Royal Australian Navy 26327 221847689 2008-06-26T10:44:00Z Tinucherian 1951636 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/220.239.54.242|220.239.54.242]] ([[User talk:220.239.54.242|talk]]) to last version by Nick Dowling {{Nofootnotes|date=February 2008}} {{Otheruses4|the Royal Australian Navy|other Royal Navies|Royal Navy (disambiguation)}} {{RAN}} The '''Royal Australian Navy''' ('''RAN''') is the [[navy|naval branch]] of the [[Australian Defence Force]]. Established in 1901, 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|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. Today the RAN is one of the largest and most sophisticated naval forces in the [[Pacific Rim|Pacific region]] and has a significant presence in the [[Indian Ocean]], and has undertaken operations in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions worldwide. [[Vice Admiral]] [[Russ Shalders]] is the current [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]] and was appointed to this position in 2005. He will be relieved by [[Vice Admiral]] [[Russell Crane]] on 4 July 2008.<ref>Ministerial media release[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7522] accessed 14 June 2008</ref> ==History== {{main|History of the Royal Australian Navy}} The Commonwealth Naval Forces were established on [[1 March]] [[1901]], two months after the [[Federation of Australia]]. On [[10 July]] [[1911]], King [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] granted the title of 'Royal Australian Navy'.<ref>The R.A.N. - A Brief History [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/briefhistory.html] accessed 1 March 2007</ref> During [[World War I]] the RAN was initially responsible for capturing many of Germany's colonies in the South Pacific and protecting Australian shipping from the [[German East Asia Squadron]]. For the remainder of the war most of the RAN's major ships operated as part of [[Royal Navy]] forces in the Mediterranean and North Seas. During the 1920s and early 1930s the Royal Australian Navy was greatly reduced in size. As international tensions increased, however, the RAN was modernised and expanded. During the early years of [[World War II]] ships from the RAN again operated as part of the [[Royal Navy]], with RAN ships serving with distinction in the Mediterranean. Following the outbreak of the [[Pacific War]] and the virtual destruction of the Royal Navy force in Asia the RAN increasingly operated independently or as part of [[United States Navy]] forces. By the end of the war, the RAN was the fifth largest navy in the world. While the size of the RAN was greatly reduced after World War II, the Navy gained new capabilities with the delivery of two aircraft carriers. The RAN saw action in many [[Cold War]] era conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region and operated alongside the Royal Navy and United States Navy off Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. Following the end of the Cold War the RAN has participated in Coalition forces in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and has formed a critical element in Australian-led operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. ==RAN today== ===Command structure=== The RAN is commanded through Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in [[Canberra]]. The professional head is the [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]] (CN), ranked as a [[Vice-Admiral]]. NHQ is responsible for implementing the policy decisions handed down from the [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Department of Defence]], and for overseeing the tactical and operational issues that are the purview of the subordinate commands. Beneath NHQ are two subordinate commands: *Fleet Command - this is the administrative element responsible for the RAN's operational seagoing forces, and has responsibility for the planning and implementation of all of Australia's maritime operations. Its commander holds the rank of [[Rear Admiral]]. Previously this position was Flag Officer Commanding HM's Australian Fleet (FOCAF), a position created in 1911,<ref>[http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bob.cumberbatch/C%20L%20Cumberlege.htm C L Cumberlege<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> but the title was changed in 1988 to the Maritime Commander Australia. On 1 February 2007 the title changed again, and became Commander Australian Fleet.