News
News
The Weekly 'All-Round Look' Newsletter
The weekly SIA All Round Look Newsletter editor uses a Meltwater media analysis tool to filter media articles of interest for distribution to SIA Members and ARL Newsletter recipients. A synthesis of information of interest. The operational term ‘All Round Look’ applies to the use of the periscope to conduct a 360 degree sweep of the sea surface to establish the proximity – and potential threat to the safety of the submarine, of vessels visible through the periscope. A gathering of information of critical interest.
An article, by Dr David Parry (a perisher graduate and author of ‘Perisher: A Hundred Years of the Submarine Command Course’) looks at the genesis of the operational ‘All Round Look’, via this link.
The SIA News page is an area where you can find out what the SIA team has been up to. For any updates on the latest endeavours, or for information on upcoming events please visit the News page to find out.
To submit a News Item for publication on the SIA website, complete the form available here.
Media Statement
17th April 2026
SIA Welcomes the Acting Prime Minister’s Launch of the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
The Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) welcomes the release of the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the 2026 Integrated Investment Program (IIP) by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP. These foundational documents provide critical continuity, building upon the frameworks established in 2024 to strengthen Australia’s maritime security.
The 2026 NDS reinforces the Strategy of Denial adopted in 2024 with increased self reliance, and a more robust sovereign industrial base. Notably, the Strategy acknowledges the pivotal importance of undersea warfare to Australia’s deterrence posture, with submarines and advanced undersea systems recognised as some of the nation’s most strategically valuable assets.
The SIA is pleased to note the progress achieved and the ongoing commitment to the acquisition of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines. Commitments of long-term investment, reform to enhance delivery, partnerships to ensure a skilled and integrated national workforce, and continuation of efforts to involve Australian industry in global supply chains are timely and welcome.
While much public discussion of submarines focus on the AUKUS program, the SIA is pleased with the Government’s commitment to current and near-term undersea capability requirements. This includes continued investment in the current submarine force - including investment in the Collins class submarines to ensure they remain a powerful strike and deterrent capability and operationally viable until 2040. The Government’s support for undersea warfare requirements and uncrewed maritime systems, such as Ghost Shark, Speartooth, and Bluebottle, is also welcomed by the SIA.
SIA President, Michael Fitzgerald, commented:
“The 2026 NDS and IIP recognise that Australia’s undersea capability is fundamental to national security and prosperity. Submarines—and the broader undersea warfare ecosystem that supports and supplements them—provide Australia with a capability to deliver impactful projection to deter conflict and coercion. The SIA strongly supports the Government’s commitment to both the current and future sub-sea capability.”
Media Statement
Nomination of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN as Chief of the Defence Force and Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN as Chief of Navy
The Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) welcomes the Government’s nomination of Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN as the next Chief of the Defence Force and Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN as the next Chief of Navy.
Both officers bring superb vision and extensive experience, including submarine command and pivotal roles in progressing the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, to their new roles. This will be vital to assuring the security and prosperity of our nation as they lead our Defence Force and Navy, respectively, at this time of significant global strategic uncertainty.
The Institute also extends its sincere thanks to Admiral David Johnston AC RAN on his retirement as Chief of the Defence Force. His leadership and service across nearly five decades have made a substantial contribution to Australia’s security and prosperity, including leading the Defence Force as Chief of Defence Force and pivotal roles in transforming the Defence Force as the Vice Chief.
“The SIA congratulates Vice Admiral Hammond and Rear Admiral Buckley on their impending appointments and promotions: we look forward to continuing our constructive engagement to support both Defence and Navy by facilitating informed debate on submarine matters,” said Michael Fitzgerald, President of the Submarine Institute of Australia.
VALE CAPTAIN TIMOTHY RICHARD DUCHESNE RAN (RTD)
10 July 1929 – 10 April 2026
The Submarines Instituteof Australia (SIA) is saddened to announce the passing of Founding Member Captain Timothy Duchesne RAN (Rtd) on Friday, 10 April 2026, at the age of 96. Born in Swanage, England, on 10 July 1929, Tim was, at the time of his death, the SIA’s oldest member.
Tim joined the Royal Navy on 12 September 1945 as a Boy Seaman, aged just 16, only days after the end of World War II. He served on the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and the Battle-class destroyer HMS Alamein before being commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1950. He qualified at sea as a seaman officer aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Perseus before commencing his submarine career in 1952.
Submarines would become his life. As a junior officer, Tim served on the T-class submarine HMS Telemachus in the Far East and Australia from 1952 to 1954, followed by a posting on the A-class submarine HMS Artemis, operating from Portsmouth, the Mediterranean, and the East Indies. Subsequent postings included the small World War Two S-class submarine HMS Scythian in home waters, and then another T-class boat, HMS Talent. In 1956, Tim—now a lieutenant and Executive Officer (XO) of Scythian—married Jennette Patricia Turner.
In 1959, Tim passed his Submarine Commanding Officer’s Qualifying Course ("Perisher") and took command of the S-class submarine HMS Scotsman, a role he held until November 1961. As part of his career progression, he returned to general service as XO of the U-class destroyer HMS Ulster, serving on the West Indies and North American station.
Tim returned to submarines in 1963, commanding HMS Astute for two years before becoming Officer in Charge of submarine workups at the Faslane submarine base, a post he held until 1967.
In October 1967, Tim transferred to the Royal Australian Navy as the Australian Submarine Service’s Operations Officer, based at HMAS Platypus in Sydney. In 1969, he assumed command of HMAS Otway as the submarine’s second commanding officer. His skill and leadership saw him promoted to commander in December 1971 and selected for the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Service Staff Course in 1972. Upon completing the Staff Course, Tim became Commander of the Australian Submarine Squadron (COMAUSSUBRON), remaining in that position for three years before handing over command to the late Bill Owen, when the role was upgraded to captain.
After a series of Navy Office postings—including as Director of Submarine Policy, where he was promoted to captain in 1979—Tim returned to the squadron as COMAUSSUBRON in January 1982. He remained in that role until his retirement from the RAN in January 1985. In retirement we worked in the legal profession.
Captain Tim Duchesne was one of several former Royal Navy officers who, by bringing their skill and expertise to Australia during the formulative years of our submarine service, laid the foundations upon which our current submarine force was built.
Tim was predeceased by his wife, Jeanette, in 2002, he is survived by his daughter Sue and son Stephen and six grandchildren.
Funeral details
The funeral of Captain Timothy Richard Duchesne RAN (Rtd) will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at The Garrison Church, 60 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point, NSW 2000. Service medals are to be worn.
(With acknowlegementa to the Submarines Association of Australia) for this obituary)