South Australian Branch
The SA branch of the association held their mid year luncheon get together at the Mt Osmond Golf Club on Sunday 30th August 2009. Members and partners in attendance once again had an enjoyable meal and relaxing afternoon spinning the warries and stirring up those of us still working for a living.

A noticeable absentee from our mix was our Vice President John (Tid) Currie. After ringing the President on the Friday before the luncheon to say he was feeling a bit off colour and would be a no show on Sunday, Tid admitted himself into hospital, and in his words, for a Mid Cycle Docking, because the Stbd Sluice Vv (Kidney) and Ben the Ballast Pump (Heart-Chest pains) were not at full capacity. Best wishes are extended from the members and anyone wanting to pass on their regards or pop in for a visit, Tid is in the Modbury Hospital SA.

No events have been scheduled for the near future thus far, but the Exec Committee plans to meet shortly.

Branch Secretary
Allen 'Connie' Francis

Around the Traps

ETERNAL PATROL - WOCOXNSM JIM REDWOOD
It is with regret that the Association announces the death of Life Member James (Jim) Albert Redwood from the effects of a subdural hematoma on Tuesday, 13 October 2009.  Jim's funeral has been arranged for Wednesday 21 October 2009 at 12 noon at Wagga Wagga Crematorium.  The address is: Brunskill Road, Lake Albert

Jim was one of the first sailors from the RAN to volunteer for submarines and went to England in 1963 to undertake the original courses at the submarine school based at HMS Dolphin. On completion Jim was drafted to HMS/m Tiptoe in January 1964 to complete his Part Three Training, he left this boat in April of the same year.

His next submarine was HMS Truncheon which he joined in the latter part of April and continued to serve in this boat until June 1965.

Jim's next position was as a SETT instructor at the Tank at HMS Dolphin, this position he took up after leaving Truncheon and served there until May 1966.

Later in May, Jim now a Chief Petty Officer Coxswain left Dolphin and travelled up to Greenock in Scotland to join as the Commissioning Coxswain of HMAS Oxley and brought the submarine on its delivery voyage to the newly formed squadron at HMAS Platypus, Jim held the position of Coxswain until April 1969.

In April 1969 Jim returned to England and was the SETT instructor at HMS Dolphin until March 1972, he then returned to HMAS Platypus where he took up the position of Escape Coxswain on the base until March 1974.

With promotion to Warrant Officer in March, Jim took up the position of Regulating Coxswain of HMAS Platypus the position he upheld until February 1978

Jim was one of several submariners whose service was recognized with the presentation of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.

Jim left the Navy as a Warrant Officer Coxswain and moved to Western Australia were he took up a position with the Western Australian Fire Brigade

Jim joined the Association in July 1990, he with several other submariners in the West were integrators for forming a Branch of the SAA in that state (circa August 1990). Jim was voted into the executive position of Secretary Treasurer, which he held until December 1991 when he stood down from the Branch executive and resigned from the fire brigade and moved to Albany where he and his wife Anne purchased a supermarket and ran it, a case of "once a grocer always a grocer".

Jim and Anne decided to move back to the east coast and settle in Holbrook, NSW. With the purchase of the fin and casing from the decommissioned HMAS Otway, Jim and Anne were very much involved in forming the memorial and museum in Holbrook.

As a former submarine coxswain, Jim used his medical knowledge and undertook the DVA advocate courses so as to help members in the southern part of NSW and northern Victoria with their DVA claims.

At the AGM held in Melbourne, sponsored by the Victorian Branch in June 2005, Jim was made a Life Member in recognition for his contribution to the SAA which included the formation of the WA Branch, the promotion of Association through his participation with the Otway relics and its adjoining museum and as a Pension and Welfare Officer.

Compiled by Peter Smith, SAA Historian

Bob Hibberd
Marie Hibberd sent this moving report on Bob's funeral in the UK "It went off OK as things go. We had my family and some of my/our friends there we all got together after the Service and met up in a local hotel. We shared laughs and sorrow about Bob. We all had a drink to his memory. Some came from down South and some from the midlands, my family came from up north too. Every one remembered him with loving and fond memories.  I went to se him a few times in the chapel of rest, he looked peaceful, I cannot grasp he is gone. I will always love him and he will always be in my thoughts.  We only had 5 and half years together but I have lots of memories and thoughts of things we did together, both here and in Australia."

Tid Currie is having a few problems at the moment "Things have been happening down here, but not strictly in the manner that would be preferable. As per the routine set by the Oncologist, I had my first 'dose' of Chemo last Wednesday, 2nd September and was sent on my way rejoicing. Things were not too bad during the night with just enough pain to make it a little uncomfortable, but I was to find out what pain meant when at 6.00 AM Thursday morning the *Ballast Pump fell over*, mega pain above heart and down left arm. Of course I thought it was more side effects from Chemo so started troffing pain killers in the hope of it going away. Anne finally had her way and at about 0800 rang the Oncologist who said to get to hospital straight away. I was taken by Ambo to RAH and later Thursday morning I was the happy recipient of a STENT in the Left Coronary Artery which had been completely blocked. Home again now recovering from that with enough drugs to fill Santa's Toy Bag, Oncologist has given me the rest of the week off and now recommence Chemo next Wednesday. Well that's me updated Mate, as I said before, I hope you are faring a little better, I am regretting killing that Chinaman now!"

Dave Horne is in the wars again. After his recent Laminectomy Dave had a bit of relief but then developed severe pain in the right thigh and there was no relief despite the strongest painkillers being administered. Another trip to Brisbane, but unfortunately this didn't help either, so on 20th October he once more goes to Brisbane as an inpatient to have a 3rd Spinal Fusion at Greenslopes Private Hospital, this time using titanium plates and screws instead of using bits of the hip as in the last two. I am sure you will join me in wishing Dave the best.

