Royal Australian Navy

From Themarshallwiki

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After World War II, the RAN was focussed on forward defence in South East Asia, therefore the RAN was structure to provide a carrier battle group to a NATO, or SEATO command. This was centred around the carrier HMAS Melbourne. After withdrawal from Vietnam, Australia changed its focus to a Two-Ocean Navy which would operate indpendently in home defence.
After World War II, the RAN was focussed on forward defence in South East Asia, therefore the RAN was structure to provide a carrier battle group to a NATO, or SEATO command. This was centred around the carrier HMAS Melbourne. After withdrawal from Vietnam, Australia changed its focus to a Two-Ocean Navy which would operate indpendently in home defence.
-
This was to be focussed around 2 carrier battle groups (one for the Pacific Ocean, the other for the Indian Ocean), patrol vessels in the North, and submarines for survellance, interdiction, and special forces support. This led to an expansion and modernisation of the RAN. The 3 Perth class DDG's, and 3 Voyager class DD's were replaced with 8 destroyers, 4 Ballarat (Spruance) class for ASW, and 4 Shropshire (Kidd) class for AAW. 2 each of these powerful ships were deployed to each coast. Six Adelaide (Perry) class frigates were acquired to back them up, and also to provide long range patrol in the Southern Ocean, and defence of merchant and amphibious ships. Six River class frigates were used to back the northern patrol forces, and for naval gunfire support.
+
This was to be focussed around 2 carrier battle groups (one for the Pacific Ocean, the other for the Indian Ocean) with 4 large destroyers (the term 'cruiser' was avoided for political reasons, however the ships sought had a displacement of over 9000 tons), patrol vessels in the North, and submarines for survellance, interdiction, and special forces support. This led to an expansion and modernisation of the RAN.
-
During the 1980's the plan was completed, with the construction of two aircraft carriers of the Australia (Clemenceau) class, allowing the retirement of HMAS Melbourne in 1981. All told, Plan 1985 made the RAN the most powerful navy in the Southern Hempsphere.
+
New large destroyers were to be acquired. These were the American Kidd class destroyers with a displacement of over 9000 tons, and two ASW helicopters. They entered service in 1980 as the Shropshire class.
-
Plan 1985 gave the RAN the following combat force:
+
The Daring class destroyers to be replaced and the Perth class guided missile destroyers were to be supplemented by a new guided missile destroyers. The new destroyers, the Ballarat class, were based on the British Type 42 destroyer, but with American weapons, and a different layout. To provide extended anti-submarine capability, four helicopter destroyers were ordered. These were based on a helicopter destroyer version of the Spruance class destroyer, with Ikara replacing ASROC in the Australian version which was known as the Murray class.
-
*2 Australia (Clemenceau) class aircraft carriers
+
Two frigate roles were defined, escort and patrol. The RAN determined that to fulfill both roles, that at least 12 frigates were required. The patrol role was less important, and River class frigates were transferred to this role as Adelaide class frigates became available to replace them as escorts.
-
*6 Shropshire (Kidd) class guided missile destroyers
+
-
*6 Ballarat (Modified Spruance) class destroyers
+
-
*4 Murray class (Spruance DDH variant) class helicopter destroyers
+
-
*6 Adelaide (Oliver Hazard Perry) class guided missile frigates
+
-
*6 River (Type 12) class frigates
+
-
*6 Oberon class submarines
+
-
At the beginning of the 1990's, the RAN reexamined its force structure, and procurement options, and instead of extending the life of its destroyers by adding VLS, and upgrading the old River class frigates, it was decided in 1993 by the new Minister for Defence, [[Chris Marshall]], to renew the force by acquiring 10 AEGIS warships (4 cruisers, 6 destroyers), 10 frigates, and 8 new submarines.
+
By 1990, the Royal Australian Navy had a substantial combat force force including:
-
 
