It might sound like an unusual nickname – but at ASC, the “Old Guards” is a badge of honour – and one worn with pride.
This affectionate title belongs to the dedicated team members who’ve been with us for decades. These are the people who’ve seen the shipyard evolve and helped shape the backbone of who we are today.
They have been here since the beginning – quietly shaping Australia’s submarine story, one submarine at a time. At ASC, a handful of long-service team members – fondly known as the “Old Guards” – carry with them more than just technical skills.
Together, they hold over 100 years of hands-on experience in building and sustaining Australia first sovereign-built submarine fleet.
Each of them has been with ASC for more than three decades. They’ve witnessed every boat in the Collins Class fleet come to life, played a role in their delivery to the Royal Australian Navy, and remained on the tools to keep them mission-ready ever since.
Now, they’re doing something just as important – passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
As ASC, in partnership with BAE Systems, prepares to jointly build Australia’s next class of submarine – the SSN-AUKUS, a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine class, these veterans are mentoring the next generation.
“When I started at ASC, I knew I was stepping into something no one else in Australia was doing – building submarines,” says David, now a training superintendent.
He began as a hull welder 34 years ago, during the Collins Class build program, and still remembers the pride of those early build days. Like many of his peers, David is excited to see submarine construction returning to ASC – and to help train the next generation to carry the torch.
“There’s nothing quite like it – the pride you feel when you see the finished submarine roll out of the shed. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve been part of something so significant,” says David.
“I still remember taking my kids to see the first Collins submarine roll out, HMAS Collins back in 1993. It was a standout moment in my career – something I’ll never forget.”
The photo (above) captures a historic moment in ASC’s Hull Shop, taken in 1993 – just days before HMAS Collins was moved onto the hardstand, it’s ‘roll out’, for an official ceremony attended by dignitaries. It marked the beginning of lifelong careers for many of the people in the image.
In the photo below, you’ll spot a few familiar faces – team members who are still proudly clocking in at ASC today, more than 30 years later.
One of them is Michael, who joined ASC in 1991 as a fabrication apprentice. Today, he plays a vital role in shaping the future – mentoring the next generation of young men and women coming through our apprenticeship program.
“Back when we were building the Collins Class, the production sheds were buzzing – it was non-stop,” says Michael.
“Today, it’s a different kind of busy. There’s still that same energy, but the work has shifted. Sustaining a submarine brings a new level of complexity compared to building one from the ground up.
“There’s never been a better time to start a career in the trades – especially in the defence industry,” he adds. “Whether you begin in fabrication, electrical or a mechanical, there are so many pathways to grow and specialise in your area.
“My advice to apprentices: Listen carefully, learn from the experienced hands around you, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.”
Unlike David and Michael, Tony began his journey at ASC on the southside of the shipyard before becoming part of Australian submarine history.
“I felt an incredible sense of pride being part of the build program,” Tony recalls.
“And I still feel that pride today in the work we’re doing with the Full Cycle Dockings in Adelaide. Building complex platforms is exciting but it’s just as important to recognise the expertise required to sustain them over time.
“I’m genuinely excited for what’s next at ASC. I hope the next generation of submarine builders feels the same pride I did when I saw the first of the Collins Class delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”