Greville Knight has a mystery lung infection that has been dogging him for about six months. he said "It started with a little dry-cough. Now I cannot do the least amount of hard work for more than 15 minutes without resting (no greenie jokes please)."  bb

Len Meakin has been released from St Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba after the heart attack which he suffered last week. Len is in good spirits and recovering well, he was transferred to Greenslopes Hospital Brisbane for a ‘medical procedure’ that was a success and he has returned to Toowoomba. Len also has Emphysema and requires constant oxygen to assist with breathing. Len is aged 82.

After reading my comments on lawn bowls Garry Bax responded with "Oh dear Norm, Seeing as how you live in the backblocks you must still have black and white TV, because nowadays the uniforms are very colourful.  The days of white leghorns are long gone!
Secondly, which outdoor game allows you to have a beer each end and if you get tired there is a mat you can get your head on! (Why do you think I took it up)"

Joel 'Chris' Garner has been calling for information on the Sea Training Group and he reports that the SSTG roster is progressing, the request for information to the Canadians brought a flood of emails. As CDRE Ken Marr told me they have a very active Association.

CDRE McMillian wrote "Warrant Officer Garner, my name is Ken McMillan. In 1981 I was the first Canadian exchange officer to serve at Platypus and my job was to set up the RAN SSTG. The information you require is as follows:

Name: Ken McMillan  (Lieutenant Commander at the time I was in serving in Platypus.)

Joined SSTG: In June 981 I arrived in Australia. It was shortly after that, perhaps July that I was given the task to set up the SSTG. The job I was originally posted to in Australia fell through because of U.S. security concerns. Since I was already on the ground, the RAN wanted to find a job for me rather than send me home so I was given the SSTG task. I actually spend several weeks recruiting for the RAN in various places around Australia…. It was a good opportunity to see your country.

Left the SSTG: July 1983

Person Relieved: I was the first to set it up as a stand alone unit. Commander Woolrich was the CDR SM when I first arrived and did the job of sea training as part of his overall duties. He gathered a team as required and sailed with the submarines. I did a couple of trips with him when I first arrived in Australia.

Relief: LCDR Bruce MacLean relieved me.

The two principal players that were assigned to the SSTG with me were Chief Huck Findlater and Chief (Jumper) Colins. By the time I left the Group more people were being added to the team.  If you need anything more please do hesitate to ask. I must admit that the some of the details concerning this time frame are a bit blurry. If have any contact information for either Huck or Jumper I would greatly appreciate it.

All the best,

Ken McMillan
Commodore Ret’d Canadian Navy

If you were a member of the SSTG at any time please contact Joel 'Chris' Garner.

A case of mistaken identity..... Neville Renfrey wrote "Norm, or should I ever mention Dags, this is "Renners" Renfrey, if it is Billy Simpson, you and I used to hang about together. Remember big Bruce the bouncer in Sydney. How are things with you, busy with the website one would assume. Hope all is well."  Dag's is a few shades darker than I.   Hey Norm

Kev Batty asks "I'm looking for something obscure again. My son who has been considering joining up for a little while [still only 15] has been undecided between RAAF and RAN and is now looking more and more at the squadron! [nothing like me dont worry] he has seen the DVD Submariners and we are working on a trip over to WA to visit Len Carr and hopefully a boat. He also wants to go to Sydney though to see Onslow and I went to show him my tape of 'wear them with pride' only to find it unplayable, do you know is it commercially available, can you put a request in the log for anyone with a copy."  Can anyone help? I lent my copy and it has now gone adrift!

Forbes Peters said "I read with interest Diesel Dan's article on his 'trip' on a skimmer. Bloody funny, it is because of blokes like Dan that I joined boats. I was on Torrens in 1988 for a 5 week searide and they were a strange bunch of blokes. Cummerbunds at dinner etc, lucky the pusser was a reasonable character - LCDR John Goss, along with the MEO and CO (all Submariners) I worked out that boats was the way to go. I fired the MK48 that sank DE 53 in 1999, it was a good learning experience. Like I say to the Navy Cadets I talk to, it is cool because it means I have sunk every skimmer I have ever served on."

Forbes continued "His medivac story also reminded me of when I got medivac'd off Farncomb by Seaking - bloody shitfight, thank God we had CPOMED Ben Stock onboard - he realised that my nuts probably should be smaller than the average sized tennis ball and he convinced the CAPT to call the birdies.  Thanks for keeping the log up to date Norm, and great work by Joel Garner to take on the SSGT history job - good stuff."

The Chief Tiffies missus was standing in the kitchen, preparing their usual soft-boiled eggs and toast for breakfast, wearing only the 'T' shirt that she normally slept in.
As the he Chief Tiffie walked in, almost awake, she turned to him and said softly, "You've got to make love to me this very moment!"
The Chief's eyes lit up and he thought, "I am either still dreaming or this is going to be my lucky day!"
Not wanting to lose the moment, her embraced her and then gave it his all; right there on the kitchen table.
Afterwards, she said, "Thanks," and returned to the stove, her T-shirt still around her neck.
Happy, but a little puzzled, the Chief asked, "What was that all about?"
She explained, "The egg timer's broken."

Request for involvement of junior and senior sailors in magazine article
Peter Lightbody (0425 276 309), Shipkeeper of the Australian National Maritime Museum Fleet Section is looking for assistance. He wrote "I currently hold the position of submarine ship keeper at the Australian national maritime museum and have recently offered to write an article for the museums quarterly magazine, Signals. The article will be a means of recognising the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of HMAS Onslow and I hope to devote much of it to the experiences of the commissioning crew, their training here and in England and immense task of getting Onslow operational.

I was hoping that you may be able to get me in contact with some of the original crew, or the training personnel from HMS Dolphin and other establishments so that I may conduct some interviews via the telephone or email. My contact details are below and I was hoping that you could forward them on to anyone that you feel may be willing to assist me in this endeavor. If I could talk with any members of the commissioning crews of the first four Australian "O" boats, Oxley, Otway, Ovens and Onslow, it would be of great assistance, but submariners who had also worked on the "A" and "T" boats of the fourth submarine flotilla or those who transferred to the RAN from the Royal Navy would be a bonus. I hope to give as broad a picture as possible of the years between 1961, when the Royal Navy formally announced the withdrawal of the fourth submarine flotilla, until 1970 and the arrival of HMAS Onslow in Australian waters.

