13:28 GMT, January 25, 2010 The Australian Navy submarine, HMAS Farncomb, is in maintenance following the electrical failure of one of its three main generators last week.

The problem stems from the way some of the generators were manufactured. At no time was the crew at risk but investigations are continuing in order to determine the impact this deficiency might have on the remainder of the submarine fleet.

“I am very disappointed by this development,” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russell Crane, said.

“Navy will continue to work with the Defence Materiel Organisation, industry and ASC Pty Ltd (formerly the 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.”

HMAS Farncomb will remain alongside until this issue has been rectified.

“Australia’s maritime defences remain strong and we continue to have a credible submarine capability available. The multi-layered approach to our defence enables us to minimise the impact of contingencies such as this,” Vice Admiral Crane said.


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NB.: HMAS Farncomb (SSG 74) is the second of six Collins-class submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was launched in December 1995 and commissioned by the Navy in January 1998. The submarine is 77.42 metres (254.0 ft) long and has a displacement of some 3,000 tonnes (surfaced).