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http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225823479313

Navy has only one working submarine left

THE navy's trouble-prone $6 billion submarine fleet has been reduced to one operational boat, raising serious questions about the long-term serviceability of the six Collins Class vessels designed to serve as Australia's frontline strike weapon.
Chief of the navy Russ Crane yesterday confirmed a generator failure last week on board HMAS Farncomb meant the submarine would have to be returned to dry dock for urgent repairs.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston said by his count, the Royal Australian Navy's operational submarines were now down to one - HMAS Rankin - and the Government had a major maintenance crisis to solve.

Citing security grounds, the navy declined to answer questions fromThe Australian about the number of submarines it can put to sea.

However, senior defence sources confirmed Senator Johnston's claim that only one boat was available for training and operational duties.

Farncomb's generator failure marks the latest in a run of serious mechanical problems plaguing the Collins-Class fleet. In a brief statement, Vice-Admiral Crane expressed frustration at news of the latest mechanical breakdown.

"I am very disappointed by this development," he said.

"Navy will continue to work with the Defence Materiel Organisation, industry and ASC (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."