I am particularly interested in talking with junior and senior sailors of the time. I have had an exceptional response from the ward room thus far but the sailors seem a wee bit shy. I can assure everyone that feels that they may want to talk to me that the general public and our membership at the museum are immensely interested in all facets of submarine life from the mundane to the exciting, from the glorious the grubby

I would like to see more attention paid to our submarine, in the form of research and published articles by the museum, and I hope that the planned story will stimulate more interest in HMAS Onslow and the submarine squadron more generally, as we build up to the 50th anniversary of Onslow's commissioning in 2019.

I have a first draft dead line of the 19th of October and have made little head way with my limited contacts within the submarine fraternity, your assistance in making contact with potential interviewees would be invaluable for I am; as Onslows motto describes, Festina Lente, hastening slowly"

John Hodges received the following from Adrian Adam, the Members Manager at the National Maritime Museum. "I just wanted to run something by you as I know you were previously on the Executive of the Submarine Assion.

Onslow turns 40 on 22 December and we were thinking it would be nice to mark its commissioning birthday in some way. The obvious problem is the date, 3 days before Xmas which makes it almost impossible to do anything in terms of attracting public or members along.

There is the option of combining something with the anniversary of its launch in early December or preferably defer til some time in January and see if we can get some attention.

Do you have any comments or suggestions. I was thinking if your association members supported an event then it might be worth following up. I could schedule an Onslow seminar and perhaps ask John Jeremy if he might speak about the boat (I saw a photograph of him handing the sub over at Cockatoo in 1969) along with a few CO's such as yourself to explore her history?

What say you - perhaps we can discuss when you have a moment or maybe you might advise me on others who may assist us."

If anyone has any ideas could you please contact Adrian  (02 9298 3646) or send me an email and I will pass it on.

We have quite a few ex submariners still in uniform, police uniform that is.  Another to surface is Shane Wyatt, Ex POUWSM,  (Otama, Onslow, Otway) who wrote to advise me that I could take him off our list of unclaimed ASMs.  He wrote "Just surfing the internet and got onto Up Periscope. Was reading a list about members not having collected their ASM. Just wanted to let you know I got mine a long time ago.  Now serving as an Acting Sergeant in the Vic Police."

Carol Wilson commented "As an aside, even I can install washing machines, which I had to do earlier in the year. At least Hardly Normal’s people took it out of the box and bought it to the front door and deposited it onto the trolley I had ready. I then proceeded to the laundry and connected the hoses and plugged it in. It even worked. I then proceed to install the new TV and DVD/Video recorder. Funny how big ticket items decide to die at the same time."  I had to agree with Carol. I thought my television had died after a blackout last week. It just would not start and I thought needed to buy a new one. My neighbour decided to have a go at finding the problem and asked for the remote, so I handed it to him. He looked at it and said "No, the television remote, not the DVD." Guess what, the television worked................ I'm losing it!!!

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DEFENCE NEWS

^{Israeli and Iran Boost Submarine Numbers}
The Israeli Navy recently took possession of its final two U212 Dolphin-class submarines, ahead of their anticipated delivery date of early 2010, according to Jane's Defence Weekly.

Israel now has five U212s, the most expensive weapon platform in the Israeli arsenal, all of which are believed capable of carrying nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Jane’s reports that the U212s can carry a crew of 35 and have a maximum range of 4,500 kilometres. Israel has used the submarines to send a subtle message to Iran. Two Israeli Dolphin-class subs transited the Suez Canal this summer accompanied by a Egyptian naval escort, in what analysts se as a warning to Iran that Israeli’s navy would enter the Red Sea and beyond to counter any threat from Iran.

At the same time the Israeli Navy has announced plans to begin deploying highly maneuverable unmanned surface vehicles along the Mediterranean coast, particularly off the Hamas-held Gaza Strip in the south and Lebanon in the north where Hezbollah guerrillas operate, according to the Jerusalem Post. Dubbed Protector, the systems would patrol coastal waters to counter gun-running and infiltration.

Meanwhile in Iran, a senior commander of the Iranian Navy told the Tehran Times that it will launch medium-size submarines within the next two years. The commander argued that a larger submarine fleet is necessary if Iran intends on transforming its littoral navy into a blue water force, the newspaper noted. According to the report the submarines will be designed and constructed in Iran so the country can achieve self-sufficiency in naval procurement.

And on the other side of the world, in Australia the government has signaled its plans to acquire new submarines. Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, outlines the acquisition of a fleet of 12 new submarines to replace its six Collins-class vessels by 2030. Australia has approached the United States for technology in fulfilling the country's largest military acquisition, according to the Brisbane Times.

^{General Dynamics To Build Extra Submarine Thanks To Congress}
As part of both the House’s and Senate’s versions of the 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill the U.S. Navy will get a Virginia (SSN-774) class attack submarine earlier then planned. Congress maintained the funding to deliver two submarines in 2011 despite Navy requests to slow down production. This will be a boon to General Dynamics as it keeps the planned expansion of production on track.

Under the original plan the Navy was receiving one vessel a year through 2010 and then go to two a year in 2011. Due to budget decisions the Navy did not ask for the necessary funding in 2010 to support the expansion of production to two. The Rhode Island Congressional delegation lobbied for this and both bills working their way to Conference contained the money to keep the program on track.

This would be the twelfth ship of this class and is currently planned to be named the USS John Warner after the former Virginia Senator and Navy Secretary.

Unfortunately if the Navy does not plan appropriately for the necessary funds to operate this ship after it enters service their may be shortfalls elsewhere in the budget. There are costs associated with personnel, maintenance and in most cases fuel for a system to be able to conduct its mission. In this case gasoline is not a real issue as it is nuclear powered but there are costs associated with that through out the life of the submarine.

