G'day Submariners,

 I'm disappointed that I cannot join with you and share that camaraderie of SUBCON 2024.

 But that's life and I trust you'll all have a great time over the coming days and, perhaps after an ale or seven, makes them decisions that might affect the future of the Submarines Association Australia.

 I see that the agenda for the annual general meeting includes items to do with the constitution to make it easier to develop the membership of the association.

 I also note that some of these changes seem to be directed at overcoming or appears to be a diminishing membership and aging membership.

 Those who remember me as your president of the years ago might recall that this is a drum that I used to beat. So I've got my drumsticks out again.

I'm sure that many of you will resemble the following. 

 It doesn't seem to long ago that I was relaxed in the knowledge that growing old was the preserve of the elderly.

 So it came as quite a shock to me when I realised that I was one of them.

 Then we learn recently of the passing of a grandfather of Australias modern submarine Force Bill Owen.

Bill was one of the key architects in the development of the Oberon class from A Clockwork Mouse into one of the finest long range offensive and surveillance platforms in a conventional hull. 

That led us into the successful home built Collins class which itself is the leaf frog into a new nuclear powered SUBFOR.

We can all be proud that we've all had a part in the development of the force.

 But, I would bet that most of you at subcon will be mostly part of the Oberon and early Collins class developments.

 We've also played a part in making sure that we look after all of those who have served and our serving in Australian submarines. 

The submarines Association Australia is the vehicle for ensuring that fraternal aspect of the force continues.

 Jim Mattis, a retired US Marine Corps Four Star General, in his book "Call Sign Chaosn; learning how to learn" wrote: "Note to all Executives over the age of thirty: always keep close to your youngsters who are smarter than you".

My point here is that we all need to look around us and make sure that apart from enjoying our own company and serving our own needs we look ahead to ensureing that we have established and ongoing basis for the veterans of the future best served. Are the elders doing their best to make sure that we are ready and welcoming to the youngsters. 

Ask them.

 You may be surprised. Keep going!

I wish you all and enjoyable and successful subcon.

 Kind regards Bob Commodore Bob Trotter OAM RAN Ret'd Patron, 

Submarines Association Australia Sent from 0418487158 https://au.linkedin.com/in/bob-trotter-111b949

Deep down you know it makes sense 

 The irony of the information age is that it has given new respectability to uninformed opinion

Steam Submarines 4ever