 Over the subsequent six years, NSCA purchased a considerable amount of equipment and established a network of bases around Australia.By 1989 it employed 430 people, who were known colloquially as "The Thunderbirds" after the television series of the same name, and had an annual operating budget of $90 million.It amassed an impressive array of equipment including ships, aircraft, helicopters, trained rescue dogs, satellite communications, parachute rescue teams and even a mini submarine.