Boeing

Three submarine commanding officers who have passed the Royal Australian Navy's toughest command course were presented with engraved wrist watches by Boeing Australia's Submarine Project Director, Don Carter, at a ceremony at HMAS Watson today.

The three recipients of the watches were Lieutenant Commander G J Sammut, Lieutenant Commander P M J Scott, and Lieutenant S P M O'Dwyer. Their names were also etched onto the Submarine Squadron Honour Board, The Boeing Shield.

Each of the three commanders have spent over three months at a special submariners school in Holland, going through the Netherland's Submarine Command Course, one of the world's toughest courses, with a high failure rate, that leaves those who passed suitably qualified for command of Australia's Collins Class submarines.

Don Carter said the course originated in 1917 after the experiences of the Allied submarines during the first world war, and was adapted over the years to take in not only technological advances with the weapons able to be carried by submarines, but also propulsion systems, including nuclear power.

" Since the 1980's, the course has undergone further changes," said Carter, "incorporating improved training phases at sea and ashore with more emphasis on tactical doctrine, fleet operations, under ice warfare, anti-submarine warfare, Special Forces operations and covert transit and shallow water operations.

"With the demise of diesel submarines in the Royal Navy, it became necessary to transfer the course to the Royal Netherlands Navy. Boeing acknowledges the course by presenting engraved Omega watches to the successful RAN candidates.

"These three men have passed the course and are now poised to take Command of Australia's submarines," he said.

Boeing is responsible for the design, construction and integration of the combat system aboard Australia's Collins Class submarines. The fully integrated combat system is a world leader in its class, offering greater operating capabilities than any other system currently in operation.

Boeing Australia Limited is a leading high technology company specialising in design, development, manufacture, installation and support of defence combat and communication systems.

Established in Australia for 60 years and with 1600 employees at facilities throughout the country, Boeing Australia is also the prime contractor for upgrading the avionics and electronics for the Royal Australian Air Force's F/RF-111C and P-3C aircraft.

A subsidiary company, AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Limited is a major exporter of aerostructure components to the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.

Boeing Australia Limited is part of The Boeing Company which has total worldwide annual sales in excess of US$48 billion.