+
*2 [[Australia class aircraft carrier|Australia class Aircraft Carriers (R)]]
-
The Ballarat and Shropshire class destroyers were given VLS, but then placed in Inactive Reserve. They can be reactivated within fourteen days for action. The Adelaide class frigates are also in inactive reserve.
+
*4 Shropshire class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
 +
*4 Murray class Helicopter Destroyers (DDH)
 +
*4 Ballarat class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
 +
*3 Perth class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
 +
*6 Adelaide class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG)
 +
*6 River class Destroyer Escorts (DE)
 +
*6 Oberon class Submarines (SSG)
 +
*15 Fremantle class patrol boats (FCPB)
Today the RAN is one of the largest naval forces in the Pacific region and has a significant presence in the Indian Ocean, and has undertaken operations in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Today the RAN is one of the largest naval forces in the Pacific region and has a significant presence in the Indian Ocean, and has undertaken operations in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Revision as of 13:26, 21 May 2009

Royal Australian Navy

200-px
The Australian White Ensign

Founded 10 July 1911
Country Australia
Branch Navy
Part of Australian Defence Force
Naval Headquarters Canberra
Size 80 ships, about 15,000 personnel
Commanders
Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sir Russ Shalders, AK
Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Russell Crane CSM
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Sir Nigel Stephen Coates, AK
Insignia
Navy Crest 100-px
Ship classes
Aircraft carriers Australia class (Clemenceau class)
Cruisers Hobart class
Destroyers Battle class, Voyager class
Frigates Perth class, ANZAC class, Adelaide class
Submarines Collins class
Patrol craft Armidale class, Pacific class
Amphibious ships Canberra class, Kanimbla class, Balikpapan class
Auxiliaries Success class, HMAS Sirius
Aircraft flown
Fighter/Ground Attack Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet
ASW Helicopter Sikorsky S-70B-2 Sea Hawk, Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
VERTREP Westland Sea King Mk 50, Sikorsky S-70A-44 Black Hawk
AEW Helicopter Westland Sea King ASaC Mk.57

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Established in 1911, the RAN was formed out of the Commonwealth Naval Forces to become the small navy of Australia after federation, consisting of the former colonial navies of the new Australian states. The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom continued to provide blue-water defence in the Pacific until World War II, when expansion of the RAN saw the acquisition of aircraft carriers, and other large surface vessels.

After World War II, the RAN was focussed on forward defence in South East Asia, therefore the RAN was structure to provide a carrier battle group to a NATO, or SEATO command. This was centred around the carrier HMAS Melbourne. After withdrawal from Vietnam, Australia changed its focus to a Two-Ocean Navy which would operate indpendently in home defence.

This was to be focussed around 2 carrier battle groups (one for the Pacific Ocean, the other for the Indian Ocean) with 4 large destroyers (the term 'cruiser' was avoided for political reasons, however the ships sought had a displacement of over 9000 tons), patrol vessels in the North, and submarines for survellance, interdiction, and special forces support. This led to an expansion and modernisation of the RAN.

New large destroyers were to be acquired. These were the American Kidd class destroyers with a displacement of over 9000 tons, and two ASW helicopters. They entered service in 1980 as the Shropshire class.

The Daring class destroyers to be replaced and the Perth class guided missile destroyers were to be supplemented by a new guided missile destroyers. The new destroyers, the Ballarat class, were based on the British Type 42 destroyer, but with American weapons, and a different layout. To provide extended anti-submarine capability, four helicopter destroyers were ordered. These were based on a helicopter destroyer version of the Spruance class destroyer, with Ikara replacing ASROC in the Australian version which was known as the Murray class.

Two frigate roles were defined, escort and patrol. The RAN determined that to fulfill both roles, that at least 12 frigates were required. The patrol role was less important, and River class frigates were transferred to this role as Adelaide class frigates became available to replace them as escorts.

By 1990, the Royal Australian Navy had a substantial combat force force including:

  • 2 Australia class Aircraft Carriers (R)
  • 4 Shropshire class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
  • 4 Murray class Helicopter Destroyers (DDH)
  • 4 Ballarat class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
  • 3 Perth class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
  • 6 Adelaide class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG)
  • 6 River class Destroyer Escorts (DE)
  • 6 Oberon class Submarines (SSG)
  • 15 Fremantle class patrol boats (FCPB)

Today the RAN is one of the largest naval forces in the Pacific region and has a significant presence in the Indian Ocean, and has undertaken operations in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Today's fleet consists of around 60 vessels including cruisers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, patrol boats and auxiliary ships. The RAN today is one of the most modern in the Pacific and is tasked with the ability to defend Australian waters and undertake operations in distant locations.

