Whilst rising tensions in Indonesia had resulted in some investment, it was also forcing ships through rapid work–up exercises such as those Melbourne and Voyager were engaged in (Frame 1992). Firstly, the fleet had been in material decline since the Second World War and was aging rapidly (Frame 1992). The RAN was compromising between several constraints and aims. The service was balancing multiple goals, struggling to define its organisation and role in post-war Australia and had suffered multiple serious incidents. This includes post-incident care and ensuring a fair review process for members.Įven prior to the collision, the RAN was under increasing public and parliamentary scrutiny (Frame 1992). This involves how information is communicated immediately after the incident, the transparency of the investigation process and any actions taken as a result.įinally, the RAN is judged on the manner in which it treats individuals involved. Secondly the handling of the incident affects public perception. This has widespread implications up to the international level a finding of negligence would impact standing with allied naval forces. A key factor is what errors, failings or lack of knowledge may have led to the event. This damage comes from various sources.įaith in the RAN’s competency is lessened when serious incidents occur. Serious maritime/naval accidents can cause immense damage to the public and government perception of the RAN and the trust placed within the organisation. It also reviews improvements to Officer of the Watch (OOW) standards, Command Team training and operational procedures. This essay examines the impact such serious incidents have on the public and parliamentary perception of the RAN, and the impact it had internally. The collision and its aftermath is of massive significance to the RAN and eventually led to large training, operational and cultural changes. Two Royal Commissions were convened over the incident, however, the investigations were poorly handled and compounded the detrimental effects of the incident. The collision heavily damaged trust in the RAN and its standing with the Government and Australian public. For the flagship and escort to collide in home waters and calm conditions with such heavy loss of life shocked the RAN and Australia. ![]() The destroyer was cut in half and sank of a company of three hundred and fourteen, eighty two men were killed (Spicer 1964). Occurring off the New South Wales coast in 1964, the aircraft carrier Melbourne and destroyer Voyager were engaged in night flying exercises when Voyager inexplicably turned in front of Melbourne’s bow. The collision of HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Voyager remains the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) worst peacetime disaster.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |