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Almost 108 years after the RAN acquired its first submarines , a remarkable decision has been made to replace the Navy's present submarines with nuclear-powered boats. In his presentation John will summarise the often-controversial history of the RAN submarine service and outline the development of the modern nuclear submarine and its role. The momentous decision to go nuclear for our new submarines presents many challenges and John may well feel inclined to speculate about the way ahead
We are very fortunate to have a member so highly qualified and experienced in naval architecture and history to inform us about this topical issue. Being passionate about ships from an early age, John started as an apprentice ship draughtsman at Cockatoo Dockyard in 1960. He studied naval architecture part time at UNSW, graduating BE (Hons) in 1967. After a spell in Britain on a Vickers Limited post-graduate scholarship, he was appointed Technical Director of Vickers Cockatoo Dockyard Pty Ltd, then in 1981 Managing Director of the Dockyard until its closure 10 years later. After that he became Chief Executive of ANI Engineering Services.
He has written three books on the history of the island facility and its work.