear one much while in uniform, definitely will not as a civvy!!!

WA Member Paul Meakin wrote "I have been busy taking care of an elderly Uncle in Sydney over the last few weeks so have not been active on the PC, however met my Uncles' Mower Man last week. Turns out he served in Boats up til '96 lastly on OVENS. His name is Gary Bruhwiller and he was one of your Mob, a Stoker. I tried to convince him to join the Sydney branch and he said he would give it some thought. If any one remembers him he can be contacted on Mobile 0412 497 536."

Col Ware, has sent me an interesting link to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald (best fish and chip wrapping in Oz) that features David Williams. It reports that, next Wednesday, despite criticism from the RSL, the unique experiences and contribution of Sydney's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be recognised when hundreds of indigenous veterans and their descendants march through Redfern in Sydney's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anzac Day parade.

Organisers are expecting more than 300 people to attend the inaugural Coloured Diggers march, which will pass along Redfern Street to St Saviour's church, where an indigenous Anzac Day service will be held. David, who served on HMAS Vampire during the Vietnam War, will join the Redfern march after taking part in the traditional parade in central Sydney. He believes a separate march for indigenous veterans is long overdue.  David is reported as saying "When you're serving, things are pretty equal," he said. "You do your job well, your mates respect you and you get promoted. It's when you get back that it gets hard on the black digger. "We need more people to recognise the contribution they made and the situation they faced when they got back."

The RSL said yesterday it would prefer that indigenous veterans take part in the established Anzac Day parade. "They appear to be conducting an alternative march, which is unfortunate," said the RSL national president, Bill Crews. "They could be part of any of the services and marches being conducted around NSW and do not need to conduct any service of their own. It's unfortunate they don't feel they will get the attention they need at those services."

Mr Crews also expressed concern over a call by the march organisers to have a separate honour roll for indigenous war veterans placed in the Australian War Memorial. "Our honour roll contains all of those who served," he said. "It doesn't distinguish in terms of background."

The organiser of the indigenous veterans' march, Pastor Ray Minniecon, said there was no intention to snub the RSL. "A lot of our people don't march on Anzac Day and we're simply trying to give them the opportunity to be recognised and acknowledged in the same way that anyone who served … should be recognised. "While our men were out there fighting in the wars their kids were being taken away to the missions. When they got back they were still treated like second-class citizens. They weren't even allowed in the RSL, and the only way they were marching was at the back of the line."

I received the following letter and it is disappointing to hear that our Vets share a similar problem with our mates from the USofA. "Dear Norm, I hope you forgive an old ground-pounder wandering by your site. Looking for something entirely unrelated to submarines, I managed to hit your site, enjoying it tremendously. I was always fascinated by subs when I was young, but the Navy wasn't interested in my myopia, so I ended up in the Army instead.

I am a veteran of the Gulf War (1st ed) as well as a practicing physician in Wyoming. I noted that your docs are having trouble getting paid for the care they deliver you vets in Oz. Shaking my head over this, I have to tell you that we have the same problem here in the USA. Having all of the efficiency of the US Postal Service and the measured compassion of the Internal Revenue Service (i.e. the Tax Man), Tricare (the agency that pays for Veterans' care here in the USA) manages to pay at rates lower than pretty much anybody else and to make it astonishingly tough for us to get paid for the care that we give.

To quote Kipling,
"You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country," when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
But Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool - you bet that Tommy sees!"

Obviously, gratitude has little respect for national boundaries.  You folks have a great website! Keep up the good work!"

Harlan R. Ribnik, M.D.
Formerly, MAJ, MC, USAR
Cheyenne, WY 82007

A member that has been battling with DVA after having been injured while serving writes "Dear Norm, Just to let you know that Vet Affairs have increased my pension from 30 to 90% of the general rate. Yes a big increase in one go, marvellous what a good advocate, physio, gp and specialist can do. Although I hear from all the above that a correct assessment and report before would have seen me on 60% so in light of that I guess its not such a big jump. I am now covered for Lumbar Spondylosis, osteoarthrosis in both hands and both ankles and chronic pain.

