Aug-Sep-Oct, Nov-Dec 1971-Jan 1972 - Navy League of Australia

For Your Future ReferenceT. G. JONESPTY. LTD.(STURDEE BLOCKS)THE ROYALAUSTRALIAN NAVY TODAYThe Royal Australian Navy is responding to the advancesnow being made in maritime technology.Who are Proud to be associated with the Navy-Department in the Supply ofBLOCKS STEEL WITH SWIVEL EYE. FREEHOOK AND THIMBLEfor Further Information contact . .T. G. Jones Pty. Ltd.MOIRA STREETADAMSTOWN, NEWCASTLE57-3822 Phone 57-3822* Recommended Supplier to the R.A.NIIIIKING GEEOVERALLS-TROUSERS& SHIRTSand SHORTS"KING GEE" WORK CLOTHES FOR THETOUGHEST WORK OFTHE NATIONShow you careall the year aroundFor bringing thle message to you, Legacy thank*tha management of thle publicationNicol Bros.Pty. Ltd.ALL CLASSES OFSTEAM. DIESEL AND GENERALENGINEERINGProof Testing and Fabrication.Cargo Gear to 100 TonsDead Weight to 40 TonsApproved by NATA10-20 Weston StreetBALMAIN EAST, N.S.W.Phone: 82-0367 (3 lines)AfterHours:76-9485—86-3225—451 -7427Destroyers, escorts, submarinesand aircraft are being computerisedand fitted with electronics to worldstandards. As a result, the R.A.N.'ssailors are technologists with yearsof training in handling complex andexpensive equipment.The Fleet now has grown to 55ships, the largest number evercommissioned in peace-time.It includes an aircraft carrier,which is the flagship; front-linedestroyers and escorts, and air andsubmarine arms which can operateindependently.These units are backed by patroland mine-warfare ships, supportvessels and hydrographic andoceanographic ships.Soon, the R.A.N, will begin movinginto the 1980s with a new O&Mmaritime defence — the Australiandesignedand built light destroyer(DDL).The project will ultimately give theR.A N. a warship with high top speed,a long range at cruising speed and avariety of weapons.Other additions planned for theFleet include a fast combat supportship to carry fuel and stores, anoceanographic ship, a hydrographicship and two more submarines.These developments, along withothers, are aimed at providing aNavy which can fulfil its variedroles:—• to have a force capable of timelyand sustained combat operations atsea:• detection of enemy naval forcesand sea commerce:• establishing superiority in areasas necessary for naval operations,including protection of sea lines ofcommunications;• conducting naval offensiveoperations against enemy forces andinstallations:•conducting naval reconnaissanceand surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, shipping protectionand hydrographic andoceanographic surveying:" providing naval support tor landoperations;• providing military sea transportfor Australian Services; and• providing seaward and harbourdefence of ports and anchorages.AIRCRAFT CARRIERThe light aircraft carrier H.M.A.S.Melbourne is the Royal AustralianNavy's flagshipWith her Skyhawk. Tracker andWessex aircraft. Melbournecombines aerial defence of the Fleetwith her anti-submarine role.She also has a limited strike capacitywhich has been strengthenedwith the purchase of additionalSkyhawk aircraft this yearWhen carrying extra Skyhawk aircraftthe carrier will control a significantstrike force which can bedirected against either maritime orshore targets and can give groundsupport to the Army.Melbourne embarked her presentaircraft in 1969 after an extendedrefit, which included modificationsto aid flying and handling of the newgeneration aircraft.Melbourne was laid down in April.1943. as H.M.S. Majestic, at the sametime as H.M.S. Terrible (nowH.M.A.S. Sydney) and was launchedm 1945.With the end of World War II. however.work on Majestic ceasedAn artist's Impression of the proposed DDI. The new destroyer for the R.A.N, will have a high speed and long endurance and will bepropelled by gas turbines.Page EighteenTHE NAVY August-September-October, 197