The RAN's major ships are derivatives of Western designs. They frequently include Australian improvements, for example, the Adelaide class Frigates are based on the American Oliver Hazard Perry frigates, but include such improvements as an 8-cell Mk 41 VLS for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. Unlike American ships, they retained their Mk 13 launchers, the capabilities of which are extended by the integration of SM-2MR, and Harpoon Block II.

Australia's Hobart class cruisers are Australian made conbatants based on the American Arleigh Burke class, but are larger, with 128 VLS cells, and 16 Harpoon missiles. They are considered among the most powerful surface combatants in the world.

The ANZAC class Frigates were originally intended as light patrol frigates by the Labor government of the late 1980's, but have been progressively upgraded. Upgrades include adding an extra 8 Mk 41 VLS cells (bringing the total to 16), adding 8 Harpoon launchers, and a new mine avoidance system. An active phased array radar is slated for installation from 2009.

The RAN has two primary bases for its fleet;

  • Fleet Base East, which is located at HMAS Kuttabul near Sydney, NSW.
  • Fleet Base West, located at HMAS Stirling near Perth, WA.

In addition, there are three other ports which are home to the majority of the RAN's minor war vessels (patrol craft, mine warfare craft);

  • HMAS Coonawarra, at Darwin, NT.
  • HMAS Cairns, at Cairns, QLD.
  • HMNZS Philomel, at Devonport, NZ.

Vice Admiral Sir Russ Shalders, AK is the current Chief of the Naval Staff and was appointed to this position in 2005.

All Royal Australian Navy ships and shore stations use the prefix Her Majesty's Australian Ship. Some shore establishments in New Zealand retained the designation Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship, but all warships were redesignated in 1988.

Contents

Combat organisation

The surface fleet is organised into two Carrier Battle Groups (CBG East, and CBG West), each based on an Australia class aircraft carrier, and four Surface Action Groups (SAG Alpha, SAG Bravo, SAG Charlie, SAG Delta), each based on a Hobart class cruiser and a Voyager class destroyer. Each battle group has a Battle class destroyer, and one or two frigates assigned

Current Fleet

(see Ship profiles page)

Combatants

HMAS Hobart underway
HMAS Gallipoli underway
HMAS Warramunga on exercise
HMAS Rankin returns from deployment
HMAS Canberra and HMAS Wellington
HMAS Kanimbla
  • 2 Australia class Aircraft Carriers (R) [1]
    • HMAS Australia
    • HMAS Vengeance
  • 4 Hobart class Guided Missile Cruisers (CG) [2]
    • HMAS Hobart
    • HMAS Brisbane
    • HMAS Southland
    • HMAS Achilles
  • 4 Voyager class Helicopter Destroyers (DDH) [3]
    • HMAS Voyager
    • HMAS Vendetta
    • HMAS Vampire
    • HMAS Victorious
  • 8 Battle class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) [4]
    • HMAS Gallipoli
    • HMAS Milne Bay
    • HMAS Long Tan
    • HMAS Coral Sea
    • HMAS El Alamein
    • HMAS Kokoda
    • HMAS Lone Pine
    • HMAS Cocos
  • 8 ANZAC class Frigates (FFH) [5]
    • HMAS ANZAC
    • HMAS Te Kaha
    • HMAS Arunta
    • HMAS Te Mana
    • HMAS Warramunga
    • HMAS Stuart
    • HMAS Parramatta
    • HMAS Ballarat
  • 2 Perth class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) [6] (2 building, 2 more planned)
    • HMAS Perth
    • HMAS Christchurch
  • 2 Adelaide class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) [7]
    • HMAS Newcastle
    • HMAS Melbourne
  • 16 Armidale class Patrol Boats (PB) [8]
    • HMAS Armidale
    • HMAS Larrakia
    • HMAS Bathurst
    • HMAS Albany
    • HMAS Pirie
    • HMAS Maitland
    • HMAS Ararat
    • HMAS Broome
    • HMAS Bundaberg
    • HMAS Wollongong
    • HMAS Childers
    • HMAS Launceston
    • HMAS Hawea
    • HMAS Pukaki
    • HMAS Rotoiti
    • HMAS Taupo
  • 7 Pacific class Light Patrol Boats (PBL) [9]
    • HMAS Tarangau
    • HMAS Dreger
    • HMAS Lata
    • HMAS Seeadler
    • HMAS Te Kukupa
    • HMAS Basilisk
    • HMAS Auki
  • 8 Collins class Submarines (SSG) [10]
    • HMAS Collins
    • HMAS Farncomb
    • HMAS Waller
    • HMAS Dechaineux
    • HMAS Sheean
    • HMAS Rankin
    • HMAS Orion
    • HMAS Oxley
  • 2 Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) [11]
    • HMAS Canberra
    • HMAS Wellington
  • 2 Kanimbla class Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA) [12]
    • HMAS Kanimbla
    • HMAS Manoora
  • 1 Landing Ship Heavy (LSH) [13]
    • HMAS Tobruk
  • 8 Balikpapan class Landing Craft, Heavy (LCH) [14]
    • HMAS Balikpapan
    • HMAS Brunei
    • HMAS Labuan
    • HMAS Tarakan
    • HMAS Wewak
    • HMAS Salamaua
    • HMAS Buna
    • HMAS Betano
  • 6 Huon class minehunters (MHC) [15]
    • HMAS Huon
    • HMAS Hawkesbury
    • HMAS Norman
    • HMAS Gascoyne
    • HMAS Diamantina
    • HMAS Yarra