<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS/editions/5001/topstories/briefs.htm Top Stories<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The nominated at-sea commander is Commodore Flotillas (COMFLOT), a one-star deployable task group commander. *Systems Command - this is the administrative element responsible for the RAN's training, engineering and logisitcal support needs. When instituted in 2000 the Systems Commander was appointed at the rank of [[Commodore]], in June 2008 the commander's position was upgraded to the rank of [[Rear Admiral]]. Beaneath the subordinate commands are seven '''Force Element Groups''' (FEGs) that form the bulk of the RAN's operational capability, their respective commanders hold the rank of either [[Commodore]] or [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] as indicated below: *Surface Combatants FEG (COMAUSNAVSURFGRP - [[Commodore]]) *Amphibious and Afloat Support FEG (COMAUSNAVAASGRP - [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] ) *Aviation FEG (COMAUSNAVAIRGRP - [[Commodore]]) *Submarine FEG (COMAUSNAVSUBGRP - [[Commodore]]) *Mine Clearance Diving FEG (COMAUSNAVMCDGRP - [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] ) *Patrol Boat FEG (COMAUSNAVPBGRP - [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] ) *Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceangraphic FEG (COMAUSNAVHYDROGRP - [[Commodore]]) ===The fleet=== Today's fleet consists of around 60 vessels including 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 wider deployments. Current deployments of the navy include: contributions to the multinational force in [[Iraq]]; support for the [[United Nations]] mission in [[East Timor]]; and a "regional assistance mission" with New Zealand in the [[Solomon Islands]]. The RAN has two primary bases for its fleet; *Fleet Base East, which is located at [[HMAS Kuttabul (naval base)|HMAS ''Kuttabul'']] near [[Sydney]]. *Fleet Base West, located at [[HMAS Stirling|HMAS ''Stirling'']] near [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]]. In addition, there are three other ports which are home to the majority of the RAN's minor war vessels; *[[HMAS Coonawarra|HMAS ''Coonawarra'']], at [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]]. *[[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|HMAS ''Cairns'']], at [[Cairns, Queensland|Cairns]]. *[[HMAS Waterhen (naval base)|HMAS ''Waterhen'']], at [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]]. ====Current ships==== {{seealso|Current Royal Australian Navy ships}} The RAN currently operates 7 main classes of vessels: {| border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;" |- bgcolor=cccccc !Class!!Type!!Number!!Dates!!Details |- | [[ANZAC class frigate|''Anzac'' class]] || [[Frigate]] || 8 || 1996 || Anti-submarine and anti-aircraft with 1 [[SH-60 Seahawk]] |- | [[Adelaide class frigate|''Adelaide'' class]] || [[Frigate]] || 4 || 1985 || Anti-submarine and anti-aircraft frigate with 2 [[S-70|S-70B-2 Seahawk]] helicopters |- | [[Armidale class patrol boat|''Armidale'' class]]|| Patrol boat || 14 || 2005 || Coastal defence and fishery protection |- | [[Huon class minehunter|''Huon'' class]] || Minehunter || 6 || 1997 || Minehunting |- | [[Collins class submarine|''Collins'' class]] || [[Submarine]] || 6 || 2000 || [[Diesel-electric]] powered patrol submarines for deep ocean patrols |- | [[Kanimbla class landing platform amphibious|Kanimbla class LPA]] || amphibious transport || 2 || 1994 || troop & helicoper transport ([[Westland Sea King]] and [[UH-60 Black Hawk]]) |} <gallery> Image:HMAS Anzac F-150.jpg|[[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)|HMAS ''Anzac'']] - First ship of the ''Anzac'' class Image:HMAS Darwin F-04.jpg|[[HMAS Darwin (FFG 04)|HMAS ''Darwin'']] - Fourth ship of the ''Adelaide'' class Image:HMAS Sheean, Fremantle.jpg|[[HMAS Sheean (SSG 77)|HMAS ''Sheean'']] - Fifth submarine of the ''Collins'' class Image:HMAS Manoora.jpg|[[HMAS Manoora (L 52)|HMAS ''Manoora'']] - Second ship of the ''Kanimbla'' class Image:HMAS Diamantina MHC86.jpg|[[HMAS Diamantina (M 86)|HMAS ''Diamantina'']] - Fifth ship of the ''Huon'' class Image:HMAS_Armidale_Darling_Harbour.jpg| [[HMAS Armidale (ACPB 83)| HMAS ''Armidale'']] - Lead ship of the ''Armidale'' class </gallery> {{reflist}} ===Fleet Air Arm=== {{main|Fleet Air Arm (RAN)}} The '''Fleet Air Arm''' provides the RAN's naval aviation capability. At present, it is an