BAE Systems installs, sustains and upgrades the Mk 45 gun on nine Defence force fleets worldwide, including the Hobart class DDGs (Destroyers) and the Anzac class here in Australia. It has a range of more than 20 nautical miles (36 km) and uses a 5-inch projectile and cartridges as ammunition.
Paul, why have you chosen to specialise in this particular piece of equipment?
As a global product, it’s a privilege to work on something that is used all over the world. BAE Systems Australia is the preferred Defence company for sustainment and upgrades of this gun system. I feel like the experience I have built up over the years is unique, particularly now that we have moved the weapons workshop from the east of Australia (Williamstown) to the west (Henderson).
The gun is built in the US and it’s a solid product for Australia’s Navy. Its capability has been proven across decades. I am proud to work on it – it’s challenging and satisfying.
What kind of qualifications are required to work on the gun?
There is a 12 week Navy course to get qualified on the Mk 45 gun systems. From there, there are technical training certifications in electronics and fluid power.
These provide the base level of knowledge and then it’s all experience. The more you work on these guns the more you understand the intricacies of how to problem solve and maximise their performance to make sure they do their best job at sea.
What is involved in working on the Mk 45?
Essentially our job is to take gun systems off ships and transport them to the workshop to repair, test and then set them back to work. This can take 12 or more months depending on the system and level of repairs required.
We can also do work on the guns while they are installed on a ship.
To take the guns off and into the workshop is a massive job on its own - each gun weighs around 18 tons.
We have specialised lifting equipment for removal and installation, and then specialised equipment in the workshop for the different elements that you take off the gun and work on. Each sub-assembly of the gun can weigh tons on its own.
We have special test fixtures which we can put the guns onto, to test them.
Here in Henderson, we are also looking at setting up a machine shop to allowing our Technical Services team to manufacture parts as required, on the spot.
Tell us more about your career background and experience
Originally from Perth, I worked for more than 12 years in the Navy as a training weapons technician, mainly on Anzac ships, bouncing around to different places.
I wanted to deepen my expertise so I joined Tenix in Williamstown, Victoria, in 2007, moving to the ‘other side’ – the people who are responsible for all the work on the guns when they are off the ships.
I was in Williamstown for 15 years, which included when Tenix was bought by BAE Systems Australia in 2008.
Williamstown started ramping down in 2019 and gradually all the teams moved to other locations. Our MK 45 gun team were the last team standing!
Finally, in late 2022, it was our turn to move. The decision was made to move us to Henderson, a thriving shipyard area with a strong future ahead of it. Plus of course it’s the home of the Anzac class, which BAE Systems helps to sustain and upgrade as part of the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA).
Did the team from Williamstown move to Henderson?
I was the only person who moved across! It’s a long way to go and other people in the team wanted to stay in Melbourne – understandably. I’m excited to work with a new team here in Henderson, which is another great bunch of people.
I am lucky that I can keep working at what I am most passionate about and still love, with my family’s support. We are settling in well. My wife is extraordinary and creating a new community with our kids.
What’s coming up here at Henderson?
Later this year we will open a new Mk 45 gun workshop!
I can tell you from a technical perspective it will be gold standard. And we will continue to be the only Defence company in Australia who provides this level of service on this gun system. I’m just pleased I can keep being a part of it – and lead a great team here in Henderson.
Images courtesy of Defence.
