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HMAS ONSLOW at the Singapore naval base

DateJune 1974

Object number00038504

NamePhotograph

MediumPaper, gelatin emulsion layer, graphite pencil

DimensionsOverall: 205 x 255 mm, 0.01 kg

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from John Hodges

Terms

Singapore

DescriptionA black and white photograph of the Oberon class submarine HMAS ONSLOW at the Singapore Naval base in June 1974. ONSLOW crew are featured standing along casing and hull in uniform.HistoryONSLOW served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1969 to 1999 and was one of six Oberon class submarines that formed the Australian Submarine Squadron. The British designed Oberons were of the conventional diesel-electric type.They combined high speed and great underwater endurance with anti-surface vessel and anti-submarine attack capabilities. Named after the Western Australian town, ONSLOW could go to sea for several months and stay underwater for more than six weeks at a time, periodically using the snort system to draw air in while running at periscope depth. When submerged, the submarine ran on electric motors. The diesel generators were used when the submarine was on the surface, and to recharge the to large batteries which each contained 224 cells. ONSLOW worked on patrols in the Pacific and Indian Oceans during the Cold War years and beyond. Its main duties were intelligence gathering, photographic reconnaissance, mine laying, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and hunting enemy surface ships. Decommissioned for a final time in 1999, the submarine was transferred directly to the Australian National Maritime Museum where it has been on display ever since. Technical details: Length: 89.90m Beam: 8.07m Machinery :Two mechanically super charged Admiralty Standard Range diesel generators with two English Electric Company propulsion motors. Speed: 15+ knots submerged / 14 knots surfaced Maximum depth: Over 190m Aimament: Six 21- inch bow torpedo tubes capable of launching anti-ship and anti submarine MK48 torpedoes, and anti - ship UGM - 84 Harpoon missiles. Complement: 60 sailors, 8 officers Commander Hodges joined the RAN in 1968 and served in both surface ships and submarines, ending his seagoing career as Commanding Officer of HMAS OVENS. SignificanceThe Oberon class was one of the most advanced type of conventional submarines in any navy, combining high speed with great underwater endurance and the committment to purchase four Oberon class submarines in 1963 signified the revitilisation of the RANS submarine program.