With respect to the ankles and hands, I could provide no medical evidence that they were injured in the navy but in accordance with the "Statement of Principles" and the report by that Cmdr from Adelaide, I listed all the weights I had to carry right from HMAS Nirimba, HMAS Melbourne (the aircraft carrier) and submarines. I also noted in my statement that in submarines you suffered many injuries (hand and otherwise) but just got on with it so as not to be called a "bludger".

I am now seeking coverage for my T6 and T9 to T12 area of my back as my gp, physio and specialist say that although they are not directly related to my navy accident, the accident has caused them to worsen (scoliosis). I am also seeking coverage for my right leg which is atrophying as a direct result of the accident.

Not meaning to whinge here, but I thought you and others may be interested to know the above. At this stage leave my name out as some of the above is still pending.

Now the whinge. If I had stayed in 20 years and got $2.00 a fortnight pension, I would have been eligible for a gold card when my service related injuries got to 50%. As I did not, I have to get to 100% (service related injuries) to get a gold card?????????"

An old Coxswain was driving through the country when he saw an elderly man walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, he stopped the car and asked the man if he would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the man got into the car. Resuming the journey, the Chief tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the old man. The man just sat silently, looking intently at everything he saw, studying every little detail, until he noticed a white bag on the seat next to the Chief. "What's in bag?" asked the old man. The Chief looked down at the white bag and said, "It's a bottle of Champagne, I got it for my wife." The old man was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an old cow cockie, he said: "Good trade."

John Wood-Cowling of Corby UK is a regular visitor to the Log and wrote "As a matter of interest I've had a playwright Ken Coates in touch, he wants to make a documentary/play about submarines depth charged by the Soviets when we were spying on them particularly the HM Submarine Turpin. It's early day's, apparently the secret Service is trying to stop him as they say it's classified, but it's been 50 year's, don't think they can stop him." John also commented on the article sent out by email regarding the wearing of Medals "I agree with your comments, but in the UK people do wear commemorative medals on the left as the Government refused to issue medals for certain events, which in my view they should have. Prince Charles has medals given by his Mother!"

In another email to the Discovery Channel John said "Sir, I am a former submariner, served on the submarine Tabard 1956 in the Artic, Murnmansk spying on the Soviet Navy under the official secrets act. I am asking the MOD through the Freedom of Information Act to see the log-book of Tabard 1956 it's 50 years ago. At first they said the log-book was lost, then it was buried under asbestos, then I'm not getting it anyway!  I think it is ridiculous that this is still a secret after fifty years, at that time MP's didn't know the dangers British, American submarines were going through, this story should be told and the submariners honored with a medal. Commander Jeff Tall wrote a book we Come Unseen under the name Jim Ring, he is in charge of the Submarine Museum Gosport Hampshire, England. Can you guy's tell the story.

Answer to quiz: Get off the children's Merry Go Round, you're pissed!

Insults I get many........ Sandy 'Hi Rob the SAP' Freeleagus, in an email to Boot Hatfield on the merits of greenies wrote "Norm 'the Round One' seems to have forgotten one moot point - To start his big V16 air pumps to turn our generators to make the exotic electricity needed an air start.

Where did they get the air from - air cylinders. Where did the air come from - a compressor. How did the compressor start - an electrical motor. I  cannot recollect a gang of Stokers ever winding a handle to compress the air.... (Pity they didn't wind over the Trim Pump before using it on a Monday morning so as I didn't have to work on a flashed over trim pump armature).

On one of my more bored moments on board one transit I itemised the workings of the boat and I came to the conclusion the only things on a submarine that did not involve itself in some way with the exalted Greenie branch was the manual can opener in the galley, the block and tackle in the Fore Ends and the pencil sharpener by the chart table. (Later amendments added the oxygen candles that were pyrotechnic and hit to start - not the original greenie start type).