This is one of the biggest “earmarks” in the budget but does not really fall under the traditional definition of that budget item. Many times earmarks include things that are not required or wanted by the services and fall outside of their plans and programs. The Navy certainly wants and can use the USS John Warner.

Niggs, get Boof, it's walk time.............

Sunday, 11^th October 2009

Better late than never, I said I would be online this week and here I am.  A combination of Bathurst, medication and a few wines meant that it do not go online last night, but who cares.

Again, many thanks to all of you that have been in touch, it has been a great help.  It is also interesting to note the community spirit of Bauple, I have had strangers call in and ask if they could do anything for me, or if I needed anything from town.  that doesn't happen in suburbia.

The operation last week went well but the problem has not been solved and a few other issues have surfaced.  Waiting for results of tests and will be heading back for more surgery later in the month.

The dogs have missed me, poor Boof fretted a lot and caused my brother, he baby sat for me, a few headaches. He has not left my side since I got home.  I have been spending a fair bit of time in the paddock hitting a tennis ball for Niggs and Sheila as a reward for behaving while I was away.  They are both boisterous and jump up on my arm several times a day, more pain killers please.....

Had to go into town on Saturday to buy a new washing machine and I was amazed at the 'service' offered by a local store (a national franchise) when asked if it could be delivered. I was asked if i wanted it delivered ($50) or installed ($90).  Now I am no tiffy, but believe that I am capable of connecting a hot and cold water hose and plugging the machine in so I opted for delivery only. The salesman then asked if I had a trolley to which i asked 'why'.  He said that delivery was only to the driveway and it would be my responsibility to take it inside.  After letting out a few dirty words I told the prick where he could stick his $1,300 washing machine. Am I becoming a cranky old man?

I am the proud dad to three chickens that were hatched last week. Two chooks and one bantam. It is amazing to watch all the other chooks help raise and protect them, Niggs went into their pen the other day and he was attacked from all sides, didn't know what hit him.... it is interesting to note that they hardly leave the pen now, my garden is starting to grow again, no chooks digging everything up.  One of the chooks that I raised from day old, Lucky, comes into the back verandah each morning to lay her egg, saves looking for it.  She is called Lucky because she is the only one that survived Nigg's laying on them one day.

Well, I had better go, I have a lot to do, a heap of unanswered email and a bit of secretary business to catch up with, hope to get on top of it before the next round of treatment.

Till next week..... keep smiling!

SAA NEWS

I am a bit behind at the moment but hope to catch up with all the outstanding issues soon, bear with me.

The number of Members that did not renew their subscriptions in 2009 is very disappointing and I will be contacting them again with an opportunity to reconsider. At $10 a year (or $40 for 5) it is not a lot to ask, even in these tight financial times.  With declining sponsorship dollars available it is important that we maintain a healthy level of members. The amount offered for the sponsorship of the web will not cover costs this year and the loss of sponsorship for In Depth will add to our operating costs this year.

One reason that has added to the number of lapsed members is contact details.  If you have not had any correspondence (by email ofr mail) this year you may have outdated information on our records.  If this is the case please complete the online form at http://submarinesaustralia.com/details.html. If you decided that you felt that your membership was of no value for any reason, please let me know so that we can address the issues. 

This month an amount of $280.00 was sent to the SAA Welfare fund as a result of receiving donations to help with the cost of producing and mailing In Depth.  The Executive decided that money goes to the Fund as the cost is an Association responsibility.  Our thanks to J Hughes, B Cleary , A Braid, S Reid and H Gethin-Jones for their kind gesture.

Volunteers wanted:  The Association is seeking volunteers to be the Associations representatives and attend meetings with several kindred organisations, in particular the Naval Association Australia (NAA) and the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council (AVADSC).  Our Executive either have jobs or are scattered across Australia and cannot always attend the meetings which are normally held in Sydney.  To gain maximum benefit of our affiliation with these organisations it would beneficial to have one representative for each, that would report to the National Committee.

If you are in a position that would permit you to represent us please contact me for further details.  This is an ideal opportunity to get involved in the Association.

Norm Williams
National Secretary
Submarines Association Australia

Mobile: 0419 863 558

Western Australia Branch
Members are reminded that the RN Submarines Association Service will be held at Memorial Park, Fremantle, 1030 20th October and all submariners are invited to attend.

New South Wales Branch
A meeting of the Branch was held at Cockatoo Island on 20 September in beautiful sunshine at a location known to most. Unfortunately there was a poor attendance by NSW members with only 4 stalwarts in attendance with few apologies. Many thanks to Kevin Hayton for making the long journey down from Coffs Harbour to update us on the status of SUBCON 2010.

Terry (Admiral) Weatherall (LSETSSM) was killed on Sandy Point beach at Cerberus on the 9th Nov 1974 on completion of the POETS4 course. His family have requested a visit to the memorial on Spectacle Island. To commemorate the 35th anniversary, a BBQ will be held on Sunday 8 November 2009 on Spectacle Island. The boat will run from 1000 to 1200 from under the west side of the Iron Cove Bridge. It is suggested that all those who plan to attend find alternative parking as the area near the wharf has now been taken over to build a new bridge road way. Please advise your attendance to Geoff Anderson or Ken Norris. The November Meeting of the NSW SAA will be held that day in the Senior/Junior sailors bar (it was moved from Platypus) on the Island instead of 1st November as previously advised.

It is your Association and your SUBCON so how about attending the next meeting at Spectacle Island and giving support to your Association.

Geoffrey Anderson,
President, NSW Branch

Victoria Branch
Just a friendly reminder to anyone who is intending making the trip to Holbrook on Oct 17-18. It has been put to the Victoria Branch by the Greater Hume City Council that, for catering reasons and others, the opening of the Hologram on Sunday morning will be by invite only. The members who have notified me or who are travelling by bus have automatically been RSVPd by Mike Bennett on your behalf and do not need a further reply to Holbrook.

