Fed: New warship hits the water

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2000
Fed: New warship hits the water

CANBERRA, Dec 2 AAP - Australia's newest warship hit the waters today, on time and within budget.

The minehunter Diamantina, the fifth of six Huon class vessels constructed by Australian
Defence Industries (ADI), was officially launched at Carrington, Newcastle, NSW, as the
latest step in a project to give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) an advanced mine warfare
capability.

Maureen Bryden, daughter of the late Commander George Rose, commissioning commander
of the first HMAS Diamantina during World War II, officially launched the vessel.

It is named after the Diamantina River in Queensland. The first Diamantina was a River
Class frigate which served during the Pacific War.

Defence Minister John Moore said Australia was an island nation and mines would pose
a deadly threat in time of conflict.

"We need a sophisticated mine countermeasures capability," he said.

"The Diamantina and her sister ships are the most advanced vessels of their type in
the world, featuring unique design and the latest combat system technology.

"This positive partnership between Defence and industry demonstrates that with responsible
project management, defence capability can be delivered on time and on budget."

Defence has been embarrassed by a number of major projects including the Collins submarines
and Jindalee radar system, which are years behind schedule and have required expensive
remediation.

ADI managing director Jean-Georges Malcor said the success of the minehunter project
showed that Australian industry could meet future national defence needs.

"On the eve of the Australian government's defence White Paper, the Huon Class project
is sending out a very strong message that Australia has the industry foundation and the
technological capabilities to produce superior products," he said.

"This project is a world class success with a track record of significant technological
achievement. It reflects great creativity and project management, a skilled workforce
and quality local sub-contractor support."

With just one more minehunter to be launched, the Carrington facility will be looking
for additional work when the project winds down after 2003.

Mr Malcor said it would be looking to provide support to other naval ships, and for
commercial ship repair work.

He said ADI would compete for future defence work including the project to provide
up to 15 new navy patrol boats. A decision on the patrol boat project is expected after
release of the defence White Paper this week.

AAP mb/cjh/cdh

KEYWORD: MINEHUNTER

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