Likewise I too told a Fish-head Mess President that his job was capable of being done by a monkey - and for only a bag of peanuts a day. That resulted in a crash mess meeting being called and my being thrown out of the mess and banished to the ERA's mess aft. (I was on VAMPIRE). If I'd known that would've happened I would've done it months before.

Poor Normie. Let the lesser mortals only dream of the magic and wonderment that we Greenies evoked. (He's really only suppressing an innermost desire and longing to be one of us mysterious brethren)."  This diatribe proves one thing, greenies are bigger wankers that stokers!

Tony Vine writes "Normie we got these photos from Wayne Gilligan's wife, thought I would share the background, I can't guarantee however my memory is 100%. The photos were taken in late 1883 after ORION completed her post refit work up. The work was long and hard, punctuated by a complete re-build of both Main Generators after we broke a con rod on 3rd September working up to Full Power. The Main photo is of the Aft mess and is of:

Back Row
Ted Aichison Tony Vine (Chief Tiff) Stalk Mathews, Tony Fitzpatrick? Adrian Burns (MEO), Normie Rowe, Gary Fowler, Peter Bullock, Tim Eggleton, Wayne Gilligan

Front
Paul Andre (Sam) Brennan, Craig King, Speed Burrows, Jimmy Carter, Shorty Randall

Missing were LS Jimmy Durante and Terry Parsons, Terry lived forward as he was the Weapons Tiff

The workup was run by DCASS, CMDR later CDRE, Kim Pitt aided by the latest Canadian, I think from memory Major, later Vice Admiral Bruce MacLean, our Captain was John Dikkenberg, and the XO Neil Wallace. On arrival onboard for the Operational Workup, Submarine Sea Training Group played a video over the ship’s system, to set the scenario for the workup. The gist of the video was that hostilities had broken out between the counties of Pittland and Dikkenkland over the assassination of the Prime Minister of Dikkenland, cut to footage of Frank Owen lying in a pool of blood on the steps of the Plats Admin Building. The News Reader was a Plats WRAN called Jana Q-Vent. With the workup scenario set we sailed and the fun commenced.

At some stage in the workup the Aft Mess re-badged themselves as the “Pittland Liberation Organisation”, or PLO for short, they were led by ABMT Speed Burrows who adopted the non de plume of “Yessir Ihavafat”. Speed would wander around the boat with his week old stubble and a Chux Cloth (Blue Checked) as a Arab type Scarf. The PLO Flag can be seen carried by AB Jimmy Carter in the second photo.

Speed’s crowning glory was the night he invited the Canadian back aft for Afternoon Tea, kidnapped him and tossed a ransom note made out of cut up Pix Post magazine words attached to a Canadian Epaulette into the wardroom. The note demanded 19 Monte Carlo Biscuits as ransom, of note they were John Dikkenberg’s favourites and the Steward used to put them aside for him.

Wallace made a rousing pipe that Dikkenland would never bow to terrorism, so a second note with a rubber ear attached followed the first through the wardroom door. Eventually I recall the Canuck was released at Dinner time as nobody would share a meal with him. I think he was rather disappointed as he had settled in watching videos of a particular nature back aft.

The workup eventually finished and all were happy, can never actually remember who won the war, I do remember we got alongside at 1300 on the day of the Plats Christmas party and by the time we got to Lane Cove River Park, all the food was gone and the spouses were all well oiled.  What is of note that six of that after mess all made Chief Tiff or better, They were Durante, Bullock, Fowler, Gilligan, Eggleton, & Brennan."  Tony, I only have one question. You say 'all made Chief Tiff or better' - by better I assumed you mean Chief Stoker but on checking I find that none made that dizzy height?  What is better than Chief Stoker (other than WO Stoker) may I ask.

WA member and martial arts expert Ramon Lawrence wrote "Hi Norm, I just got back in town last night. I have just registered my interest to attend the Subcon 2007 Saturday night dinner as I will be in Adelaide to run the Hall of Fame Awards on the Friday evening and iaido/jodo seminars all Saturday and Sunday during the day. I presume they will get back to me with further details for payment etc if they have a vacancy for me at the dinner. I fly out on the Monday 11th June to run further training in Hobart and Launceston. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with most people on the Saturday evening - particularly Nick & Jackie Steyn."

