Submarines

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Australia 

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In Memory of

CPOCOXNSM WAYNE (GIO) DAVID SMITH

It is with great sadness that the SAA advises of the passing of SAA member Wayne “Gio” David Smith on Thursday the 5 th of June 2025.
Wayne enlisted in the RAN in April 1972 as a Stores Naval rating, before volunteering for submarines.
He trained at HMS Dolphin in the United Kingdom, before joining his first submarine, HMAS Oxley in 1976.

He qualified on Oxley as a submariner and was awarded his ‘Dolphins”.
He would return to Oxley in January 1980 as the boat’s LSSN for two years before being promoted to POSNSM.
When Wayne was promoted to Petty Officer there were no sea billets for Supply Branch sailors at sea in submarines above the rank of Leading Seaman.
His choices were to return to General Service, to further his career as a SN, or to qualify to change category to Coxswain – Submarines.
This required him to complete a sea posting as a submarine’s Second Coxswain, albeit in the rank of POSNSM.

Wayne served as HMAS Orion’s 2nd Coxswain from April 1983 until January 1985, during which time the submarine a Special Operations Patrol, and he was awarded the Australian Service Medal with “Special Operations” Clasp.
On completion of this posting, he changed category to Coxswain and was promoted to CPOCOXNSM.
He served at sea as a Chief Coxswain on HMAS Onslow (1985-87) and on HMAS ORION (1991-92).
He also served on exchange with the Royal Navy as an instructor in the Submarine Escape Training Tank (SETT) at HMS Dolphin for two years (1988-90).
He retired from the RAN in April 1992.

Over the last three decades Wayne battled illness, having contracted TB during his time serving in the SETT in the UK.
Throughout this he retained his humour and his renowned sharp wit and was a regular attendee at the annual SUBCON events.

The SAA extends its condolences to Wayne’s wife Cheryl, his extended family and friends. Funeral details will be advised when known

May He Rest In Peace