Submarines

Association

Australia 

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In Memory of

CPOCOXNSM BERNARD “BARNEY” COLIN SULLIVAN

The SAA is saddened to advise of the passing of SAA member Barney Sullivan on the 12 th of October 2025.
Barney, or “Rubble” as he was often called, joined the RAN in April 1972 in the 39 th intake of Junior Recruits (Ramsey & Stevenson) at HMAS Leeuwin.
On graduating from Leeuwin in April 1973 he was rated as a Ordinary Seaman Underwater Weapons.
After a period in General Service, including time on HMAS Torrens, he volunteered for submarines in 1978.
Lindsay (Jack) Frost who served with Barney on Torrens recalled an incident where Barney swam inside of a sinking Cabin Cruiser that Torrens had discovered drifting off the Queensland coast to check that there was nobody still onboard.
Once he had confirmed it was empty, the CO of Torrens had the boat sunk by .50 Cal fire as it was a shipping hazard.

He trained at HMS Dolphin in England, before qualifying as a submariner on HMAS Orion.
Barney would ultimately serve on five of the six Australian Oberon Class;
HMAS Orion (1979-81), HMAS Oxley (1981), HMAS Ovens (1981- 1987), HMAS Onslow (1990) and HMAS Otway (1990-1992).
With limited promotion for Underwater Weapons sailors in submarines past the rank of Petty Officer, Barney changed rate to Coxswain.
He was known for his amazing, some would say dangerous sense of humour. Barney separated from the Navy in April 1992 retiring to Queensland.
On arriving in Queensland, he joined the Submarines Association.

The SAA has been advised that it was Barney’s wish not to have a funeral;
however, he had pre-purchased a plaque on the Submariner’s Walk in Brisbane where a service will be held at a date to be determined.
The SAA extends its condolences to Barney’s wife Janice, his children and extended family.

May He Rest In Peace