The
Royal Australian Navy is the maritime force of the
Australian Defence Forces.
The RAN is commanded through Naval Headquarters
(NHQ) in Canberra.
Beneath NHQ are two subordinate commands:
- Fleet Command led by Commander Australian Fleet
(COMAUSFLT)
-Navy Strategic Command
Fleet Command is structured into four Force Commands:
-
Surface Force, covering the RAN's surface combatants
(generally ships of frigate size or larger)
- Submarine Force, operating the Collins class submarines
- Mine Warfare, Hydrographic and Patrol Boat Force
- Fleet Air Arm, responsible for the navy's aviation
assets
The
RAN has about 13,000 regular personnel and about
50 vessels of all types.