24 Mei 2010

HMAS Dechaineux Returns to Service

24 Mei 2010

Dechaineux is the fourth Collins Class Submarine built for the Royal Australian Navy. (photo : Orangetim)

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today welcomed the successful return to service of the Collins Class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux.

“The successful return to service of Dechaineux shows efforts to improve material availability of Navy’s submarine force are paying off,” said Mr Combet.

HMAS Dechaineux has recently completed its first Full Cycle Docking at the Adelaide yard of its builder, ASC Pty Ltd.

Full Cycle Docking is the major recertification and upgrade docking for the submarines. Dechaineux is the fourth submarine to complete this upgrade and arrived today in its home port of Fleet Base West, Western Australia after an intensive sea trials period to prove its systems.

“The Government has been working to improve the level of submarine availability. To help provide an increased focus and scrutiny of the submarine sustainment program the Government formed the Australian Submarine Program Office (ASPO) earlier this year.

“The return of HMAS Dechaineux is an important step in the improvements Navy, DMO and ASC are making to submarine availability through the ASPO.

“I also acknowledge the US Navy’s strong support in the development of capability upgrades for both our submarine forces.

“During its full cycle docking Dechaineux was fitted with the BYG-1 combat system and Mark48 Mod7 heavyweight torpedo, the third of the class to receive these upgrades.

“This combat system and torpedo have been developed through a highly successful joint program with the United States Navy. The combat and weapon system upgrades, together with an augmented Special Forces deployment capability fitted to Dechaineux in the docking, make it Navy’s most capable submarine.” Mr Combet said.

HMAS Dechaineux joins HMAS Waller and HMAS Collins, both currently operating from Fleet Base West.

“Submarines are a potent maritime force and they will continue to play a major role in protecting Australia’s maritime interests well into the future,” said Mr Combet.

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