TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1979.  NO. 63/79

VISIT BY US NUCLEAR POWERED ATTACK  SUBMARINE TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Minister for Defence, Mr D.J. Killen, announced

today that a US nuclear powered attack submarine,  USS Tunny,

would visit the RAN facility, HMAS Stirling, at Cockburn Sound in

Western Australia, for about a week commencing April 18.

As in the case of previous visits by US nuclear

powered warships,  the visit by USS Tunny will be a routine

visit and will provide its crew an opportunity for rest and

recreation leave ashore.

.  While the vessel is in Australian waters, RAN and

RAAF units will participate in passage exercises with it on an

opportunity basis. .

In accordance with the Government's requirements

for acceptance of nuclear powered warship visits, radiation

monitoring will be carried out under the supervision of the

Australian Atomic Energy Commission for the duration of the

visit. All other necessary safety precautions will be taken.

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Further Inquiries; Mr Noel Tanswell 65 2999 (office hours) 48 0476 (after hours)