If you are intending to travel to Holbrook but have not notified us of your intention, then no guarantee can be given for admittance to the opening of the display and presentation of the Jolly Roger.  Also, attendance at the opening is for members only. If you are not currently financial, our Treasurer will, I am assured, be only too grateful to receive your donation at some time whilst up in Holbrook, this will not only assist your branch but also give you tickets to our Christmas bonanza !!  Looking forward to a great weekend in Holbrook.

Boot Hatfield
Secretary, Victorian Branch

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Submarine Hologram at Holbrook
SAA members have received an invitation to the opening of the Submarine Hologram at Holbrook on the Sunday 18th October 2009.  The opening will also be the occasion of the presentation (on permanent loan) of a WWII Submarine Artifact, the Jolly Roger flown by HMS/M Unseen on completions of War Patrols in the period up to 1945.

AROUND THE TRAPS

Dave Cairns (R93980) is after some help to honour one of our own, LROSM Jim Dansey. "I served with Jim at Leeuwin and Duchess. As Jim was a member of the 7th intake of JR's in July 1963,we,the members of the 1963 JR's Association are in the process of dedicating a memorial plaque to him at the Naval Chapel at GI. My last contact with Jim was in March 1965 and as I will be delivering the eulogy I thought maybe the members of Up Periscope could give me some information/stories about Jim." Can you help, if so please contact Dave (cc me please).

Kevin ‘Woolly' Hayton reports "A couple of week ago Garry (Bendy Toy) Bax and myself attended the second ‘National Digger’s Bowls Carnival’ at Dubbo and although we were part of a team from Zone 7 RSL Bowls we did fly the ‘Submariner Flag’ with the usual plumb and decorum fitting a submariner (and I didn’t have to carry Bendy Once). The event attracted over 180 bowlers from all services with teams consisting of blokes who had served together in the varying regiments, ships or squadrons which got me thinking that maybe we could put together a team of submariners (or two or three) for next years carnival.   The format is 3 bowls triples and is played over three days (Tues, Wed & Thursday) in the second or third week in September. There is some decent prize money for the top sixteen plus consolation money for the also-rans. Anyone interested can contact me for more info."  Now that would have been interesting to watch........ two old men playing an old man's game!!!  I wonder if it was the white uniform that got them interested?

Rick Steley is playing 'tourist' and if he honours his words, I look forward to seeing him on his travels "We will be in your area somewhere between the 7th 10th November, maybe a little earlier, maybe a little later and would love to drop by. I am sure I could find a bottle of Pussers Rum to bring with me. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to get to WA so we are heading for SE QLD instead with a side trip between the 27th Oct and 6th November to NZ After returning from NZ, we will be caravanning slowly back to Darwin up the coast road." 

Colin Deller and missus are also currently touring in their caravan and are in Mandurah (WA) for a few months visiting his daughter. If you want to catch up with Col send him an email.

Had my first Gig as a stand up comedian at an old people's home last night. They didn't get any of my jokes but they still pissed themselves.

One of my favourite Chief Tiffirs (but don't let him know) is Jock Wilson and he has a word of wisdom that you should all heed. "Recognising the symptoms early and doing something about it, rather than putting on a macho act and sitting on your hands, is so important. Too many chaps are so rough and tough that they put themselves in an early grave. A few years back I lost a friend to prostate cancer. I have kept a 6 monthly check on my PSA for a long time and a sudden spike in my reading set the wheels in motion for a trip to a Urologist followed by a biopsy which proved positive for prostate cancer. A trip to an Oncologist followed and in the early part of this year 8 1/2 weeks of radiation treatment. This required a trip in to Melbourne every week day for a bit of targeted radiation where the sun doesn't shine. The only side effects were tiredness and a bit of a sun tan in the most unusual of places....... The result? Completely clear and no sign of escape of the cancer to any other part of my body. A well placed digit early in the game can save your life. Pass it on, if you have any problems or doubts about your waterworks - get it checked."

Jock went on to say "In an earlier Log Dutchie Holland mentioned a bit about his photography days in boats. I got to thinking that I possibly had a couple of his items stashed away somewhere. Attached are a couple that he took I think on Oxley."

Another that has had a fight with cancer and won is Chris Gunn "I see the dermatologist every three months or so for pre-skin cancer treatment. I call it getting sliced and diced. Started in 1988 and has continued ever since. Nearly three years ago I could have lost my right eye but fortunately he was able to stop cutting just before he got to the eye socket. My wife is Russian and I have met some Russian submariners – we are all buddies in boats."  Good news about saving the eye mate, but imagine the warries you could have spun wearing an eye patch........ eye me hardies!!!

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Ray and Robyn Kemp's 10 week Skiing (Spending the Kids Inheritance) to UK, Europe and Ireland is nearly over. He reports "If anything, the things that have been a highlight is that it is bloody expensive and the Poms keep running into me in car parks. Both my hire cars have extra dents in them after parking in car parks. We started off leaving home on the 1st August flying via Singapore on a 2 for Business Class ticket, Robyn reckons it only cost an extra $125 an hour to fly that way. We arrived fresh and ready to rock and roll, after getting lost getting out of Heathrow it was off to Dover to pick up a Great Britain Heritage pass (well worth the money). We did Dover, Canterbury, visited Robyn's ancestororal home town of Westfield and then to Pompy via the town of 1066."

"Day 2 we did Arundel Castle, a Roman ruin and then the Victory. A thing to note I used my DVA white card and we both got in for nothing save us $50. I have used it in heaps of places and saved heaps. Spent the week touring England before having a week in Scotland, visited my old house in Greenock and did the Tattoo. Week 3 off to London for 6 days. Weeks 4 to 7 was a 31 day tour of Europe doing 14 countries. Had a great time, spent heaps. The Eastern block countries of Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria were the cheapest, they were also very dirty and polluted. The standard of Hotel was better for the price also. Along the roads were heaps of prostitutes serving the truckles. Once we left those countries the standard of food at hotels and rooms dropped. We have spent the last 2 weeks driving Ireland doing family research and just having a good time. We also visited the locations of one of my favorite movies the Quiet Man (picture enclosed). For the last week we are based in Nottinghamshire on a canal boat. Today it is wet and windy. Will be back home next Saturday then off to work so as to raise funds for the next trip."

