Annual Report 2013-14
Volume 1, Part 2 : Performance
Program 1.2: Navy Capabilities
The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, was appointed on 1 July 2014, following the appointment of Vice Admiral Ray Griggs as VCDF. He is responsible and accountable to the CDF for the command, leadership and capability output of the Navy. He is also Defence’s principal naval adviser on strategic matters.
The Navy supports the ADF in protecting and advancing Australia’s strategic interests through the provision of maritime forces. This support ranges from maritime patrol and response, through to interdiction and strategic strike, and amphibious warfare capabilities. It includes protection of trade, shipping and offshore territories and resources. Support is provided through maritime intelligence collection and evaluation, hydrographic and oceanographic operations, and escort duties. Peacetime activities encompass not only training but also maritime surveillance and response within Australia’s offshore maritime zones. The Navy undertakes hydrographic, oceanographic and meteorological support operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime search and rescue.
The Navy sustained a high tempo of operations, activities and training during 2013–14, in a context of further extensive cultural change and significant reform in many areas, especially in engineering and ship sustainment.
Overall, the Navy performed well against deliverable targets and key performance indicators, and made good progress in stabilising the materiel state of the submarine force and amphibious and afloat support vessels. Notwithstanding this pleasing achievement, Armidale class patrol boats continued to face hull maintenance challenges that had an impact on their ability to participate fully in border protection duties. Additionally, the assignment of hydrographic ships to Operation Resolute, combined with a scheduled propulsion system upgrade for the ships, limited their contribution to Hydroscheme 2013–2016, which, although substantially met, was reduced in scope for 2013–14.
While the Navy was able to substantially achieve appropriate levels of preparedness during the year, its ability to fully meet its commitments in this regard was affected by continuing reliability issues with the Armidale class patrol boats and limitations in the number of available aviation assets, due primarily to delays in the introduction of the multi-role helicopter (MRH-90).
The Navy continued progress in the delivery of the first Canberra class landing helicopter dock, the introduction of the MRH-90, delivery of the first MH-60R combat helicopters and the upgrade of the Anzac frigate fleet to make them more effective against contemporary missile threats.
In October 2013, the International Fleet Review was conducted, celebrating, in a most emphatic and successful way, the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy fleet’s first arrival in Sydney Harbour.
Table 3.4: Program 1.2 deliverables
Deliverable |
Status |
|---|---|
Prepare, sustain and lead assigned forces to deliver capability to meet government requirements |
Met |
Maintain preparedness of Navy capability as directed by the CDF |
Substantially met |
Undertake joint collective training to ensure force elements are prepared for deployment and operations |
Met |
In consultation with the Capability Development Group and the DMO, continue to plan, develop and monitor the delivery of, and transition to, new capability |
Met |
Provide timely, accurate and considered advice on Navy capabilities to the Government, the CDF and the Secretary |
Met |
Deliver reform and savings without compromising agreed levels of Navy capability and safety |
Met |
Table 3.5: Program 1.2 deliverables—Unit Ready Days (URD)
Deliverable |
Status |
|---|---|
18 major combatants |
Met |
20 minor combatants |
Substantially met |
9 amphibious and afloat support |
Met |
7 maritime teams |
Met |
9 hydrographic force |
Met |
Notes
URD are the aggregate number of days that constitute force elements that are available for tasking.
Table 3.6: Program 1.2 deliverables (products)
Deliverable |
Status |
|---|---|
85 nautical charts |
Met |
30 nautical publications |
Substantially met 29 out of a planned 30 publications were published. |
1,100 maritime safety update work orders |
Met |
Table 3.7: Program 1.2 deliverables (flying hours)
Deliverable |
Status |
|---|---|
16 S-70B-2 (Seahawks) |
Met |
13 AS350B (Squirrels) |
Substantially met |
6 MH-60R |
Met |
1 Laser airborne depth sounder aircraft |
Substantially met |
Table 3.8: Program 1.2 key performance indicators
Key performance indicator |
Status |
|---|---|
Achieve levels of preparedness as directed by the CDF |
Substantially met |
Meet the Government’s operational requirements |
Met |
Generate and sustain forces for each current operation |
Met |
Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills, professional standards and baseline preparedness |
Substantially met |
Provide timely, accurate and considered advice on Navy capabilities to the Government, the CDF and the Secretary |
Met |
Achieve Hydroscheme 2013–2016 data and surveying tasking requirements to meet national hydrographic surveying and charting obligations |
Substantially met Assignment of hydrographic ships to Operation Resolute, combined with a scheduled propulsion system upgrade for the ships, limited their contribution to Hydroscheme. |
