DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 018/10
Monday, 25 January 2010
HMAS FARNCOMB IN MAINTENANCE
The Australian Navy submarine, HMAS Farncomb, is in maintenance following the
electrical failure of one of its three main generators last week.
The problem stems from the way some of the generators were manufactured. At no
time was the crew at risk but investigations are continuing in order to determine the
impact this deficiency might have on the remainder of the submarine fleet.
“I am very disappointed by this development,” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russell
Crane, said.
“Navy will continue to work with the Defence Materiel Organisation, industry and
ASC Pty Ltd (formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation) to determine the extent
of the issue and rectify this problem.
“We are working hard to ensure this fault is rectified as soon as possible. The
Australian public, the Defence organisation and our Navy family expect nothing less.”
HMAS Farncomb will remain alongside until this issue has been rectified.
“Australia’s maritime defences remain strong and we continue to have a credible
submarine capability available. The multi-layered approach to our defence enables us
to minimise the impact of contingencies such as this,” Vice Admiral Crane said.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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