"PS Forgot to mention visited the site of U534 in Liverpool yesterday, they have cut it into 4 sections as soon as I walked outside I could smell the diesel, it smelt just like an Oberon."  The U354 Engine Room looks like Oxley's!

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Phil Solomon has been in contact after a period deep "Just finished silly season here with Meridien Marina's Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week and, my favourite, The Airlie Beach Fun Race. I picked up Ken Williams and his better half at Proserpine Airport and took them to the ferry to Hamilton Island where young Ken was crewing this year. Nope, he hasn't got any better looking with age. Didn't have much time together but managed a few coldies at the Sailing Club and scaring the locals with two submariners spinning warries at the same time.

Also have had various visitors staying with us for a month solid with, at best, one night changeover before the next ones arrived. The eldest birdie of the family popped in for a couple of days and helped me christen the new Tiki Bar I've built in the back garden. See the attached photo. Also attached is photo of my parrot, Captain Ron, doing some promotion of Submarine recruiting for us. The other photo is me and my crew of pirate wenches for the fun race. A bloody good day as usual and lots of fun at the finish line with the traditional Miss Figurehead contest gracing the bows of most boats. Airlie Beach must be the only place left in Oz where this could happen!! Won't include any photos here as it is a family website and a lot of old fart stokers with dicky hearts!!!!

Doing my bit to solve the Global Financial Crisis by just completing a month at the marina doing much needed maintenance on my yacht. The economy should be pumping along now with the smaller nation's GDP I have just spent on her .... Bloody Boats!! After new sheets and halyards, genoa cars, batteries, battery isolator switches, alternator, wiring, new mainsail, and several hundred hours of the sweat pouring out of my finely tuned body, I have decided to recoup the outlay by printing t-shirts with "We Hate Boats" on the front. Should be a big seller if all the swearing from other boat owners around me at the marina are any indication. Anyway Norm, that's it from the Whitsundays for now. Heather and I are going to enjoy having the house to ourselves for a little while until the next visitors arrive. Take it easy mate and rest that arm."

Darryl Dick asks "Could you check if anyone has a copy of the DVD- Video of " Wear them with pride ". I think it may have been volunteer propaganda. I will pay any costs. Thanks mate. Keep smiling and don't let the bastard get you down."

Helen Wyatt sent the following interesting information "Terry showed me up periscope article about the log books at National Archives. As you know I worked there for more years than I want to remember. Would it be useful if I gave you a summary of what the archives AND the War Memorial hold in relation to the subs and Platypus. In the past, I was involved in some of the registrations and have looked at some of the series. As it is, I am still keeping my hand in and will be requesting access to some more in relation to Orion which will become available (or should be) next year." I will be in touch with Helen and may be able to set up a list on the SAA website.
Long time visitor to the site, Nikolay 'Captain Nick' Teplyakov wrote "In the year 2001 you sent me an Australian submariners ball cap. I was wearing it with honour until this September. I had it on at submariners conventions in Germany, France, Russia, Poland and at all submariners meeting in Russia. It burnt down on the sun rays, but still looked great. During my sea voyage this month it was blown on the wind and sunk in Atlantic waters. Is it possible to arrange another one for me and how can I pay for it."  I was more than happy to send Captain Nick a replacement, after all, we are all Buddies in Boats.

Keith 'Scarpa' Broomfield reports "I was house sitting my sisters place on the Gold Coast the last couple of weeks (you can do this when you are retired!) and on visiting the Australia Fair shopping centre in Southport to stock up on the victuals I bumped into Wally Wallen - my first words were 'where has your hair gone?' Ever tactful!! He looks well and we had a good chat - arsehole never bought me a coffee though (probably thinks the same of me)!  On a recent long weekend where my good wife and I had a nice stay just out of Dorrigo (we did the Waterfall Way tour), however on visiting the 'world's smallest motorcycle museum' in Jaun Del Fuego Cafe in Dorrigo I espied on the wall a tribute to Tex O'Grady and his contributions to the less fortunate people. I read with interest just how well thought of in the motorcycle community Tex is (not too mention his fantastic dog). Amazingly I found out that he owns a motorcycle mechanical business not too far from where I live, so on return to Sydney I paid him a visit - it's great to just bump into the old team every now and then."  It sure is, submariners are like a fart in a lift, you can't get away from it/them!

Frank Hicks wrote "I read the entry on David "Dutchy" Holland with interest. Particularly where he says "DVA tell me it was NOT due to my time in Vietnam escorting Sydney, as no Navy folks were exposed to Agent Orange, (which causes CLL) only those on land??". This is total bullshit. In April 2008 I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and placed on a course of radical chemotherapy. Bottom line - it was found to be in remission by October 2008. That aside, I decided to follow this up with a RSL Advocate and put in a claim to DVA. End result, after much to-ing and fro-ing, claim was accepted as War caused and am on a pension for said claim. The advice I would give Dutchy is to get a good Advocate and do the research. There is a lot of information out there now and if you state your case properly it will get up. As we know DVA will not just roll over and give in to every claim - they make you work for your outcome. The fact is that DVA has accepted my claim. It was based on using potable water from the ships fresh water tanks. I was on Yarra in Vietnam waters FEB70 and FEB71." I must admit that it only took one phone call from me and one from my specialist to DVA and they accepted my claim for payment of medical expenses immediately.  I have been very impressed with the service that they are giving at this stage.  I will see how it goes when i put in my claim for a few other bits and pieces that are falling off.... And yes, get advice from an advocate, a must!

Interesting Websites
http://www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Navy_News - For all of you old salts, these WILL bring back memories!http://www.animatronics.org/strangers/strangers.htm - Frank Sinatra singing Strangers on my Flight
http://www.boozle.com.au/beer - Type the beer you want, then fill in the suburb when that screens appears, and hey presto! The cheapest price and the location of it arrives for your pleasure. Someone has finally put a computer to good use! Type in what beer ( or spirit ) you want , next screen is your postcode and it then tells you the cheapest place to buy it.

An “Oh Crap!" Moment
With his request approved, the ABC News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight to take pictures of the fires on the hillsides. He was told a single engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport. Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.  He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, 'Let's go.'
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, 'Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.'
Why?' asked the pilot.
'Because I'm the photographer for ABC Cable News,' he responded. 'And I need to get some close up shots.'
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment. Finally he stammered, 'So, what you're telling me is .... You're NOT my Flight instructor?'

HEALTH & WELFARE

Pensioner Exemption for Paying Phone Bills with Cash
If you still pay your phone bills with cash there is a number you can phone to get a pensioner exemption for the soon-to-be-introduced ripoff. This is the $2.20 you will be charged if you front up to the PO or Telstra with your bill to pay it in person.  Phone 1800 445 708, they require your phone number, name, dob and pension card number to register for exemption from this fee. You can register your home and mobile phones.

Changes to Queensland Road Rules
Recent changes to the road rules in Queensland (yes we do have them) have been poorly promulgated and i was surprised at the number there are, ten pages in fact.  The attached file lists them, it is in your interest to read them (especially all you skate boarders out there) if you live in God's country!

Defence News
Greg Combet in discussions with US industry on Australia's Future Submarine project
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today finalised discussions with US industry on Australia's Future Submarine project that will replace the Collins class submarines.  "The United States is a leader in the design and development of submarine technology, and I expect that Australia will look to learn from companies like General Dynamics Electric Boat and Lockheed Martin in designing and developing the Collins class replacement," Mr Combet said.

"The Future Submarine will be Australia's largest ever Defence acquisition and the Rudd Government is committed to ensuring that Australia obtains a world leading submarine capability. US technology is likely to be an important facilitator of this capability. "Electric Boat designs and shares the build of the Virginia class submarines for the US Navy and has been instrumental in driving down production costs to enable the US to increase the production rate of these submarines.

"Lockheed Martin is a major supplier in the US Navy submarine combat system, the Collins Replacement Combat System supplies submarine combat systems or components to Spain and the United Kingdom."  "I welcome the interest from US industry in supporting the Future Submarine project.

"Any US involvement in the Future Submarine would build on the relationships developed with Electric Boat and other US companies in support of the Collins class."  Mr Combet also discussed the ongoing arrangements between ASC and Electric Boat in support of the Collins class.

US Navy Set to Crew Subs with Female Sailors
September 25, 2009 Military.com|by Christian Lowe

Breaking with a tradition that spans more than half a century, the Navy is in the final planning stages to integrate female Sailors into its submarine fleet. Long considered one of the most elite communities in the U.S. Navy, the small, secretive force has been comprised entirely of male officers and crew in large part because of the small living spaces and long endurance missions.

The service had examined assigning a small number of females on subs over the last ten years, but found the tight confines and lack of a well-defined career path for female submariners too daunting to change. Until now.

"Having commanded a mixed gender surface combatant, I am very comfortable addressing integrating women into the submarine force," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead in a statement to Military.com. "I am familiar with the issues as well as the value of diverse crews."

"This has had and will continue to have my personal attention as we work toward increasing the diversity of our Navy afloat and ashore," he added.

According to a senior commander in the Navy's submarine fleet who spoke to Military.com on condition of anonymity, incoming Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has charged the service with overcoming past objections and assigning females to subs -- breaking down one of the last barriers in the service to female assignments. "We have now received a signal from the secretary of the Navy that he's ready to move out on this. We have never had that signal before," the senior sub commander said. "So now it's time to do some detailed planning to ensure that this is executable."

The official said the submarine fleet would likely not see female crewmembers for at least two years, but he said it was a change whose time had come. "There is no job on a submarine that a woman can't do," the official said during a Sept. 25 phone interview. "We have a vast pool of very talented young women out there who want to serve on submarines."

One of the biggest obstacles to the integration is technical -- how can the Navy make accommodations on such small vessels for female crew, such as separate heads and bunks? The official said integrating females into the ballistic missile submarine fleet would be less of a challenge than on the attack sub fleet, where he said "we really don't have much room to store the toilet paper much less make up a new bathroom" for female crew.

It's likely that the first female submariners will be officers and that they will be assigned to the larger, ballistic missile submarines, or "boomers." The officer accommodations on subs include two- and three-man staterooms and a shared head that could easily be made unisex, the official said.

"The plan for officers involves no physical changes to the ships," the official said, adding that rough estimates of changes for enlisted crew on ballistic missile subs and cruise missile subs run below $10 million per ship.

The official estimates assigning as many as five female officers per sub. With the enlisted cadre, it's a much more difficult proposition. Not only is there the amount of physical space to consider, but also the career paths and non-commissioned officer leadership to build, the official said.

Navy officials agree that females must be at least 20 percent of the sub's crew -- meaning 20 women on an attack sub, for example -- so that the women don't feel isolated and have "mutual support" from Sailors of the same gender.

Sub fleet leaders also want to make sure there are enough qualified chief petty officers to lead and mentor those female crewmembers. "Eventually [the Navy] will need to retain enough of the women coming in so that they can eventually provide that leadership," the Navy official said. "We need to have a program and a plan in place that is self-sustaining [and] not always dependent on the surface fleet to get petty officers and officers."

But perhaps the biggest challenge to integrating women into the submarine fleet is cultural. For decades a male-dominated community whose long-endurance missions and distance from logistical support make living and working on a submarine a sometimes dirty job with little privacy (attack submarine crew share bunks when not on duty), the idea of placing women in such close confines worries both veteran submariners and spouses who fear distraction from the job or infidelity.

"The idea is likely to be unpopular with some traditionalist submariners, who long have believed that the lack of any physical and mental privacy whatsoever and the claustrophobic confines make the idea unworkable," said Joe Buff, a noted expert on submarine warfare, novelist, and Military.com contributor.

