Australian CN No Longer in Command

Australian Chief of Navy (CN) Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN has gone to sea for the last time as Chief of Navy onboard HMAS Arunta, just as the ship has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade Programme.

Sailing overnight in the second of the eight ANZAC Frigates to complete the upgrade enabled CN to revisit a ship he commanded over 12 years prior.

As the sun set in the West Australian Exercise Area, Chief of Navy reflected on his time in command of the Royal Australian Navy.

“I have been so humbled to lead an organisation of amazing men and women. Together we have had three years of significant change, challenges and achievements,” said Vice Admiral Griggs.

“I am most proud of the progress we have made with cultural reform associated with New Generation Navy, development of the seaworthiness management system, implementation of the Rizzo Report recommendations and of course the spectacular success of the International Fleet Review”

CN’s visit to Arunta coincided with their sea qualification trials following the Anti-Ship Missile Upgrade. During the last eighteen months every compartment within Arunta has been affected with more than 30,000 metres of fibre optic cabling laid. A substantial maintenance package was also completed to ensure compliance with the tenets of seaworthiness.

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Press Release, June 27, 2014; Image: Australian Navy