HMAS Farncomb (SSG-74) did not participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2022) exercise as originally planned, ADM has learned, and is instead alongside in Hawaii undergoing maintenance work. Farncomb reportedly suffered a technical malfunction last month, stranding her in Hawaii.
However a Defence spokesperson denied the submarine had run into any technical issues, telling ADM that Farncomb is undergoing planned maintenance in Hawaii. The spokesperson also declined to confirm if the boat participated in RIMPAC as a matter of policy.
“[HMAS Farncomb] is alongside in Hawaii conducting a period of planned maintenance. Defence does not comment on specifics of submarine operations.”
Unlike the other submarines taking part in the exercise, Farncomb was not visible in RIMPAC's high-profile photo exercise (PHOTEX), nor was it mentioned in official Royal Australian Navy (RAN) press releases. The only official confirmation that the submarine was planning to participate in RIMPAC is a list of participants, released by the US Pacific Fleet before the commencement of the exercise.
ADM understands that Farncomb was withdrawn from RIMPAC due to delays in its scheduled maintenance program, specifically its most recent Mid-Cycle Docking (MDC). Despite the delay preventing it from taking part in RIMPAC, Farncomb still deployed to Hawaii, albeit at a later date.
While in Pearl Harbour, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond and the Australian Consul General in Hawaii, Andrea Gleason, visited the boat.
A Defence spokesperson told ADM that, while in Hawaii, Farncomb had participated in bilateral exercises with the US Navy (USN).
“HMAS Farncomb has completed exercises with the US Navy,” the spokesperson said.
While Farncomb did not ultimately participate in this year's interaction of RIMPAC, HMA ships Canberra, Supply and Warramunga did take part. Two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft also took part in the exercise, as did Army personnel, led by the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
Mid-Cycle Docking Faces Delays
The cause of the delayed MDC is unclear, however, it led to Farncomb being handed over late to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), consequently altering its planned deployment schedule.
Collins-class submarines undergo a Mid-Cycle Docking (MDC) every five years, as part of their standard maintenance program. MDC work is carried out by ASC in Henderson, Western Australia (WA), and generally results in the hull being removed from the water for around one year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to delays in performing maintenance across the Collins-class fleet including HMAS Farncomb. As a result of supply chain issues, labour shortages and COVID-19-induced lockdowns two other submarines also had their return to service delayed. ADM understands that both HMAS Rankin (SSG-78) and HMAS Dechaineux (SSG-76) were not delivered to the RAN as originally scheduled.
ADM reached out to both Defence and ASC for comment, however, both declined to comment on the availability and operations of the RANs submarine fleet.
A Defence spokesperson told ADM that, “Defence does not comment on current operations other than to say that the submarine force is meeting its preparedness requirements.”