As CNS, Vice Admiral Burrell had to contend with a threat by Defence Minister Athol Townley to disband the Navy's fixed-wing Fleet Air Arm capability by 1963, but gained approval for a major vessel re-equipment drive that was to include new submarines, destroyers, minesweepers, and auxiliaries.
Sebagai CNS, Vice Admiral Burrell mendapatkan ancaman dari Menteri Pertahanan Athol Townley untuk menhapuskan armada fixed-wing seperti helikopter dari Angkatan Laut pada 1963, namun mendapat persetujuan untuk meperbaharui beberapa armada utama seperti kapal selam, kapal perusak, kapal penyapu ranjau, dan kapal cadangan .