Work has begun on a new purpose-built facility at Henderson in Western Australia that will house the Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Rescue System. The capability is a part of the government’s new sovereign air transportable Submarine Rescue Service.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the new system is being designed and built to support the capability requirements of the Navy. “In a time where our submarines are operating more than ever, we must continue to ensure our submarines are prepared for any mission, including rescue operations,” Reynolds said. “This purpose-built facility being built in Henderson will house this important new capability, which will ensure ongoing support and training can be conducted to facilitate rapid deployment in support of a distressed submarine.”
Civmec is building the new purpose-built facility for A$12.5 million, which will include supporting infrastructure for storage, maintenance and training. The acquisition phase of the project is valued at A$279 million with around 80 percent Australian Industry Capability, creating more than 55 jobs in Australia. Construction is scheduled to be completed in February 2021.