The past few weeks have seen the combat systems and test activities come alive.
Combat system compartments, such as the Combat System Equipment Rooms, the Combat Information Centre (CIC) and the radar equipment room, are filled with personnel and activity as equipment is powered on for the first time and functionally tested.
Support teams have been in the shipyard supporting the activation of systems including elements of the distributed navigation system and the Vertical Launch System (VLS).
The Multi Element Integration & Test (MEIT) team successfully completed the first phase of activation activities last week. This significant achievement involved the installation of the Aegis Software Operating Environment and the activation of the computer network structure. Activation has also started on the MK99 Fire Control System and the SPY1D-(V) phased array radar.
These achievements build upon a number of critical milestones already accomplished by the Combat System, Test & Activation and Production teams.
Amongst these achievements, teams have installed the equipment and completed compartment inspections supporting the transfer of 28 major combat system compartments from Production to Test and Activation.
In addition, the teams have prepared and powered up all mission critical enclosures and CIC consoles whilst also completing the integration of the Navigation, Infra-Red Search & Track sensor, Electro Optical Sensor and Typhoon with the Australian Tactical Interface (ATI).
A number of other critical capabilities have completed initial activation activities, including all of the communication network racks.
These activation activities demonstrate further progress towards the commencement of sea trials for Hobart, and all of the teams involved should be congratulated for their preparation, teamwork and dedication to the tasks at hand.