HMAS

Waller

Based at Fleet Base West in Western Australia, HMAS Waller is the third of the six Collins Class submarines to enter service in the Royal Australian Navy. These submarines are a formidable element in Australia's defence capability.

Waller was launched in Adelaide, South Australia by Captain Waller's daughter-in-law, Mrs Diana Waller on 14 March 1997 and commissioned at Fleet Base West, Western Australia on 10 July 1999.

The crew of HMAS Waller prepare to come alongside Fleet Base West, on their arrival home from a five month deployment.

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 five 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 three onboard diesel generator sets.

Admiral Forissier, Chief of Naval Staff France is welcomed onboard HMAS Waller in July 2010.

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.

Ohio Class cruise missile submarine (SSGN), USS Ohio, berths alongside Diamantine Pier, Fleet Base West with Collins Class submarine, HMAS Waller, in the foreground.

HMAS Waller is named after Captain Hector 'Hec' Waller, DSO and Bar, RAN who distinguished himself in action during World War II. 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 two ships were intercepted by a Japanese invasion fleet escorted by two 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 her captain, but not before he had fired two torpedo tubes at the convoy. Houston was sunk shortly afterwards.

HMAS Waller conducts a dive incline trial at Fleet Base West.

History of the Official Badge

The Blazon

Per chevron sable and azure; a chevron argent surmounted by three oak leaves, in base a Stuart rose all proper.

Motif Description

The field of black and blue signifies the night battles at sea during WWII in which Captain Waller's Flotilla was engaged. The Stuart rose represents Captain Waller's distinguished service in HMAS Stuart.

The Oak Leaves represent Captain Waller's Mention in Despatches three times during his service career.

Submarines involved in Exercise LUNGFISH 1999 form up off Rottnest Island. Collins Class submarine, HMAS Waller in foreground with Oberon Class submarine, HMAS Otama and Los Angeles Class submarine, USS Los Angeles steaming ahead.

A Clearance Dive Team One float on/float off exercise is conducted with HMAS Waller.