entirely [[helicopter]] based force, with a total of four squadrons. Most of the Navy's large ships are capable of operating helicopters, and frigates typically carry [[S-70|Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk]] and support ships carry [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King Mk 50]] aircraft during operational deployments. The Fleet Air Arm and its associated support are under the direction of the '''Navy Aviation Force'''. Both the NAF and Fleet Air Arm are located at [[HMAS Albatross (air station)|HMAS ''Albatross'']] in [[New South Wales]]. ===Clearance Diving Teams=== [[Image:CDT-1.jpg|thumb|Clearance Divers during a ship boarding exercise in 2006.]] {{main|Clearance Diving Team (RAN)}} The RAN has two '''Clearance Diving Teams''' which serve as parent units for the navy's clearance divers, Clearance Diving Team One (AUSCDT ONE), based at [[HMAS Waterhen (naval base)|HMAS ''Waterhen'']] in [[New South Wales]] and Clearance Diving Team Four (AUSCDT FOUR) based at [[HMAS Stirling|HMAS ''Stirling'']] in [[Western Australia]]. When personnel are sent into combat, Clearance Diving Team Three (AUSCDT THREE) is formed. The CDTs have two primary roles:<br> 1. Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)<br> 2. Maritime Tactical Operations<br> ==Future== [[Image:Australian AWD.jpg|thumb|CG impression of the proposed Australian AWD]] [[Image:F-102 Almirante Juan de Borbon CSSQT.jpg|thumb|Álvaro de Bazán class frigate, basis for the [[Sea 4000 Project]]]] [[Image:DNSD0502335.jpg|thumb|Women are expected to play a greater role in the RAN in the future]] {{main|Procurement programme of the Royal Australian Navy}} There are several major projects in process that will see upgrades to the capabilities of the RAN: *The Sea 1390 Project will see the upgrading of four ''Adelaide'' class guided missile frigates with enhanced weapons and electronics. *The Sea 1654 Project has been initiated to upgrade the RAN's replenishment and support vessels. *The RAN has initiated the [[Australian Air Warfare Destroyer|Sea 4000 Project]], under which it has agreed to acquire three vessels based upon the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] [[Aegis combat system|Aegis]] air and surface combat management system. It was announced in June 2007 that these vessels will be based on the Spanish [[Álvaro de Bazán class frigate]], an Aegis-equipped class. *The RAN also has a project to build two (27000+ tonne displacement) [[Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock|''Canberra'' class Landing Helicopter Dock]]s. These will be the largest warships it has ever operated. *There is also currently a project being undertaken within the RAN to equip the ''Collins'' Class submarines with a new tactical combat system, and upgraded state of the art heavyweight torpedoes. *The navy needs 2,000 recruits, including 700 apprentices, to crew the next generation of warships such as air warfare destroyers which enter service next decade. ==Current Operations== {{main|Current Australian Defence Force deployments}} The RAN currently has forces deployed on two major operations: *'''[[Operation Anode]]''' - Australia's contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands. *'''[[Operation Catalyst]]''' - Australia's commitment to the Coalition forces in [[Iraq]]. The RAN's contribution is normally one ship in the [[Persian Gulf]]. *'''[[Operation Resolute]]''' - the ADF's contribution to patrolling Australia's [[Exclusive Economic Zone]] Full details of current Australian Navy operations can be found at http://www.navy.gov.au/operations/ ==Ranks== [[Image:Aust sailors 98.jpg|thumb|Royal Australian Navy sailors in 1998]] [[Image:Ships on sydney harbour.jpg|thumb|Royal Australian Navy ships on Sydney Harbour]] {{main|Australian Defence Force ranks and insignia}} ===Officer ranks=== {| border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=5 |- valign=top align=left ! [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|CODE]] &nbsp;&nbsp; |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Flag Officers |- valign=top | O-11 | [[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Australian Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]] |- valign=top | O-10 | [[Admiral(Australia)|Admiral]] |- valign=top | O-9 | [[Vice Admiral (Australia)|Vice Admiral]] |- valign=top | O-8 | [[Rear Admiral]] |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Senior Officers |- valign=top | O-7 | [[Commodore]] |- valign=top | O-6 | [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] |- valign=top | O-5 | Commander and Navy Chaplain |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Junior Officers |- valign=top | O-4 | [[Lieutenant Commander]] |- valign=top | O-3 | [[Lieutenant]] |- valign=top | O-2 | [[Sub Lieutenant]] |- valign=top | O-1 | Acting Sub Lieutenant |- valign=top | S-1 | [[Midshipman]] (An Officer, but not part of Graded Officers Pay Scale) |} ===Non-commissioned ranks=== {| border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=5 |- valign=top align=left ! [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|CODE]] &nbsp;&nbsp; |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Warrant Officers |- valign=top | E-9 | Warrant Officer of the Navy |- valign=top | E-9 | Warrant Officer |- valign=top | E-8 | - |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Senior Non-commissioned Officers |- valign=top | E-8 | Chief Petty Officer |- valign=top | E-7 | Petty Officer |- valign=top | E-6 | No equivalent |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Junior Non-commissioned Officers |- valign=top | E-5 | Leading Seaman |- valign=top | E-4 | No equivalent |- bgcolor=#dcdcdc ! colspan=5 align=left | Enlisted |- valign=top | E-3 | Able Seaman |- valign=top | E-2 | Seaman |} ===Chaplains=== Royal Australian Navy (RAN) [[chaplain]]s are [[commissioned officers]] and wear the uniform of a RAN officer. Like chaplains in the British [[Royal Navy]] (RN) they do not wear a rank. Rather they wear the same cross and anchor emblem worn by RN chaplains on their shoulder rank slides and do not have gold braided rings or executive loops on their winter coat sleeve or summer shoulder boards. Like other chaplains in the [[Australian Defence Force]] (ADF), Navy chaplains have five divisions of seniority. Australian Navy chaplains are accorded a certain rank for protocol and ceremonial occasions and for saluting purposes. Division 1, 2 and 3 Australian Navy chaplains are accorded the rank and status as [[Commander]] (or Lieutenant Colonel equivalent in the Australian Army). Division 4 Australian Navy chaplains are accorded the rank and status of [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] (equiv. of Colonel). Division 5 Australian Navy chaplains are "Principal Chaplains," and these three chaplains, representing the three major Christian denominations: [[Catholic]], [[Anglican]] and [[Protestant]], are accorded the rank and status of [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]]. Principal Chaplains' uniforms do not differ from other Navy chaplains however they do wear gold braide or "scambled eggs" on the peak of their caps. The title "[[Padre]]" for Navy chaplains is less common in the [[Royal Australian Navy]], than in the [[Australian Army]], although it is known to be used by many sailors and some Navy chaplains in preference to the more formal title of "[[Chaplain]]," or other formal forms of address towards an officer such as "Sir." ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons|Category:Royal Australian Navy|Royal Australian Navy}} * [http://www.navy.gov.au Royal Australian Navy home page] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/shiphistorymain.html Historical listing of RAN ships and badges] * [http://www.navy.gov.au/vf/default.htm 'Virtual Fleet'] - on-line computer based 'tour' of ships and aircraft * [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/australia/royal_australian_navy_main_page.htm Maritimequest Royal Australian Navy photo gallery] * Official Biographies: ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/commanders/cn.htm Chief of Navy] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/commanders/mc.htm Maritime Commander] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/commanders/cansc.htm Commander Australian Navy Systems Command] * [http://www.naval-history.net Royal and Dominion Navies in World War II, Campaigns, Battles, Warship losses] * [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2MedalsBr-VC.htm Royal and Dominion Navies, Victoria Cross at Sea, 1940-45] {{Australian Defence Force}} [[Category:Royal Australian Navy| ]] [[Category:Military units and formations established in 1901]] [[Category:Organisations based in Australia with royal patronage]] [[de:Royal Australian Navy]] [[ja:オーストラリア海軍]] [[pt:RAN]] [[simple:Royal Australian Navy]] [[zh:皇家澳洲海軍]]