HMAS

Dechaineux

Based at Fleet Base West in Western Australia, HMAS Dechaineux was the fourth of the Collins Class submarines to enter service in the Royal Australian Navy and they are a formidable element in Australia's defence capability.

Dechaineux was launched in Adelaide by Mrs Mary Purbrick (Captain Dechaineux's widow) on 12 March 1998 and commissioned at Fleet Base West on 23 February 2001 along with the fifth Collins Class submarine, HMAS Sheean. The ceremony was also attended by other members of Captain Dechaineux's family.

HMAS Dechaineux transiting in the exercise area off the coast of Darwin.

HMAS Dechaineux'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 five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.

One of the first submarines to be totally designed by computers, Dechaineux 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 three onboard diesel generator sets.

The sophisticated combat system gathers its intelligence from its sensors, computes the input and then launches and directs weapons.

HMAS Dechaineux loading training torpedoes into the torpedo storage area onboard the submarine.

Since commissioning, HMAS Dechaineux 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 Dechaineux is named after Captain Emile Dechaineux, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Australia (II) during the latter stages of World War II. Captain Dechaineux was renowned for fairness and compassion towards his men and for his bravery and dedication. He died of wounds received during an attack by a Japanese dive bomber aircraft during the Allied amphibious landing at Leyte in the Central Philippines. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) by the United States Government.

HMAS Dechaineux in Cockburn Sound during manouevres with HMAS Waller and HMAS Sheean.

History of the Crest

The Blazon

Per fess argent and azure; fess wavy of two azure and argent, a Tasmanian tiger erect, dexter forearm resting on an officers sword, point downwards.

Motif Description

The "Barry Wavy" represents the Navy and the sea. The field colours of yellow, blue and white represent: yellow for gold ining, white for tin operations and blue for the river and the sea. These all have association with Launceston, Tasmania where Captain Dechaineux was born. The Tasmanian Tiger is derived from the Coat of Arms of Launceston. The sword indicates that Dechaineux was an officer.

Control Room onboard HMAS Dechaineux during diving stations.

HMAS Dechaineux sails into Sydney Harbour heading for Garden Island.