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So with the appointment of Johnson where does that leave Australian Rear Admiral Gregory John Sammut who is still listed as Head Future Submarine Program?
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Sarah Kimmorley of Business Insider Australia, October 30, 2015 reports:
"US submarine commander Stephen Johnson has been appointed general manager of Australia’s biggest defence project, the navy’s new submarine fleet.
The retired rear admiral was in charge of the US Navy’s undersea technology in Naval Sea Systems Command, commander of the Undersea Warfare Centre and director of the Strategic Systems Programs, overseeing the TRIDENT II strategic weapon system.
According to The Australian, Johnson’s extensive experience running large hi-tech projects, including development of the Seawolf class submarine, earned him the politically fraught role.
Johnson will be responsible for choosing the $20 billion new submarines to replace the six existing Collins-class subs...: see WHOLE BUSINESS INSIDER ARTICLE
PETE's COMMENT
The appointment of an American, Admiral Johnson, to manage the future submarine project, so early in the project, is a surprise. There appears to be no confirmation, that is no Media Releases by the Defence Minister or PM.
It is notable that former Secretary of the US Navy, Donald C. Winter, is the most senior Member of the Expert Advisory Panel on the selection of the future Australian submarine. Winter was appointed to that role in June 2015 but nothing has been heard from or about the Expert Advisory Panel, since.
Submarine Matterslast month commented on the continuity of US influence in Australia's future submarine selection.
So these two appointments of Americans in key parts of the Australian future submarine program must have political significance:
1. to the Pacific alliance with the US.
2. does the appointment of Johnson and Winter almost, or certainly, indicate the selection of the Japanese submarine bid?
3. the selection of the American AN/BYG-1 Combat System has been assumed as a given. Are the appointments part of a US-Australian bilateral process making that Combat System a certainty?
See this February 2015 Defence Ministerial Media Releasewhere it says:
"the Government has endorsed a set of key strategic requirements for our future submarines:...c) The combat system and heavyweight torpedo jointly developed between the United States and Australia as the preferred combat system and main armament."
See this February 2015 Defence Ministerial Media Releasewhere it says:
"the Government has endorsed a set of key strategic requirements for our future submarines:...c) The combat system and heavyweight torpedo jointly developed between the United States and Australia as the preferred combat system and main armament."
5. does it mean the Submarine Program and the Defence White Paper will be delayed?
Having two Americans in key positions is not necessarily questionable. They may be the best men for the jobs. Equally Australians would fill such positions within the Pentagon-shipbuilding complex - wouldn't they?
Pete