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Navy unclear why $100m ship HMAS Choules broke down

Defence is still trying to figure out why the $100 million navy vessel HMAS Choules bought last year from the United Kingdom and given a clean bill of mechanical health broke down. Defence Materiel Organisation chief executive Warren King has told a senate budget estimates hearing one of two main propulsion transformers aboard the amphibious landing ship HMAS Choules had failed. The catastrophe occurred in June 2012 when Choules sailed north from Sydney to participate in Exercise Hamel and had to return on reduced power.

Signs of premature ageing aboard HMAS Choules

Signs of premature ageing have been found on the ex-RN RFA HMAS "Choules". The "Choules" suffered a defect while on her way to Queensland to support Exercise Hamel causing her to return to Sydney. At the time of the incident all other transformers were checked by the transformer manufacturer Siemens and found to be within specification. Following the removal of the two starboard side propulsion transformers, further investigation has been possible and this has indicated signs of premature ageing. A deeper level inspection of all remaining transformers in the ship has revealed similar problems but at varying levels. The transformer manufacturer is yet to confirm that this contributed to the failure of the starboard propulsion transformer. Work is now underway in conjunction with the transformer manufacturer, the on-site support agencies and Defence Science and Technology Organisation to determine when the remaining transformers need to be replaced. The Defence Materiel Organisation also contacted the UK Ministry of Defence to coordinate further investigations. Should HMAS "Choules" be further delayed in her return to service, HMAS "Tobruk" and the Australian Defence Vessel "Ocean Shield" will have to provide any humanitarian assistance or disaster relief response if required by the Government.

Australian Navy's newest ship HMAS Choules 'breaks down'

THE navy has tried to cover up a technical fault in a $100 million ship to hide yet another amphibious vessel crisis from the public. At 11.30am on June 18, 2012 , News Limited sent questions to Defence about a loss of electrical power on HMAS Choules, which was bought from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. At 1.30 pm, Defence issued a media release to announce that the ship was forced to return to port last Thursday. Government sources insisted that the press release was approved before 11.30am. More at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/red-faces-for-navy-top-brass/story-e6frea6u-1226399135211