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Maritime Command

The Maritime Commander [MC] is responsible to the CN for the preparation of naval forces for operations, assigned tasks and contingencies, and for the conduct of maritime operations for the protection of Australia and the promotion of the nation's security and interests. CN has delegated to the MC full command of all operational and support units assigned to Maritime Command. The MC is also the Maritime Component Commander of Joint Operations Command, and is responsible to the Commander Joint Operations (CJOPS) for the planning and conduct of operations, designated activities and campaigns, and for the execution of the Program of Major Service Activities. The MC is also responsible for clearing of formal advice to Ministers and government on day-to-day RAN operational issues.

MC delegates authority through three principal subordinates within Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) and seven subordinates located outside MHQ: the Deputy Maritime Commander, Commodore Flotillas, the Chief Combat Support Group, and the seven FEG Commanders. The Deputy Maritime Commander is responsible for whole-of-command strategic planning, coordination, business management, performance reporting, legal, reputation and discipline management.

The Commodore Flotillas is responsible for force preparation with a primary focus on readiness. A secondary role is to plan and execute force employment when assigned as the Commander of the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (Maritime). The Chief Combat Support Group contributes to force preparation with the primary focus on sustainability. The Combat Support Group coordinates the preparation and support of mission capable naval forces and provides associated policy advice.

Force Element Group Commanders

The FEG Commanders are responsible to MC for operational output, and therefore coordinate all aspects of the capability management process. Their focus is on managing the inputs, services and resources needed to deliver capability to the MC for operational use. This is achieved in a framework of cooperative relationships with suppliers and providers.

The seven RAN FEGs are:

• Surface Combatant FEG, based in HMAS Kuttabul, Sydney, NSW, and with a significant component in Rockingham, WA;
• Amphibious and Afloat Support FEG, based in HMAS Kuttabul, Sydney, NSW;
• Submarine FEG, based in HMAS Stirling, WA;
• Patrol Boat FEG, based in HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin, NT;
• Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving FEG, based in HMAS Waterhen, Sydney, NSW;
• Naval Aviation FEG, based in HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW; and
• Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic FEG, based in Wollongong, NSW.

The Task Group Commander (CTG) deals with a broad range of issues ranging from the operational, and at times even strategic, to the tactical level. Perhaps the greatest challenge, given this breadth of responsibility, is creating a clear chain of command with effective information support. At a basic level the CTG is generally appointed for a specific mission and is equipped to effectively maintain command of that mission for extended periods. The CTG will have responsibilities to work-up assigned ships for a particular operation or exercise and, as the senior officer, will have responsibility for the performance of assigned units. The CTG will have a similar relationship with the MC as other Commanding Officers, and the Commanding Officers of assigned units will work through the CTG for many issues.

RAN Tactical Warfare Commanders (TWC) were designated in 2001 to command the surface combatant, amphibious warfare, submarine, and mine warfare and Clearance Diving task groups. In recent years there had been recognition of the need for a properly constituted task group command structure.In a remarkably short time the concept has demonstrated its utility across the spectrum of operations. The TWC focus is the planning, execution and command of operations. This involves a range of tactical, operational and sometimes strategic issues. TWC responsibilities fall into three areas: The planning and conduct of operations and command of assigned units within a combined, joint or maritime task force, either as part of the DJFHQ(M) or as an embarked Task Group Commander; The promotion of the operational effectiveness of the task group and supporting units through measures to develop and maintain appropriate levels of expertise and preparedness for task group operations in the maritime environment; and The provision of mentoring and advice to personnel within the task group.