Allen Cobcroft (ex POUWSM) has a matching pair of 14kt gold dolphins for sale. The dolphins are 14k solid gold, diamonds are set in each dolphins eye's, There are red rubies in the crown and the black centre is onyx "stone". Standard clutch backs are on the reverse. Allen said I am trying to reduce my collection and they now have to go. The last valuation on the matching set of dolphins was done in 2005. They are valued at $4,070 dollars but I am sure that Allen would be happy to negotiate. Allen can be contacted on 0414-883-128.  Perfect for the man who has everything.

Chief Petty Officer Gordon Selby
Chief Petty Officer Gordon Selby, who has died aged 87, was one of the luckiest and most highly decorated ratings in the submarine service.

In September 1940 he was appointed coxswain of the submarine Upholder, commanded by Lieutenant David Wanklyn, which was sent to join the "Fighting Tenth" flotilla.

On arriving astern of the carrier Illustrious as she was being subjected to continuous divebombing at Malta, Selby spent the daylight hours in Upholder 's conning tower firing a Lewes gun. "I didn't have a hope in hell of hitting a Stuka," he recalled. "But the experience stirred up the adrenalin." During 13 months in Upholder he survived 24 patrols at a time when one British submarine a week was being lost in the struggle to cut Axis supply lines to Rommel's army in North Africa.

On Wanklyn's first war patrol, the boat sank the 8,000-ton German merchant ship Duisburg. Later victims included the 19,000-ton Conte Rosso, when a counterattack by several destroyers came so close that Selby could hear the noise of their propellers through the hull. Upholder's sixth patrol sank the 19,000-ton troop transports Oceania and Neptunia. Wanklyn was awarded the DSO and Selby the DSM, and also rated petty officer and given several months' back pay. Wanklyn went on to sink three submarines and a destroyer, damage a cruiser and sink more than 125,000 tons of enemy shipping; he was awarded the VC before Upholder disappeared in 1942; but a few weeks earlier Selby had been drafted to the submarine P-39.

Francis Gordon Selby was born on December 15 1919, a Wiltshire farrier's son, and entered the Royal Navy, aged 15, before joining "the trade" as a seaman gunner three years later.

During the Munich crisis he helped to equip three submarines in a reserve group, where his luck soon revealed itself: on the outbreak of war he should have joined the submarine Oxley, but his place was taken by a more experienced reservist; Oxley was lost. Instead Selby joined the submarine Oberon, which was employed as a target for ships preparing for war at Portland until June 1940, when it was deployed in to the North Sea to prevent interference by the German navy with the Dunkirk evacuation.

Selby next served briefly in the submarine H-44 on anti-invasion patrols, based at Harwich. He then joined P-39, where he escaped injury when it was wrecked during a Luftwaffe attack on the submarine base at the Lazaretto, Malta. He was evacuated with survivors of the submarines P-36 and Pandora in the homebound Olympus. While still on the surface, Olympus struck a mine about six miles south of Malta. Eight men were killed by the explosion, and 88 entered the water to start the swim in dark seas towards shore: Selby's last sight of Olympus was of the men's boots left on the casing as the submarine slipped below the waves.

Every attempt was made to keep them together in one large group, but shouts for the whereabouts of friends slowly died away and gradually men began to drift off or give up in the intense cold. Selby was one of nine men who reached the shore; and two of these soon died in hospital. The 11 officers and 79 passengers and ratings lost constituted the worst submarine disaster of the war. Selby was mentioned in dispatches for his selfless devotion to duty during the 15 minutes it took to sink, when twice he returned to it, bringing life-saving apparatus.

A few days later Selby took passage in the fast minelayer Welshman and a week afterwards landed in Milford Haven. Granted leave, he was soon recalled for an investigation into Olympus's loss by Admiral Sir Max Horton. Rest and relaxation after his traumatic experience consisted of a year as coxswain of the training submarine L-26 on the Clyde, but in 1943 Selby arrived in Algiers aboard the cruiser Uganda to join the submarine Sickle.

