Clearance Dive Team One float on/float off exercise is conducted with HMAS Waller
HMAS Waller’s operational characteristics and range have been tailored specifically for its defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy. Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, Collins Class submarines have been developed from 5 generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.
One of the first submarines to be totally designed by computers, HMAS Waller boasts a vast range of features. They include a high-performance hull form, highly automated controls, low indiscretion rates, high shock resistance, optimal noise suppression and an efficient weapons handling and discharge system.
The submarine moves silently on electric power supplied to the propulsion motor by banks of new technology lead-free batteries. The batteries are charged by 3 onboard diesel generator sets.
The sophisticated combat system gathers its intelligence from its sensors, computes the input and then launches and directs weapons.
Since commissioning, HMAS Waller has successfully conducted a range of activities throughout the region in support of Australian Defence Force exercises, operations and the government’s strategic directives.
HMAS Waller is named after Captain Hector ‘Hec’ Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN who distinguished himself in action during the Second World War. Waller was Captain of the cruiser HMAS Perth (I) that was part of a combined Allied force when it was intercepted by the Japanese. All except Perth (I) and USS Houston were sunk. Later, the 2 ships were intercepted by a Japanese invasion fleet escorted by 2 cruisers and 12 destroyers. Enormous damage was inflicted on the Japanese fleet. Waller ordered Perth (I) be abandoned as the Japanese closed in. Perth (I) was sunk with its captain, but not before he had fired 2 torpedo tubes at the convoy. Houston was sunk shortly afterwards.
