First Report 5 April 2010

When I first saw the DIN for the Fellowship with the RAN it was mid-winter and I and HMS ALBION were in the middle of OST.
Being aware of the RAN’s recent acquisition of the Canberra Class LHD and myself being the LCO in ALBION, my essay suggestion was pretty obvious: ‘How did the RAN’s future amphibious plans compare with our own current amphibious capability?’

Having sat down to discuss time frames and content with my Amphibious Operations Officer,  Lt Col Richard Rearden RM, I submitted my essay plan, got back into anti-flash and waited for the ‘Thanks but no thanks’ email.

In early January I received a ‘Well done and congratulations’ email; thanks to efforts of The Naval Review and Ultra Electronics I was being given the opportunity to study in Australia for five weeks with one week of travel!

Once I’d managed to convince Mrs Marshall that being away for an additional 6 weeks this year was a good idea I could start to look at the subject in detail: RAN Amphibs vs RN Amphibs and me as a RM LCO – how hard could it be?

As I get further into this area, not only am I in a truly unique and privileged position to look at how two similar institutions have approached this subject, it will also allow me time to consider lessons identified by ALBION as a platform and a PCS during OST and Ex COLD RESPONSE 10.

In true RN/RM tradition, I will also be using any spare time in Australia to make the most of the fact they have not cut back funding on cocktail parties just yet!