Fleet Auxiliaries

HMAS Success in the Arafura Sea
HMAS Sirius refuels HMAS Toowoomba
  • 2 Success class Replenishment Oilers (AOR) [16]
    • HMAS Success
    • HMAS Endurance
  • 1 Fleet Oiler (AO) [17]
    • HMAS Sirius
  • 1 Fleet Oiler (AO) [18]
    • HMAS Endeavour
  • 1 Sail Training Ship (IX)
    • STS Young Endeavour [19]
  • 3 Leeuwin class ocean survey vessels (AGS) [20]
    • HMAS Leeuwin
    • HMAS Melville
    • HMAS Monowai
  • 6 Paluma class coastal survey vessels (SML) [21]
    • HMAS Paluma
    • HMAS Mermaid
    • HMAS Shepparton
    • HMAS Benalla
    • HMAS Resolution
    • HMAS Tui
  • 1 Diving Tender (A) [22]
    • HMNZS Manawanui

Fleet Air Arm

Fleet Air Arm S-70B-2 Seahawk

The Fleet Air Arm (more formally known as the Australian Navy Aviation Group) is the operational part of the Royal Australian Navy responsible for the operation of aircraft aboard ship. The FAA is currently an mixed force, operating helicopters, AEW aircraft, ASW aircraft, and strike fighters in both the following roles.

  • Fleet Air Defence
  • Anti-Surface Warfare
  • Land Attack
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare
  • Reconnaissance
  • Vertical Replenshment
  • Coastal maritime patrol
  • Amphibious Operations (transport of troops and supplies, aerial fire support, and air defence)

The Fleet Air Arm performs mainly operational roles, it has few training resources. The RAN outsources all of its flying training, except conversion training, shipborne helicopter training, and carrier training. BAe Systems perform flight screening, the RAAF perform Basic, and Advanced Flying Training, Navigation Training, Fast Jet Training, and Lead-In Fighter Training. The Army (through the ADF Helicopter School) performs helicopter flight training.

Fleet Air Arm pilots also go on exchange postings to the Royal Navy and Air Force, and American Navy, and Marine Corps.

Future Fleet Air Arm plans include the replacement of the F/A-18 Hornet (which will coincide with the replacement of HMA Ships Australia and Vengeance), replacement of the S-70B-2 Sea Hawk, and AS 350BA.

Fleet Air Arm Units

Carrier Units

  • 808 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 12 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
  • 805 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Fremantle)
    • 12 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
  • 809 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 12 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
  • 815 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Fremantle)
    • 12 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
  • 810 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross, Detachment at HMAS Fremantle)
    • 10 Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
    • 2 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk
  • 814 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross, HMAS Fremantle)
    • 12 Lockheed AS-3B Viking
  • 811 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross, HMAS Fremantle)
    • 10 Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 2000

Surface Combatant Units

  • 816 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 12 Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
    • 15 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk
  • 851 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Fremantle)
    • 10 Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
    • 17 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk

Vertical Replenishment

  • 817 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 10 Sikorsky S-70A-44 Black Hawk
  • 850 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Fremantle)
    • 10 Westland Sea King Mk 50A

Training Units

  • 724 Squadron, RAN (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 8 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
    • 8 Boeing F/A-18D Hornet
  • 725 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 12 Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
    • 4 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk
  • 726 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 8 Lockheed AS-3B Viking
  • 723 Squadron, RAN (HMAS Albatross)
    • 12 Aerospatiale AS 350BA Squirrel
    • 3 Agusta A190E Power

Non-Fleet Air Arm

  • RAN Hydrographic Service1
    • 1 Fokker F27 Friendship Laser Airborne Depth Sounder

1Not part of the Fleet Air Arm, located for convience.

Aircraft Inventory

  • 64 Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet
    • 56 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
    • 8 Boeing F/A-18D Hornet
  • 20 Lockheed AS-3B Viking
  • 10 Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 2000
  • 42 Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk
  • 44 Sikorsky S-70B-9 Seahawk
  • 6 Westland Sea King ASaC Mk.57
  • 10 Sikorsky S-70A-44 Black Hawk
  • 10 Westland Sea King Mk 50A
  • 3 Agusta A190E Power
  • 12 Aerospatiale AS 350BA Squirrel
  • 1 Fokker F27 Friendship Laser Airborne Depth Sounder1

1Not part of the Fleet Air Arm, located for convience.

Fleet Air Arm Deployment

Cruisers carry two S-70B-2 Seahawks. Frigates and destroyers carry one S-70B-2 Seahawk or S-70B-9 Seahawk. Voyager class destroyers carry 5 S-70B-2 Seahawks or S-70B-9 Seahawks. S-70A-44 Black Hawk and Westland Sea Kings are generally land based, but are routinely deployed to HMAS Success, Endurance, and Sirius for Vertical Replenishment operations. They can also be deployed to the RAN's Amphibious ships.

The aircraft carriers HMAS Australia, and HMAS Vengeance each carry 24 F/A-18C Hornets, 6 S-70B-2 Seahawks, 6 AS-3B Vikings, and 4 E-2C Hawkeyes. When the ships were originally acquired (Australia: 1976, Vengeance: 1980), they operated 12 F-8 Crusaders, 12 A-4G Skyhawks, 6 S-2G Trackers, 4 E-2C Hawkeyes, and 5 Sea Kings.

The AS-3B Vikings have upgraded with equipment similar to that used on the RAAF's AP-3C Orions.

The RAN's Hornet force carries out the following missions:

  • Fleet air defence
  • Maritime strike
  • Close air support
  • Land strike
  • Air defence training (for the Army and Navy)

Two squadrons are deployed, 1 Squadron on HMAS Australia is home based at HMAS Albartoss, the other in HMAS Vengeance based at HMAS Fremantle. The third squadron is a training/replacement squadron and is home based at HMAS Albatross.

S-70B-2 Seahawks are used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, boarding party support, and plane guard (on aircraft carriers). They are being replaced by S-70B-9 Seahawks. Both types serve side-by-side in the squadrons. There are three operational squadrons, an aircraft carrier squadron based at HMAS Albatross (with a detachment at HMAS Fremantle), and two surface combatant squadrons (one on each coast). A single training squadron at HMAS Albatross provides conversion and crew training.

E-2C Hawkeye 2000s used for airborne early warning on the aircraft carriers. The S-70A-44 Black Hawk is replacing the Sea King Mk.50 in the vertical replinshment role. The single remaining VERTREP Sea King squadron also does conversion training for AEW Sea Kings. Conversion training for the S-70A-44 is done by 725 Squadron (who also train Seahawk crews)

The RAN's AS 350BA Squirrel helicopters are used in the naval helicopter training role, and are based mostly at HMAS Albatross, though some are based at RAAF Fairbairn with the Defence Force Helicopter School. The Agusta A109E Power supports the Squirrel in 732SQN.

The Fleet Air Arm has two main bases, in line with the Two Ocean Navy Policy. HMAS Albatross (Naval Air Station East) in New South Wales supports units based at HMAS Kuttabul (Fleet Base East) in Sydney, New South Wales, most notably it is the land base for the air group of HMAS Australia. HMAS Albatross is also the Fleet Air Arm's headquarters, and training base. HMAS Fremantle in Western Australia supports the units based at HMAS Stirling (Fleet Base West) (most notably the air group of HMAS Vengeance). RAAF Pearce, and RAAF Williamtown also perform a training function for the RAN through the training of RAN fast jet pilots by 79SQN RAAF, 76SQN RAAF, and 2OCU RAAF.