After patrols off southern France, Sickle was lost with all hands, but Selby had already been selected to join Edward Young in Storm, based at Trincomalee, Ceylon, and then at Fremantle, Western Australia.

Major targets in the Far East were few, but Storm sank a Japanese destroyer and two supply ships with torpedoes, and sunk several ore-carrying junks with gunfire. One of Selby's jobs was to treat the wounded. On Storm's final war patrol it was at sea for 37 days and covered 7,000 miles; Selby was again mentioned in dispatches and awarded a Bar to his DSM for marked courage, devotion to duty and coolness in action.

He ended the war at Christiansund, Norway, where he helped bring a type XXI U-boat to Lisahally, Northern Ireland, before becoming an instructor at the submarine school. Next he became coxswain of Truculent, where his 12-year engagement in the Royal Navy expired in 1949. Before being re-engaged he was found to have astigmatism, which would normally have meant being invalided out, but senior submarine officers conspired to keep such a valuable man in the trade. Selby joined Alliance, but Truculent, which he had just left after 18 months, was lost after a collision in the Thames in 1950.

However, the most astonishing manifestation of Selby's luck occurred on the afternoon of April 15 1951. He was due to sail in the submarine Affray with a class of junior officers. He had already settled into the boat when, as president of HMS Dolphin's chief petty officers' mess, he was called ashore on some last-minute mess business. He became ill and was hospitalised half an hour before Affray sailed. That night the boat sank in the Channel with the loss of all hands.

Selby was appointed a BEM for teaching a generation of submarine officers before finally retiring in 1959, and emigrating to New Zealand two years later. There he worked for Exide Batteries before settling in Australia in 1970, where he managed the conference and training facilities of Ampol, an Australian petroleum company. A modest man, he avoided having his photograph taken, and in his personal memoirs did not mention his five awards.

Gordon Selby, who died on March 21, married, in 1938, Dorothy Blackaby; she survives him with their son.

This obituary was written by Mike Bennett and printed in the London Daily Telegraph.

William (Bill) Holyoake
Bill was born on September 9, 1921 at South Pelaw, Durham and joined the Royal Navy on July 20, 1940. Originally turning up at the recruiting office in Newcastle (UK) to sign on, he was refused entry because of his qualification as a final year apprentice in the trade of fitter and turner. This put him in the ‘essential services’ category that classified his training as better to serve the war effort in manufacturing equipment for war.

Not happy with this on-the-spot decision, Bill immediately went to Hartley Pools, a township close to Newcastle, where he told the recruiters he was a road labourer. The RN snapped him up on the spot and he commenced his training at HMS Royal Arthur as Ordinary Signalman with official number P/JX207615.

Having been recommended for advancement to Signalman S4, he volunteered for destroyers, submarines and escort vessels, and was subsequently drafted to HMS Orizaba. Upon his next request being approved for Air Arm Wireless Operator Air Gunner, he was posted to HMS Europa for training but because of crew shortages and war casualties, he was instead to see service on HMS Nadine, HNS Cape Melville, HMS Buttermore, BYM/S 200, free French submarine Le Centaur, and HMS Edinburgh Castle where he passed out as an advanced fully-qualified Signalman in 1944.

He then served on SS Empire Gale, and HMS Hildina where, prior to D-Day whilst on manoeuvres, he was hospitalised as the result of an accident where he suffered serious general injuries and was subsequently awarded a war pension. He then returned to HMS Europa and was later drafted back to HMS Royal Arthur. In view of Bill’s injuries, it was decided that he would become a ‘coder’ but this recommendation was cancelled as his disability was considered to be too great for his new task. He was subsequently invalided, classed physically unfit, and was discharged from the Royal Navy on November 1, 1945.

