On Friday 9 June 2023, Hon Matt Thistlethwaite, Deputy Defence Minister and CDRE Darron Kavanagh, Director General Warfare Innovation Branch joined Navy and guests for the official handover of Bluebottle 705 to RAN, being the 5th BB in the 5 boat order delivered under an AUSDEFCON contract signed on 24 November 2022.
Speeches
Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP speaks at the handover of BB705 to Navy
CDRE Darron Kavanagh witnesses the delivery of BB705 to Navy
Media
Defence Connect
ADM
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/ocius-delivers-fifth-usv-to-navy
Sea Trials
Meanwhile, sea trials have continued for the first 4 boats off Jervis Bay and 705 will join them this week. I’d like to acknowledge all Ocius staff for doing an outstanding job again, this time delivering 5 Bluebottles on time and budget in 6 months for Navy and simultaneously doing operations in WA, Jervis Bay and Japan. It’s been a team effort with everyone contributing to make it happen.
Bluebottles 701,702,703 and 704 – sails up
Japan
Finally, our work off Japan has been suspended due to two cyclones passing through our area of operations. Bluebottle BEACON is safely back on shore awaiting its next steps.
Robert Dane
CEO Ocius
15 June 2023