Clearance Diving Teams

The Clearance Diving Teams (CDT) of the Royal Australian Navy also act as commando frogmen: they consist of naval personnel who are qualified in diving, demolitions, underwater repairs, and reconnaissance. They fulfil a Maritime Counter-Terrorist role as part of the waterborne troop of the Tactical Assault Group East (TAG EAST).

The Clearance Diving Teams are usually under the control of Australian Special Operations Command.

The CDT's have the following roles

  • Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), including:-
    • Location and disposal of sea mines in shallow waters
    • Rendering safe and recovering enemy mines
    • The search for and disposal of ordnance below the high water mark
    • Clearance of surface ordnance in port or on naval facilities
    • Search for, rendering safe or disposal of all ordnance in RAN ships and facilities, including the removal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
  • Maritime Tactical Operations including:-
    • Clandestine hydrographic survey of an amphibious beach
    • Clandestine clearance or demolition of sea/land mines and/or obstacles
    • Clandestine placing of charges, demolitions for the purpose of diversion or demonstration
    • Underwater Battle Damage Repair
    • Support of TAG EAST (4RAR (Cdo)) in maritime terrorist incidents

List of Clearance Diving Teams

  • Clearance Diving Team One (AUSCDT ONE); assigned to the east of Australia and based at HMAS Waterhen in New South Wales
  • Clearance Diving Team Four (AUSCDT FOUR); assigned to the west of Australia and based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia
  • Clearance Diving Team Three (AUSCDT THREE) (formed from personnel of both teams on combat deployments)

There are also ten Reserve Teams (RDT) that provide reinforcements to the regular teams.

  • Reserve Diving Team Six - Victoria
  • Reserve Diving Team Seven - Western Australia
  • Reserve Diving Team Eight - Southern Queensland
  • Reserve Diving Team Nine - South Australia
  • Reserve Diving Team Ten - Tasmania
  • Reserve Diving Team Eleven - Northern Territory
  • Reserve Diving Team Twelve - Northern Queensland
  • Reserve Diving Team Fourteen - New Zealand
  • Reserve Diving Team Fifteen - Solomon Islands

Commissioned Shore Establishments

  • HMAS Kuttabul - Fleet Base East
  • HMAS Stirling - Fleet Base West
  • HMAS Albatross - NAS Nowra
  • HMAS Fremantle - NAS West
  • HMAS Waterhen - Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Group
  • HMAS Cairns
  • HMAS Coonawarra
  • HMNZS Philomel
  • HMNZS Wakefield
  • HMAS Harman - Naval Communications Area Master Station Australia
  • HMAS Creswell - Royal Australian Naval College
  • HMAS Cerberus - Royal Australian Navy Recruit School
  • HMAS Penguin
  • HMAS Watson - Radar Training School

Naval Weapons

Guns

  • 5 in/54 (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 2 gun
  • 5 in/62 (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 4 gun
  • OTO Melara 76 mm/62 caliber naval gun
  • 30 mm DS30B rapid fire cannon
  • Rafael Typhoon 25mm naval stabilised deck gun
  • Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS
  • M2 QCHB 0.50 cal Heavy Machine Gun
  • MAG 58 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun
  • Other small arms (not mounted on ships)

Missiles

  • Standard Missile
    • RIM-66K/M Standard SM-2MR
    • RIM-156 Standard SM-2ER Block IV
    • RIM-161 Standard SM-3
    • RIM-174 Standard SM-6 ERAM
  • RIM-7M Sea Sparrow
  • FIM-92 Stinger1
  • RIM-116 RAM
  • RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile
  • RGM-84D/G/K Harpoon
  • UGM-84D/G/K Sub-Harpoon
  • RGM-109 Tomahawk
  • UGM-109 Tomahawk
  • RGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk
  • UGM-109E Tactical Tomahawk

1FIM-92 Stinger is not ship mounted weapon system. Instead, Stingers are issued to the crews of minor vessels likely to face an air threat such as underway replenishment ships, mine warfare ships, patrol boats, and amphibious ships. Targeting is done manually using spotters, and the ships internal communications system. This replaces the use of Army RBS-70 units on warships.

