Images(2)

USS CHICAGO berthed at HMAS STIRLING

Artist Lynne Norton

Date1991

Object number00017910

NameDrawing

MediumOil pastel, pencil, paper

DimensionsOverall: 520 x 650 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionUSS CHICAGO, a nuclear-powered Los Angeles class submarine, visited HMAS STIRLING in Western Australia from 13-18 March, 1991. CHICAGO's visit was monitored for radiation impact by the Australian government.HistoryHMAS STIRLING is the RAN base at Garden Island, Western Australia. It was named after Captain James Stirling, the RN officer that settled Western Australia in 1829 as a free colony. Construction of STIRLING began in 1973 and was completed in 1978 when it was formally commissioned. Since then, it has become an important naval base and houses the only submarine escape training facility in the southern hemisphere. USS CHICAGO was launched on 13 October 1984 and commissioned on 27 September 1986 and is the fourth vessel to be named after Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO displaces more than 6900 tons, and the 360-foot submarine can reach speeds above 25 knots and attain depths of more than 800 feet. It carries sophisticated weaponry including torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, mines, and Tomahawk land attack missiles. It was the first submarine built with vertical missiles tubes which enhances the attack range. Starting with the arrival of the Great White Fleet in 1908, the United States Navy has established a tradition of visiting Australian shores. The Second World War forged even closer ties and the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy regularly participate in combat and naval exercises with each other.SignificanceThis work shows the continuing military ties between Australia and the United States and the importance of HMAS STIRLING as a naval base on the western coast of Australia.