Bill’s 5 years and 3 months active service in many avenues of World War ll saw him serve on a broad spectrum of men-of-war including a submarine, escort vessel fleet sweepers, corvettes, frigates, a fully-armed merchant cruiser and even trawlers. His drafts saw him operate from ports in the North and South Atlantic Oceans, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the West Indies, Brazil, Bermuda and West Africa.

On arrival in Australia after the war, Bill started an engineering business that became a most successful venture and specialised in general manufacture, tooling and special projects. There was more to Bill than his naval history with his love of painting absorbing much of his leisure time. Bill’s artistic gift has resulted in his paintings of warships, submarines (HMS Thunderbolt depicted herein) still life and the occasional caricature, with a more recent example of his work being an excellent example of an A-boat lying at the bottom of the sea. Two of his paintings have since been submitted to Mufti, the Official Journal of the Victorian RSL in an art competition.

On This day - 17th April 1951, Fears for crew of lost British submarine.
BBC News Headline (reprinted):
The entire 75-strong crew of a British submarine is feared dead after going missing off the south coast of England.  HM Submarine Affray left Portsmouth last night and submerged about 30 miles south of the Isle of Wight at 2115 BST (2015GMT).  She was due to resurface today at 0830 BST (0730GMT) off Start Point but no surfacing signal was received and her current position is not known. The code word "Subsmash" was sent out to set in place a search and rescue operation.  Twenty-six ships and submarines from four countries - Britain, France, Belgium and the US - are involved and every available aircraft has joined the search. All vessels have been asked to look out for survivors, wreckage or oil spills on the surface of the water.

As well as its normal crew of 61, on board, there were two classes of submarine officers under training and a small party of Royal Marines. According to the Admiralty, they were on a practice war patrol between Portsmouth and Falmouth.  A senior submarine officer said the crew could survive for up to three days in such a large submarine if they used special oxygen candles stored on board.

The Affray is an A-class submarine designed for service in the Pacific. She was built in 1946 by Cammell Laird and belongs to the 5th Submarine Flotilla. In January 1950, HM Submarine Truculent sank in the Thames Estuary after colliding with another vessel leading to the death of 64 Royal Navy Personnel.  Two months later, the Affray was found in 300ft of water 46 miles south of Portland.  It was the worst British submarine accident since the World War II.

In Conclusion: The submarine was never recovered because of the depth at which it had sunk and the distance from the coast made a full salvage operation impossible. A three-month investigation was carried out from the salvage vessel Reclaim using remote-control TV cameras.  The Royal Navy concluded HMS Affray sunk because the snort mast - the tube through which the diesel engine "breathed" while steaming at periscope depth - snapped because of metal fatigue. This would have let water flood through the tube's aperture. Another theory was that a battery had exploded.   “Lest We Forget”

New Russian most powerful submarine emerges from shipyard's shed
The new Russian nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky of the fourth generation smoothly emerged on Sunday from the shed of the Sevmash shipyard. The ceremony was attended by over a dozen of high-ranking guests and more than 100 reporters. Severodvinsk was visited by first vice-premier Sergei Ivanov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Nuclear Power (Rosatom) Sergei Kiriyenko, commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Masorin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexei Moskovsky, adviser to the Russian president on the military and industrial policy Alexander Burutin and Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov.

Ivanov called the construction of the Yuri Dolgoruky nuclear submarine a great and unique event. "This is a holiday for Russia, for industry, the navy and the Armed Forces. We have now not only what to protect, but with what to protect," he added.  Ivanov admitted that while speaking at the ceremony, he was very agitated. "I'm also agitated, since we are launching, for the first time in 17 years, such a ship – a nuclear missile cruiser. In actual fact, it is the first Russian strategic nuclear submarine. Besides, it is of a new generation," the vice-premier continued.

Ivanov along with the Moscow mayor, the commander-in-chief of the navy and the deputy defence minister signed a memorial certificate on the launching of the Yuri Dolgoruky from the shipyard.  "While signing this certificate, I felt that it is much more pleasant to sign such things than international treaties or any formal papers," the vice-premier acknowledged. He emphasized that "labour was put up in the submarine's construction at a very difficult historic period".