Torpedoes

  • Mark 46 Torpedo
  • MU90 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
  • Mark-48 ADCAP

Mines

  • Mark 60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo)
  • Mark 67 SLMM (Submarine Launched Mobile Mine)
  • MN103 - MANTA
  • Stonefish mine

Aerial Weapons

Guns

  • M61 Vulcan 20mm Cannon
  • MAG 58 7.62mm GPMG

Air to Air Missiles

  • AIM-132 ASRAAM
  • AIM-9M Sidewinder
  • AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • AIM-7M Sparrow

Air to Surface Missiles

  • AGM-65 Maverick
  • AGM-84 Harpoon
  • AGM-84E SLAM
  • AGM-84H SLAM-ER
  • AGM-88 HARM
  • AGM-119 Pengiun
  • AGM-114 Hellfire

Bombs

  • Mk 82 500lb GP Bomb
  • Mk 83 1000lb GP Bomb
  • Mk 84 2000lb GP Bomb
  • GBU-12 Paveway II 500lb Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-10 Paveway II 2000lb Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-22 Paveway III 500lb Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-24 Paveway III 2000lb Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-27 Paveway III 2000lb Penetrating Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-28 Paveway III 5000lb Penetrating Laser Guided Bomb
  • GBU-15/B 2000lb EO/IIR Guided Bomb
  • GBU-38/B 500lb JDAM
  • GBU-31C(V)1/B 2000lb JDAM
  • GBU-31C(V)3/B 2000lb Penetrating JDAM
  • Kerkanya Agile Gliding Weapon [23]

Mines

  • Mk 62 500lb Quickstrike Mine
  • Mk 65 2000lb Quickstrike Mine
  • Mk 60 CAPTOR
  • Mk 36 500lb Destructor Mine
  • Mk 41 2000lb Destructor Mine
  • MN103 - MANTA
  • Stonefish mine

Cluster Bombs

  • Karinga cluster Bomb
  • CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon
  • CBU-100 Cluster Bomb

Rockets

  • CRV7

Torpedoes

  • Mk 46
  • MU90

Australian White Ensign

This is the Australian White Ensign, it is flown from all RAN commissioned ships, and all RAN commissioned shore establishments. It is also worn on overalls, flying suits, DPCU, and DPDU.

Uniforms

The Royal Australian Navy has several different uniforms. The Service Dress uniforms are generally identical to those worn by the Royal Navy, with the exception of the title "AUSTRALIA" appearing on jacket shoulders, and rank slides. Junior sailors however have a different summer uniform, consisting of straight line white trousers, and a button-up white shirt.

Most sailors wear a grey coverall with safety boots as a working dress. Blue cotton drill shirts (called Action Working Dress) and trousers can also be worn (generally ashore, grey tends to be worn on ship).

Clearance Divers are involved in ground combat, and therefore wear DPCU, or DPDU as their working dress. Other naval personnel are issued DPCU and DPDU as required.

Grey coveralls and AWD are being replaced with a fire retardant variation on DPCU called Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform (DPNU). DPNU in the AUSCAM pattern, with various shades of grey and green replacing the greens and browns of DPCU.

Image:RANDPCU.png
Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform (DPNU)

Rank Insignia

Service Dress

Officer Ranks

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Petty Officers, and Seamen

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N.B. There is an RAN rank of Admiral of the Fleet, however only the Duke of Edinburgh has ever held this rank, and it is not considered an operational RAN rank.

Working Dress

Officer Ranks

RANOfficerWD.jpg

Petty Officers, and Seamen

RANEnlistedWD.jpg

DPNU

Officer Ranks

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Petty Officers, and Seamen

RANEnlistedDPNU.jpg

DPCU

Officer Ranks

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Petty Officers, and Seamen

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DPDU

Officer Ranks

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Petty Officers, and Seamen

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The Future

The Royal Australian Navy currently has requirements to replace the Australia-class aircraft carriers, and their aircraft. The RAN also requires replacements for the Kanimbla class amphibious transport ships.


 
Australian Defence Force
Australian Army | Royal Australian Air Force | Royal Australian Navy
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