"Some wives of submariners have also expressed concern over fraternization, which has at times been an issue in the surface Navy and on diesel subs of other nations that have had co-ed crews."

No matter the rumblings within the fleet and from vets and spouses, SecNav Mabus told Military.com in a statement his service is "moving out aggressively on this."

"I believe women should have every opportunity to serve at sea, and that includes aboard submarines," he added.

Military Has Reasons for Excluding Women on Subs
By Adele Ferguson Thursday, October 8, 2009 11:28 AM PDT

Having once waged a battle with the Navy over its refusal to let me join male reporters in taking a submarine ride from Seattle to Everett, I feel entitled, if not qualified, to comment on the current push to let women sailors serve aboard subs. My application to make the cruise aboard the Nautilus was rejected because I was a woman, the Navy said. Submarines are not built or equipped to accommodate females, it said. There were no separate heads aboard for women to use in case they had to go during the trip, it said.

I responded that we had only one bathroom at my house that was used by both sexes with no problems. And that I would do my best to hold it throughout the trip if that would help but the Navy said no. It said no when U.S. Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson spoke up on my behalf along with a number of other prominent folk. No, no, no, said the Navy, and the Nautilus left without me.

I wrote a newspaper story about it which appeared in newspapers all over the world and made the Navy, I was told, the laughingstock of the Pentagon. A year or so later when the Nautilus came back through Washington again, I was invited to ride from Everett to Seattle and they treated me very well. I was tempted during the trip to write “Adele was here” behind the plumbing in one of the heads but I resisted the urge.

Anyway, somebody, I’m not sure who but I suspect it was one of those women who insist on really equal equal rights and has friends in high places, is pushing for a review of the Navy’s policy banning women from serving on subs.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is willing. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead says he’s willing, and Joint Chiefs Chair Adm. Mike Mullen has written to the Senate Armed Services Committee saying he’d like to see the policy changed. Any disagreement, apparently, is with the men who serve on the subs.

We went through the first phase of this back in the 1990s when the push was to let women serve on combat ships, a ban which the Navy repealed in 1994. Barbara Bush said at the time that it would be fine with her “If I thought a woman physically could pick up someone who was wounded and carry them to safety, or if I thought they could throw a hand grenade as far as a man.”

I wrote that it was a bum idea because men were more powerful than women so they couldn’t necessarily do equal things, an example being that women tennis players and golfers still don’t play in matches with men because they are outmuscled.

Chiefly, however, the drawback on women in combat that nobody wants to talk about was that they had menstruation to contend with, not to mention PMS. Drugs to halt menses for periods of time were not very successful, and had many bad side effects. I subsequently heard from a supply officer that four times as much toilet paper had to be ordered for women in the service as for the men. Where are they going to put four times as much toilet paper on a submarine?

Submarines are the most compact vessel in the Navy with every inch of space spoken for. Putting men and women into the same sleeping compartments risks a little too much familiarity so I doubt the wives of submariners think much of the idea. If they have to have separate sleeping quarters, they have to build bigger subs.

I wish the women’s libbers would cool it on trying to break up the all-male camaraderie aboard submarines. I know their theme song is “Anything you can do, I can do better,” but in this case I doubt that very much.

Repairs of India-bound Russian sub hit by lack of funds
Repairs to an ill-fated Russian nuclear submarine that is due to be leased to India have been hampered as the shipyard has not been paid for its work, its chief said on Thursday.

The Nerpa attack submarine, on which 20 people were killed in an accident last year, “returned to its base after successful tests where it should be subject to more in-dock work and then state tests, but there are problems”, said Nikolai Povzyk, head of the Vostok shipyard which makes the submarine. “The Vostok’s electrical supply is currently cut off for debts, and we never got the money for the work we have done,” Ria-Novosti news agency quoted Povzyk as saying.

The shipyard was due to be paid 1.9 billion rubles ($63.8 million) for repairing the submarine after last year’s accident but has not yet been paid, he said. The Nerpa was undergoing trials in the Sea of Japan last November when the submarine’s fire-fighting system accidentally went off, filling it with a toxic gas that killed 20 people on board.

Sub order: Israel to ask for German cash
Germany has been asked to help fund yet another submarine for the Israeli navy. Jerusalem plans to order another submarine of the Dolphin class from German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG and has asked the German government to subsidize the order, German news magazine Der Spiegel reports.

Berlin has helped Israel pay for five previously ordered submarines. The first two (named Dolphin and Leviathan) were a gift by Germany after it surfaced that German companies were involved with Iraq's chemical weapons program. To save the orders and jobs for the German shipyards, Chancellor Helmut Kohl decided to pay for the first two subs with tax money and subsidize half of the third model, named Tehumah.

When Israel decided to order two more subs, Berlin chipped in a third of those costs as well. Those two submarines -- No. 4 and No. 5 -- were delivered last month. They are upgraded versions of the original Dolphin and feature an air-independent propulsion system.

Now No. 6 is ready to be ordered, and Israel is due to ask Berlin to shoulder at least part of the estimated $750 million price tag. In Germany, critics of the Israeli submarine deal fear that the vessels could be used to fire nuclear warheads. Observers nevertheless expect Berlin to subsidize the order.

The Dolphin-class submarines are among the most sophisticated and capable conventional submarines in the world. The 190-foot non-nuclear sub is based on the German 209 class but is larger and more heavily armed.

The subs can fire torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and mines. The vessels are also believed to be capable of launching Popeye Turbo cruise missiles that could be armed with nuclear warheads. These missiles have a range of up to 930 miles. A Dolphin-class submarine in a recent military exercise entered the Suez Canal together with an Egyptian escort, in a move that was widely interpreted as a warning to Iran.

Niggs, put Boof down, it's walk time.............

Sunday, 3^rd October 2009

An unexpected call from the specialist means I have to return to hospital in the morning and this has meant that I am unable to complete the Log today due to family commitments (big brother coming up to look after the menagerie).

I promise to get an update online next week.

Till next week..... keep smiling!