Ivanov thanked "designers, engineers and workers of the Sevmash shipyard for what they have done. They have done a great thing and proved that ship-building is developing, and that Russia is capable of making such unique complexes of armaments".  Ivanov heartily thanked the Moscow city government and the Moscow mayor who took construction of the submarine under their patronage. "The very name is symbolic: as was the case with Yuri Dolgoruky who united lands around Moscow, so the submarine united thousands of highly technological enterprises, working for the final result," the vice-premier went on to say.

The commander-in-chief of the navy expressed confidence that the Yuri Dolgoruky is the world's best submarine. Besides, it will be equipped with the Bulava missiles. "This Sunday will remain in history as a day of which our navy can be proud of," Masorin said at the ceremony.  "We have marine strategic nuclear forces. Just a few states in the world – there are enough fingers on one hand to count them – have such forces, and even less states have such weapons," the commander-in-chief stressed. In Masorin's opinion, "two or three countries can build such ships independently. This is expensive and difficult. They cooperate. We can build".

Turning to the Bulava missiles designer, Masorin said: "We are sure that our missiles will fly and hit targets precisely." The commander-in-chief underlined that the Yuri Dolgoruky is the world's best nuclear submarine, and it will be an honour for sailors to serve on it.
 Head of the Rubin design office Igor Spassky where the submarine had been designed, noted that this ship "was born, as a baby, in labors". "A difficult time is in store now – to teach it to sail and speak, to speak very seriously and loudly," he added.  He conveyed the submarine crew a sanctified Nicholas the Miracle-Maker icon from a Petersburg temple. The guests at the ceremony cut jointly a blue ribbon to launch the submarine. According to a naval tradition, a bottle of champagne was smashed against the ship's board.

The cost of the state contract for the construction of the submarine totaled 23 billion roubles, out of the total, 14 billion – for construction. The volume of the state defence order in 2007 for the ship's construction amounted to 4,920 million roubles. Work will be completed in 2008. The submarine is now ready 82 percent.

Another two similar missile subs – the Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh – were laid down at the shipyard in 2004 and 2006. These ships are also of the Borei class. The submarines were designed by the Rubin design office of marine technology (Petersburg). While building the Borei submarines, specialists used the latest achievements in ship radio-electronic means and in lowering noises. Submarines of this project are equipped with a surfacing escape chamber, designed for the entire crew. Each submarine will have 12 intercontinental ballistic solid fuel missiles of the Bulava type with the warhead of ten independently targetable charges.

The length of the Borei type subs is 170 meters and width – 13.5 meters, diving depth – 450 meters and the crew – 107 men. According to statements by the naval command, the Borei submarines will be the main naval component part of Russian nuclear forces in the 21st century.

SUBCON ALERT
Did you express an interest in attending SubCon 07 in Adelaide over the June Queen’s Birthday weekend but have not lodged a Registration form or sent a deposit to hold your position at this event? If the Organising Committee have not heard from you via mail or e-mail by Monday 16 April 2007, it will be assumed that you have no intention of attending and your name will be removed from the list. Visit the Web Site to learn more.

ALZHEIMER'S OR PARKINSONS.. which one would you rather have?
PARKINSONS of course ! Better to spill half your drink than forget where you put it !

Soviet-era submarine sinks in Providence
An old Soviet submarine now used as a floating museum sank and was completely submerged in the Providence River after being battered by a powerful nor'easter earlier this week. A tidal surge paired with direct and powerful easterly winds from the storm on Sunday and Monday pushed the sub up onto a shoal adjacent to where it's anchored along the western bank of the river. Then water began seeping into the inoperable sub, which is not watertight.

Museum officials believe the sub is filled with water, though they don't think the instruments are damaged because they are water tight. The sub, alternately designated as K-77 or Juliet 484, is the only submarine of its kind in the United States. K-77, launched in 1965 as part of the Soviet Northern Fleet, is about 282 feet long and 31 feet wide, and was diesel powered. The Juliet class was initially planned as a nuclear missile platform for strikes against the United States and carried four nuclear cruise missiles. Later, it began tracking U.S. aircraft carriers.

The sub was used in the 1990s as a restaurant and vodka bar in Helsinki, Finland, and later as a set for the Harrison Ford movie "K-19: The Widowmaker" before being acquired by the USS Saratoga Foundation, a private, nonprofit group. It opened as a museum in 2002 and has since had tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. It's also a popular place for birthday parties and even hosted a wedding in 2005, volunteers at the museum said Wednesday.

The Long Line Jacket has been revamped. Now a micro fibre outer, micro fleece lining, creating a perfect warm wind block! Hood hidden in collar, drawstring waist. A much smarter fashionable jacket. With or without the Australian Submarines logo.  Order now for winter $60 Proper rugby weight fabric with denim collars. Very practical and fashionable rugby pullovers embroidered with the Submarines Australia logo $40. Visit the Slops Van now

Russia floats idea of selling seaborne nuclear power plants
The Kremlin calls them safe; critics see grave dangers. Russia has started building the world’s first floating nuclear power station, officials said, a project antinuclear activists say is the most dangerous in the atomic sector for a decade. Russian officials say the stations are a safe way to supply power to desolate regions and the energy-hungry economies of Asia, Africa, and Latin America without risking the proliferation of nuclear know how.

Nuclear officials say the reactors, used by atomic icebreakers, are sturdy enough to withstand earthquakes. They say the reactor powering the Kursk nuclear submarine survived intact despite a blast that sunk the vessel in August 2000 with the loss of all 118 crew members. ‘‘The reactor [on the Kursk] was put through an incredible trial, but afterwards experts said it could have been immediately restarted,’’ Russian nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass news agency.

The first plant will be named Academician Lomonosov. Mikhail Lomonosov was an 18th-century Russian scientist who achieved worldwide acclaim for his work in chemistry and physics and was founder of Moscow’s state university.

Raytheon gets Navy radar deal
The US Navy on Thursday awarded a $77.8 million contract to a unit of Raytheon Co. to produce a radar warning system for the U.S. and Australian governments. The Goleta, Calif.-based Raytheon Co. Electronics Systems will provide a radar system that provide visual and aural alerts to crew members of the F-18 series aircraft. The system is designed to enhance a pilot's situational awareness to provide accurate identification of hostile and friendly signals.

The company will perform the work in various U.S. locations including El Segundo, Calif., Goleta, Calif., Forest, Miss. and McKinney, Texas, among others through March 2010.

Raytheon and the U.S. Navy have also teamed to successfully complete a major update to Standard Missile-2 (SM-2). The improvement, called a "Maneuverability Upgrade," provides SM-2 with substantially increased performance against new, anti-ship weapons while delivering increased capability to the warfighter.  The team included representatives from the U.S. Navy Standard Missile program office and Naval Weapons Station/Seal Beach and a cross-section of manufacturing and engineering employees from Raytheon Missile Systems. Team members worked to develop, produce and validate the performance upgrade to the weapon. The improvement strengthens Standard Missile's position as the world's premier ship area air defense weapon.

Standard Missile has been the U.S. Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet air defense weapon for more than three decades. It is the most technically advanced and the most capable air defense missile in the world. SM-2 is operational on guided missile cruisers, destroyers and frigates in the U.S. Navy and is in operation with 13 allied navies.

US Navy malware infection risked submarine prang
An American contractor holding top-level security clearance has been convicted of sabotaging critical US Navy computers used for submarine traffic control. Richard F Sylvestre, from Massachusetts, installed malware on a computer network at the Italian HQ of the US 6th Fleet, America's standing taskforce in the Mediterranean. He later told investigators that he was upset after his company Ares Systems, which he then owned, had failed to win important naval business.

Have youpayed for SUBCON 2007 yet?  Please help the Committee by paying up. Time is running out as the response received to date may mean you could miss out, numbers are limited.

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